Sugar N Spice Chihuahuas selling dogs with genetic weaknesses Stevinson California

I purchased a three thousand dollar chihuahua from Dawn at Sugar and Spice chihuahuas three years ago. I have walked every inch of that farm.  Visited on special days to simply observe the puppies for sale play in X-pens.  I thought Dawn ran a reputable business and it is unfortunate that some puppies may have health issues.  I suspect it is no different than infants being born.  You don't necessarily know if your child has a developmental disability for years.  Some birth defects are obviously more acute and can be identified earlier.  Anyhow, this dog of my dreams that I purchased from Dawn was mauled by a neighbors dog that broke through my fence and my beautiful dog Pumpkin was killed.  I drove three hours back to Dawn's farm, with my 9 month old dog dead in my arms and she personally dug a hole for me under a special tree so that I could bury her where she was born.  My only relationship with this woman was a one time purchase.  I still stand behind her and I would still buy another chihuahua from her.  She does have these attack geese on her farm, I could do without but other than that, I would and continue to make referrals on her behalf.  I also believe she is a wealth of information about chihuahuas and because she specializes in this breed, although she is not a vet, I would take her advice. 

Dave and Claudia run Chihuahua Dream, or chihuahuadream, or Dreamchihuahua, also know as Chihuahua Dream Ranch. Their pups are mostly sold from their home in San Jose, CA by a puppy broker named "Karen". Dave and Claudia Soto have recently purchased some of Dawn Dalyce's dogs for breeding. Wisper, AKA Sunshine, is Dawn's daughter who sometimes sells dogs for the Sotos. This much I have gathered from report and rebuttals: #410639 "Dave & Claudia Soto - Chihuahua Dream" also Report: #319686 "Dreamchihuahua.com". Change words in the name and reports are missed.

Are SNS CHIHUAHUAS and CHIHUAHUA DREAM chihuahuas in business together?
I'm confused. Does anyone know?

Our Chihuhua is about 5 years old now, and was purchased from Dawn. Our Chihuahua so far has been near perfect. She is Great. The only problem we have had regarding our chihuahua, is she is afraid of Flies, when ever a fly gets inside the house. LOL Outside she will chase them, but once a flying insect gets inside the house, either our house or someone else's house, she starts to freak out, shaking and looking for some where to hide.

I am Guessing that she had some sort of bad experience with a flying insect, before we purchased her. MAYBE? a bee or a biting fly got inside her kennel and bit or stung her as a puppy?????

When we first got her home, we noticed her often look around near the ceiling of the house, as if she see something which we could not see. Since we had recently moved into our place, we thought maybe our place had a Ghost of Spirit. LOL Our puppy would look around, then began to shake, and would run to crawl beneath something, or want us to hold her, and cover her head with our shirt or something. For a while it was creepy, until I figured it out. She can hear a fly inside the house instantly, or see a candle fly all the way across the room, and she will began to shake and get panicky.

Im assuming, as a puppy, fly's or bee's or maybe even a spider on a web, has bitten her at some point, and now she cant shake her fear of insects while inside the house. Outside she is fine and will chase them, but indoors she hide.

Sugar N Spice sold us an excellent puppy which I LOVE too much.

I thought I should let everyone know how this story has ended.

After my dog, Cinnamon, was diagnosed with collapsing trachea we just dealt with that as best we could. She then started hopping on her back legs when we would walk. I took her to the vet again and was told she had luxating patella. This is basically bad knee caps. It is another genetic problem that I am told breeders would want to breed away from. So we just dealt with that as best we could, not so many walks any more and not very far from home.

Then, about six months ago, she started having some terrible problems with pain in her hind quarters. I took her back to the vet and they did test after test and tried several different medications. We never could figure out what was wrong but found an anti-inflammatory that seemed to help.

About two weeks ago Cinnamon developed an eye infection, first in the right eye then the next day into the left eye. I took her to the vet again and they tried an antibiotic eye drop. But when I got her home I noticed a large lump on the right side of her face. I was irritated by the vet not noticing this so I made her another appointment with a different vet. When I took her in he examined her and said she had little lumps on her stomach, sides and arm pits. He did a needle biopsy right then. He came back to the room to tell me that Cinnamon was covered with Mast Cell tumors. This is a very aggressive cancer that can hit at any age. Again, most likely genetically caused. This is what had been causing all her hip pain. He offered to put her down right then because she was in pain, but I couldn't. I had to have time to say goodbye.

This dog was sickly from the beginning. It has totally devastated me and my daughter. And as much as we were blamed for this it was all genetic. I am still not saying that SNS was dirty or that their dogs aren't beautiful, but when there is a problem, and this was a doozy, do not expect to be treated kindly or fairly.

To Dawn, if she reads this, I would like you to know that I truly loved that dog. She died before her second birthday because she was NEVER a hearty dog. I am sure you are making excuses as you read this but I hope in the future, when someone comes to you because their dog isn't right, you will treat them with some compassion and respect. You knew I had just lost a dog to a genetic defect before purchasing this one and you had to treat me poorly for asking for a healthy dog. This will happen again, it is just life that some animals are not healthy. Maybe you can show a little kindness in the future.

It is a known fact that most breeders do not take care of their dogs & they over breed. "Pure-bred" dogs have more genetic problems due to in-breeding as well. There are 12 million animals put to sleep in shelters yearly thanks to people who breed animals "just to make some money on the side."

Be smart, don't shop, ADOPT! There's millions of animals in shelters and rescue groups wanting a forever home. If more people would stand up for animal rights and help make breeding laws more strict, you wouldn't have problems such as this.

I just purchased a beautiful male Chihuahua and he is just perfect there is nothing wrong with this beautiful puppy. Dawn, her daughter and Dawns son in law were great towards me and helped me so much with information and products for my puppy. I have no complaints! As for what is being said about her running a puppy mill I feel for anyone to say something like this about her have obviously never visited her home or where she has her puppies. It is so professionally kept. Very clean and organized all the puppies look very well cared for and healthy. I know I am 1 very happy customer and this problem could still be taken care of as Dawn has repeatedly offered to do. Now I don't know Dawn personally or the lady making the complaint but I do know this if I were given this dog and did all this fuss about this sickly dog then I would jump at the offer to have my dog replaced or money returned to me. You can't judge Dawn for one unhealthy pup especially if she has offered to fix the problem. I highly doubt AKC would continue to allow her to register dogs much less sell them. I am just 1 of many satisfied customers that saw how much Dawn loves her dogs, she knows all of their names and treats all her dogs well, and I doubt she would have an open invitation for anyone to come into her home/place of business if it weren't as beautifully kept as it is. I would purchase from Dawn again in a heart beat just my thoughts. Celia a very happy and satisfied customer! Thanks again Dawn :)

My friend in California almost bought a puppy from the Dream Chihuahuas and I feel awful since I am the one who advised her to go.I was impressed with the site, but since have found that much of the Dream site text is from Dawns site.I am glad Sharon walked away.I think Dawn owns the dogs at the Dream kennel.

Sharon visited to find puppies in a garage with paper over the windows preventing visitors from looking in the windows. Sharon was also upset the puppies are only shown in an area outside the shed or garage. Visitors were not allowed near the home.The windows are covered with paper and tin foil preventing sunlight from entering.
Puppies are not sold with papers according to what Sharon was told. Very sick puppymill practices. Most certainly nothing to do with a hobby.

I am an upcoming hobbyist of this breed and AKC Confirmation.

To Whom It May Concern:

I urge all individuals when dealing with a breeder of animal to be very discrete, research and then ask as many questions to the breeder. A reputable breeder will not be hesitant to answer questions about his/her morale ethics and values. If a breeder has "price" tags and is breeding several litters a year in "mass production" they are NOT reputable.

Dawn Dalyce of SNS does not fit in this category. I will make d**n sure that none of my lines will ever end up in any puppy mill such as this.

An ethical breeder lives for their dogs not off of their dogs.

Just observe the mismash lines there is no indication of breeding programs to improve the breed.

I had intended on saying a lot more but breeders such as this only make my blood pressure go through the roof.

Dawn,

You should know who I am. You sold me a chihuahua a few years ago. Dont you remember writing me all those horrible emails? How about how you got your friends to send me vicious letters? I guess that type of exchange is normal for you to not remember it, eh?

Go ahead and find out anything you want about me. I have nothing to hide. The funny thing is, you should already have all my information. First and last name and address. Check your own records, stupid.

I have not posted anything on this or any other website that wasnt 100% true, and I stand behind it.

You, my dear, are the one with an evil heart. You treat people who 'dare' to cross you in such a vile manner. You should be ashamed of yourself.

I will continue to post on this website and any others about the TRUTH on any topic I see fit. Your threats dont scare me in the least.

Oh, and anyone with half a brain cell knows that is a back yard breeders #1 trick, to post so-called 'letters' from 'happy buyers' on their website.

Oh Puhlez!

April, I don't know who you are, but people are working on finding out, everything about you right now. You've posted permanant slander and liable that you can't remove, or deny. You will be held accountable.

We've sold a dozen chihuahuas, puppies and adults to Veteranarians in about that last 6 months to a year, who DID visit our kennel in person, and complimented it as the best they've EVER seen ! They know our dogs are happy, vibrant, healthy, beautiful and social, and never caged, or crated except for transport or special feedings. One VET /show judge even left his own best of all breeds GRAND CHAMPION to board with me while he shows 3 of MY dogs in the Philippines.

You are a liar and a fraud. We also have passed every AKC inspection with flying colors, and the AKC inspector in fact said she'd like to buy her next puppy from US ! Our local animal control officer sent her best friend to buy from US ! We have the references and letters /testimonials available. You have nothing but an evil heart, and a mind full of lies.

The public is welcome to read the letters from our visitors and buyers on our "Letters" pages at
www.snschihuahuas.com and visit us in person to see beautiful, healthy, happy dogs and puppies :)
Dawn Dalyce

April, I don't know who you are, but people are working on finding out, everything about you right now. You've posted permanant slander and liable that you can't remove, or deny. You will be held accountable.

We've sold a dozen chihuahuas, puppies and adults to Veteranarians in about that last 6 months to a year, who DID visit our kennel in person, and complimented it as the best they've EVER seen ! They know our dogs are happy, vibrant, healthy, beautiful and social, and never caged, or crated except for transport or special feedings. One VET /show judge even left his own best of all breeds GRAND CHAMPION to board with me while he shows 3 of MY dogs in the Philippines.

You are a liar and a fraud. We also have passed every AKC inspection with flying colors, and the AKC inspector in fact said she'd like to buy her next puppy from US ! Our local animal control officer sent her best friend to buy from US ! We have the references and letters /testimonials available. You have nothing but an evil heart, and a mind full of lies.

The public is welcome to read the letters from our visitors and buyers on our "Letters" pages at
www.snschihuahuas.com and visit us in person to see beautiful, healthy, happy dogs and puppies :)
Dawn Dalyce

April, I don't know who you are, but people are working on finding out, everything about you right now. You've posted permanant slander and liable that you can't remove, or deny. You will be held accountable.

We've sold a dozen chihuahuas, puppies and adults to Veteranarians in about that last 6 months to a year, who DID visit our kennel in person, and complimented it as the best they've EVER seen ! They know our dogs are happy, vibrant, healthy, beautiful and social, and never caged, or crated except for transport or special feedings. One VET /show judge even left his own best of all breeds GRAND CHAMPION to board with me while he shows 3 of MY dogs in the Philippines.

You are a liar and a fraud. We also have passed every AKC inspection with flying colors, and the AKC inspector in fact said she'd like to buy her next puppy from US ! Our local animal control officer sent her best friend to buy from US ! We have the references and letters /testimonials available. You have nothing but an evil heart, and a mind full of lies.

The public is welcome to read the letters from our visitors and buyers on our "Letters" pages at
www.snschihuahuas.com and visit us in person to see beautiful, healthy, happy dogs and puppies :)
Dawn Dalyce

April, I don't know who you are, but people are working on finding out, everything about you right now. You've posted permanant slander and liable that you can't remove, or deny. You will be held accountable.

We've sold a dozen chihuahuas, puppies and adults to Veteranarians in about that last 6 months to a year, who DID visit our kennel in person, and complimented it as the best they've EVER seen ! They know our dogs are happy, vibrant, healthy, beautiful and social, and never caged, or crated except for transport or special feedings. One VET /show judge even left his own best of all breeds GRAND CHAMPION to board with me while he shows 3 of MY dogs in the Philippines.

You are a liar and a fraud. We also have passed every AKC inspection with flying colors, and the AKC inspector in fact said she'd like to buy her next puppy from US ! Our local animal control officer sent her best friend to buy from US ! We have the references and letters /testimonials available. You have nothing but an evil heart, and a mind full of lies.

The public is welcome to read the letters from our visitors and buyers on our "Letters" pages at
www.snschihuahuas.com and visit us in person to see beautiful, healthy, happy dogs and puppies :)
Dawn Dalyce

Perry,

If you have done so much research and time searching like you have claimed, you would have discovered the type of breeder that Dawn Dalyce really is. Have you looked on her website? Notice how she is actively breeding mutts (chi-poms as she calls them) ... because 'she gets so many requests'? How does that make her an ethical breeder? Better make sure you are actually even getting a purebred (let alone show quality!) before you fork over your thousands of dollars that I'm sure she's conning you out of right now.

You've admitted she has a 'large operation'. Doesnt it bother you to see the dozens of dogs all in a row in cages? Would you want your dog to have a life like that? I suspect not. She is a back yard breeder ... and a very large scale one at that. Even uniformed people could tell you that if you have a woman intentionally breeding crossbreeds she is the pure definition of a back yard breeder.

Oh, and if I were you, I'd make sure you get it in writing that you can even get AKC on your dog. I'm not even sure if she can still register her dogs with the AKC anymore. She is either going against the AKC to breed mutts, or she is registering them as purebreds. Call the AKC and talk to them about their breeding guidelines,or the Chihuahua Club of America, or any of the other reputable clubs. See what they have to say about this wonderful breeder. I'm sure they'll have some choice words on what they think of her 'operation'.

I am Perry and have been to Sugar N Spice Chihuahuas several times now. My wife and I have been shopping for a championship quality male chihuahua for quite some time for two purposes: breeding and showing.

We have a deposit on a male puppy of exquisite show quality at SNS, and have seen their entire operation, inside and out. We have seen all of the dogs Dawn has, adults, young not-yet-breeding-age, puppies, and babies. We have met and spoken extensively with Dawn herself, her daughter, and her hired help.

IMHO, theirs is an extremely professionally run operation. Yes, it is a large operation, but as others have pointed out, there is a distinct difference between what is non-professionally referred to in slang terms as a "puppy mill", and a large professionally run operation.
Dawn, her family, and her staff are all actively involved to ensure that, not only are the dogs ALL properly socialized, treated, loved, and cared for, but that the prospective buyers are qualified as well.

I know what Dawn does. She does not wish to engage with customers who would not be able to provide the type of home and care that these kinds of dogs need. I do this same type of investigating for the company I work for. Part of my job entails due diligence regarding helping my employer avoid engaging with the wrong clients. This is especially critical in my business where literally millions of dollars are at stake.

Has Mike from Florida ever done this? I suspect not. Has Mike from Florida ever seen Dawn's operation? I don't think so. Is Mike really qualified to even comment on this matter? Come on, are you kidding? Of course not! He knows nothing other than what he has read from an angry person looking to place blame on anyone but themselves.

Remember this, Diana, when you point the finger at someone else, you have three fingers pointing back at yourself.

Now, from what I have read, and I have read ALL of the postings on this subject here. This entire issue could have been avoided had Diana communicated with Dawn better and followed her obviously EXPERT advice. Had Diana taken the steps that Dawn and her staff recommended, the puppy would have been a lot better off.

Now, just to clarify, I have not spoken with Dawn, or her staff, or anyone else for that matter about this subject prior to my posting this rebuttal. I was not asked by ANYONE involved to read these postings or to submit a rebuttal. I just happened to find this while surfing.

I suggest that Diana either apologize publicly for not taking responsibility for her part of this mess (and CLEARLY at least PART of the blame lies with her), or take Dawn up on her offer of a refund. Best of luck to all. Perry

I purchased a chi pup from Dawn, over 2 years ago. When I got him he had a cough, which Dawn told me about and said that she thought it was bronchitis and that he had been taking cough medicine for the last few days. I took him to my vet the next day for a check up and to check his cough. He was prescribed cough medicine and was nebulized to help his breathing. I called Dawn to tell her that he got a clean bill of health except for the cough. He had to be nebulized one more time a few days later, but then he has been happy and healthy ever since and he is now 3 yrs. old. My point is that even though Debra could have not said anything about his cough, she did disclose it so that I could make the decision whether to buy him or not and I could take the appropriate action at the vet. I was in her house that day for about 2 hrs and saw the way she interacted with the pups and with the other adult chis and she was very loving and mothering. At the time she was working as a Real Estate Agent and as a breeder and yet the kennel was clean and the tiny pups were kept in a playpen in her kitchen. I was told that if there ever was a situation where I couldn't keep my chi that she had an open door policy and would always take him back because she didn't want to see any of her dogs in a shelter!! I believed her and I still can't believe based on my own experience all the bad things said here. I think there was some miscommunication between parties and then everything went South. I love my SNS Chihuahua, he's the best thing that has ever happened to me and it was thanks to Dawn.

I'm Dawn Dalyce, and would be very happy to take Diana's puppy back and refund her purchase price. She's an adoreable puppy, and when Diana called SHE mentioned getting a DIFFERENT puppy as she didn't want a damaged one (even if it was delayed or incorrect treatment for an aspiration that damaged it...... no fault of the breeder). She also said the puppy was happy, playful and loving...but she figured she'd have to put her to sleep if she developed a chronic hack. Made me very alarmed at what type of person would even think such a thing. That's why I told her no problem , bring her back and I'd credit her purchase price against another puppy...which is better than just giving someone a puppy that the BREEDER thinks is the SAME value. My prices are posted openly and she could have chosen one cheaper, or more expensive, and I'd have adjusted the price. OR I'd be happy to just take the puppy back and refund her purchase price. Yes, I was upset at 3 weeks of undertreatment, which according to what was said to me...resulted in worsening symptoms and throat scarring.

Also, I don't know who gave someone the idea that we sell THOUSANDS of puppies a year ! Ha ha .... someone sure has a wild imagination. I'd think that would be physically impossible ! And as far as my "employees" go, they're my daughters. Whisper is biological, and Sunshine is her best friend who moved in with us when she was in grade school and stayed thru high school. My now grown kids help me do things that take two hands to do. Duhhhh. It takes one person to be sure puppies don't leap off a table, and one to hold the camera. One to hold a squirmy puppy , and one to clip toe nails, or dose with weekly wormer, or vaccinate. Yes, we have a kennel, and we board dogs and horses, and offer stud service to visiting girl dogs, and mentor other Breeders like Becky who got a stud service from our Champion Jeremiah and called us for advice for every problem she had with her female that she bought elsewhere. Also, how responsible of a breeder would I be, if I left young babies, or pregnant moms, alone to take 6 hour round trips to the airport? Sure I pay my kids to ship for me. And I don't MEET buyers out, they're welcome in my home, for hours daily, and while we're busy visiting, or I'm talking on the phone, I'm lucky to have kids, nieces, grandkids and friends supervising, grooming, holding, loving, socializing and exercising the dogs. We've sold 6 puppies to veternarians who visited us in person, just in the last 60 days or so, and 2 to the best friend of our animal control inspector. Guess maybe they are more qualified to judge us than some Mike from Florida who just wants to bash someone else? We leave this earth, only taking with us the good we pay forward, or the shame for the mean things we say. Read the "Letters" pages on my www.snschihuahuas.com website, the hundreds of letters from people we've brought joy and smiles and improved lives to. Then visit us in person, where the REAL professionals say they've never seen such happy and healthy dogs. Then, when you're educated, YOU decide if we're spreading joy......and if we're being unfairly abused by spitefullness and meanness which unfortunatly is in some human's nature, and is why I usually prefer the company of dogs. It seems to be natural that usually nice people want to protect helpless animals, and especially from bad breeders and environments. We encourage that, but warn people that their natural tendancy to protect...sometimes comes out as instant bashing and attacking like a crazy wacko. People need to remember that not only might they face slander and liable....but also face KARMA. Nasty words and acts have a way of coming back to you bigger than when you thoughtlessly spit them out. The question is....WHO is really most qualified to supply the quality loving pets that Americans want to buy? The holier than thou show breeder who only breeds one litter in a few years? How can they supply the demand, or even breed enough to know that they're matching the right dogs? The worst defects I've ever seen were Champion to Champion breedings. Study the expert vets who study genetics and bloodlines. They say the show elite ruin breeds health, by heavy use of favorite lines. It's ILLEGAL to run a pet store and sell dogs or breed more than one litter a year out of a private home in many places. How can someone raising one litter a year get good at breeding? How committed are they? Did they give their lives and their every last dollar like I do and stay committed for decades to their hobby..or do they just dabble, and preach from their (how educated?) soap box? Who maybe is better at rasing babies and matching mates? Someone who's raised 5 litters? OR 50? So, that leaves the few kennels and pet resorts to get pups from committed knowledgeable breeders...unless people want their puppies to be imported from other countries...where they're less likely to be pampered. Think folks. Maybe before you write.

I purchased a chihuahua puppy from SNS several months ago, and I found Dawn to be very knowledgeable and willing to answer all of my questions in great detail, both before and after I purchased my puppy. Chihuahuas are very delicate dogs and puppies can get sick just from the stress of a plane flight. And vets don't always know best. I have learned more from breeders on how to care for my pups when they get sick that I have from some of my vets. Anyway, my pup is now 8 months old and VERY healthy, with a wonderful temperament. He is a beautiful Chihuahua--- thanks Dawn!

Hi Brenda,

I am glad to hear you are a happy customer, of course there are happy ones or these ladies including their children would be out of business. The problem is not the happy ones but how the unhappy ones are handled. Now there are 4 or 5 unhappy ones on here that have been treated like it is their fault the dog is unhealthy. I am not saying you are lucky your dogs are healthy what I am saying is, it is all about how the unhappy ones are treated.

What distinguishes from a good and bad breeder is how you handle the situations that pop up. I feel she should of refunded the purchase price of the dogs to both unhappy customers whether she was the breeder or not. She was in charge of the sale. I have been out to Dawn's place before and yes it is well taken care of. Dogs do appear happy and healthy. She may not remember me. I was going to start breeding but health issues took over. I do know the other lady in question Debra is a no good person who blames all the illnesses on the buyers vet NEVER her problem and it shows just on this site alone can you imagine how many do not even know about ripoffreport that have had the same situation?

Dawn is a wonderful person who appears to love her dogs and loves what she does so it saddens me to see her not taking care of these ladies puppies.

I just waonted to comment on the issues of "puppy mill" breeding. I have purchased 2 dogs from SNS Chihuahas. Both are extremely friendly, happy and YES healthy. There are many inherent problems within toy breeds. Buyers must be aware of them as much as sellers and know the signs and symptoms. (I'm not suggesting that either buyer or seller is neglectful of that knowlege.)

My comment is concerning the quality of the "kennel". This place is CLEAN, there is no dog mess in any of the areas the dogs are kept. The first time I visited this place, all the dogs were out in the yard and EVERY single one was happy to see visitors and very friendly. Dawn knew every dog and puppy, had extensive records for each and a very organized filing system. I left with a healthy dog and complete updated info for my vet. I am a satisfied owner. And yes, I'd purchase from this breeder again.

Hi Diana

Don't let these horrible women get away with this.. You have EVERY right for a full refund. Fight for it.. take them to court and sue them for your lawyers fee's as well..

The thing these LOL "BREDERS" forget is.. the puppy lemon law overides their contract. The law is the law... These "BREEDERS" think their contract is above the law.. they think they can get away with selling people dogs with leg, heart, brain , etc.. issues and get away with it.. Well they do... since most consumers dont want to fight. they end up walking away.. We need to stand up to them... The best is, a replacement puppy.. LOL.... yeah right... I guarantee any pup you pick will be either sold, reserved, etc....

Remember if they truly loved amd cared for their dogs, they would want the best for the dogs. They are just in this for the money, not the love....

This group of women are all the same.. Debra Drury aka Debra Bourassa.. Dawn Dalyce.. they are all the same, they just want to make money, lie to the buyer and breed the paremts as many times as possible.. What do they care? they get lots of money for sitting on their big behinds all day... They should try to make a honest living , not exploit these poor dogs..

Hi Diana

Don't let these horrible women get away with this.. You have EVERY right for a full refund. Fight for it.. take them to court and sue them for your lawyers fee's as well..

The thing these LOL "BREDERS" forget is.. the puppy lemon law overides their contract. The law is the law... These "BREEDERS" think their contract is above the law.. they think they can get away with selling people dogs with leg, heart, brain , etc.. issues and get away with it.. Well they do... since most consumers dont want to fight. they end up walking away.. We need to stand up to them... The best is, a replacement puppy.. LOL.... yeah right... I guarantee any pup you pick will be either sold, reserved, etc....

Remember if they truly loved amd cared for their dogs, they would want the best for the dogs. They are just in this for the money, not the love....

This group of women are all the same.. Debra Drury aka Debra Bourassa.. Dawn Dalyce.. they are all the same, they just want to make money, lie to the buyer and breed the paremts as many times as possible.. What do they care? they get lots of money for sitting on their big behinds all day... They should try to make a honest living , not exploit these poor dogs..

Hi Diana

Don't let these horrible women get away with this.. You have EVERY right for a full refund. Fight for it.. take them to court and sue them for your lawyers fee's as well..

The thing these LOL "BREDERS" forget is.. the puppy lemon law overides their contract. The law is the law... These "BREEDERS" think their contract is above the law.. they think they can get away with selling people dogs with leg, heart, brain , etc.. issues and get away with it.. Well they do... since most consumers dont want to fight. they end up walking away.. We need to stand up to them... The best is, a replacement puppy.. LOL.... yeah right... I guarantee any pup you pick will be either sold, reserved, etc....

Remember if they truly loved amd cared for their dogs, they would want the best for the dogs. They are just in this for the money, not the love....

This group of women are all the same.. Debra Drury aka Debra Bourassa.. Dawn Dalyce.. they are all the same, they just want to make money, lie to the buyer and breed the paremts as many times as possible.. What do they care? they get lots of money for sitting on their big behinds all day... They should try to make a honest living , not exploit these poor dogs..

California Pet Lemon Laws

California's law falls hardest on sellers of unhealthy dogs, but hobby breeders do not fall under its provisions except for the extremely active ones. It applies to anyone who sold, transferred, or gave away two or more litters during the preceding calendar year.

Buyers have 15 days to document contagious or infectious disease, one year to document congenital or hereditary defects. The seller has 120 days to produce advertised registration papers. If the seller fails to do so, the buyer may return the dog for a full refund or keep the dog and receive a refund of 75 percent of the purchase price.

If the dog is proven to be ill or to have hereditary defects, the buyer is entitled to a replacement plus reimbursement for veterinary expenses related to certifying the dog's illness, up to the price of the dog including sales tax.

The buyer may also choose a refund plus reimbursement for veterinary expenses related to certifying the dog's illness, up to the price of the dog.

If the buyer elects to have the dog treated, the seller is required to cover up to 1 1/2 times the purchase price of the dog in veterinary expenses.

It is important to note that the cost of testing to certify a dog unhealthy could double what a seller is obligated to refund to the purchaser. This makes it very expensive to sell ill and defective dogs in California

Let me clarify some things. I was never offered my money back. After being treated like an awful peron for wanting a healthy dog, the breeder told me she would take the dog back and give me a CREDIT ONLY towards another of her dogs and that she was doing this only because she didn't want this dog with a family where it would be unloved.

Also, the law states that "if within one year after the purchaser has taken physical possession of the dog, a licensed veterinarian (not a breeder, go figure) states in writing that the dog has a congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health of the dog, the dog shall be considered unfit for sale. The dealer shall provide the purchaser with any of the following that the PURCHASER elects: 1 - Dog is returned for a refund of purchase price plus tax and vet bills, 2 - dog is exchanged and vet fees are refunded, or 3 - purchaser keeps the dog and the vet fees for diagnosis and treatment are refunded to the purchaser."

I do have this letter from the vet and as stated in my original complaint do not wish to sue this breeder because she fights very dirty and as you can see from the entries made by "Whisper" which is her daughter these ladies are not fair or compassionate in any way when it affects their money. Actually they are rude and nasty and take personal shots at you if you dare to complain.

Also, the law is to notify the breeder within a specified amount of time after diagnosis which I did. I notified her the very day I received the diagnosis. Well within the one year for these types of things. To be more specific, this dog not only has a collapsing trachea but also a significantly narrowed trachea which is also a congenital/hereditary condition not common to these breeds. Nevertheless, this dog has it. But I suppose that is my fault also. All of this is in the radiology report.

I wish to say that I filed this report specifically for people like Mike who are looking to purchase a puppy and to say that I would never recommend this breeder mainly because she is such an awful person. She does sell THOUSANDS of dogs each year and anytime you sell that much of something you are going to have a problem every now and then. The mark of a good breeder really is how do you deal with it when this happens. This report is to tell all that this breeder did not deal fairly with me in this situation. She has blamed every one else for the situation as you have read.

I am sorry Mike , Maby you did not know But My mothers other half works , and brings in enough for most bills, And if you notice 1 pup can pay 1 employes/ Childs wages for a whole month.. IS that really alot? Hello? So where are all the numbers?

I am not a doctor, nope, but I have experiance because I did work for vets, and have lived with dogs my whole life. I took ag classes in highschool,and Animal Science in Jr.college and worked for Vets, and Petstores.

I am not perfect ,but saying My Mother is a bad breeder because one pup has a defect is not fair. She did try to resolve this, and did offer to refund. How is that a bad breeder?

The lady did not contact Dawn within the 5 days that she thought there was a problem , and under California law the owner is at fault.
Even though that is the law , Dawn tried to refund her puppy, and help the lady.
It states " In order to exercise these rights, you must notify the dog breeder as quickly as possible but NO later than five days after learning from your veterinarian that a problem exists. You must tell the dog breeder about the prulem and give teh dog breeder the name and telephone number of the veterinarian providing teh diagnosis. If yo are making a claim, you must also present to the dog breeder a written veterinary statment, in a form prescribed by law, that the animal is unfit for purchase and and itemized statement of all veterinary fees related to the claim. This information must be presented to the dog breeder in no later than five days after you have recived the written statement from the veterinarian. In the event that the dog breeder wishes to contest the statement or the veterinarian's bill , the dog breeder may request that you produce the dog for examination by a licensed veterinarian of the dog breeder's choice. The dog breeder shall pay the cost of this examination. Int he event of death, the deciased dog need not be returned to the dog breeder if you submit a statment issued by a licensed veterinarian stating the cause of death. If the parties cannot resolve teh claim withing 1 days following recipt of the veterinarian statment of the examination by the dog breeder's veterinarian, whichever event occurs later, you may file an action in court of competent jurisdiction to resolve the dispute. If a party acts in bad faith, the toher party may collect reasonable attorney's fee's . If the dog breeder does not contest the matter , the dog breeder must make the refund or reimbursement no later than 10 business days after receiving the veterinary certification. This statment is a summery of Key provisions of the consumer remedies available. CALIFONIA LAW also provides safeguards to protect dog breeders from Abuse. If you have questions , obtain a copy of the compleat relevant statues. 122045 of chapter 5 part 6 "

She even stated herself it was 2 days before she started coughing, + a week ( 7days ) goes by, then another cupple days ( lets say 2) goes by , Then she finaly calls DAWN - add it up lets see , around 11 days? Why did she not call when the pup FIRST started coughing? She took her right to a vet within "a day or two" right? What did the Vet say the first time was the cause of the cough? Yes the dogs cough was clearly left to long, OVER 11 Days OMG- Before Dawn even got news of it! No wounder it had scar tissue by then.

Where is the first Vet reports, and Why did she wait so long to call Dawn?

I think perhaps I hit a few nerves with my comments.

Well here it is, I was looking for a chihuahua puppy for my wife. I happened upon a few websites and decided to do checks on them before I made any concrete decisions. I don't care if you agree with me or not. For any customer to feel strongly enough to place your company on ripoff is good enough for me. Clearly she has evidence from her vet that the trachea is collapsed. Your comments have made me feel even more strongly that you are nothing but a puppymill. A breeder that can afford to have not one but two employees clearly has enough dogs to be able to pay these employees. Not a small homebased breeder that is trying to produce the next puppy for the show ring and selling the pups that do not make the grade. You say that the two of you do all the websites, pictures, shots and pooper scooping. What is the BREEDER doing? Producing more puppies more like. Too busy with females that are birthing to be able to do all of the other important things.

What kind of breeder does not ship her own pups? Doesn't have the time to take these puppies to the buyers? Meet the buyers, assess them and make sure that this is a good home for the pup. I know what kind of breeder does this and a lot of buyers do too. One that really doesn't care. The almighty dollar is the priority.

Your ego is so overblown that you feel the vets should phone you when there are problems. Do you honestly believe that? As if a vet has time to telephone every breeder of every dog or cat that he has as a patient. Get real. What do you want the vet to do? Ask your advice? I have never heard anything so unreasonable and bullheaded in my entire life.

Where did you get your diploma from? Do you have Dr. in front of your name? Or do you create websites, take pictures and pick up s**t for a living? You need to take a step back and realise that you are not Gods. Although you act like Gods when you breed these females, create life, charge hundreds if not thousands of dollars and then disregard these pups when they have genetic faults.

All the buyers fault, the vets fault. I bet the airlines are at fault too when these dogs arrive sick to the buyers. This isnt the only report about you here on ripoff there is another one with a genetic fault too. Surprise, surprise! You didn't help that customer either.

I think anyone with a brain in their head will see you for exactly what you are. A puppymill. To say that there is scarring in the throat of this particular puppy is telling me a story. If it is a recent problem the throat would be red and perhaps swollen or showing signs of current trouble. Scarring? Isnt that a sign of something that is ongoing or from a past problem? To say that scars have formed in so little time is ridiculous.

Get your head out of your a**es and help this woman. It is the least you can do.

To the last lady that reported here. You are a breeder that cannot afford employees. Why is that? Because you are not producing so many puppies that you cannot pay them that is why. Sure nobody likes to pick up s**t. Everyone would love to have another do that. Well obviously Suger and Spice can afford this. Where does the money come from?

The sale of puppies. Lots and lots of puppies.

It seems to me that the breeder offered to resolve this fairly.
I breed Shih Tzu. Oh and Mike, I wish I had an employee to help me clean up dog poop and help with my website, however I'm just starting out and cannot afford one. If I could I would. Im not a puppymill! Do you just label all breeders puppymills?

Mike do you get involved because you have nothing better to do ? How is it constructive to say that only Puppymills need employees? Did you ask Sunshine what she does for a living .. NO YOU IDIOT!
She is a Webpage designer, and takes Pictures of dogs, and helps around the Ranch with the Mini horses, and she also boards her horse there.
Sunny is also like a Daughter to Dawn, and a Sister to me. So what if we work there sometimes? Is it realy a big deal to pick up dog s**t when my mom just got out of Surgery? Is it too much to ask to have EXACT records on EVERY DOG , and more than one set of Eyes to watch every precious dog play safley in there 1/4 acre play yard with climbing platform, and pool in the summer?
Sunny also Ships for Dawn, and Me. Just because one has employees does not make them an puppy mill. ( So she is my Employee too, Am I a puppy mill when I dont have more than 1 litter a year? Hardly.. )
Why dont you get your head out of your .umm. and take a look at Dawn's site? Check out where the pictures are taken? all around the house? Check out her webshots.. see her garden? You think it all takes care of itself?

Your comment is like saying that Sears is a bad store because they cant handle sales, marketing, webpages, public saftey, parking, rent , all with one person.. Come on..
IS EVERY ONE A BAD PARENT FOR WORKING AND LEAVING A CHILD IN DAYCARE? So a breeder that has some one care for her dogs is a bad breeder .. because??

What I want to know is why the Vet gave 2 dewormers, when if he thought the dog had a cough due to Heartworms ( maby his diagnosiss) then he would have called the Breeder. In the Valley we dont get them, only in the Hills( like Rocklin), or the beach . Clearly , If the Vet or the New pup owner EVER had a concern they should have contacted Dawn. But they failed to do so.

I just had a Vet give a Puppy I just sold (not a Chihuahua) a 5 way less than 5 days after I just gave it a shot! YES VETS MAKE MISTAKES!! Thats a big no-no. I have had it happen more than offten. It makes me think they get there Licences out of Cracker~Jack boxes.

So, you think its ethical for a breeder to go off and have a "real" job and neglect the dogs and make money off them instead huh? Because personally I think any breeder who doesnt have someone caring for the welfare of the dogs while they are unable to is a crock.

Dogs need constant care. Just because someone has employees doesnt mean they are a puppymill, it means they are concerned about the welfare of their dogs. My "job" is to take pictures, do webpage work, clip nails, help with worming and vaccinations. How do you figure that is the work of a puppymill.

"MY" Definition of a puppymill is someone who breeds dogs in rabbit cages, the animals are filthy unloved and uncared for. The pups are stolen from the mothers as soon as they are done nursing and sold for low prices to resellers and puppy stores were someone will buy a dog and then decide a few months down the road that its not the quality they want and throw it away to a pound.

Our "kennel" has dogs that are happy and loved and well cared for by "employees" who love to spend time with dogs. They love to give them attention and play with them in the yard and the animals are free to run in an enclosed area that is safe from predators.

Dawn is not a puppymill breeder. She breeds quality animals and rehomes any animals that people no longer want. So get off your highhorse you have no idea whats even going on and find someone else to torment. Again Mistakes made by owners are not the fault of the breeder.

IMO any breeder that need employees is no longer a breeder but a puppymill.

It never ceases to amase me that these millers always blame someone else. The buyer states she brought the dog to a vet immediately. Not once. Twice. X-RAYS were done.

How can scarring be present already? Unless the coughing started at the kennel?

There are laws against people like this and the only way to get these millers shut down is to continue to inform the public of their practices.
I would take this puppymiller to court and get every cent back. You have the veterinarian report.

Good luck to you and your baby.

I just want to put, that i am an employee of Dawn Dalyce, and as such feel some tendency towards loyalty of course. However, i intend to be truthful in this report and want that noted also.

Anytime a chihuahua leaves Sugar and Spice, there is a care protocol that should be followed. I go over each thing with the people, make sure they understand how to care for and treat their chihuahuas, and that they know to call Dawn IMMEDIATELY if anything goes wrong with their chihuahua. She takes fantastic care of her dogs. I've never seen her shrug off any sickness or illness, but everything is treated as quickly and efficently as possible to minimize a dogs discomfort. She has babies living in the kitchen to keep an eye on them, and she spends more time with her dog than i've ever seen any other breeder. She picks them up and loves and kisses on them and just makes sure each dog is healthy and well taken care of.

Our vet has never had anything bad to say about Dawn. He in fact replied that she's one of the few breeders he's met that follows his instructions to the letter and takes care of everything that any dog might need. She spends THOUSANDS of dollars making sure that each of her dogs is healthy. She is an ethical breeder that NEVER rebreeds anything that causes gentic defects. She matches the dogs that will produce the best quality and temperment and then if something were to be noticed, she NEVER breeds those dogs again. So attacking a breeder because the buyer didnt follow the rules is not only unfair its just idiotic.

The buyer had the option of the breeder fixing the problem. With either money back or a replacement puppy. That should have been the end of the complaint. But i've seen it very often when people just like to smear other people's names in the mudd just to feel vindicated. And that is also wrong.

Sugar N Spice Chihuahuas is one of the FEW AKC licenced and inspected kennels in California. AKC makes sure we're up to standards and that all dogs are healthy, well cared for, and have a nice place to live. There's no reason to attack someone who tried to fix the problem. The problem lies in the buyer not accepting responsibility for not treating a dog quickly and effectively.

I have seen so many breeders who blame the vets for the problems associated with the pups buyer's purchase. I am not quite sure, and I am sure there are cases, (very rarely) that the vets are wrong. But what gets me is, why did the vet subscribe a dewormer unless he thought the dog did have worms which then should of been detected with the fecal exam. Did the dog get a Bordetella before leaving the breeders? maybe it is a case of kennel cough? what ever the problem it sounds like the dog came to the buyer with it. If this is so, then I think the breeder should be willing to cover the fees associated with this dog. We hear so many of these deals with breeders through the Chihuahua group here in LA and the only response I can give is, Look for reputable breeders through organizations that deal with only reputable show breeders. The breeders who do not have 30 or so dogs but just a minimal amount that do not live in an environment that has a higher contamination rate. I hope you both can work this out together for the dogs sake.

This is Dawn Dalyce of SugarNSpice Chihuahuas. If you read my "Letters" pages on my website www.snschihuahuas.com you'll see I've spread joy and happiness for decades, and number my friends in the hundreds to thousands. I'm highly recommended, and my vets, and even animal control agents recommend me to their friends ! Still, no one can make everyone happy all of the time.

Yes, I was upset when this lady told me about her problem. I offered to take the puppy right back and credit her 100% of her purchase price. Or that I would cure the puppy and give it back. She said the puppy had begun coughing shortly after throwing up in her car, That the vet had tried a weak antibiotic, but no cough syrup was offered or recommended. She said the puppy had no worms, and the buyer had let the puppy cough harder and harder for 3 weeks, never even giving the puppy any cough syrup, much less a steroid. Then the vet takes an xray and says the puppy has ...and I quote from her emails SCAR TISSUE in her throat from "collapsing" trachea. Scar tissue comes from injury. Like UNTREATED COUGHING. Well, anyone who knows toy dogs, know that they have soft or weak tracheas naturally in the breed, so harnesses are safer than collars so you don't CAUSE collapsing tracheas..... and coughs need to be stopped right away, with either baby Robatussin cough syrup, and even a steroid if needed, plus maybe a strong antibiotic. I told her that aspiration of vomit can cause serious damage that might need a steroid, and I thought that just letting her cough go on and on for 3 weeks before contacting me for advice was bad. My Buyer's Guarantee Protocol says buyers agree to contact the breeder IMMEDIATELY if there's a problem with a puppy. This buyer got very offended that I pointed out, that the cough could surely be cleared up with the right treatment, and that if it truely was a disabling genetic defect, that I'd trade her in....but that I felt the SCAR TISSUE was due to damage she'd allowed to happen. We humans have had coughs and sore throats that lasted for weeks over the decades, and they finally cleared up. And yes, the FAMOUS chihuahua hack, well documented in toy breeds, is not deadly, nor does it cause suffering, and several dogs I've bought OCCASSIONALLY hack, including a couple of Champion AKC dogs...probably due to a leash around the throat in the show ring. Their pups DON'T so it's not genetic. I guess it is in style with some people to abuse any Breeder, even the ones who try to do the most for everyone. There's a reason this lady didn't take me to court. She has no case. I didn't cause the cough. I didn't let the cough go on and on without correct treatment. I didn't sell her a puppy with a problem, she was vet checked before she left, and healthy. AND I have all her emails saying the puppy was pronounced healthy and parasite free at her first vet visit..but developed the cough more and more after the car ride/vomit incident. She also turned down my offer to take the puppy that was damaged back, and give her full credit. OR to let me treat it,and return her healthy.She said her vet finally gave her stronger antibiotics and a steriod just like I'd suggested and she'd treat her herself. She also said the puppy was super loving, healthy, happy, bouncing all over...just coughing...and she wanted to get stronger treatment and keep her.So why wasn't this done 3 weeks ago? Sorry, even good Breeders and grammas, aren't physic... we can't know there's a problem , or treat it if we aren't given a chance. Nor can we prevent problems that we don't cause in the first place. We're not magic.

I am real sorry you got involved with this person, as you can see if you search ripoffreport you will see they have others, also, they are involved with other breeders who act the same way like Debra Drury of Chidolls.net or Emerald city Babydollpups I guess there are a few names for them. I would get all your records and go to court. Luckily you are in CA and can handle all this in your area. Some of the others are out of state and cannot afford to go into these people's home town and sue them so they just get away with it. You have a case, do not let them get away with it. AKC will do nothing but it would help to call them, maybe after about 10 or so complaints, they may decide to suspend them. Good luck to you and your poor baby. and since you are local, you can at least inform the public with ads in the paper and on groups and such to let them know how these people operate. DO NOT GIVE UP! God bless you and your baby