Nancy's Westies Frances Park dba Nancy's Westies. Sold us 2 dogs with a history of Addison's Disease without disclosing it. Russellville Arkansas

We bought 2 dogs from Nancy's Westies. Fergus a male West Highland Terrier in 2015 and Bella his half sister in 2017.  

We want Frances to spay and neuter the breeding pairs that produced 3 Addisonian dogs in various litters.

This is the letter I sent to Frances at Nancy's Westies via email.

5/15/2020

Frances,
I have read your response to mine regarding transmission of Addison's disease in your breeding pairs with the Sire being GERARD, who is the father to my dog Fergus.
I understand there has not been a test for later stage Addisons, which Fergus developed, currently avaliable.

However there is a test and CLEAR genetic links established for JADD
(Juvinile Addisons Disease)
in dogs with early onset Addisons.
And that test is marketed and currently available.
Additionally, UC CAL Davis College of Veterinary Medicine has been working on the recesses alleles for Addisons for the later stage type of disease for some years and is quite close to development of a test for the later stage form of Addisons In dogs.

As there is a clear and precise pathway shown between the three dogs I have sent you info on, there is more than a 99% chance these dogs  (Tristan-Gerard)  are carriers of recessive alleles for Addisons Disease.

It is simply irresposnsible with such a clear genetic trail for you to keep using this dog as a Sire to your puppies.

Therefore it is your responsibility to remove  Breeding Sire Gerard from your program, he should be neutered and put to pasture as a wonderful pet to a loving home.

Although we know this may cause you a hard ship, it is nothing compared to the heartache and continued care expense we and all owners face due to this hiorrid disease we have inherited with your dogs.

Myself and the below who have purchased puppies which have developed Addisons do hereby request by signing this document that you remove and Neuture GERASD from your breeding pool.

Regards,

******************

This was in response to the folowing letter we received form Frances Titsworth on 5_13/2020 which we find unacceptable as dog owners: 

Jim,

After careful consideration, I would like to purchase Fergus back from you. While I'm under no obligation to do so, (I'm

sure you're familiar with our contract), I believe it is in Fergus's best interest. Per your suggestion, I've thoroughly

researched Addisons and revery resource I've found has stated that it is very managable with proper care and

medication, and in fact, most live full and happy lives under those conditions. I would like to get Fergus back, so I can

ensure he is taken proper care of. I have seen on your Facebook page where you stated you have given him the wrong

dose of medication and that the vet scolded you for not following proper protocol with his illness. Furthermore, I have

discovered that while Addisons may be genetic, it can also be caused by environmental situations. An example given

on the AKC website is if you don't properly wean your dog off prednisone, it can cause Addisons. Given that three out

of four of your dogs have had an otherwise rare disease, I am worried about the environment and choices you are

making while raising the dogs. Therefore, I would like to further extend my offer to buy back Bella. I do not want her

also getting sick. For the sake of the dogs, please accept this offer. I will pay the full purchase price including the

deposit and even pay for shipping.

Best,

Frances