Steve Kruse BAD BREEDER PUPPY Ripoff West Point Iowa

Hi. To be honest, Ididn't know much about buying a dog when I purchased my new puppy. A trusted friend told me that they knew someone who worked at Happiness is Pets inOrland Park, IL and she told me that she had a good experience there. My friend told me that they were reputable;  that Happiess is selective about where they buy their puppie. My dog came from West Point Iowa from a breeder named Steve Krause. My dog is going to be 6 years old in May and he is wonderful! I haven't had any problems,  health or otherwise, with my Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

He is a great dog- healthy and happy- knock on wood. I would buy another dog from Happiness is Pets, but having more knowledge in the present about puppy mills,  I would go to the place that any  pet store gets their puppies from and check it out prior to making a purchase. I think it's very important that people go and check out things before filing or making any kind of a negative report.

Buying, adopting or obtaining a pet by any means is a serious commitment!

If you buy a  dog and have problems with it,  perhaps a little time spent BEFORE making such a commitment could have saved you- and the life you now care for- some difficulties.  Adopting a dog shouldn't be taken lightly. I think people should have to obtain some kind of permit to get a dog... OK, I won't go that far but... 

I find it difficult to try to assign blame elsewhere for something people could avoid by simply making a sincere attempt to educate themselves about what it is they are going to do. Unfortunately it seems a high percentage of the reports made here simply could have been avoided easily with 15 minutes of research.  

Good luck! 

 We purchased a Bulldog puppy from a pet store in Hollywood, FL and immediately noticed a problem. Although housebroken, she constantly leaked urine, so we could not even hold her, have her in bed, etc. After 3 Vets, it was determined that she had a congenital condition that her mother most likely also had (so should not have been bred). After a wk in the hospital, surgery & an $8k bill, she still has the problem. I filed a complaint w/ the BBB against the store (who stated that we could return her, which was not an option as we love her & I know she would have been put to sleep), but found out that the breeder is Iowa-based puppy-mill operator Steve Kruse, who has tons of complaints against & has been sued multiple times (I shall be the next)...He breeds unhealthy dogs, who have puppies w/ medical problems, for which the owners have to spend thousands of dollars & often the puppies die. FYI, this is the 1st time we have bought a puppy from a store or breeder- Our other 3 dogs were from the Humane Society and all lived good, long lives.

Hi Lauren. I'm so sorry to hear of all your dog's health issues. I've started an organization in Iowa to combat irresponsible dog breeders. We're doing this by working to get better laws. I'd like to talk with you to see if your experience might be of help to us. Mr. Kruse is one of the largest-scale dog dealers in our state and I hear of stories like yours over and over again. Our legislators need to hear this directly from you, the victims of Mr. Kruse's irresponsible breeding habits. Please go to www.iowavca.org and use the Contact Us option. Thanks.

Brenda, your comment about Homeless animals is appalling. Most animals that are in shelters are in there because of the OVERPOPULATION problem. Most of these animals are simply owner give ups, because they "cant take care of them anymore". Dogs from pet shops are just as inpredictable as dogs in shelters.

As for Steven Kruse, this man breeds more than one dog and its obvious that these dogs come from puppy mills. What kind of breeder breeds more than one dog and sends them off not CARING who "buys" them? Steven Kruse is a money hungry, greedy man who cares about nothing but himself.

Most of these dogs are extremely overpriced. 1400 dollars for an english bulldog? What a joke. I saw a dog come from Happiness is Pets that grew up to not even look like an english bulldog! He looked more like an american bulldog or a pitbull!You can go to a shelter, adopt an english bulldog (puppy sometimes) and the dog will already be fixed, and the price will be less than two hundred dollars. (I am using an english bulldog as an example, this can happen with any breed, mixed or purebred)

A reputable breeder usually sells an english bulldog for about 1200 (depending on the breeder)

Not all dogs that come from shelters are "mutts". There are purebred rescues. If you want to buy a dog, go to a reputable breeder, who cares about the breed.

Why spend 400 dollars or more buying a mixed breed dog (Sorry, Puggles aren't purebred) When you can not only save a life but save money by adopting a mixed breed at a shelter. Most of the dogs that come from Happiness is pets are sick and they wont tell you the truth about the dogs former health history.

If you buy from a pet store, you are supporting the puppy mill industry.

(((link redacted)))

I adopted my cat for 65 dollars, she was already spayed, and up to date on her shots. Not only did i save a life but I saved a lot of money, and I gave a wonderful cat a home.


A luxating patella is also very common in small dogs. This can happen even when purchasing from a reputable breeder.

Lauren, if you want to save another dog, I suggest you save a life by rescuing a shelter dog. Dont support an industry that doesn't care about your dog, or any other dog for that matter.

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

I bought a Cockalier from Happiness is Pets, Naperville, in 1-06 and I have not had one single problem with him. He has been the picture of health since day one. He had diarrhea one time that required a vet visit but other than that he has been completely healthy. I do know that he had an umbilical hernia repair before I bought him and his two brothers were still at the vet when we picked him up but that is not uncommon at all. In fact, I am surprised that the pet store even did the surgery. I didn't pay for any vet bills until he needed his rabies shots....everything was covered by the pet store and I even got a 30% discount on his neutering. Max is my first dog and the love of my life. He is a fat, spoiled rotten only dog that keeps my three cats in line.

If you are a person with little money, do not purchase a pet. If you are a person with money, but do not wish to pay vet bills, do not purchase a pet. A pet of any kind can be sickly as a human child can be. Treat pets as humans, if you can't afford one, don't have one. Humans have just as many health problems as pets.
Asthma, heart problems, seizures, hello? Pets are just the same. I do feel, that if a person purchasing a dog that later has health problems, should be entitled to some cash back or a total refund (because it is a pet). I suggest going through breeders that are willing to do this. But at the same time, don't expect one. Just think of it this way... Do you get a refund from a human adoption ....

Furthermore Steven Kruse does let people know about health problems WHEN he comes across health problems. Not even vets know right away when a pet has health problems, just remember that. I should know, I live in the area where Steven Kruse sells dogs.

Thank-You for letting me comment.

Lauren here ahain!
My dog is now 5 years old. Literally shocking he is still alive.
ANyhow, Happiness is Pets now has a lawsuit for selling dogs from a puppy mill. So Susanne of Naperville is misinformed. Furthermore,
my sister went to school with the owners son who sold them a dud of a dog as well.
It is such a shame that people can not buy a pet from a pet store. Those poors dogs will not get purchased and live their lives in a cage? Thats why we feel guilty and make these purchases.
If you have a LOT of money and love caring for sick injured animals, feel free to buy from pet stores. I learned my lesson the hard and expensive way.
Happiness is Pets DOES in FACT buy from Steve Kruse and his family. The Kruse family does IN FACT run a puppy mill. The puppies are caged outdoors without shelter besides the wire cage they are in. They are overbred. They have maggots and parasites all over their bodies. It is sick and inhumane. DO NOT buy from HAPPINESS is PETS and ASK about ANY breeders reputation and do FULL RESEARCH on them before buying from ANYONE.

********The cost to buy from a breeder may seem more expensive up front, but you will save THOUSANDS over the years and save your puppy from dealing with health issues and surgeries if you buy from a REPUTABLE BREEDER!!!

I have known the son of the owner of Happiness is Pets for a while. I have visited puppies there for a couple years and have recently become serious about purchasing one. John assured me that they would NEVER aquire their dogs from a puppy mill. He's the most charming salesman.

I noticed that more than three breeds had the same name on their collar (including the weim/vizsla mix I was looking at) and started to research Melvin Moeller of West Point, IA.

Thanks to Companion Animals Protection Society I learned that Mr. Moeller, his cousin STEVE KRUSE and about 4 other family members are a huge puppy milling faction in the West Point, IA area. Moeller's partner, Dean was suspended from th AKC in '99 for Animal Cruelty and CAPS investigated Kruse's farm with sickening findings, he even mentions Happiness is Pets!...

http://www.caps-web.org/iowa_kruse.php

I am DISGUSTED with Happiness is Pets and I plan on running my mouth to the Daily Herald about my findings. They need to feel the pain that everyone who's purchased a sick puppy has felt. I can't believe I was so fleeced by this seemingly nice kid (who's there all the time). I implore ALL of you to avoid HIP completely and look for a reputable breeder through breed clubs and associations. So sad for my friend in Aurora. :(

I work for one of the first cavalier breeders in the US, they are show folks only and extremely reputable. I just wanted to give a few pointers on the cavalier breed that have been noticed by our kennel and other kennel/breeders as well. This is in no way supporting "Steve Kruse" I have never met this person or heard of them before reading this.

Some bloodlines of cavaliers do have skinny cavaliers, while most cavaliers love food there are some, especially noted amoung the tri-colors, that are finicky and skinny dogs, they typically don't start to fill out until around 4 yrs old or so. Also, somewhere in the cavalier genetics there is a "mini" gene being passed around, very elusive, very difficult to breed, and those pups that do come out "mini" have to be hand raised and are not suitable for breeding.

The breeder whom I work for has whelped 3 such "minis" in an 11 yr period, the most recent being last year. repeat breedings that have produced a mini did not produce more minis. 2 of the "minis" were bred, one was bred twice, and the other one only once. 2 puppies were born in each of the 3 litters, none of the puppies survived beyond 2 weeks. these "mini" cavaliers only weigh about 6 lbs each.

Also, Luxating Patellas are only in the knees of the hind legs, unfortunately they are a genetic problem for cavaliers and since it is recessive even the good breeders have them crop up in their litters.

I have not heard of any issues of stones with cavaliers, it's not a genetic problem that is common in the breed, when genetic problems that are not common in a breed comes up in someone's breeding practices that is usually a warning sign of a bad breeder.

A tip for anyone reading this thread and is looking for a puppy, only buy pups from breeders who are active in some type of competition or working their dogs often, such as showing, herding, agility, search and rescue, therapy work, schutzhund, etc. every breed out there has a purpose, whether it's a toy breed bred to be pretty and sweet (showing and therapy work for them) or a border collie (herding or agility)

To find breeders whom are active with their dogs in something, find out what activities are most common for that breed and then contact the clubs that deal with those activities, ask those clubs to recommend a breeder whom participates in the activities. Breeders who love dogs and are working to better their breed will test their breeding stock in shows and competitions to see if they are quality. Once you have been recommended a breeder, ask that breeder if they get their dog's health checks, such as hips (in the USA it's OFA or PennHip that certifies hips and elbows and other orthopedic diseases) and CERF for eye diseases and vet reports on heart exams

I have purchased a dog from Happiness is Pets and received a Steve Kruse special. She not only has cost me appox $1500 with her illnesses to date, but to top it off she has hip dysplacia. An additional $2500 or more to help her. She is only 7 months old. Many don't know that Steve Kruse, Jordan Kruse, and 3 more family members have USDA numbers that allow them to breed on multiple farms in Westpoint, IA. Thus having multiple litters and messing up generations, by not breeding with good quality dogs. I have a complaint into the USDA about him and his other family members. I have also contacted BBB about Happiness is Pets. My next step will be to retain legal counsel. We have rights as consumers to not have fraud against us. We were promised a healthy dog. It is up to you and I to stop this. I know I will try for my dog, and hopefully the future of any misbred animal from Steve Kruse.

It's absolutely not true that "most" dogs in shelters have behavioural or other problems. Most dogs in shelters end up there because people don't spay/neuter their animals and have unwanted puppies, or because people decide to dump their pet (moving, tired of the animal, allergies, they have new a baby, etc.). I've worked in shelters for years and years and know this to be true. I also know that many, many puppy mill dogs end up in shelters -- I just saw a purebred beagle puppy in one, dumped there by a breeder who couldn't sell it and didn't want to keep it.

My point is, don't believe bad rumours about shelters. If there's a particular breed you absolutely must have, there's a good chance you'll find it at a shelter for $50 instead of buying from a pet store and spending $1000. Shelters often do health-screening, offer free vet checks, have already spayed/neutered, etc., so you'll save a ton of money from day one.

Since my post about my Cavalier, he has had not only luxating patella surgery, but also 2 bladder stone surgeries in which the vet said that this is due to overbreeding from a puppy mill. My mother and sister, who chose NOT to listen to me, also purchased puppies that were bred from Steve Kruse.

Both of these dogs have been put to sleep. They all seem to exhibit similar symptoms, not growing large enough, chronic diarrhea that cant be explained, serious health issues that dont present themselves until AFTER the 1 year warranty on the dog. AND WHO , may I ask, would want to fall in a love with their puppy, and then TURN IT BACK IN within a year for another??

Nevertheless, after $6000 in surgeries on top of the vet bills and check ups, we still have our King Charles Spaniel who is 4 1/2 yrs old. He has problems from time to time, and we are told that the reoccuring bladder stones (genetic overbreddingissue) will continue to be an issue.

Its hard NOT to want to rescue these pets when you see them looking sad in the puppy stores and so cute, BUT PLEASE, look for a breeder and REALLY research them. Dont make my mistake and wind up spending thousands on surgery and putting an innocent animal through so much!

BAD BAD BAD STEVE KRUSE, he is a terrible man.

He runs a puppy mill. I adopted a 13 inch Beagle from a shelter with AKC "papers" and his name is on there as well. He runs a puppy mill with numerable health and cleanliness violations. Besides being outspoken against cruel puppy millers, spread the word to never buy from a pet store. When they tell you their dogs come from "breeders", they really come from puppy mills. No reputable breeder would ever allow a puppy to be sold in a store.

Hello, I agree not all dogs in shelters would be perfect pets. But you can find good dogs in shelters, even purebreds.

When you bought your puppy, did they tell you that they only buy from reputable, local breeders?
Did they show you proof of that? I'm sure they didn't, because reputable breeders won't sell puppies to a pet store!

You may have gotten lucky in your puppy purchase, but please research puppy mills, trace your puppies lineage and I bet you find the parents are living a hellish life. What breed is your dog?

I do not agree with PETA and other extreme animal rights groups, but this puppy mill crap has to stop!

This is in response to the person critizing people for buying puppies at pet stores. First off the fact of the matter is most dogs in shelters have behavioral problems, or submissive urination, or are agressive animals and can be completely unpredictable.
Ideally it would be great to buy a dog from a "reputable" breeder but in some parts of the states people just don't have that option available to them. Who is to say that any one person breeding a puppy is not in it solely for the money, and how much regard do they have for the quality of the puppies they are breeding? Finally, Happiness is Pets, from my experience (and yes I could be wrong about this) takes much pride in the animals that they bring into their store and sell. They are not going to intentionally sell an animal that has potential health problems due to poor breeding, otherwise they wouldn't be in business for very long. My first dog was purchased from them and is the most awesome dog around.

Why do people persist in buying dogs from a pet store? By doing that you are supporting puppy mills. Research puppy mills on the internet, I dare you.

Also, why do people pay hundreds and thousands of dollars for a mutt? Labradoodle? Mutt. Morkie? Mutt. Cockapoo? Mutt. If you want a mixed breed, go to your local shelter and save a dog, do not encourage these greedy "breeders" of designer mutts.

Lauren,
I also purchased a cockalier from Happiness is Pets in Naperville. I completely fell in love with this puppy and still I am happy with my purchase. However, after reading your entry I am very concerned that my dog is going to have a very similar problem with the luxating patella. She limps and favors her front paw. The doctors haven't found a break and are unsure of her problem. She also only weighs only 6 lbs and just doesn't eat a whole lot. She is a feisty little dog with a great temperment, but it isn't right to breed a dog that has to endure these sort of problems. And YES, Steven Kruse of Westpointe, IA is the same breeder of my pup.
Lauren, have you found out any further information that could help decide whether her paw problem is directly related to poor breeding or whether she sustained this injury while in my care without my knowledge.
Thanks

I forgot to mention there is an excellent website called the voice for dogs.org. It is an interesting site, and if you navigate through it you will see Mr. Steve Kruse mentioned as a Department of Agriculture breeder. Very interesting site. www.thevoicefordogs.org

Dear Imnot:
Do you know or anyone out there know if Mr. Kruse sells AKC, APRI,or CKC registered pets. If so we can all call these agencies including the Department of Agriculture. I hate to see people get ripped ff like that, and mostly when it involves a defenseless animal or baby. I'm sorry to hear about your Cavalier's heart problem. When I was younger my grandparents use to raise Cavaliers, bred them for show, and literally gave them away to good homes after they had been neutered or spayed. We are talking mid 1960 to 1982. Yes they have the tendency for heart problems, but it is over exagerated at times. They rank 5th in the list for heart problems. Of the many cavaliers we bred and had, I can only rememebr one that had a heart murmur and lived a good 10 yrs very well and another did not make it pass 5. Then again my grandfather was a Vet. I believe that complaints in numbers might do the trick.

Dear Imnot:
Do you know or anyone out there know if Mr. Kruse sells AKC, APRI,or CKC registered pets. If so we can all call these agencies including the Department of Agriculture. I hate to see people get ripped ff like that, and mostly when it involves a defenseless animal or baby. I'm sorry to hear about your Cavalier's heart problem. When I was younger my grandparents use to raise Cavaliers, bred them for show, and literally gave them away to good homes after they had been neutered or spayed. We are talking mid 1960 to 1982. Yes they have the tendency for heart problems, but it is over exagerated at times. They rank 5th in the list for heart problems. Of the many cavaliers we bred and had, I can only rememebr one that had a heart murmur and lived a good 10 yrs very well and another did not make it pass 5. Then again my grandfather was a Vet. I believe that complaints in numbers might do the trick.

Dear Imnot:
Do you know or anyone out there know if Mr. Kruse sells AKC, APRI,or CKC registered pets. If so we can all call these agencies including the Department of Agriculture. I hate to see people get ripped ff like that, and mostly when it involves a defenseless animal or baby. I'm sorry to hear about your Cavalier's heart problem. When I was younger my grandparents use to raise Cavaliers, bred them for show, and literally gave them away to good homes after they had been neutered or spayed. We are talking mid 1960 to 1982. Yes they have the tendency for heart problems, but it is over exagerated at times. They rank 5th in the list for heart problems. Of the many cavaliers we bred and had, I can only rememebr one that had a heart murmur and lived a good 10 yrs very well and another did not make it pass 5. Then again my grandfather was a Vet. I believe that complaints in numbers might do the trick.

Dear Imnot:
Do you know or anyone out there know if Mr. Kruse sells AKC, APRI,or CKC registered pets. If so we can all call these agencies including the Department of Agriculture. I hate to see people get ripped ff like that, and mostly when it involves a defenseless animal or baby. I'm sorry to hear about your Cavalier's heart problem. When I was younger my grandparents use to raise Cavaliers, bred them for show, and literally gave them away to good homes after they had been neutered or spayed. We are talking mid 1960 to 1982. Yes they have the tendency for heart problems, but it is over exagerated at times. They rank 5th in the list for heart problems. Of the many cavaliers we bred and had, I can only rememebr one that had a heart murmur and lived a good 10 yrs very well and another did not make it pass 5. Then again my grandfather was a Vet. I believe that complaints in numbers might do the trick.

My cavalier is NOT a mini. She is skinny and anorexic looking. She does have heart problems. I have yet to see any mini cavaliers from him or any other person in that matter. Steve Kruse has had other problems with other dogs he breeds also.

I'm wondering if Mr. Kruse is not doing h9is own breeding. I have been informed that certain mutations are being performed to get a smaller cavalier. I know that & pounds is not the standard, but is the cavalier healthy, no signs of anemia, heart murmur, luxating patella, or eye problems.
As far as the other pet, the cockalier. I understand he has diahrea. What has the Veterinarian said it was from. Does he have food allergies, maybe a change in diet might help.
Please before you buy a pet from a breeder do research on the animal, know almost everything you can, and ask the breeder questions. Some dohs are healthier than others, and one can not predict that what will happen down the lifes journey. You should report this breeder to the local atate attorny's office and department of agriculture to investigate his practices. He might also be a broker.

Kruse, Steve
2345 Highway 16
West Point, IA 52656-9266
(319) 837-6039

I have a Cavalier from Steve Kruse. Imagine having an adult Cavalier that is only 7 pounds and can't gain anymore weight for unknown reasons. Cavaier King Charles Spaniels are a breed that must be bred carefully and to have an idiot like him breeding this breed, let alone other breeds, is terrible! I agree that he is a puppy miller that must be stopped.