Sycamore Creek Ranch American Mastiffs, AKA Sycamore Creek American Mastiff Breeder, AKA Connie Henley Really a backyard breeder who breeds unhealthy dogs and won't stand by her dogs Londonderry Ohio

I have two American Mastiffs from Connie at Sycamore Creek Ranch. Molly will be 6 on May 4, and Riley will be 9 months old on the 19th of this month. Both dogs are in excellent health and fine examples of the breed. I have followed Connie on the American Mastiff Forum and on the Facebook page for 6 years. She has always responded to her customers in a caring and professional manner. Her breeding facility is first rate. I have never read a negative comment about Connie or Sycamore Creek Ranch in the 6 years I have followed the Forum and Facebook page. I consider this negative Rip Off review to be slanderous in the extreme. UTIs are common, especially in female dogs, although this person's dog seems to be an extreme case. Connie offered to take the dog back and refund their money, or to replace the dog. That seems reasonable to me. It is a sad situation, but I do not see how Connie is at fault. 

 Sycamore Creek Ranch was an absolute joy to work with. This breeder was there for my family and I from before we decided to get another puppy and she is still there for us today (more than 6 years later). This breeder works incredibly hard and raises beautiful, healthy, well-temperamented true American Mastiffs. She is phenomenal and I would go back to her in a heartbeat for my next puppy.

I traveled from Texas to Ohio last year and purchased a puppy from Connie at Sycamore Creek Farms. The entire experience was wonderful from start to finish. She has also provided "service after the sale" as needed in the form of advice and support. Connie is warm, honest, and shows great integrity in her breeding program and business dealings. I doubt the original poster's story very much and would not hesitate to purchase a dog from Connie. Ours is one of the great joys of our lives and we will certainly look to Connie again for future dogs.

 I am a Proud Owner of a 2Year Old Puppy from Sycamore Creek , Connie Has always been there for myself and my Dog no matter what time of Day or night .  Never would Connie tell someone to end a Puppies life for a UTI that is just a awfull thing to be saying about a Breeder that Loves her Dogs and their off spring.  Imeet up with Connie last year with my Puppy and you could still see the Love between them.  Back Yard Breeders as this Person has Stated Connie to be is Far from the Truth.  This is a  Person who know's nothing about  Connie and the Love for this Breed.  I would Buy another Puppy from Connie in a Heart Beat God forbid mine pass away when they are older .  Connie has been nothing but very helpfull and Caring since we have gotten our American Mastiff from her . This Person that made a report about her is just being negative and Hurtfull , but those of us that own her Pup's know the Helpful carring Connie 

I purchased a puppy from Sycamore Creek Farms almost four years ago. There are signs when you are purchasing a puppy from a "backyard breeder" and I saw none of these.  In fact I was impressed by all of the steps that were in place to make sure that all puppies were being placed in reputable homes.  Through the years I have kept in touch with Connie through Facebook and she has always been there to answer questions and offer sound advise.  About a year ago our Mastiff ate something he shouldn't have and we had to rush him to have emergency surgery.  Connie was right there offering support and guidance to make sure our beloved dog received the best care possible.  I could tell it meant a lot to her to know that we were willing to do whatever was needed to make sure he was ok.  I am not sure what transpired in this instance but what I was am sure of is that these accusations are unfounded.  Connie's love and passion for this breed is unparalleled and I will always be grateful for my amazing mastiff

 I purchased a puppy from Connie in 2011. Connie is a very reputable breeder and is very committed to the American Mastiff breed. She truly cares about each dog that is born to her. I've only met Connie in person a couple of times, however I count her as a friend and confidant. She has been there for every stage of Sophie's life. If all breeders were as caring as Connie, the world would be a better place.

I can't even say enough wonderful things about Connie and her American Mastiff breeding program! Connie is a wonderful, sweet, compassionate woman, who not only loves her dogs, but her clients, and stays an active, and involved presence in their lives for the life of her pups. Her heart breaks right a long with those of her clients, when the time comes for a dog to cross the rainbow bridge.

Connie is not my breeder yet, but she, has helped me when I've needed her knowledge, advice, or expertise. It is my hope someday that I too will become a part of the Sycamore Creek Family, and I while it would be an honor to own one or more of her dogs, I am even more honored to have met Connie, because of this wonderful breed, and can honestly call her very responsible breeder, and person.

I feel that the comments made, are nothing more than one person wanting to have her cake and eat it too! She wanted to keep a dog, and be paid back for it, for a routine, normal medical issue that goes away on its own, with time. Urinary tract infections can happen in any dog, especially when potty training! I feel this whole mess was created over a simple problem, and has turned into a smear campaign against Connie and her ranch, because the woman above has too much time on her hands, and wants her money back for a dog that she's still raising!

Connie is the best, most caring breeder I have ever dealt with. Her kennels are very clean, as are her dogs. She continues to care about the puppies she sells. She is always willing to give me advice when I ask for it. Even when my puppy had UTIs. Just like she told me, mine out grew hers before she turned a year old. I value the relationship I have with her. I would not hesitate the return to her for another puppy.

Sycamore Creek Ranch

American Mastiffs

30403 Haynes Hollow Rd

Londonderry, Ohio 45647

740-887-2111

Puppy Sales Agreement

This agreement is made and entered into this       day of               20       by and between                                    (seller), and                                                  (buyer), for the purpose of setting forth the terms and conditions of purchase by the Buyer of a purebred American Mastiff from the litter whelped on                      out of                                       and                              .

For $    1800.00           , the Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer agrees to purchase a

female              , male                companion puppy/dog from the litter described above subject to the following terms and conditions. A deposit of $                      has been received. The remaining balance of $             is due on or before the date the puppy is picked

Microchip number                             

The above-described puppy/dog is sold as a pet and family companion and will not be used for breeding purposes. Buyer agrees the above-described puppy/dog will be spayed/neutered within 12 months of purchase.

1. Seller warrants that the above-described puppy/dog is a purebred American Mastiff registrable with the Continental Kennel Club and that registration papers will be provided to the Buyer upon receipt of evidence from a licensed Veterinarian that the puppy/dog has been spayed/neutered.

2. Seller warrants that the above-described puppy/dog is in good health and has received age appropriate vaccination(s) and worming(s) at the time Buyer assumes ownership.Buyer agrees to have puppy examined by a licensed Veterinarian within two (2) days (not including weekends and holidays) of receipt of puppy/dog. Seller shall not be responsible for veterinary expenses incurred by buyer.

If, as a result of the examination, the Veterinarian determines that the puppy/dog is not in good health then the Buyer shall elect to keep the puppy/dog or return the puppy/dog to the Seller for a refund. If the Buyer elects to return the puppy, Buyer shall, within 10 days after the date of the signing of this contract, send to Seller a written Veterinarian’s certificate stating that the puppy/dog was in ill health when examined. Upon receipt by Seller of said certificate, Buyer shall be obligated to return the puppy/dog to Seller at Buyers expense. Puppy/dog shall be returned in the same manner in which it was picked up, unless Seller agrees to an alternate mode of transportation. Upon receipt of the puppy/dog, the Seller shall be obligated to refund all monies received from Buyer toward the purchase price of the puppy/dog, and further performance under this contract shall be null and void.

I have read and understand the terms and conditions of page one (1)                                 

3. Seller warrants that the above-described puppy/dog will be free from any congenital or hereditary abnormalities that would prevent it from being a good pet and companion for a period of one (1) year. If the puppy/dog is deemed unsuitable for reasons described above, evidence from a licensed veterinarian will be sent to Seller. Buyer will return the puppy/dog to Seller (at Buyer’s expense) and receive a replacement puppy/dog from the next available litter. Puppy/dog shall be returned in the same manner in which it was picked up, unless Seller agrees to an alternate mode of transportation.  If it is the opinion of a licensed Veterinarian that the puppy/dog should be euthanized, Seller will receive evidence from a licensed Veterinarian that puppy/dog has been euthanized before a replacement puppy is given.    

4. Buyer agrees that if it becomes necessary to sell, rehome, relocate or otherwise dispose of this puppy/dog, Buyer will notify Seller before taking such action so that the Seller can assist in finding a new home for the puppy/dog. Buyer agrees that the puppy/dog will not be taken to any rescue, shelter, or dog pound, for any reason. If Buyer is unable to return the puppy/dog to the Seller, Buyer agrees to provide adequate shelter, food, water & veterinary assistance to the puppy/dog until the Seller can make arrangements to either reclaim the puppy/dog or send an authorized AMBC agent to pick up the puppy/dog.

5. Buyer agrees that the puppy will reside at the home of the Buyer, not be chained or tethered, and will be provided with proper housing, a good quality diet, annual shots and exercise. Buyer also agrees that this puppy/dog will not be used as a guard dog for any business. Buyer agrees that the puppy will be enrolled in ongoing socialization and obedience training for the first year and that obedience training refresher courses will be taken throughout the life of the puppy/dog as necessary.

This Agreement is made and signed by both parties to insure the well-being and protection of this puppy/dog. If the Buyer breaches any part of this Agreement, the Seller is released from any obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement is non-transferable and is governed by the laws of the state of Ohio.

By:                                           Date:                          

         Seller

By:                                           Address:                                              City/State/Zip:                            

Buyer                          

 Phone:                          E-Mail:                                  

First, I would like to say that that I am sorry that this situation has come to this point. Sycamore Creek Ranch values our customers very much. Without them, our business could not exist and their loyalty to us over the years is not only humbling to me, but it is the catalyst of our success. If our customer service was actually as bad as depicted in the complaint we would have been driven out of business years ago.

We take all complaints seriously and deal with them swiftly. In this particular case, I had many phone calls and e-mail exchanges with this customer. I reassured the client that urinary tract infections are common in puppies, but as she matured, it would likely clear up on its own. In these conversations, I cited many veterinarians and experts I have spoken with on this topic to provide reassurance. We also discussed returning the puppy if the client was dissatisfied as per section 2 paragraph 2 (a copy of our contract and puppy guidelines are attached for anyone’s review).

In the end, the client wanted to keep the puppy, have the medical expenses paid, and be reimbursed for the purchase of the puppy. While we were prepared to compromise with terms clearly outside of the contract to satisfy the client – this proposal was too much. I have no way of knowing the motivations in this case, but the charges asserted have been weighing on me heavily since they have been made. I appreciate the support of my clients and their kind words. I hope this explanation, the transparency of publicly displaying the documentation, and the words of our clients will reassure potential new clients of our sincerity and devotion to making sure each all of you are satisfied beyond expectations.

Sales Agreement.doc

 Let me get this straight, you signed a contract, right? I say this because I have two of Connie's dogs and each time I signed the same contract. Perhaps maybe, you don't understand it? Also, I have worked at a Vet office for years, and UTI'S are pretty common in puppies, especially large breed puppies. In all the years I have worked there I have never heard of a life threatening uti. Kinda makes me wonder if this is you just blowning this out of proportion, and makes me question your character. Lastly, If you are not going to return the puppy, as per the contract, then the health and well being of said puppy in your hands.

I thought the same thing...at the beginning. Connie is very sweet and loves to talk about her dogs, your dog, all AM's (I agree - it's her hobby)...until it comes to an issue. Once your dog is sick or if her breeding is at fault, her attitude does a 360.  All of a sudden she's unreasonable, blocks you from her 'forum' which is really only for people who have good things to say about her, and refuses to listen to anyone, including veterinary notes (from multiple vets, including specialists). It's sad, but really Connie wants a fan club for her kennel so she can sell her dogs at a premium. Every single owner allowed on her FB private site has to be a fan or gets outsted. It would be much more credible were it an open forum. Sorry, you only get to see and hear what she wants you to see and hear about her dogs and 'breeding' program.  I'm happy for you that you ended up with one of the healthy ones.

To see the above post is rather shocking.  I have 2 amazing American Mastiff's from Sycamore Creek and have never had any negative experiences. 

Connie has been and still is very much involved in my dog's health and upbringing. From day one, to now 5 years later, I know that if I ever have a question or concern about either of my dogs I can reach out to her and with all confidence not be disappointed. She has been and will continue to be there to help. 

The best way I can explain my relationship with Connie is, you aren't just buying a dog, you're getting a puppy and all of Connie.  She puts everything into these dogs and you can see that in the breeding.  Because of her involvement with her dogs even after they have left her ranch, I consider her family.  She is one of the most loving, caring, honest and well respected individuals I have the pleasure of now calling part of my family. 

If anyone has any questions or concerns about Sycamore Creek, please feel free to have them contact me.

I have had three amazing pups from Connie And they were and are the most amazing, beautiful, healthy happy dogs! I can only saY that Connie is Truly an amazing breeder and amazing person in general. Over the last almost fifteen years we have had nothing but love respect and true friendshiP . I've been to her ranch twice and both times it was spotles. Her dogs are all raised under foot and the amount of work and dedication That goes into breeding these special dogs takes a special human being and she is just that.i will never own anything but an American mastiff and I will only use my friend and breeder Connie Hendly. We have flown all the way from NY three times together each puppy. Although it's probably easier for us to find a local breeder I refuse to take a chance I know exactly what I'm getting with these beautiful. Sweet dogs. The dogs are gentle giants but she herself has a giant heart and soul.

I am writing to share my experience with Connie and Sycamore Creek American Mastiffs.  I called Connie when I was looking for our first family dog.  She spent over an hour with me on the phone, (that time and many times since) and was clearly  a warm and caring person.  I stopped calling around once I spoke with her, I knew that I wanted one of her dogs and the life long relationship with her that comes with it.  

 I was not disappointed.  I got that first pup 7 years ago, and though he is in excellent health, when he ever did get sick (as all dogs do, they aren't robots) Connie was right there with advice, encouragement and even tears, when warranted.  She has asked me to call if I needed her, even if it was the middle of the night.  I've taken her up on that, and she's never let me down.  

When I wanted a second dog, I didn't even consider looking around at other breeder options.  You could not ask for better dogs, and the relationship Connie builds with those who adopt her puppies is irreplaceable. 

 I mean it from the bottom of my heart when I say that Connie is one of the most caring, trustworthy, and genuine individuals I have ever met.  I honestly feel like she is part of my family, and is one of the people I think to go to when I am feeling down or just need the opinion of someone who I know won't steer me wrong. 

I have direct experience with Connie that is completely opposite of what this lady is stating.  She has gone above and beyond for me and everyone else I know who has had the pleasure of working with her.  I don't want to say too much about how generous Connie has been with myself and others over the years, because I don't want people like this lady to see it and try to take advantage of her.

I am absolutely willing to talk to anyone who is concerned about this persons report.  I believe that the many thrilled families of Sycamore Creek dogs would be happy to speak for her.  

 I 100% disagree with your complaint. I have two American mastiffs that are 4 and 2 years old. When i first stumbled across sycamore creeks website and started communicating with Connie she was very knowledgeable, fast to reply and helpful to us in deciding if this breed was the breed for us. she invited us to visit her ranch and we made the drive to see the ranch. It was then that we finally met Connie and seen what a clean ranch with her much loved dogs. A few weeks later we made the drive again to pick up our first pup. She was very selective in who was going to take one off her pups home, had a very detailed contract that we were impressed with. Or first pup was so amazing and when we decided just 18 months later to get our second American mastiff. ..we knew where we wanted to get him from. .from Connie. we will never own another breed and we will always get pups from sycamore creek ranch. ...My dogs are healthy, beautiful, stop traffic kinda beautiful. I'm proud to own two of her pups and i am quick to refer Connie to anyone ingested on the American mastiffs.

I have known this breeder (Connie Jefford Henley) for well over 35 years. She has always been reputable, honest and with an integerity beyond reproach. I own one of her female pups, now going on 3 years old and has never had a UTI (Urinary tract infection) as have many others with her lines. If one of Connie's pups owners have had a question about anything, she responds as quickly as possible and will assist whenever she can. I have no idea why this particular customer (for lack of a better term) is upset, but I can assure anybody buying a pup from Sycamore Creek Ranch, they are not only getting a great pup but the backing from the Kennel itself to give superior follow-up and care that reputable breeders guarantee. If you need more proof, just check out her page on Facebook and the comments made by others who own her line of American Mastiffs.


As for being a "Backyard breeder" I have no idea where that came from. Her kennels were clean, dogs in excellent health and the welping area cleaned extremely well. I can't say enough about Sycamore Creek Ranch and how much they help others. Not just with their own lines but even others pets who might be having problems.