[MissCrissi]

Hey guys,

My fiancee and I are trying to find a purebred Pug puppy and have ran into a lot of scam artists and what not on line. We finally felt we found a legit breeder about 30 miles from us and contacted her via email. She sent a photo of the puppies and we picked which one we would like to put $200 down. I asked if I could visit her since she wasn't too far from us and she said she didn't want anyone coming over until after they had been given their initial vaccinations at 5 weeks (the pups were about a week old at this point). I said I understood and at least asked for a vet reference which I contacted and everything seemed to check out so I sent her the money and asked if we could come see the pup once he had his vaccinations. She said sure.

Well, we're getting close to the end of this month when I should be able to go by and see the puppy I'm buying. I've contacted her email almost a week ago asking if she knew a date yet.
Still no reply.
I called the number provided online, got a voicemail, left a message with my number, and 3 days later, she still hasn't called me.
I sent her one more email today with my phone number asking her to call me since I would like to talk more in detail about the contract she has people sign when we pick him up. And so far, no call.

Here's my question: Do you guys feel this is what a responsible breeder does? I was under the impression that most breeders feel communication with their puppy's new parents is very important so this is concerning me.

What do you guys think? I'm starting to get very anxious and have a horrible feeling I possibly was scammed.

Thanks guys.

 

[hulkamaniac]

Are you sure the vet is an actual vet and not just a friend participating in the scam? If so, contact the vet and explain the situation. Ask if the vet has another number to reach this person or is willing to pass a message on to them.

 

[pamperedpups]

Responsible Pug breeders:

http://www.pugs.org/indexbreeder.htm

I would cut your losses and go with what the PDCA suggests. Also be sure to check out the health information found below and definitely request to see the documented proof of breeding stock health testing from your next breeder:

http://www.pugs.org/indexhealth.htm

 

[MissCrissi]

I am really considering just cutting my losses because I'm starting to feel a little too uncertain over this and I've always been told that when it comes to breeders: go with your gut instinct.

I paid the $200 deposit over Paypal. Isn't there a way to contact them and get my money back? If not, then I will just cut my losses because I'd rather have a healthy dog.

 

[LittleFr0g]

A breeder that will sell a puppy to anyone over the internet without meeting them first is NOT a reputable breeder. What kind of health testing does this breeder do, if any? I love Pugs to death, but they do have a number of potential health problems, and going to a reputable breeder is a must. Where are you from? I know a couple of awesome Pug breeders in the states from a Pug forum I'm on.

I also have to ask if you have done your research on Pugs. Again, I love them to death, but they aren't for everyone. They have a lot more energy than the books say, in fact they are downright hyper for the first 4 years or so, and they shed A LOT!! They can also be a challenge to housebreak, and while there are exceptions, most take on average a year before they can be considered fully housebroken. If you're prepared for all that, that's fantastic, just wanted to make sure you know what you're getting into, lol. I would also look into Pug rescues as well, a lot of Pugs unfortunately end up in rescue due to people not being prepared for the energy, shedding and housebreaking challenges.

Good luck in your search, and if you have any other Pug related questions, don't hesitate to shoot me a pm. I've been Pugged for a number of years now, and am always happy to help out another Pug lover!

 

[FourIsCompany]

If you know where she lives and it's just 30 miles away, I'd go to her house and demand my money back. That's no way to conduct a professional business transaction. It's possible she's had a death in the family or died herself, but I'd definitely call the vet and drop the breeder a visit.

A breeder that will sell a puppy to anyone over the internet without meeting them first is NOT a reputable breeder.

That's a blanket statement and not true. Everything else you said, I totally agree with. But meeting a person face to face does nothing to insure a reputable breeder. I have never met my breeder face to face and many dogs are bought over the internet from reputable breeders.

 

[Dozi]

You can do a search to see if this breeder has an existing reputation of ripping people off... go to http://www.ripoffreport.com/search.asp
type kennel/breeder/owner name.
Hope this helps!

 

[LittleFr0g]

That's a blanket statement and not true. Everything else you said, I totally agree with. But meeting a person face to face does nothing to insure a reputable breeder. I have never met my breeder face to face and many dogs are bought over the internet from reputable breeders.

True, but I'm betting, the breeders you've purchased from didn't have a Paypal button on their website, and probably asked you at least a few questions before selling you one of their puppies. That does not seem to be the case here.

 

[FourIsCompany]

LOL Actually I did pay by paypal. But yes, I provided her with a lot of information, pictures, etc.

All I'm saying is that there are many factors that go into making a "reputable breeder" or a "bad breeder". You make a lot of good points in your post. But selling a puppy without meeting the prospective owners isn't, by itself, an indicator of a bad breeder. Not contacting a prospective buyer after repeated attempts is an indicator of something. There could be a good reason, but it sounds like something's fishy.

 

[LittleFr0g]

I actually agree with you, I was trying to say that selling a puppy to someone without meeting them, interviewing them, requiring references is not reputable. I didn't really phrase it well, at work and had to hurry through my post, not REALLY supposed to be online on dog forums at work, lol. And paying by Paypal is not a bad thing by itself. Saying here's some pictures of the puppies, pick the one you think is cutest, send me the money and we'll send you the pup, is not reputable. I think we're on the same page here, just you express yourself MUCH better than me, lol.

 

[MissCrissi]

So, apparently I just had a lovely twist of fate.

At the urgings of many of you, I decided to contact a Pug breeder near me through the Pug Dog Club of America. I told him my situation and we talked for a good half an hour. At the end of it, once he had screened me and decided I was a good enough prospect, he told me that his mentor, a breeder that has been in showing pugs for 40 years, has a 3 year old spayed female for adoption. He referred me to her and in within two hours I was on my way out over an hour a way to visit this dog and the puppy she also had available. She's a wonderful, wonderful, older woman that is sadly starting to be slowed down by her health which is why she was trying to find a great home for her champion dog. She sounded perfect for our living situation and once I met her I fell in love! She's absolutely gorgeous and I got to see the rest of her kennel which was clean and her pups were so happy and healthy.

The woman apparently has a tumor and wanted to adopt her out before she had to go into chemo. She's very happy that she has found a loving home for her.

I wanted to thank all of you for your advice and help. If it wasn't for your community, I wouldn't have accidentally came upon our soon to be new family member!

 

[LittleFr0g]

Congratulations! Can't wait to see pictures of her!

 

[MissCrissi]

Congratulations! Can't wait to see pictures of her!

Well, these are the two photos I took of her while at the breeder's house. She's gorgeous!

My Iphone got a little scuffed up after she let the puppies out and they played all over it and grabbed my car keys, lol! So, yeah, the photos aren't excellent lol.

 

[Shaina]

I'm so glad you guys have had an happy ending to your search I know how you feel...I was on a puppy list last summer and ended up going with by gut and sacrificing my deposit because it just didn't seem right...long story that I won't get into but suffice it to say I feel your pain!

Regardless, your new girl sounds like a great match. Congratulations!

 

[LadyD]

Awww, what a cute little Pug!! I just love smushy faced little pooches~

 

[JR'sMama]

I paid the $200 deposit over Paypal. Isn't there a way to contact them and get my money back? If not, then I will just cut my losses because I'd rather have a healthy dog.

I've done lots of buying and selling with Paypal for cloth diapers and handmade baby clothing. You can definitely file a claim with them, which will alert the seller that you're concerned. Then you can escalate if you don't hear, and Paypal will investigate. I'm not sure which option you chose (ie. goods, cash, etc.), but often times the seller will be motivated to respond to you even if the option you chose isn't eligible for investigation. You have up to 45 days from the exchange of funds to file. Good luck!

By the way, I'm so happy to hear you found your Pug. She's beautiful!

 

[pugmom]

Well what a great ending!....you new girl is beautiful!

 

[gizzysmom]

She's beautiful!

 

[scropper]

aw she's precious. i'm glad you went with your gut on this one!

 

[MissCrissi]

Thanks guys! I'll be posting the pics of her at the home in the appropriate forum.