My Mom purchased a Yorkie-Poo puppy on Friday April 7th, from a local
breeder. She took him to the vet Monday the 10th and he was given a
clean bill of health, although the Vet was not pleased with the
paperwork provided by the breeder (regarding shots given). On Wed.,
April 12th, my Mom brings the puppy to the E.R., where he is diagnosed with Parvo. Today, April 16th, my Mom's puppy died. I want to know if there is any action that can be taken to get money returned or a new puppy? Is
this a normal thing? My Mom spent $400 for the puppy, $400 plus at
the vet (she hasn't been told the final amount owed yet). This just
doesn't seem right. Is this the risk you take buying a puppy? Is
she just out of luck? It just doesn't seem fair that after spending
all that money, she has absolutely nothing to show for it, but DEBT.

Thanks,

Amber

fredg

Hi, Afarmer,
That's a lot of money to lose!
My daughter and her family also bought a Chocolate Lab puppy from a breeder in TN. I had asked them to go to the local animal shelter to find a puppy, but they wanted one from a breeder.
Their puppy died 2 weeks later from Parvo.
There are many breeders in her city in TN. She called the breeder from which she bought the puppy, explained what happened. The lady told her she could have free, one of the next puppies the next time.
After the lady breeder thought about it some more, she call my daughter two later, and said she was sending her a check, returning her money.
The lady breeder did NOT have to return her money, or promise her another puppy. She is a very nice person, who loves dogs. There are other breeders in my daughter's local area who would NOT have returned the money, or promised another puppy.
So, it's my opinion, that in TN, it's up to the breeder.
Why not call the breeder and ask?
Best of luck.

afarmer

Thanks Fredg. I only hope this breeder is as kind.

Afarmer

ScottGem

I did a search on parvo and found this site:

http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm

Which appears to be a pretty comprehensive writeup. Two things that were key to your question. First, was that it generally takes 7-10 days from exposure to displaying symptoms. Based on your time table that would mean the puppy was almost definitely exposed at the breeders. The second, was the issue of vaccinations. You don't indicate how old the puppy was so its not clear whether vaccinations for parvo should have started (the article says 6-8 weeks).

Considering both those issues indicates that you may have a small claims case against the breeder. I would contact the breeder and ask for a replacement or your money back. If the breeder doesn't give in, then I would go to small claims court with this.

I would have given the same advice to Fred's daughter. If the puppy died within 2 weeks of purchase, then it most likely contracted the disease while at the breeder. I think that breeder realized that and realized (maybe after consulting her attorney), that she would probably lose if bought to court.

afarmer

Thank you so much Scott. I gave my mom the web site and told her she might have a claim. We'll see what happens.

Thanks again,

Amber

ScottGem

I'm glad to help. Please let us know what the result is.

Fr_Chuck

In many areas, people selling puppies ( animals) are supposed to be licenced by the state. ( too many are not) but if they are licenced, there is medical care, inspection and shots that have to be given. Also how did your own vet miss this, parvo testing is a normal test on puppies?

But if they faked or fruaded any of the puppy paper work, you may have a case against them if they will not make it right

afarmer

Thank you for your entry Fr Chuck.

Recent progress: My mother has spoken with the breeder. She said that no one else has checked in to tell her their puppies are sick. She also said she will speak with her husband about giving my mom a puppy from a future litter. She is denying that the puppy was infected at her place. But has agreed if others call with news that their puppies are sick, she will reconsider. There is no chance of a refund, but possible replacement. She was very apologetic and sympathetic though. F.Y.I. - my mom's total that she is out...$1298.53 I'm amazed! My mom is almost 70 yrs. old. She told me today she has no energy left to fight this in small claims court. Hopefully we won't need to go that route. Thanks to you all for replying to my question. It has been very helpful. I will keep posting future progress.

Amber

ScottGem

Hmm, if no other puppies are sick, she might have a case. But how does she explain your mom's puppy become sick given the time frame. According to that article, for the puppy to have been diagnosed with parvo 5 days after receipt would almost certainly have meant it was infected when delivered. The only way it might have gotten infected elsewhere is if it was in transit several days. In which case the freight company might be a party.

I would ask her for a list of buyers that had puppies delivered between 4/1 and 4/10 and then write them asking if they had any problems.

afarmer

Good idea Scott. Thanks.