OT: annoyed that breeder is ignoring my request to come see the puppies

It has been a true drama-fest getting a replacement puppy for Khan from this breeder (yeah, they have a health guarantee, but getting a replacement puppy is not as simple as it sounds!) , even after I gave up on waiting for a red male and told them I was willing to accept a cream one instead.  The litter was born shortly before Christmas, and when I asked about arranging to come see the puppies (I saw Khan three times before the day I picked him up), they said they were basically shutting down over the holidays.  Understandable.  Then right before the 1st, I asked about coming out sometime that week.  I was told they were both sick and the 5th would be the earliest that it would be possible.  Someone else spoke to the husband and independently confirmed that they had been ill.  Ok, nothing you can do about that.

On Thursday, however, I sent another message asking when I might be able to visit (and asking how they determine who gets which puppy (hoping to have a choice between at least two of the three).  No response.  I did get an invoice for the puppy's first shot and his microchip. I sent payment that day and the next day got an email with a revised Paid In Full invoice. So, yesterday morning I sent another email and just told them that, given the tension over the last few months, I would understand if they did not want to honor my request to visit the puppies, but would like for them just to tell me that so I would not continue to bother them with emails. No response yet.

I pick him up (apparently whichever one THEY decide to give me) on the 21st, so if I don't get to see them this week, there is not much point in going the following week so close to pickup day.  I think they know that and are therefore just ignoring me.  I don't want to **** them off, but emotionally it would really help me right now to go visit the puppy.  Not quite sure what to do.

Lora

I would give them a little while to respond, they may not be ignoring you but just behind emails with the holidays and being sick.  You are getting a puppy no matter what so I would just be as patient as possible.

Good luck.

Tonight on Craigslist SF, I saw under the GENERAL category one of the dogs you like.  I tried to save it but couldn't. It is located in South San Jose, CA.  Thet had one of three left.  It was a Pom, but I think it was cream.  It was adorable.  $600 was the price and I thought that you might like to track it down if this doesn't work out.  Yours, Allison purdie

Lora,

It is very easy to put off an e-mail so If I were you, I would pick up the phone and call.  If you have a lawyer friend, ask him to write a short but to the point letter.  Don't worry about being pushy, the squeaky wheel gets oiled.   They give guarantees and they owe you service.  Make sure that you tell them you will have your puppy examined to make sure it is a healthy pup.

I have owned a couple of businesses and I would never treat my customers like this.  If their puppies aren't healthy then they should be shut down.  That is my advice.

Yeah, I will try to call them today.  Their puppies are, in general, VERY healthy, and the breeding sires and dams are well cared for and loved.  I just was unfortunate to get a puppy with bad hips.  They actually suggest to people that they have the puppy examined within 72 hours of taking them home, BTW.  It isn't worth contacting a lawyer at this point, since I will be bringing one of the three puppies home in 13 days.  I am just annoyed that they normally welcome customers coming out to visit the puppies before they bring them home (and it was THEIR fault that we had all the unpleasantness because they twice told me things that were not true about my position on the waiting list and the availability of a red male puppy... yet I am the one being denied puppy visits.)

Lora

I used to bred and show dogs and I can see it from their point of view. Unfortunately their in their right. Sucks, I know. But maybe you can request pictures? Would that help a bit? No one ever got hurt from looking at pup pics. Or a video of them in action!

They have sent three pictures (the last one of all three cream males), so that has helped a little.  (No picture this week.) It's just not the same, though, especially when the farm is only 20 minutes from where I work... 

Lora

Maybe request a video. Just say, well since you don't what me there and id like to see them in action, send me a video.

It's not that hard to do one. I know I've done that when we've had buyers that weren't in driving distance.

But of course, it's not the same as holding your puppy. But better than nothing I guess.

Edit: auto correct on my phone wrote some weird stuff... I might've had the Spanish setting on.

So sorry Lora that sucks that you can go and visit.  I know how excited you must be!  Its a new baby!

I got a golden retriever puppy from a breeder that was a 2 hr. drive from my house at the time many years ago (he's since passed) he was the best dog I have ever had and I told the breeder I wanted the largest, lightest one and he was!  I remember the day I went and picked him up (I was around 20 at the time!  gosh that was 22 years ago! urgh I'm old!) and there were 12 of them with this poor tired looking female walking around with nipples stretched out about 3 inches (ouch!) and really skinny from nursing so many babies (its actually really common for females to be skinny around the time the pups are weaned)  Sammy (our baby) latched on while she was walking and started to nurse and she hauled around and barked up close in his face!  It was priceless!  I never laughed so hard before!  Now having been a nursing mom (to more than one baby at at time!  lol) I know EXACTLY how she felt!  hahaha!

I hope you get the puppy you want and it would be nice if the breeder would allow you to come by.  Good luck in getting in touch with them because I know its important to you!

M'Lane

Lora, I'm sorry things are still difficult with them, but just think that in a couple weeks, you'll have your new puppy and be done with all the drama! Maybe think of things that would soothe you in lieu of holding your puppy right now... of course, non-food soothers!