What would you do? - Page 1

I've posted my pup's X-rays in the Gallery > Mason GSD.

Need advice: What would you do? We thought we were doing all of the right things. Checking out Reputable Breeders, Checking out the Sire  and Dam, paying top dollar etc. 

This dog was purchased from a "Reputable Breeder in Vancouver Canada' at 4 months of age, upon returning home realized he was covered in fleas (told by the Breeder these things happen - mother nature), Giardia, and now at 11 months old he has  been diagnosed with Severe Hip Dysplasia.  All well documented.

Now dealing with a painful pup - broken hearts - not to mention the expense of trying to keep him comfortable and the decision of 'what to do next?'. 

Since purchasing from the kennel, this pedigree/registered pup has been well cared for, a indoor house pet,  has passed all of his training/puppy classes, has 2 long walks/trail hikes a day, has never been in a crate, sleeps on the couch, has never liked jumping in to the car had to purchase a dog ramp for him.  A month ago noticed his toe nails scraping on the ground when he walked, took to Vet - diagnosis - Severe Hip Dysplasia.

Contacted the Breeder, asked for cash back, as this dog will need constant medical attention and the medical bills will be  excessive.  She told me that she would replace with another pup only - as per her contract.  Another dog will only add to our workload and expenses at this time.

As per her contract: Replacement time and selection is entirely up to the Breeder and a puppy of equal value will be used. Prices guaranteed for 2 years from purchase. It is at the breeder's discretion to raise the prices in the interim. There will be one replacement given. 

I replied back to the Breeder and said we would consider the Replacement Pup..not heard back..Breeder seems to be dragging her heels - told me she is busy getting ready for the Nationals.  One would think a 'Reputable Breeder' would want to do the right thing.

If it were you what would you do?

<I replied back to the Breeder and said we would consider the Replacement Pup..not heard back..Breeder seems to be dragging her heels - told me she is busy getting ready for the Nationals.  One would think a 'Reputable Breeder' would want to do the right thing.

If it were you what would you do?>

Give her the opportunity to make good on the contract, which I am sure she will do.  If she's busy, she's busy.  Breeders do have personal lives outside of the dogs and if she's getting ready for a show, she's especially busy.

I know this sounds cold but you need to think long term (sorry) the quality of life souds poor and imo i would have the pup put to sleep. 

it is the hardest decision to make but its the kindest thing to do.

The breeder should do the decent thing and return your money but as you said your contract says she will only replace a puppy. so my sugestion is to talk to her accept the replacment pup but draw a new contract regarding hip elbow and other genetic defects. or the other option is that you ask for your money back again if she is having financial problems say you will wait for a while/take installments.

whatever you do GET IT ON PAPER.

i really feel for you

all the best tracie meynell.

I would never recommend putting a dog to sleep just because of what x-rays say.  Quality of life is what is important - the dog didn't see the x-rays.  There are many dogs with bad hips running around perfectly sound, even working, jumping, etc - those that do have some minor issues with hips can still be excellent pets and lead a good happy and long life with supplements and pain killers when it becomes necessary with age.  I've known several dogs with severe hips that were Schh3 and competing.  Others had hip surgery and lived long pain-free lives.  There are many choices other than euthansia for a dog with HD.  IMO as long as the dogs' individual quality of life is good, there is no reason that he won't be perfectly fine at least as a wonderful pet.

molly

Eichenluft Working German Shepherds

http://workinggermanshepherd.com

Also the breeder may not have a litter on the ground. I would make sure as previous poster stated, put her on notice in writing. I feel for you, However, the hips or any genetics for that matter can show up with a pedigree of normal parents. Unless the parents have hip issues, I would hope you would have checked, it is the luck of the draw. I would be upset over the Giardia if he had it when delivered to me without being told, that would send me into a tail spin. the breeder should have told you about it, and treated the pup, when well, then sent it to its new home. I am assuming the pup went to the vet right away and was diagnosed with Giardia, if not it could have got the Giardia under your care.

Yikes, those are some bad hips!

I agree with Molly in that a dog can still have a good life even with bad hips.  Given his age, he may be a very good candidate for a total hip replacement.  And live several years in comfort. 

tigermouse, help me understand please, if a breeder gives a contract and guarantee stating the agreement is for a replacement pup vs money back, why do pet people think they deserve and should get money back?  If both parties are in agreement at the time of the sale and both sign the contract, why should the rules change to suit the owner?  I just don't get it? 

Molly is very correct (as usual ).  Dogs with bad hips can still lead healthy, long lived lives. 

Thank you Sue-Ann for your comments...I too wish to do the 'right' thing for everyone involved.

Thank you tracie for your opinion..and sound advice.

I really feel for you.  My female did not pass her OFAs due to a hip issue. She is almost 3 years old now but I had to retire her at 2 years old (and spay her, I was goint to use her to breed to my male) because of the severity of her hip problem.  She has never and I emphasis NEVER shown a problem with her hip (so far, keep your fingers crossed).  Even the doctor who is experienced in OFAs was surprised at the severity of her hip problem (severe arthritis and deformity). 

I informed the breeder of this problem and she assured me of either first pick (mine, not hers) or money back for my female.  My breeder is as heart broken as I am, and continues to work with me to make my female as comfortable and happy as possible.  My female is all working dog and it kills her not to go to work each week.  I can't tell you the buckets I have filled crying my eyes out.  My female is still worked (carefully) as though she is being entered in a trial but I have to admit it is not the same. It sucks anyway you look at it.  I know my female will eventually start having pain that interfers with her quality of life (as a retired firefighter with bad knees and multiple surgeries, I have first hand knowledge of pain interference, not that I let it stop me) and that breaks my heart worse than anything else.  I KNOW what she will eventually face, but I keep her as happy as possible and try not to dwell on the future because she will know if I am bummed.  How you feel will influence her outlook, so keep upbeat even if is kills you.  It never fails to amaze me at how happy and upbeat she appears to be.  I try to take my cue from her.  I do everything to keep her comfortable and active and not let her know how afraid I am of what she MAY face.  I would rather she go out doing what she loves and keeps her happy then coddle her.  My heart goes out to you.