Puppy Scams...Yes, They Do Exist!

Discussion in 'Pets & Critters' started by Michelle Keiser, Apr 2, 2015.

  1. Michelle Keiser

    Michelle Keiser Veteran Member
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    This is a really sad, sad subject. I can hardly believe that people do this to other people but, they do! Since my little dog Benny passed away nearly 3 weeks ago I have been missing him so much. Sure I know that I cannot replace him with another dog. I miss him dearly. So my husband and I have been talking about getting a puppy, maybe even two, so when we are not home they can keep each other company. We both started our search on the internet, calling the shelters, you name it, we have been doing it because we really want a puppy. We aren't being picky, we just want a puppy. So we have been hitting all the web-sites that advertise. We have been keeping our search in Michigan so if we do find a puppy we can go pick it up. I came across this advertisement, and I cannot for the life of me remember which site it was on because I have been on so many, but anyway this person was advertising, in Michigan, that they had 5 Cavalier King Charges Spaniel Puppies. They were being advertised for $250 dollars. (I should have known right there that something wasn't right....but I was excited because that is how badly I want to find a puppy). I emailed this person right away and within a half hour this person emails me back with all of these beautiful pictures of the most charming little puppies you would ever see. I mentioned in my email how we had lost our dog due to illness, etc.....just crying my heart out to this person. I explained that we lived in Michigan and would be more than happy to take 2 of the puppies. That we could come and get them. This person emails me back saying I would have to answer some questions first and that the puppies were $250 but they would be put on a plane and arrive at the nearest airport to my residence so the total cost for each puppy would be $350. I again should have stopped right there but again, I am desperate to find a puppy so I emailed them back and said "oh we can come and pick them up...." they replied that they had moved to PA and no longer lived in Michigan. They told me that as soon as I sent the money they would put them on a flight. I realized at this point that this was a total scam...and that there weren't any puppies most likely. I wrote them back and explained that I thought I was dealing with someone from Michigan and I told them that I thought the whole thing sounded a little fishy and asked what guarantee I would get to even really be sent the puppies. They didn't reply to that question. Instead they kept emailing me asking when I could send the money, this happen 3 different times. I believe they were playing on my emotions and how badly I wanted a puppy. I finally wrote and told them that I found a puppy and they have left me alone since. I guess the moral of this story is for me to get it out there that people are out for our hard earned money anyway they can get it. I am upset that these types of people get away with taking advantage of someone who is grief stricken with loss and isn't thinking clearly. If this story saves one person from making a mistake of doing this it was well worth my writing it. I feel that these people that do this should be arrested for trying to scam people out of their money and playing with their emotions like this. Here I sit, still looking for a puppy. If I would have not figured this out I would have probably sent that money thinking I would have a puppy to love. Why are these people let on these sites? Why don't these sites check out who is advertising on their web-sites? Is it just about money and they don't care who advertises? It is heart-breaking that there are people out there that actually get scammed. Now I am afraid to answer any advertisement in fear that I am putting myself out to be scammed. There is a need for laws against this and maybe these type of people will think twice before trying to scam others.
     
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  2. Mal Campbell

    Mal Campbell Supreme Member
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    I'm so sorry this happened to you. But, yes, there are so many people out there that think nothing of taking advantage of others, especially those who are vulnerable. I've learned that you can't dwell on how dishonest some can be - it's just too depressing.

    Just a thought about a new puppy though. If you're looking for a certain breed, you mentioned Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I would find a national association or club related to them. Anyway, these types of associations have lists of reputable breeders and would be a good way to find a puppy. A lot of times, they even have rescue organizations. That's where I would start.

    Good luck on your puppy search - I hope you have a little bundle to love soon.
     
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  3. Pat Baker

    Pat Baker Supreme Member
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    Good luck on your puppy search. It is a shame that people try to take advantage of people in such a mean way.
     
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  4. Michelle Keiser

    Michelle Keiser Veteran Member
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    Hi everyone and thank you for replying. Yes, dwelling on negative is depressing! I try very hard to be a positive person for I believe Positive + Positive = Super Positive and of course Negative + Negative = NEGATIVE!! Have you ever experienced being around a negative person for a long period of time? Did you start feeling negative about your surroundings? That's because it is contagious!! So in my experience I try to stay as far away from negative as I can....because life is tough enough! I hope I can find a puppy soon. I would love to get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy but the cost of these little fellows or maidens, (which I know a family that raises this breed that live in Brutus, MI which is maybe 20 miles from me), but they want $1000 dollars per puppy...and there is a waiting list, which I could deal with being on but the cost is just way out of my range....that is why I think I jumped on that advertisement so quickly because of the $250 price....anyway, I know that God will bless me with a way...he will show me the path to getting my little puppy to love and cherish. I also would like to mention that I love being on this site...everyone is so kind and the words of encouragement are so very welcomed.....:) ~Michelle~
     
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  5. Jenn Windey

    Jenn Windey Supreme Member
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    I agree Michelle, it is so hard these days to know what is legit and what is a scam. Especially on the internet. When we wanted to get Baby I found a breeder in the paper and we actually had to wait for her to be born, then be old enough to come with us. Luckily the breeder was not to terribly far away. And it was not cheap at all. I was happy to see the kennel and that it was well cared for.

    It seems so many breeders are happy to just put any creature on a plane these days or over night them via fed ex. before I got my two turtles (we call them the kids) I was searching for breeders. I had more then one that was intending to overnight these creatures in a box. I said I would drive out and get them, but they insisted so I did not go that route and I am glad. In the end I got to of the nicest healthiest turtles quite by chance. healthy and kept warm by being transported the proper way.

    You will love the new puppy, just stay strong and be ready to make sure the little dickens has nothing to chew. :p
     
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  6. Michelle Keiser

    Michelle Keiser Veteran Member
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    Still no puppy...I have to believe if it was meant to be it would be! I have seen more and more listings on the internet but I am very leery of those at this point. If the ad mentions an area that I am aware of I look further into it, otherwise I just go on to the next advertisement. It is Spring so I am guessing there will be lots and lots of puppies born in the next few weeks. I remember as a child you would see FREE PUPPY signs driving down the road. Well, that is not the case anymore. I have seen zero that have been free, they all have a re-homing fee of between $150 and above. I guess that is to help protect them from the bad people who get them for the use of dog fighting, which I personally have never heard of until I started looking for a puppy. That to me is horrible. For someone to do that is unreal in my mind. I guess living in Northern Michigan has kept me from the real world on certain issues!! Anyway, I am sure I will come across the perfect little puppy for me sooner or later. Actually, I miss my little guy so much it really is hard to think of another dog in my life yet. The house is so quit without him. I thought I was through that empty nest feeling when my last child moved out years ago! Now, I have that feeling all over again but this time for my best little pal in the world....my dog. It is so strange how attached we become to our pets. I even miss his barking and that use to drive me a little nuts when he barked at squirrels all day long!! So here I sit, missing my dogs bark!! (am I a little strange, maybe so.....) I cannot look at any pictures of him yet without crying. I found one of his toys the other day under my bed and the tears streamed down my face. I sure hope I get over this soon because my eyes are starting to look horrible!!! I think it helps to put it down in writing so sorry everyone...you are part of my therapy! I do appreciate everyone's kind words to me...it does help, and it is nice that others care. Well, I am working today so I have to get some housework done. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
     
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  7. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    The spay and neuter campaigns have come close to eliminating that. While this could perhaps find a home in the conspiracy section, I have a strong suspicion that the main goal behind these campaign is to reduce the availability of pets to a point where, eventually, only the very wealthy will be able to afford a pet. Not only the spay and neuter campaigns, but we've also seen the campaigns against what they call puppy mills, which characterize anyone other than a registered breeder as a puppy mill, regardless of how the animals are being treated. Most stores no longer sell pets; instead we are encouraged to adopt pets from animal shelters which, in most cases, treat the animals under their care no better than the puppy mills that they have put out of business, and many of which now charge an exorbitant amount of money to adopt a pet, and the pet is, of course, spayed or neutered before it can be adopted.
     
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  8. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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    What kind of dog was Benny?
     
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  9. Yvonne Smith

    Yvonne Smith Senior Staff
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    I used to be a hobby breeder of Shorkies and Yorkie-poos, and I saw a lot of scam advertisements online. I had my own webpage, and then advertised on some of the pet classifieds; so on there , you can find all kinds of ads, both real and scammed.
    Some of the scammers did not even have a picture of the right kind of dog that they were advertising ! They might claim they had a Yorkie (black/tan) but the picture would be of a Westie (white/cream).
    When the ad sounds too good to be true; it is probably a scam.

    Here are some things that may help you find a puppy.
    Look locally, where you can actually go and see the puppy and his parents.
    Craigslist has puppies listed, both in the pets section, as well as in the farm/livestock, general, and free sections. doing a search specifically for "puppy" might help narrow it down.
    The free classifieds that you see in groceries usually have a pet section.
    You can also look for a KCCS rescue group if you are set on that particular breed. Even when they go into the dog pound, most purebred dogs are snapped up by the breed rescues and re-sold by them (at a profit, of course); but they are usually still cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder.
    Often breeders have older dogs that they will give away to a good home, or sell cheaply, so you might want to check with some of the breeders in your area. (if the dog has been kept in a kennel, you will have to housetrain it; but you have to do that with a puppy as well.) Sometimes, they even have puppies that someone has bought from them and returned, and it is hard to sell a puppy that is over 3-4 months old; so you can get a better price if you will take an older puppy.
    Many people only want a puppy; but I have re-homed many older dogs, and they will usually adapt to their new home and love you just as much as a puppy will, and often without all of the hassle of raising a puppy.
    And just as an observation, I have found that male puppies grow to be much more affectionate dogs, and females tend to be more tempramental. This is certainly not always true, but something to consider when choosing your dog.
     
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  10. Michelle Keiser

    Michelle Keiser Veteran Member
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    Hi Joe,
    Benny was a "Morkie-poo" which is....Poodle, Maltese, and Yorkie. Very small dog, 7-8 pounds, however Benny topped the scale at 10 pounds. (I tried to stop the treats but he was relentless). I paid $200 dollars for him, no papers, and he had no shots, or anything, so he went right from the person I bought him from to the vet for his first puppy check-up. That was another $100 dollars!! You know, I didn't mind spending the money, I instantly fell in love with him, he was pure black, with the curliest of hair, with a touch of white on his chest.
     
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  11. Michelle Keiser

    Michelle Keiser Veteran Member
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    Hi Yvonne,
    I could not sleep at all tonight after getting home from work. I am so glad that I came online to read...however, now I feel more awake than what I was to begin with. I have to say that looking for a puppy has been very challenging. I went on Craigs List today and found the cutest little puppy however she wanted $400 dollars for it! YIKES!! She sent me a picture of both the pups....but as I told her, a bit out of my range money wise. I understand that people put money into the puppies, when they get their puppy shots, worming, etc...and I truly don't expect someone to give me a puppy for free, that just don't happen anymore. I do feel that when the time is right I will find the perfect puppy for me. I am not really looking for any particular breed. I have checked with all of the local animal shelters, they have tons of cats/kittens! (my son is highly allergic to cats of any kind) I do like cats, but I would rather have my son come and visit me instead of having one I suppose!! It is upsetting when I come across a scam....but it is the world we live in now and a person just needs to protect themselves from it. Thank you for all the tips, they certainly will come in handy for me. I really appreciate all of you, your caring means so much and it just makes me want to come back here more and more!! Have a great night and maybe my next writing will be to tell you all I have found my puppy!!! :)
     
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  12. Michelle Keiser

    Michelle Keiser Veteran Member
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    Hi Ken...I so agree. I have no objection to paying for a puppy but some of the prices are so out of touch that your right only the wealthy can obtain. The re-homing fees are really crazy even at the shelters here. I found one where the person not only had to pay the re-homing fee but also the vet bills for the care of the dog! I didn't even go any further to even find out what kind of dog that might actually be to where someone would agree to pay the unknown vet bills! Oh, the world we live in now....just watching the news can be depressing!
     
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  13. Yvonne Smith

    Yvonne Smith Senior Staff
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    Michelle, I am sending you a whole basket full of puppies to keep you company until you find one that suits you !
    If you get a small breed puppy, it is important to take them off of puppy food when they are 3-4 months old, and don't listen to that old Purina commercial that said to "give him Puppy Chow for a whole year until he's full grown". That is fine when you have a large breed of dog and want the puppy to grow as large as possible, because most puppy food has growth hormone added to it. For a toy or teacup puppy, the idea is to keep the puppy small, and growth hormone is the wrong thing for those puppies. Find a good quality adult dog food (small kibbles for a toy size dog), and feed him that instead.
    image.jpg
     
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  14. Michelle Keiser

    Michelle Keiser Veteran Member
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    Oh my goodness I want all of them!! Benny was little like that....but pure black, little white on his chest. Those puppies look so much like he did when he was a baby....are they part Poodle, Maltese, or Yorkie??? They are so cute...thank you so much if you could have only seen my smile when I seen the picture...it brightened my morning completely for I didn't sleep well last night and am in a gloomy frame of mind...now I am full of energy!! Thank you a million times over!! This is the very reason I am so glad to have found this site....you rock!!! ;)
     
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  15. Yvonne Smith

    Yvonne Smith Senior Staff
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    These puppies are Shorkies. The mother was a Shih Tzu, and the father was Chipper, my little Yorkie-poo.
    Shorkies are a great dog because they have that more laid back disposition of the Shih-Tzu which counteracts the hyperactivness of most Yorkies. I think that Maltese are wonderful little dogs, and they have one of the best dispositions ever. I especially like Malti-poos because then you get the high intelligence of the Poodle mixed in with that Maltese sweetness.
    I am sure that Benny had all of those characteristics, and I know how devastated i would be to lose my beloved litle Chipper, so my heart goes out to you in the loss of your Benny, Michelle.

    Here is a picture of my little Chipper posing for me. (he loves to pose for the camera)
    image.jpg
     
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