I am looking for some input on a current situation concerning a dog purchase gone bad. I saw an add on a local web sites classifieds for a Scottie cross; 99% house trained. Crate trained. Knowing his basic commands - what I call his manors - sit; down; wait and so on.
I have been thinking about adding another dog to the family so I contacted them and asked what was meant by 99 % ? I was told he was perfectly house trained but being such a young dog it was assumed accidents were possible. All other questions were answered to my satisfaction. No health problems. No behavior problems.
A trial of one week was agreed to. If for any reason things didn't work, my check would be returned, and they would fetch their dog.
It was very soon apparent that he was not at all house trained; or crate trained - or anything else. He is very sweet and cute and wants to be a good dog - but no one has taught him how. He was happy to poop or pee anywhere - in or out - all the same to this little guy.
This was creating all kinds of problems as or other dog didn't want to be left out of the fun.
SO - I called and said please come get him - this isn't working - either he is not house trained as you said - Or, he is very anxious and unhappy. I heard nothing back. I emailed and heard nothing back. The following day, I called and emailed again; stating that if I did not hear back, I would assume they had relinquished interest in the dog. But what ever the case, I wanted my check back. Nothing.
I called the vets office where I had been told he was taken. There I learned he has had chronic diarrhea since April. It was decided he had food allergies and he was prescribed a special diet. It is expensive and only found at vets offices. This is *NOT* the food I was given and told to feed him. I also learned he had not been back for his check up and he had never received his vaccinations - and had never been started on heartgaurd (important around here) and so need much more care than I had been lead to believe.
So, I stopped payment on the check. I bought him the food he needs. And, I refuse to return the dog to them.
I still have not heard from the woman who sold me the dog, but starting late last night, she has had her boyfriend calling night and day and emailing, wanting the dog back.
I say they have clearly not shown any concern for the pup; and clearly do not care what happen to him, and so no way will I let them have him back. And if they feel stopping payment is unfair, they should consider what I have been through the past week with this sick and untrained puppy; not to mention the much increased expense of caring for him.
So - wonder were I stand ethically/ legally? Any opinions out there?
Am I wrong to stop payment? Should I offer anything? Or were they so dishonest and uncaring that I am as justified as I feel?
