Complaint Review: Barkworks Indognito

On the late afternoon of May 24th, 2007, we purchased a Cavechon from Barkworks located at 184 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. As we are pet lovers, we spent some time with the Sheryl, the sales associate interviewing her for the purchase of the Cavechon. Through certain requirements that we look for in a pet, we came to the decision that we should purchase the dog as we were told that the dog did not shed as this is the result of cross breeding them with the hypo-allergenic breeds such as a Bichon. Sheryl ran her fingers through the dog's hair simulating that there was no loose hairs. She also said that breeders realize that many people have allergies and do not like dogs that shed and this is the reason for cross breeding them. If you had a pure bred King Charles, it would shed, but because of the mix with Bichon, that changes. I don't think this is Sheryl's fault as her product knowledge is based off her sources in which she received them.

According to the agreement that we signed, we understood that we were not able to return the dog unless it had a congenital disease of which the contract states. However, according to the terms, under "choose your pet carefully" under the second sentence that "possible refunds and reimbursements will be made only as specifically provided by law and not otherwise." As the dog/breed was misrepresented as a non-shedding, hypoallergenic animal, this I feel is covered by law, as we were sold a shedding dog and not the product we specifically asked for.

As a result, I have made at least four calls on May 26th starting that morning and spoke with Julia (manager). She informed me that she would not be able to do anything regarding the return of the dog and I asked to speak with the Owner, whom she suggested that I speak with Robin (owner). Julia, would not provide me with Robin's phone number and only provided me with his email address. I emailed him the following minute and asked Julia if he checked it. She told me that he looked at it at least 20 times per day. Near the end of day, I received a call back, 30 minutes before they closed. This was even after 4 more follow-up calls. All they offered was a store credit, in which I felt was unfair as the agreement does not even mention credit" but reimbursement."

I asked that Julia have Robin contact me as I am sure this is a rare situation. I wanted to explain the situation as I truly felt that this was a misunderstanding on behalf of the Sales person as she looked like she was a high school student. I thought that this could be easily be solved once explained and wanted to make every effort to solve this diplomatically but was informed by Julia that "he had no reason to as his position would not change." This was a holiday weekend and I don't understand why they were taking this position as this dog would have had no problem being resold.

It's unfortunate that Barkworks takes this position as they are not building relationships for the long run within the community. Especially when it comes to potential family members. There are many additional avenues in which Barkworks could have made their profits. This is the worst experience one can receive as purchasing your new family member. As a previous dog owner, I would suggest that you avoid purchasing from this store and it seems that I am not the only one with challenges with this place. From my understanding this place has changed their name several times as the Mall was trying to get rid of them as tennants as other customers have had similar situations occur to them.

Harry
Ladera Ranch, California
U.S.A.