Complaint Review: Birdwalk Farm

As the author wrote that he reported the puppy mill to the authorities, I have to note that law enforcement in Crossville, as with many small towns, is crooked. It does not surprise me that this mill is allowed to flourish within the confines of Cumberland County. As MANY visitors to Crossville can attest, the law does not take too kindly to "northerns" and outsiders. I am surprised after making the complaint, that he was not run out of town. Many retirees from the Northern states call Crossville home, but they live in little communities that has to have their OWN security due to the local law enforcement's distrust, hatred and disgust of "northerns" and outsiders. It would not surprise me if this puppy mill was not contributing to the Sherriff's petty cash fund on a monthly basis. I say this because of the meth manufacturers that are allowed to operate, deal and manufacture within the county lines as long as they "kick back" to the local law enforcement.

I was sad to see this negative report about Birdwalk Farms. I bought a beautiful buff cockapoo from Lucile about 8 years ago and everyone in my family is crazy about this dog! This pupis well bred, healthy, and is playful, smart, and sweet. Lucile gave us advice both before and after we bought our pup and shipped him in perfect condition from TN to FL. I just was checking for their webpage after giving another friend their name to purchase a dog because they love ours both in looks and temperment. I have another friend who also purchased from Birdwalk after falling in love with my pup about 7 years ago and they are crazy about their dog too. It is so sad that someone can ruin people's reputation- I find that so selfish. Lucile is a loving breeder who knows lots about breeding dogs.So sad.

I too visited Birdwalk Farms, in October of 2003, and found the property and owners to be similar to how Elsie described it - except for perhaps the level of filth - messy yes, filthy no.  However, that is where my experience differs.  I went ahead and paid my money to Lucille (I had received a referral from another breeder about the quality of Birdwalk's dogs) and came home with an 8 week old buff colored female cockapoo.  She has been the most wonderful dog imaginable.   She is beautiful and calm.  She is just the size Lucille said she would be.  I just wish I had gotten two!  I still have questions about these people but I must say they produced a lovely dog for our family.

I bought a Birdwalk pup for Christmas, and my experience was quite different. I had researched extensively, including viewing every picture and reading every word on the site. NOWHERE does it say it's better to have the puppy shipped rather than going to meet it. Inaccurate accusations like this should be removed from this site. The Birdwalk website DOES extend many invitations to come to the farm, just as Lucille encouraged me to come back and bring Newton for a visit anytime. She does say (as any reputable breeders will) that their regular temperment testing over time is a more reliable measure of a pup's personality than a short, pressured period to pick one out. By the way, although I had been paired to a pup prior to making the trip, when I arrived I was also shown a pup from another litter that also met my requested characteristics. The Baileys encouraged me to play with them both for a while and discussed the subtleties of each of the pups' personalities, complete with specific stories about each puppy. It was obvious that they had spent a great deal of time interacting with them and saw them as individuals, not just a business.

As to the website pictures vs. the real farm - it is a farm, not a Currier & Ives postcard. Having said that, I have some pictures taken on my trip that would make great Christmas cards - horses running up to the fence in the snow, geese at the lake, etc. I would post the prettiest pics of my own house, too, not my equipment garage or the bare patch in my back yard. The part of the house I met my puppy in was certainly adequately clean, and designed to care for and interact with many dogs, with an easy to clean floor instead of carpet and a number of blankets and toys for the dogs to cuddle and play with. It was obviously the part of their home devoted to their business.


Moving to the welfare of the dogs themselves, there were multiple litters of pups (Christmas time!) adult dogs and at least one cat. All were healthy, content, and polite. When I had chosen my puppy, I asked to meet his parents. There was no hesitation on the part of the Baileys at this request. They, too, were vibrantly healthy, affectionate to the Baileys and of course, the puppy. My pup was obviously used to being handled, and was completely comfortable with the breeders and myself, a stranger. The sire was rather muddy - not from a lack of care, but from playing in the melting snow. Give me a muddy dog that plays free over a clean one in a cage anyday. My pup has been exactly as described, and a complete joy. I came across this complaint as I was heading to the Birdwalk site to buy another puppy for this Christmas. I'm sure I'll be completely satisfied with this experience as well.

We purchased our dog, a cockapoo, about 5 years ago from Birdwalk Farm.  He has been nothing but wonderful.  He was valedictorian of his puppy class.  He gets along great with our kids and others that visit.  He has been extremely healthy.  I say this, because I came across the Ripoff Report when I went to show our kids where their dog came from and I was a little surprised.  I'm writing this to show that there are two sides to this story.

I don't know the Baileys.  My wife and I first met them when we went to purchase our dog.  I also was a little surprised by the appearance of Birdwalk Farms, but, they don't live in the city.  My dad's a veterinarian, and I went on many farm calls with him when I was younger (he's a large animal vet), so it just appeared like any other farm to me.  Sure the place could have been kept a little cleaner.  But, the dogs all seem to be pretty healthy.  The Baileys also seemed to truly care about their animals.  They showed us the mother and father of our dog.

I would have no problem purchasing another dog from this breeder.  I would also recommend, and have recommended this breeder to others.  I haven't heard any complaints from them.

I personally do not agree with the cross breeds being sold period, but I bought a doberman puppy from this breeder and I could not be any happier with her, she has a wonderful temperament and she plays gently with my two miniature schnauzers. Lucille was very helpful with the shot records, and offered to chip Ophelia while we were there though we turned down due in large to the upkeep of the house. This is not a sling at them because I personally know a breeder who also runs a farm as they do, and I understand how hard it is to keep it clean. As to the odd actions I imagine are in large part to the gentleman, whom I'm assuming is her husband, being so shy. Once in the house Lucille is very open and helpful about what to do and how to ensure the best possible route to raise your future companion, honestly I should have listened to her advice about not letting the dog sleep in the bed with you or you end up with a spoiled monster...which I now have 44lb 8month old monster. I've recently recommended a couple of people to Lucille. All in all I believe that they are good breeders.

I personally do not agree with the cross breeds being sold period, but I bought a doberman puppy from this breeder and I could not be any happier with her, she has a wonderful temperament and she plays gently with my two miniature schnauzers. Lucille was very helpful with the shot records, and offered to chip Ophelia while we were there though we turned down due in large to the upkeep of the house. This is not a sling at them because I personally know a breeder who also runs a farm as they do, and I understand how hard it is to keep it clean. As to the odd actions I imagine are in large part to the gentleman, whom I'm assuming is her husband, being so shy. Once in the house Lucille is very open and helpful about what to do and how to ensure the best possible route to raise your future companion, honestly I should have listened to her advice about not letting the dog sleep in the bed with you or you end up with a spoiled monster...which I now have 44lb 8month old monster. I've recently recommended a couple of people to Lucille. All in all I believe that they are good breeders.

I personally do not agree with the cross breeds being sold period, but I bought a doberman puppy from this breeder and I could not be any happier with her, she has a wonderful temperament and she plays gently with my two miniature schnauzers. Lucille was very helpful with the shot records, and offered to chip Ophelia while we were there though we turned down due in large to the upkeep of the house. This is not a sling at them because I personally know a breeder who also runs a farm as they do, and I understand how hard it is to keep it clean. As to the odd actions I imagine are in large part to the gentleman, whom I'm assuming is her husband, being so shy. Once in the house Lucille is very open and helpful about what to do and how to ensure the best possible route to raise your future companion, honestly I should have listened to her advice about not letting the dog sleep in the bed with you or you end up with a spoiled monster...which I now have 44lb 8month old monster. I've recently recommended a couple of people to Lucille. All in all I believe that they are good breeders.

I could not agree more with the filthy unethical breeding practices at Bird Walk Farm. I too spend a lot of money and time flying to the Bailey's farm to discuss breeding, how the puppies were raised, and who I was giving $1,400.00 to.

As the "buyer beware" author said the farm and the Bailey's are questionable in the ethics of breeding. Please don't forget they breed cockapoo's as well. I have a "labradoodle" (haha) I paid a lot of money for but the stud in unknown because it was a "surprise" pregnancy, if you will. At least this is what I was told.

I spent the day with the Bailey and when I got back to my hotel I had to literally throw my clothes away due to the stench from their home.
The Bailey's came highly recommended but I can personally highly recommend you put your money elsewhere, maybe with an ethical and true labradoodle breeer.

The Bailey's are out to make a buck and they are very practiced at "pulling the wool" over your eyes with their breeding program.

Again, BUYERS BEWARE.

I purchased a labradoodle almost 4 years ago and was the best money I have ever spent.Sure the conditions were not that of Petsmart but you have to understand the breeder lifestyle. Sure could have had more personality and interaction but it is out in the sticks of Tennessee. Just different type of people. We bought a dog after the experience of another friend in their purchase. I did not see any cruelty to the dogs or anyting like that. It just takes a different type of person to do what they do. If I need another dog anytime in the future I would gladly go back there for the experience and the high quality dog.
The baileys are just shy folks and reclusive.
I have been there 2 times to pick out a dog and to actually pick it up to keep.

Again no cruelty, looks like they feed high quality food and she recommends micro-chips and can do it there for you.

Birdwalk Farms is outside of Crossvile Tenessee in the middle of no where.

Also I have talked on the phone to her for advice.
Best dog ever from her farm

Toby L from Brentwood Tennessee

To that person who had their money in toe Elsie.
Your loss if you did not get a labradoodle because I would have paid more for that dog. If I were you I would go back and get one.
You would be glad you did

I could not disagree more with the consumer who suggests you should avoid Birdwalk Farms to obtain a Cockapoo. I purchased a puppy in 2000 from Lucile Bailey. While their home was not quite like mine located in Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC, I found the farm quite suitable for a place where animals are bred. The animals were well taken care of and flea free.

Lucile is educated and knows her stuff. She knows how to breed happy, healthy Cockapoos. My dog has been healthy and the most wonderfully tempered family pet. Lucile was available to me via e-mail to answer any questions I had as my pup grew.

I was not discouraged nor prevented from visiting the farm to select my puppy. I found the parent dogs freely playing on the property and not crated nor confined.

I recently purchased a book about Cockapoos at Pet Smart. I was surprised and very pleased to see that Lucile Bailey and Birwalk Farms were mentioned as not only a reputable breeder but also as a responsible breeder who has about 30 years experience breeding healthy Cockapoos and also responsible for the North American Cockapoo Registry whose mission is to identify lineage in this hybrid pet in hope of some day achieving a "standard" for the breed.

I think the negative comment about Bird Walk Farm and the Bailey's is simply an issue of prejudging a book by its cover.

I can not say enough positive things about my pet from Birdwalk, and that's what it is all about, right?

Respectfully,

Diana

My wife and I were lucky enough to find Birdwalk Farms on line a little over two years ago....After communicating with Lucille over a period of time, we made a trip from Chattanooga to visit her and to look at a puppy we had seen on line...These folks are serious about their animals and do include them in their daily life with their home being dedicated to providing for them....We were there with other people from different parts of the state..All in all, there were 3 different groups there looking at puppies and we all left with one or two. You do get to see the inner workings for their kennel. We saw nothing that indicated anything was being done to not protect these animals or care for them properly. After taking our puppies home, we have communicated a little with Lucille just to let her know our puppies are doing well...We often view her website and consider going back to see them for another puppy....Lucille, if you are reading this also, Jack and Sofie are doing well and they have been completely healthy...We have mentioned Birdwalk Farm's name to two different Vets here and both said they have heard positive things about your animals...As far as the negative comment goes about Birdwalk Farms, I think they should have put more thought in to it or spent more time there before writing the comment....Thumbs way UP from us on Birdwalk Farms....David

My wife and I were lucky enough to find Birdwalk Farms on line a little over two years ago....After communicating with Lucille over a period of time, we made a trip from Chattanooga to visit her and to look at a puppy we had seen on line...These folks are serious about their animals and do include them in their daily life with their home being dedicated to providing for them....We were there with other people from different parts of the state..All in all, there were 3 different groups there looking at puppies and we all left with one or two. You do get to see the inner workings for their kennel. We saw nothing that indicated anything was being done to not protect these animals or care for them properly. After taking our puppies home, we have communicated a little with Lucille just to let her know our puppies are doing well...We often view her website and consider going back to see them for another puppy....Lucille, if you are reading this also, Jack and Sofie are doing well and they have been completely healthy...We have mentioned Birdwalk Farm's name to two different Vets here and both said they have heard positive things about your animals...As far as the negative comment goes about Birdwalk Farms, I think they should have put more thought in to it or spent more time there before writing the comment....Thumbs way UP from us on Birdwalk Farms....David

My wife and I were lucky enough to find Birdwalk Farms on line a little over two years ago....After communicating with Lucille over a period of time, we made a trip from Chattanooga to visit her and to look at a puppy we had seen on line...These folks are serious about their animals and do include them in their daily life with their home being dedicated to providing for them....We were there with other people from different parts of the state..All in all, there were 3 different groups there looking at puppies and we all left with one or two. You do get to see the inner workings for their kennel. We saw nothing that indicated anything was being done to not protect these animals or care for them properly. After taking our puppies home, we have communicated a little with Lucille just to let her know our puppies are doing well...We often view her website and consider going back to see them for another puppy....Lucille, if you are reading this also, Jack and Sofie are doing well and they have been completely healthy...We have mentioned Birdwalk Farm's name to two different Vets here and both said they have heard positive things about your animals...As far as the negative comment goes about Birdwalk Farms, I think they should have put more thought in to it or spent more time there before writing the comment....Thumbs way UP from us on Birdwalk Farms....David

My wife and I were lucky enough to find Birdwalk Farms on line a little over two years ago....After communicating with Lucille over a period of time, we made a trip from Chattanooga to visit her and to look at a puppy we had seen on line...These folks are serious about their animals and do include them in their daily life with their home being dedicated to providing for them....We were there with other people from different parts of the state..All in all, there were 3 different groups there looking at puppies and we all left with one or two. You do get to see the inner workings for their kennel. We saw nothing that indicated anything was being done to not protect these animals or care for them properly. After taking our puppies home, we have communicated a little with Lucille just to let her know our puppies are doing well...We often view her website and consider going back to see them for another puppy....Lucille, if you are reading this also, Jack and Sofie are doing well and they have been completely healthy...We have mentioned Birdwalk Farm's name to two different Vets here and both said they have heard positive things about your animals...As far as the negative comment goes about Birdwalk Farms, I think they should have put more thought in to it or spent more time there before writing the comment....Thumbs way UP from us on Birdwalk Farms....David

I could not disagree more with the writer. My family and I picked up our dog from Lucille Bailey two years ago and were initally surprised by the house. However, we stayed and chatted with Lucille and her husband and found them to be kind and polite.
I have sent several families to Birdwalk since then and they have all come away saying that the set up is a bit odd but the dogs are wonderful and well cared for.

I would encourage the writer and readers of the report to realize that not all people chose to live in a pristine environment and also to remember that the Baileys are in the business of breeding dogs and that is not always the tidiest of occupations.
I must also address the fact that the writer had an objection to having her puppy selected. Most high end breeders do select puppies for families, Lucille does a great job of matching dogs and families based on their applications.

As to the health of my dog, my vet could not have been more pleased. He was a healthy puppy and has had no health issues as an adult. I am certain that is due in part to specefic breeding guidelines the Baileys follow.

As I said, I have referred more than one family to Birdwalk. I will continue to do so AND I will not hesitate to purchase another dog for my family from there.