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  • Report:  #1151220

Complaint Review: Fleischerheim Kennels

Fleischerheim Kennels Bill and Evy Fleischer My experiences with purchasing GSD from this company Internet

  • Reported By:
    JNK — Grand Rapids Michigan
  • Submitted:
    Sun, June 01, 2014
  • Updated:
    Wed, June 18, 2014

I wanted to describe my experiences with this Dog Breeder, so that others can make informed decisions about purchasing A GSD for their family. I have owned my current dog, purchased from Fleischer, for over 2 years. An adult dog at purchase, so it would be obvious as to the health and temperament of the animal, he of course touted it as a world class, "suitable for family companion or personal protection" GSD. Nothing could be further from the truth. My dog arrived with severe dysplasia, and we of course contacted him immediately upon knowledge of it. The dog also arrived with a severe ear infection, but our Vet remedied that. He stated if we paid 500.00 to send the dog back, he would exchange, but would grant a small rebate if we chose to keep, which we did, rationalizing that a.] we couldn't trust him at this point, and b.] we could save the proceeds toward an inevitable replacement. The dog, however, displays zero working ability, the hallmark of any GSD. Personal protection is completely lacking; the dog fears everything. A reputable GSD breeder would be thoroughly aware of these deficits, and would never attempt to sell a dog on the pretense of it being highly representative of the breed. We will continue to provide it a loving home, but would have been far more appropriate for us to adopt and rescue, if this result was our goal. My desire was to replace my working female, who passed early, and I did not receive that. Could not possibly recommend Fleischerheim less.  

3 Updates & Rebuttals


JNK

Michigan,

Written Guarantee

#4Author of original report

Wed, June 18, 2014

It should also be noted that in Mr. Fleischer's own Written Guarantee, it states that  

" If this dog develops crippling hip dysplasia at anytime from purchase to one year age (confirmed by x-rays from a competent licensed Veterinarian), the dog should be returned to us at the expense of the Buyer."

[excerpted from my copy of Fleischerheim Written Guarantee]

My quote of $500.00 was based upon Air Cargo rates initially charged me.

Again, Mr. Fleischer may have offered me a replacement without this cost, but sincerely, honestly, I do not recall that having taken place. I do recall an email sent to Mr. Fleischer in which I stated that in sending her back ' that I was concerned about what would happen to her, I know I shouldn't but I do' [roughly paraphrased, to the best of my recollection].

After receiving diagnosis, we consulted our personal Vet to confirm, he stated at that time that it was likely the dog would be crippled by 3-5 years of age. We no longer use that Vet, we do everything in our ability to keep her healthy, and though she is doing reasonably fine in our care, she has, at times, symptoms, she will move slowly at getting up, often cannot fully squat. Nonetheless, we will continue to provide as full, and active a life as we can. Unadulterated documents available upon request.


JNK

Michigan,

Continued Disagreement

#4Author of original report

Tue, June 17, 2014

Today, it was noted that Mr. Fleischer had posted a rebuttal concerning my post regarding purchase of our GSD, wherein he stated that, in some way, I had "libelously defamed" him, and has threatened legal action against me, the customer. For the record, to the best of my knowledge, everything I posted is the honest truth, though he states that he, at some point, offered to send me another dog, whilst allowing me to retain the current one. I do not recall having that conversation with him, though it may have occurred, however, I would have seen no point in accepting that, as I would still have a Dysplastic dog to care for [read expensive], and while I did state that her basic training was proceeding at an acceptable pace, when advancing to more demanding tasks, she simply failed. Training Director said "moderate intelligence". It is not that I am unreasonable, or unrealistic; look at his Website and he would have you believe they possess these qualities and more. The very reason he touts his stock's Genetics is to provide a sound, and capable animal. In this instance, he did not. Dog is BILATERALLY Dysplastic, hence genetic, and I can prove it. If I was in error on any other point, I should only too glad to amend it, but I don't believe I am. Jim Knipple, Grandville, Mi


Bill Fleischer

Texas,

This Posting is NOT Truthful Here are the FACTS

#4REBUTTAL Owner of company

Sat, June 14, 2014

Jim and Nancy Knipple (JNK) of Grandville, MI contacted me for an older female puppy to be an indoor companion on 7/30/2011.  I agreed to sell them Zaska (DOB: 12/30/2009) specifically as a family dog on that date, and they agreed to purchase her on Aug 2, 2011 for the reduced price of $1500 plus $450 shipping.

1 1/2 months later on 9/20/2011, Nancy Knipple advised Zaska was x-rayed at their Training Director's insistence and found to be dysplastic in her right hip.  "While Zaska has been in our care, she has shown excellent advancement in her training".   From my experience HD on one side suggests an injury at some point in her life rather than being genetic as in the case of bilateral HD.  In any event, I wanted to rectify this unfortunate development.

On 9/23/2011, Jim Knipple added (in part) "in the short time we have had Zaska, we have not only grown quite fond of her, we have also started her training in earnest, she is coming along well ..."   After reviewing the x-rays, I offered to replace Zaska and we exchanged several emails to reach an equiable solution.

On 10/21/2011, Nancy requested a refund of $1200.  "In the meantime, we are really loving Zaska, she's a great dog, all the neighborhood kids just love her".  Subsequently Nancy agreed "that was probably not reasonable".   On Oct 23, 2011, Nancy advised "We just really love Zaska, I don't think another dog at this time is best.  Thanks again for letting us keep Zaska because she's really grown on me."

I summarized my optional offers on Oct 23, 2011 as well:

1.  Replace Zaska with another female to be shipped at my expense.  (Not requiring Zaska to be returned as is customary)

2.  Instead of a replacement, refund $750 (half of Zaska's purchase price) since they wanted to keep her in any event.

Jim agreed to and thanked me for my offer to refund $750 in his Oct. 24, 2011 email.

FACTS DON'T LIE  (ALL emails available)

 

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