FOURPAWS SHIH TZu UNPROFESSIONAL AND DIDN'T PROVIDE QUALITY DOG. ADVERTISES GUARANTEED SATIFACTION. THE OWNER WOULD NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM LAPINE OREGON
Early this year I was researching the web and newspapers as I was interested in buying two Shih Tzu puppies to breed. I found an ad in my local newspaper that was from a breeder (Debbie and Tom Rondeau of Fourpaws Shih Tzu) in nearby Oregon.
A friend of mine made the initial call for me as she was more experienced with this breed.The breeder(Debbie) stated she did have male pups available now, females in the near future, and to view them on her website. She told me prices were $500.00 for males, and $600.00 for females. both with unlimited registrations. (breedings rights)
Her husband (Tom) was planning a trip to Tacoma so she said he would bring the male that was available and if I wanted him I could buy him. Tom brought the pup on 2/13/03 and I purchsed him for $500.00. cash.
Before receiving the puppy Debbie and I agreed I would leave a $300.00 deposit check with her husband for a female puppy that would be coming available in a month. Which I did give Tom that day.
When I was given the males papers my friend noticed Debbie
had marked limited regitration so that I would not be able to breed him and register any future puppies from the litters. When I brought it to Debbie's attention by phone she said it was a mistake and to have her husband initial it.
I later contacted the AKC which luckily okay'd it.
After leaving the $300.00 deposit check (she required 1/2 to hold the pup) with the Rondeaus for the future female I was later informed by phone that the puppy was NOT to be $600 but $800.
After some thought I emailed Debbie to let her know that I was quoted $600 and would not be willing to pay $800. Since she changed the agreement I felt she didn't have a right to keep my deposit and let her know ahead of time her I was cancelling the check. I agreed that I would pay any bank service fees.
Debbie informed me she would NOT honor my unlimited registration on my previous male until I paid any such fees.
She was obviously not happy,and said, "If that's how you handle your business"...I said no I don't but it seems you do as you are the one who did not stand by her original price agreement. Which would mean the agreement was void.
After this was said and done she of course said she did not want to do future business with me...nor did I with her. But as my male grew older I realized he was not the quality and standard that she advertises. He was already past the AKC standard for weight at 8 months, had a rough coat, and most of all missing and crooked front teeth.(and bad bite)
When I wrote to Debbie about this she asked me to wait a while longer in case his teeth just hadn't come in. I agreed, and proceeded to get witnesses who had seen his growth.
The next time I wrote Debbie I let her know that the teeth were permanent ones and that under the circumstances with all his faults he would need to be neutered. I only want to improve on the breed. He was neutered...August 5, 2003.
I asked Debbie what she could offer me as the dog was now going on 9 months old and a loved member of our family. But that we couldn't breed him as was planned so could she compensate us or even discount another pup for a family member.
Well surprise!!! I haven't heard from her since. I feel I was ripped off and misled by this breeder who obviously doesn't breed ONLY standard quality dogs as she states. And failed to professionally stand up to her so called satisfaction guarenteed statement. I would not recommend this breeder for pet or breeding dogs. And warn against any breeder who MUST have the pet back in order to compensate you. That my friends... is about money...not about what's best for the animal.
Since this experience I have learned a lot (you get what you pay for) and have met some very awesome honest Shu breeders. I now own my one neutered boy, two great females for my breeding program, and a male and female that will be shown in the ring.
In the future you will be able to see what quality Shih Tzu puppies are, with a great guarentee and breeder who will always be honestt and open. That breeder will be me...and my dear new friends as well
Robin
PUYALLUP, Washington
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Kathleen
Mechanicsburg,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
I was almost taken in by her
#6Consumer Comment
Tue, May 17, 2005
Last year 2004, I was looking for a little shih tzu puppy and could not find one in my area, I then went to the internet and found Four Paws Shih tzu. I contacted Debbie about a picture of a little female named Carisa. I sent Debbie a deposit on her and waited for updates or new pictures. I had to contact her a few times for any updated pictures. Then when it was about time for me to go pick the puppy up she sent me an email and told me Carisa had died and she was very sorry but I could have another puppy down the line and to keep watching her website.
I did not want another puppy I wanted Carisa. I told her never mind and because Carisa had died I would like my money returned. She would not return it for the longest time. I turned her over to the better business bureau in Oregon and Washington State as that is where I lived at the time. I contacted the AKC and there was not much they could do. She finally sent my check back to me but only after I contacted the Better Business bureau and her places of advertisement
She had been turned into the better business bureau before. It broke my heart to see all those puppies advertised on her website all the time and I too believe she is running a puppy mill. I know have a little boy shih tzu and he is the cutest. I got him from a local breeder six months later.
Sometimes it is worth the wait. I still think about all those little puppies she advertises and wonder how they live and in what kind of home.
S
Round Lake,Illinois,
U.S.A.
WHAT!!!! You have a lot of nerve insulting this person.
#6Consumer Comment
Fri, April 22, 2005
To the breeder who buys her dogs from Debbie Rondow, Rondeau, Kitselman, and god knows what else. You have a lot of nerve insulting this person. You buy your dogs from a puppy mill and as a breeder should know better what about the owners who were told their dogs died or never recieved anything or who get a dog that is not what it was advertised to be? You should check your references before telling anyone what they should do.
If she's such a great breeder why does she lie about who she is or what she has? She has told many lies about her business, And I will have you know the Oregon states attorney is well aware of her and encourages the people who have issues with her to file a claim. So I think you should not go around telling people that you breed this woman's dogs that you have stupidly purchased!
Lucille
Lancaster,New York,
U.S.A.
Other Rip-Offs by Debbie Rondeau - Four Paws
#6Consumer Comment
Sat, November 13, 2004
I was also a victim of Debbie Rondeau of Four Paws. At least she only charged you $500 for a male. She charged me $700 for a male shih tzu that doesn't even look like a shih tzu. Read all the other rip-off reports about Debbie. Also do a search for Four Paws instead of Fourpaws to read my report. Also there are some very interesting rebuttals with mine.
Lucille
Lancaster,New York,
U.S.A.
Other Rip-Offs by Debbie Rondeau - Four Paws
#6Consumer Comment
Sat, November 13, 2004
I was also a victim of Debbie Rondeau of Four Paws. At least she only charged you $500 for a male. She charged me $700 for a male shih tzu that doesn't even look like a shih tzu. Read all the other rip-off reports about Debbie. Also do a search for Four Paws instead of Fourpaws to read my report. Also there are some very interesting rebuttals with mine.
Dawn
Portland,Oregon,
U.S.A.
SATISFIED WITH MY PURCHASES
#6Consumer Comment
Thu, February 05, 2004
I HAVE PURCHASED SEVERAL PUPS FROM THESE PEOPLE AND ALWAYS EXTREMEMLY SATISFIED. I TO BREED AND KNOW FOR A FACT THAT PEOPLE ARE ALL THE TIME TRYING TO GET GOOD BREEDERS FOR PET PRICES. I HAVE PURCHASE MY DOGS ALWAYS FOR $850.00 AND UP WITH FULL REGISTRATION RIGHTS AND KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THEIR PET PRICES ARE 500.00 AND 600.00 AGAIN REGISTERED BUT LIMITED. MAYBE THE LADY IN WASHINGTON SHOULD HAVE BEEN UP FRONT WITH THESE FOLKS INSTEAD OF TRYING TO GET BREEDING PUPS FOR PET PRICES. BY THE WAY HER PRICES ARE VERY REASONABLE HER DOGS ARE VERY NICE