Jim & Karen Ellerbach MY BEST FRIEND HARLEY Holy Cross Iowa
I began looking for an addition to my family. I spoke with Karen Ellerbach several times on the phone after seeing their add in the paper. I spoke with her throughly about hips and health of daogs at her site. She assured me all dogs are healthy with no previous problems or complaints. I then made my trip to IA.
When arriving Karen had 2 puppies in a playpen in her garage. I asked to see parents and set up and she gave some reason she was unable to show me. I again spoke to her about health and hips. She stated that they have had no problems and have world class dogs on site and stated they have been in business almost 40 years. I felt comfortable she knew all about her business as a breeder. I again explained that we would like an addition to the family. She stated she enjoys breeding and have had many satisfied customers. I purchased a puppy on Nov. 7th, 2007.
When arriving home I purchased same food given at Ellerbach's home and continued the puppies usuall diet. On August 15th Harley began limping and holding right foot up. My children asked what is wrong with him. I thought Harley may have pulled a muscle. After two and half days my son witnessed Harley fall off his feet for no apparent reason. I immediately called the vet and took him in the same day. According to my vet and X-rays Harley has very bad hips. According to my vet hip dysphasia is hereditary and in Haley is a genetic deffect. My vet also stated more than likely his mother or father has very bad hips, or possibly further generation. I was heartbroken. My vet states Harley's hips should be at 90% and his right hip is only 5%. After further cheking from University of Madison surgery will cost somewhere around $9,000 and cannot have surgery until fully grown at 18 months. Harley is only 12 months.
What do I do? I don't want him to suffer. I don't want to put him to sleep. My kids love him and won't understand. I've decided to take it day for day right now.
Then I called the Ellerbach's home. I called again, then again. There was just the answering machine. I left many messages and did not get a return call and no emergency number was on machine. After several days to just sit and think I wondered why they would not return my calls. I explained in messages why I was calling. I then decided to look on internet for any information and found this site. I also called Humane Society in their town. I then left a message at Ellerbach's stating if I did not hear back I would be forced to take further action. After 20 minutes I called back one more time. Karen stated they were on vacation and just got home. She asked for Harley's parents names and date of purchase. I gave them to her. Karen stated she would find the paperwork and call me back in half an hour. After an hour I called her. Karen stated she was unable to find paperwork and wanted to call me later in evening after looking further. I agreed. Karen called back again 45 minutes later and wanted Harley's birthday stating she could still not find paperwork. I have not heard any further.
I don't know what to do. I thought I asked all the right questions when talking to Karen. Karen told me they only breed 2 kinds of dogs and I am horrified that they have 12 or 16 or whatever. How can 2 people take care of that many animals? Isn't there a law? This has been a terrible toll on my whole family including Harley. Please help!
Tammy
Loves Park, Illinois
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Jim
Holy Cross,Iowa,
U.S.A.
WARNING : HARRASSAMENT , SLANDER , Identify Theft
#6REBUTTAL Owner of company
Thu, November 13, 2008
Tollgate Country Kennel :
We specialize in Shepherds for Law Enforcement .
Tollgate Country Kennel
23363 Tollgate Rd
Holy Cross IA , 52053
In response , we have had no problem's in 35 years , of adopting
puppies to families & Law Enforcement .
If anyone with a IQ of 87 would of taken them to a VET ;
(OR WOULD OF NOTIFIED US .)
They would of recieved all medical help available .
Due to these BLOGS ;
We have taken the following steps , We will hold all Parties responsible.
Jeff & Amy Schroeder
16989 Northern Hills Dr.
Dubuque IA , 52002
Linda Scovall
3345 Tibey Ct
Dubuque Ia , 52002
Tamara Luby
706 Lawn Drive
Loves Park IL , 61111
Cheryl R. Ross
5338 Shattuck Rd
Belivdere IL , 61008
Ken & Erin Guthrie
162117 Ave
Rockford IL , 61100
Of all the puppies adopted in 35 years , there are these 5 complaints .
We find these people to lazy or cheap to take a member of the family
to a VET ! We find this Encourageable .
In response , to numerous postings , which have been made Slanderlousy
against our time tested Reputation .
We have been in contact with the following :
WWW.IC3.GOV/DEFAULT.COM
THE CYBER CRIME UNIT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ,
And we hope that others , will also contact this Agency ,
who have suffered the same .
We hope the parties involved will Apologetically stop all this HARRASSAMENT .
If they do not , the following Agency's have been contacted .
FBI
WWW.IC3.GOV/DEFAULT.COM
WWW.CYBERCRIMEUNIT.COM
Law firm of : McEnroe , Gotsdiner , Brewer , Steinbach , Henrichsen
phone : 515-452-8260
Also Kroll Risk Management a WORLD WIDE IDENTIFY THEFT AGENCY .
This Slanderous form of Identify Theft , We demand that it will stop .
For we are intent on total recovery of Damages & Compensation .
Tollgate Country Kennel
Specializing in Shepherds in Law Enforcement
AKC Registered Kennel
42A0990
WARNING :
If any pup appears sick , please call a VET , or any Animal Care Professional .
Because puppies can't speak for themselve's , And you as a owner are in total
control .
Dubuque Puppy Lover
Dubuque,Iowa,
U.S.A.
Puggle, Jack Russel, Basset, Beagle, Cockapoo, Doodle, Lhasa Apso, Morkie, Papillon, Pug or Shih-Tsu is irrelevant.
#6Consumer Comment
Tue, October 07, 2008
Tammy, Their are numerous agencies, veterinarian clinics and past customers of the Ellerbachs in the Iowa, Illinois & Wisconsin tri-state area willing to defend your and/or state their own case.
Will contact you per your ad Oct. 16.
Harley My Best Friend
Loves Park,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Jim and Karen Ellerbach "MY PERSONAL OPINION ABOUT HARLEY"
#6Author of original report
Fri, September 26, 2008
Well here I am again!!!
Since my last report Jim and Karen Ellerbach have hired an attorney and the firm has sent me a letter stating I am slandering their client. I am to immediately remove all postings on this site, any other site, and make a public apolgy.
After reading over all reports on more time (argh), I just don't see the slander. The Ellerbach's have stated on this site I have 33 german shepherds (I do?-NO I DON'T), talked about my breeding practices, accused me of making my dog suffer by not taking him to the vet when in pain (for a month), and lied to me again. Harley went to the vet in 3 DAYS when limping began! I am NOT a breeder. Karen did you talk to someone elses vet?
I will not appologize for telling my personal story and personal grief. I have only stated facts, and asked many questions (that have not been answered on this site). The attorney states all complaints are unfounded! I HAVE A PUPPY THAT HAS GENETIC HIP DYSPLASIA!!! I have sent Jim and Karen Ellerbach proof from my vet by registered mail as requested by the Ellerbach's. I stated on the telephone and on this site, if anything else is needed where do I send it? How is this unfounded???
I also received a response from the Better Business Bureau. The Ellerbach's attorney states all accusations are unfounded. I still don't see how this can be considered UNFOUNDED!!
I am wondering what laws are stated in Iowa? Could it be possible to picket or take legal action?
I will putting an ad in the Rockford Register Star beginning on October 16th looking for any further information. Please feel free to call me!
OCTOBER 16TH, 2008 Tammy
Harley my best friend
Loves Park, Illinois
Linda
Dubuque,Iowa,
U.S.A.
Welcome to the club Tammy
#6Consumer Comment
Sat, September 13, 2008
Tammy, I sympathize with all you are having to deal with because of the Ellerbach's greed for money. We (my husband et I) were also dubbed by the Ellerbachs. All the lies told to you were also told to us. We were also told that they had no problems with hip dysplasia et that their male dog was going to be OFA certified. Our complaint is also filed on this site. It is titled "The red flags were there but I failed to notice them." If any one is interested in filing a class action lawsuit against this business I will gladly donate time, money, to close this business down. Think about it if sears or any other retailer were selling defective merchandise complaints would be filed with the Better Business Bureau.
You will get no where with the Ellerbach's. As for this joke of a libel suit, I would never retract what I said. The truth shall prevail!!!!! My heart goes out to you.
The fact is, Harley is the one suffering in pain. If Jim et Karen truly love their animals as they claim, they would not be breeding defective animals for the almighty dollar!!!!
Jim
Holy Cross,Iowa,
U.S.A.
need proof from vet !!!
#6REBUTTAL Owner of company
Tue, August 26, 2008
Tami & Brad Lubi
Loves Park Il
815-636-9904
On our Written Contract signed by both parties :
pup born 8-18-2007
You purchased a male Germ Shep pup for a breeder.On our Contract it States:
We have a 72 hour health guarantee or no guarantee.We guarantee pup for
genetic defect up to 1st birthday.. We will replace pup same sex, breed,& price
value.Seller not responsable for any vet bills. (We also send the shot records
along with the labels.)
You called us Aug 20 - 2008 & said your pup has hip desplasia. Jim asked you
to get written proof from your vet..We have not recieved anything !! Jim also
asked for your vet phone number & you would not give it to him !!! You want us
to pay $200.for the pups first visit of the hips, to the vet & $8000. for the up coming surgery..
Did you take him to the vet or not !! Also read your Contract !! We
want proof !!! You have not proved anything to us !!
You said you bought him as a breeder. You also said you have 33 female Germ
Shepherds.. ARE you a licenesed kennel or a back yard breeder !!!!
We are a Licenesed kennel and we have rules & regulations !! I'm sure you as a kennel you have your rules !!
I told Tami i would call her back Fri evening or Sat. morning.Yes i was going to call you in the morning to tell you yes i have the contract & yes you need proof from
the vet !! Just like it states on the contract !!!
You are worried about a couple of days for me to get back to you, and it took you howww many days to get him to a vet.. Thats if you did take him !!! I'm sure there's been a time or two when you misplaced something !!!
Sat.morning 8:00, Aug 23 -2008
Brad called insisitng that we change the contract !!
That already has been signed over 1 year ago.
You said this pup was limping over a month & in alot of pain.
WHY didnt you call the vet right away instead of letting the pup suffer that long !!
And we cannot beleive that you wouldnt of called us !!
Most any one if they would have a problem would take a pup to the vet right away!
Not a month later !!!
Like we said all we ask for is proof from the vet..
Jim asked you for your vet phone number and you would not give it to him !!
Jim & Karen