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Joyce Borglund Classy Dogs Joyce Borglund at classydogs.com "Classy Dogs" has elements of any puppy mill: too many dogs and sick puppies -at full retail price, of course! Minneapolis, Minnesota
My parents purchased a puppy from Joyce Borglund at "Classy Dogs" and were initially taken in by her apparent love for her dogs...they pre-paid for their puppy and were SO happy the day they returned home with their new baby. Joyce assured them that the puppy's weepy eyes and wheesing were somehow normal --and she assured them that the puppy was current on all things medical. Well, upon POSTpurchase inspection the puppy had both viral and (advanced) bacterial infections of the sinus, eyes, and urinary tract. When Joyce was informed of the problems and asked to 1) explain just how it was that her "thorough" veterinary inspection had missed (and misdiagnosed the problems as "normal") and 2) pay the extensive vet bills associated with the puppy's long-standing ailments as per their contract at pre-purchase, Joyce found a loophole (I think involving the number of days after the sale of a puppy for which Joyce is liable for any health problems her puppies have) and my parents were stuck paying dearly for the health of their new dog. During the trouble, I visited Joyce's website and was *surprised* by just how many dogs "Classy Dogs" is able to produce. There are far too many dogs on the website to have been produced in the small "homey" facility my parents saw...they were only escorted through a small portion of the property and were not allowed to see what lies behind off-limits areas...these areas on Joyce's property remain a mystery...and I suspect are full of unhealthy, miserable dogs that are taken advantage of.
-The puppy my parents purchased was ill, and Joyce deceived them into thinking the puppy's condition was temporary. Joyce was all heart and flowers until my parents handed her a check --after she got her money, she was Cruella DeVille.
-Rather than taking the decent route, Joyce stuck my parents with the cost of treating diseases that SHE and her facility caused. (After the sickness was diagnosed, and they told Joyce about it, the parents both thought it was odd that she never thanked them for calling her attention to a life-threatening disease rampant at her facility...apparently she knows full-well just how healthy her dogs are.)
-There are far too many puppies available each year on classydogs.com for one person (Joyce) to care for and for the dogs to be living comfortably. Check it out yourself and call the authorities if you see what I think you'll see. (Keep in mind that you might not be allowed in certain areas...ask for the full tour and see if you get it --doubtful!)
-Note that all of the pictures of available puppies say some version of "This one [puppy] has also been sold, but more are continuously available." and "This one has been sold, but more may be available of similar qualities, coats and colors. Please contact us for more information." http://www.classydogs.com/terriers.php ---"Continuously available"?! Yikes - how many puppies does one dog have to "produce" in a year at this place!?
-Classydogs.com accepts credit cards and paypal on the web...think they're set up for high volume business?
-Lastly, to be fair (and I've told them this) my parents really should have just supported their local humane society shelter. They'd have found a much healthier, less expensive dog who wasn't bred out of someone's greed.
If you buy from "Classy Dogs," chances are you are supporting a puppy mill.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Cherie
Menomonie,Wisconsin,
USA
My Puppy
#6Consumer Comment
Fri, July 31, 2015
I am in the process of getting my new fur baby from Joyce. I have not yet brought him home but so far the process has been great. Joyce has been so helpful in answering questions and quickly responds to all of my emails. I went to Classy Dogs about 2 weeks ago to tour the facilities and meet my baby. The kennel was spotless and smelled clean. I was greeted at the car by some of the adult dogs one was trying to play ball with me and my best friends daughter I brought with. The puppies were not afraid of people she knew them by name. I could tell these dogs got plenty of attention from people. The young girl I brought with me took 100 pictures of my new baby, other dogs, and the property. I believe if Joyce had something to hide she would not have been so comfortable with a 13 year old taking pictures everywhere. I am confident my great experience will continue.
Marilyn M
chanhassen,Minnesota,
United States of America
Very Reputable Breeder
#6Consumer Comment
Thu, April 19, 2012
I purchased a West Highland Terrier from Joyce about 2 yrs ago. I waited 10 yrs to get this puppy and I was VERY careful in who I chose to purchase from.
I visisted Joyce's facility and it was clean, well kept, and I was absolutely invited to look at anything I wanted to. SHE IS NOT A PUPPY MILL.
I've been to a puppy mill. I visited one in WI when I was considering who to purchase from. We were only allowed in the woman's home, the dogs were brought up in a kennel from her basement, and my partner left the home while I was speaking to her, and saw where the actual kennel was. We subsequently asked to see it, and were refused entry.
The mother dog was extremely fightened and we were not allowed to touch or examine the puppies. It was obvious the parent dog was not a 'housedog' as she claimed as the dog was obviously scared to death. THIS is a puppy mill.
My dog has been receiving annual checkups, in addition to the initial one. Joyce has a guarantee on her dogs as well. My Westie is healthy, active and a very loved dog. Joyce feeds her dog a high quality puppy food, Solid Gold, and also vitamins.
Joyce also offered up prior clients from years back as a testament to her professionalism and how happy people are with their dogs.
If I am ever to get another Westie, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to purchase one from Joyce and I too would give a verbal recommendation for her services.
She is a reputable breeder. Marilyn M
Christine H.
North Branch,Minnesota,
United States of America
Must be bad communication
#6Consumer Comment
Mon, April 18, 2011
I have purchased three Jack Russel terriors from joyce in the past and have referred many people to Classy Dogs. This is how I came along this report and quite honestly I could not believe what I was reading. I was checking to see if she had available puppies for a friend. Our dogs have been nothing but healthy and any time that I have had any questions about them I have always contacted Joyce and have been extremely pleased with her response. It is very clear that she loves her dogs and I consider her to be a very responsible breeder. I have been to her facilities on three different occasions and they are extremely clean and very nice. If there is any truth to this report it must have been lack of prper communication because I know she would never walk away from a problem. I also do not think that is fair to post things about her facilities if you have not even taken the time to see them in person. I am sure that Joyce would be more than happy to give any refferals and I would have no problem giving her wonderful feed back.
Angie
Hastings,Minnesota,
United States of America
Cannot believe what I am reading!!!!
#6Consumer Comment
Fri, March 25, 2011
I met Joyce 7 years ago when I adopted my first Cavalier from her. My family and I ended up with a loving, caring and well mannered dog any family could ever hope for. Due to a very unfortunate accident, I lost my soul mate this month and will forever miss him.
I decided to pull up Classy Dogs website and contact Joyce. I just wanted someone to speak to during my mourning period. She remembered me, my story of why and how me and my boys were adopting this puppy 7 years ago. We cried together while discussing the loss of my dog. She invited me and my children down to visit the very sister of my cavalier that we had lost. What an unforgettable experience my children and I had visiting these mother & father cavaliers, and a few puppies as well.
While visiting Joyce's facility, I saw everything. I witnessed a very neat, clean and well ventilated environment. I saw the huge fenced in back yard the adult dogs have to play and enjoy. I counted 4 puppy cavaliers (available for adoption shortly) and 4 west highland terriers (all have already been spoken for).
How many pet stores, how many puppy mills will remember you, your face, your children and your story 7 years after adopting a puppy. This complaint speaks of the numbers of puppies that are born, cared for and then adopted to families as "too many". If that is the case, how did she remember me? She certainly didn't have to.
I would have immediately suggested to this complainer to do more research in the minor health issues that occur in specific dogs. Sounds like a cold and a UTI to me. I don't believe Urinary Tract Infections are contagious.
Joyce made a huge impact on my family's life 7 years ago, and did so again this week. Thank you Joyce for what you do.
Joyce
Prior Lake,Minnesota,
United States of America
Response to comments made about Classydogs
#6REBUTTAL Owner of company
Sun, March 14, 2010
This original report comes as a total shock to me, my vet and my other pet owners that know me and the care my animals all receive. Unfortunately, this person did not work with me and advise me of the alledged occurence they seemed to have experienced!!
To be addressed as a puppy mill is so far from the fact. You calling me and my puppies a puppy mill is a false allegation....Every person is invited to view my entire facility and to see how my dogs are treated and the puppies are raised...The comment I usually and always receive is that this is the nicest and cleanest place I have ever seen!! People and children of all ages are in and out of any building on the place and occasionally in my house..If I was trying to hide something it would be pretty hard to do so....I take pride in raising my dogs and have been involved with animals since a child on a dairy farm. I donate money to the Humane Society yearly and assist in rescuing dogs as well...I have a health guarantee on every dog/puppy that leaves this place (following Mn law) and I even have a buy back policy on all my puppies to assure that they always have a good and a loving home! This goes above and beyond what I am required to do but I do what I feel is best for my animals at all times.
I would invite these people to come and visit, and then see any building that they want including my home. I am so baffled by this situation and someone taking the time to complain here and not work with me to the benefit of the puppy is a big mystery.
I get so many referrals and people purchasing additional puppies as partners to their original pups. You don't get a quality reputation and referrals ( AS I DO) by operating as this person has insinuated.
I am an honest and open breeder and invite anyone to contact me.....Thanks