Judy O'Shaughnessy -- San Ramon Unethical dog breeder San Ramon California
I was very distressed to discover that this person may still be breeding and selling toy dogs. I had purchased a maltese-poodle puppy from her 13 years ago, and -- while he very quickly became a beloved member of our family -- from the outset he had numerous health issues.
These issues included congenital blindness in one eye; a luxating patella (which we had repaired surgically); ongoing problems with his anal glands (failure to express them naturally, and susceptibility to abscesses); and, ultimately, heart disease and failure. I discovered the first issue -- blindness in one eye -- just days after I brought him home as an eight-week-old puppy and noticed that his left eye looked abnormal in the photos I'd taken of him.
I immediately took him to a veterinary ophthalmologist who diagnosed him with retinal detachment in that eye, as well as a cataract, and confirmed that he did not have vision in that eye and that it was a congenital defect. When I contacted the seller, she implied that it must have been something I had done to him. Just imagine.
In all fairness, she did offer to take him back -- but by then I wanted to keep him because I had fallen in love with him, and I suspected that if I didn't keep him, he would be euthanized or re-sold to someone else. I ended up taking care of my little malti-poo guy for 13 wonderful years. He was a great little dog with a big presence, and he had a full and happy life in spite of being beset by so very many health issues.
The bottom line here: Buyer beware. The genetic lines that this individual is propagating are not sound, and one would also have to question the ethics of the vet she uses to give them a clean bill of health.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Whisper
Manteca,California,
United States
13 Years is a long time ago.. what we know now ha changed..
#2Consumer Suggestion
Fri, February 19, 2021
From what I read, if it was genetic it would have been both eyes. Considering it can happen from being harmed, it would make sense to question if it happened under your care, when her Vet didn't see it. Congenial means it just happened randomly. It took you a while to notice- and I am suprised your own normal vet didn't pick up on it at first exam( you did set up a new puppy account in 3 days ?). I am sure they likely checked eyes every litter ever sense.
As for the anal gland issue, that is typically diet related, and also from improper expressing by groomers. Knees can be harmed.. or it also can be a problem with breeding.. typically if something is genetic both knees would be effected- not that they both would have slipping problems but both would have shallow groves.
I am sure your sad for the loss of your pet, you have been blessed with 13 years of life of a pet regardless of his eye defect.
You where given the choice to return him for a refund and refused. There wasn't much more she could do. This is a messed up way of honoring your dog, and the 13 year relationship you had with him.