Complaint Review: Kcim Johnston (Purebull)

Over six years ago I purchased an English Bulldog at seven weeks of age. Maude was the light of my life, and I loved her dearly. Within a month at home she had contracted ringworms, and Demodex Mange, which puppies get from their mothers. She was successfully treated, though the cost was extensive. Throughout the process we kept Kcim informed about Maude's condition, thinking that a good breeder would want to hear about the health of the dogs she breeds. We received defensive, one word responses about how every dog she breeds is 100% healthy, a statistical impossibility. Within a year Maude required two knee replacement surgeries and was diagnosed with epilepsy. She went into a sustained fit she couldn't come out of so was hospitalized and placed into a coma for one week. She finally recovered but had epilepsy her whole life, with treatment costing $300 a month. On top of all this she also developed hypothyroidism and dry eye, both chronic life-long conditions which required medicating. Throughout all of this I was in touch with Kcim to let her know that despite her health challenges Maude was well, but only because she had us as owners. I was worried that other dogs Kcim breeds would have similar health issues, and that the dogs would be abandoned, neglected or worse put down because of the cost associated with treatment. Kcim never followed up with us to ask how Maude was doing, and generally demonstrated no real care for a dog she bred and who was clearly health deficient. Maude eventually died from a seizure at six and a half years while at home surrounded by loved ones. It was painful and I miss her, but I feel that she can't be an anomoly, that many of the dogs that Kcim breeds must have similar genetic conditions, and it's possible that their special health needs are not being met. Considering that Kcim did no follow up with us after we bought Maude, it's quite possible that there are many animals she has sold who are also suffering. I'm also dismayed that on her FB page she sells older bulldogs, simply because they can no longer breed. I would never recommend her as a breeder for many reasons, not just becasue of Maude's health issues. She seems to be in it for the money, and nothing else. I hope that anyone who has bought a dog from Kcim and who has gone through what we went through would speak up because I'm confident that there are more of us out there. We need to help save dogs she breeds from the health issues they will be born with. Thanks.