Kool Alaskan Malamutes Horrifying Experience Ionia County Michigan
This is a hard subject for me to talk about which is probably why it has taken me this long to post my experience.
I contacted Kool Alaskan Malamutes almost 4 years ago about a puppy. My phone calls were return promptly by Pat Kool and I felt comfortable asking my many, many questions. Most of my concerns were around temperament. I was reassured on numerous occasions that Kool puppies were well socialized with adults, children and other malamutes. After a few conversations my family decided to purchase a puppy from Pat. A deposit was sent it with a balance due at the time of pick-up.
While I was told I could pick her up at 6 weeks, I wanted to wait until Kyra was 9 weeks old. I wanted her to have that extra bonding time with her mother and socialization with her other litter-mates. From the phone calls I had with Pat, I envisioned sitting down with her (on the day I came to pick up my baby), watching Kyra play with Pat's children, reviewing paperwork, etc. I was sadly mistaken.
I arrived at their house at the end of March. I was met by her children outside (I was not allowed in her home). They asked for my money (I had cash, they had no change which took a bit of time to work out it was snowing and we were still outside). There was a shack to the right of where we were standing. I was told Kyra was the last puppy to go home; Pat's son went to the shack and brought Kyra to me. She was covered in feces. I asked if I could meet her mother, assuming she was in the shack as well. I was told they would have to get her from another area. I was appalled to learn that Kyra had been alone for the last week as her littermates had all gone and since her mother no longer wanted to nurse (they) moved her. All I wanted to do at that point was get out of there. About an hour into my 6.5 hour drive home I had to stop at a PetSmart to have Kyra bathed. She was dirty and smelled vile. It was heart-breaking.
I began making a scrapbook for Kyra putting everything I could think of in it (therefore this report can be verified with email correspondence, pictures, phone records though that was not the purpose). Per the contract, in order to have Kyra's AKC papers submitted I needed to have her on a certain quality of food (proof was required) and have her spay no later than 8 months. If this was not done, we would not receive any paperwork with proof of her lineage. June 20, 2006 (age 5 months) we had her spayed. 2 weeks later, we sent in documents from the vet and receipts of food. 2 weeks later, I called to follow up with Pat. She stated she did not receive anything in the mail. After several phone calls back and forth, I decided to scan and email the information to her. Again, after several phone call back and forth I received an excuse for Pat not getting the information. This time, it was because she could not open the email attachments. After some additional phone calls I decided to have the documents sent via certified mail. I still have the confirmation receipt. When she got the certified letter in the mail, she called me to inform me the documents were received post the 8 month deadline stated in the contract and that I was no longer entitled to Kyra's papers.
I was frustrated by her attitude and confused as to why she would be behaving in such a manner. I did not purse the matter further, however, as Kyra was a pet and since I had no intentions of showing her, papers weren't necessary. I just found it odd that she would say such a thing, knowing I had been trying to get the info to her for 2 or 3 months.
Kyra's puppy months were fine though she was more aggressive and dominant that I had expected based on my conversations with Pat. Kyra went to obedience school and we kept a tight hand on her at all times. We could monitor her moods by her posture. She was also very vocal. She growled when she didn't like something; she growled as a puppy, often. When she was playing with a bone or toy, my children would have to wear welding gloves to take the toy away. If they didn't, she would bite their hands.
By 16 months, she began giving us less signs of what she did and didn't like. She would snap at the children for no reason and/or try to correct anything that she deemed inappropriate. One day, she bit my son on the stomach when he was walking by her.
I called Pat. Though I wasn't asking her to, she stated immediately that she already had another dog she was trying to find a home for and she couldn't take Kyra back. I was so upset about what was going on with Kyra that I asked my husband to call Pat again for advice. After a few minutes of speaking Pat said, It makes sense that Kyra is aggressive. Her dad was aggressive too. ((Sigh)) At this point, I didn't know what I was dealing with since this information was so contrary to what she had said pre-money exchange.
I called my vet next to rule out any illness. He ran a series of blood test but also spent some time with her to assess what he thought was the issue. When the blood test came back, he asked us to come to his office again. He wanted to see Kyra before he made a recommendation. After spending another hour or so with her he informed us that we should have her put to sleep. He said she is just not wired right. Her eyes are vacant and she seemed more despondent to him than he thought was acceptable. He said, She will become more and more unpredictable.
I was devastated. I loved this dog that I was no longer able to control but knew she had the potential to hurt someone. I called an animal behaviorist and scheduled an appointment. The behaviorist met with Kyra for a little over an hour. She said, The bottom line is that you will never be able to trust this dog.
I can't begin to tell you the absolute gut wrenching devastation I was feeling. The rest of this story is irrelevant to this post. I am not here to sling mud, or make a mountain out of a mole hill. I am simply stating the facts as they happened to me. There is not one thing in my post that I can not back up with legal documents (again, I have phone records, voicemails, emails, vet bills, a report from the vet as well as the behaviorist.) Every professional I spoke with said Kyra's behavior was not learned. It had nothing to do with training. She was innately aggressive. That, sadly, goes back to the breeder.
I have not had Kyra for almost 2 years now yet not a day goes by that I don't think about how this experience has impacted my family.
Terri
Erie, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
12 Updates & Rebuttals
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
USA
Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, involved in starving and abusing dogs to frame other breeders. Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, and Kiskakon Malamute
#13REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, December 11, 2009
Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, involved in starving and abusing dogs to frame other breeders. Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, and Kiskakon Malamutes located in Allen, MI, and owned by Dawn McClellan are trying to ruin other breeders' businesses:
In September 2008, Kool Alaskan Malamutes came into the knowledge that Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, was involved in starving and abusing dogs to frame other breeders for grudges that she held against these breeders. She possibly also did this to put these breeders out of business so that she could gain the entire Alaskan Malamute market. Jolene Houghtaling published starved and abused dog pictures on the internet stating that these other breeders did this. Jolene Houghtaling also spread the word around to stay away from buying from certain breeders. A number of Alaskan Malamutes breeders went out of business due to this tactic of Jolene Houghtaling.
Dawn McClellan, owner of Kiskakon Malamutes located in Allen, MI, is now helping Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, ruin other breeders' businesses.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes stuck up for one of these breeders in October 2008 that Jolene Houghtaling framed with starved and abused pictures. Jolene Houghtaling then had her lawyer unrightfully shut down our website. Jolene Houghtaling then had Wildpaw Malamute forum members write Ripoff Reports and other bad reviews against us in the beginning of 2009. Then, Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, served lawsuits on other breeders with the false witness of Dawn McClellan, owner of Kiskakon Malamutes located in Allen, MI, to get back at these breeders. Both Jolene Houghtaling and Dawn McClellan lied under oath at one of the lawsuits.
Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, also is using domain names for Cascade Alaskan Malamutes and Wakon Alaskan Malamutes in order to get puppy buyers to come to her rather than go to them. This is unethical and shady.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
USA
BEWARE of the supporting, joining, and buying puppies from the members/owners of the various Alaskan Malamute breeders, forums, and breed clubs such as Hudson's Malamutes & Huskies owned by Jolene Hou
#13REBUTTAL Owner of company
Sun, December 06, 2009
BEWARE of the supporting, joining, and buying puppies from the members/owners of the various Alaskan Malamute breeders, forums, and breed clubs such as Hudson's Malamutes & Huskies owned by Jolene Houghtaling, Kiskakon Malamutes located in Allen, MI, and owned by Dawn McClellan, Wildpaw Malamute forum, the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (AMCA), and Golden Years Alasakn Malamute Rescue They have been and/or are involved in one and/or more of the following unethical practices:
1. Bashing other breeders.
2. Publishing and speaking lies about other breeders.
3. Feeding the dogs in their care less than quality dog food because they did not and/or do not have the money to buy quality dog food.
4. Member(s) dumping Malamutes in kill shelters.
5. Members posting slanderous reviews and reports about other breeders.
6. Taking steps to destroy the businesses of other breeders.
7. Publishing lies about their dogs' weights to sell their puppies.
8. Hounding and stalking other breeders.
9. Using the domain names of other breeders to get their business.
10. Telling people that they come into contact with to stay away from buying puppies from certain breeders.
11. Telling people that they come into contact with that their Malamutes are better than other breeders' Malamutes.
12. Knowingly breeding Malamutes with hip dysplasia.
According to our head vet, show breeders (of which most of these clubs' members consist of) are involved in unethical practices. When our head vet was involved in showing himself, he became aware that show breeders regularly, as ONE example only, fed their dogs arsenic to make their coats nicer looking to help their dog win the shows. With arsenic being a heavy metal, our head vet knows that it will kill the dog. The show breeders say, oh well, as long as I win the show that is all that counts. This is deplorable.
Our OFA vet says that show breeders are the worst with bringing HD (hip dysplasia) into the lines of each breed. All that show breeders are concerned with (despite what their websites indicate) is WINNING. They will breed dogs with OFA hip dysplasia if they are champions or have champions in their lines. This is deplorable.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, involved in starving and abusing dogs to frame other breeders.
#13REBUTTAL Owner of company
Thu, November 05, 2009
Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, involved in starving and abusing dogs to frame other breeders.
In September 2008, Kool Alaskan Malamutes came into the knowledge that Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudsons Malamutes & Huskies, was involved in starving and abusing dogs to frame other breeders for grudges that she held against these breeders. She possibly also did this to put these breeders out of business so that she could gain the entire Alaskan Malamute market. Jolene Houghtaling published starved and abused dog pictures on the internet stating that these other breeders did this. Jolene Houghtaling also spread the word around to stay away from buying from certain breeders. A number of Alaskan Malamutes breeders went out of business due to this tactic of Jolene Houghtaling.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes stuck up for one of these breeders in October 2008 that Jolene Houghtaling framed with starved and abused pictures. Jolene Houghtaling then had her lawyer shut down our website. Jolene Houghtaling then had Wildpaw Malamute forum members write Ripoff Reports and other bad reviews against us in the beginning of 2009.
Jolene Houghtaling also is using domain names for Cascade Alaskan Malamutes and Wakon Alaskan Malamutes in order to get puppy buyers to come to her rather than go to them. This is unethical and shady.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Wildpaw Malamute forum members are saying horrible things about Kool Alaskan Malamutes. Not only are Wildpaw Malamute forum members saying terrible things about Kool Alaskan Malamutes, but their own
#13REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, October 30, 2009
Wildpaw Malamute forum members are saying horrible things about Kool Alaskan Malamutes. Not only are Wildpaw Malamute forum members saying terrible things about Kool Alaskan Malamutes, but their own members are dumping Alaskan Malamutes in animal shelters to be killed.
Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudson's Malamutes & Huskies and one of our competitors, has as her friends on Facebook Wildpaw Malamute Forum members.
Please read below for evidence that Wildpaw Malamute forum members are saying horrible things about Kool Alaskan Malamutes and dumping Alaskan Malamutes in animal shelters to be killed:
Kh6 Jefferson U.S.A.
there's some false information...
Devil's Advocate: I'd rather not drag the name of the forum on here but the forum is the first one that comes up when you google "malamute forum". I've been a member for 9 years (even prior to the new format) and I'm not sure why your browser would alert to a problem. Contrary to what has been posted, bashing a particular kennel (using names) publicly is forbidden. We do however have posts about what to look for in a breeder, decoding breeder websites, etc. There are a few people on the forum who have purchased dogs from the Kools. One of them discovered this site and since the people know each other from the forum having had similar experiences, they let the others know about it. Nothing more, nothing less, not driven by any outside breeder, etc. I'm not directly affected by any of this but I know the people involved and have seen the posts on the forum, discussing their problems and looking for help resolving them.
As a breeder, the "evil" AMCA kind, I would question some of what has been said in the various rebuttals and would love to go to town pointing out everything that doesn't make sense but it's not my fight. In this case I think both parties share responsibility, one took on a dog with likely same sex problems, the other allowed it to happen.
Kh6 Jefferson U.S.A.
Not sure where that came from or the relevance...
For starters, this breeder is not being bashed on the forum. It is not allowed. I believe anyone who wishes to read the posts on the forum are welcome to do so but you have to be a member to post. Feel free to do a search, there are no posts bashing this breeder. Some of the people filing reports are on the forum but there are over 700 members from all over the world--the malamute world is a small one and given the number of litters produced by this kennel, big surprise that some of their puppy people found the forum and joined. We have pet people, show people, working people, breeders, and rescue people on there.
It's irrelevant where the administrator is from. He maintains the forum from a technical standpoint and doesn't participate in discussions--I'm not even sure if he owns malamutes. The moderator is the one who polices the forum and mentioning breeders by name in a negative light is forbidden and may get you expelled from the forum.
It's not quite the conspiracy you want it to be.
Doris Chesapeake U.S.A.
The "Other" Forum
I am the moderator of the Wildpaws Forum. I am the one responsible for making sure that our forum rules are followed. We do not allow any negative comments about a person, business, or product by name.
I have done a thorough search of our site and Kool Alaskan Malamutes is not mentioned anywhere on our forum. With 700+ members, there are members who have purchased puppies from Kool's as well as many other kennels. The fact that they are members of our group does not make the Wildpaws Forum in any way involved in these Ripoff Reports. There is no mention of Ripoff Reports or getting together to file complaints against anyone. What our members do outside of the forum is their personal business and not linked to our forum.
I do not want our forum drug into any conflicts outside of our group. We are not linked to any breeding kennel and do not sell puppies on our forum, so are not in competition with any breeding kennels. Since the Kool Alaskan Malamutes name is not posted anywhere on our forum, we are not involved in any way with any of the complaints filed.
Please be careful about using names on a site like this, where the info can not be edited. Even if wrongly accused, the info can not be removed. Our forum is very careful to not post negative info about anyone by name to protect ourselves from legal issues and we expect others to do the same for us.
Thank you
Wildpaw Malamute forum states that nothing negative is being said on their forum about Kool Alaskan Malamutes, but please read the following email excerpts from a Malamute rescue group and emails from a previous puppy buyer who is/was a part of Wildpaw Malamute forum. All email addresses have purposely been omitted. The name of the Malamute rescue worker has been also purposely omitted. Maybe nothing negative is being said on Wildpaw's forum itself about Kool Alaskan Malamutes, but the members of Wildpaw Malamute forum are clearly saying terrible things about Kool Alaskan Malamutes:
1. On Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 11:51 AM, Britney B wrote:
"Hi Pat- Sargent is doing great, we love him to death. He is currently in Novice training, graduated from his puppy class with flying colors. He LOVES his sister and his favorite toys are balls, he has quite the accumulation of them at this point. (I have attached a couple pictures). We would love to find Sarge a playmate as his sister is getting a little older now and would much rather relax on the couch with us than run around and wrestle with Sarge. Unfortunately, we can only afford about 200-250 for another dog, so if you have any puppies that haven't found homes yet and their prices drop a little bit, it'd be great if you could let me know. Like I said, we would love to have a new puppy in the house. Thanks so much for your time.
Britney B
On May 26, Britney wrote an email to the Malamute rescue stating that they had another male dog now, obviously adopted/bought after the February 22 email from Britney to us that is seen above.
2. On Thu, May 28, 2009 at 2:41 PM wrote:
Please find below a message submitted on 2009-05-28 at 18:41 comments:
"Hello- We have been contacted about a pup you sold (out of Power and Montana) that the owners have to "get rid of". I'd like to make arrangements for him to be returned to you. Please email me at your earliest convenience....this pup doesn't have much time. Thank you."
3. On Thu, May 28, 2009 at 8:55 PM, Britney Behling wrote:
"Pat- After receiving Sarge from you, we joined Wildpaws Forum and heard terrible things about you, your family and your "puppymill" as most would call it. We were told not to expect you to take any sort of responsibility for any defaults in your dogs by not only other malamute owners, but by other breeders and by the Alaskan Malamute Rescue themselves. What would you have done, may I ask? Driven the 5 hours to come pick him up just to sell him to another family unaware of the temperment problems you knowingly breed into your poor animals? He has a severe aggressive reaction with other dogs in his home and we did what was best for him due to the dangerous situation we were presented with in our home. He will go to Alaskan Malamute Rescue and any family interested in adopting him will be informed of his aggression along with only being placed in a single dog home."
Sent from my iPhone
On May 28, 2009, at 7:44 PM, Kool Family wrote:
"Britney, Per your signed contract, you were required to contact us if you no longer wanted your Mal from us. Why did you "drop" him off at a rescue?
The Kools"
4. On Fri, May 29, 2009 at 8:35 AM, wrote:
"I was contacted about a mal by DuPage County - area shelters often contact breed rescue about dogs at their facilities. We have him listed on our website as a potentially incoming dog (he is still at the County kill facility at present). We frequently help dogs from area shelters. Can you help him? As you know, rescue is a small network of volunteers. We don't have a kennel setup or anything like many breeders do. Please just let me know if you are able to help Sarge, I don't want to see him die."
So, this great Malamute rescue worker took HER time and HER gas money to rescue Sarge and drive him to us shortly after the above email, and Sarge JUST left us in October 2009 for his new home. Not only are Wildpaw Malamute forum members saying terrible things about Kool Alaskan Malamutes, but their own members are dumping Malamutes in animal shelters to be killed.
While Sarge was with us for over 4 months, he lived in wonderful peace with 2 other AKC purebred Malamutes even sharing with them open feeding 24 hours/day as well as the same water.
Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudson's Malamutes & Huskies, is unethical and is trying to ruin other breeders' businesses:
1. Posting slanderous reviews and ads against other breeders.
2. Posting slanderous articles on her own website against other breeders.
3. Getting other people to post slanderous ads and reviews against other breeders.
4. Starving and abusing dogs to frame this on other breeders because Jolene was mad at these other breeders.
5. Is a friend of Wildpaw Malamute forum members. Wildpaw Malamute forum members are saying horrible things about Kool Alaskan Malamutes.
Jolene Houghtaling, owner of Hudson's Malamutes & Huskies, is also involved in unethical breeding practices:
1. Breeding dogs with hip dysplasia to get puppies from the lines of the dogs who have the hip dysplasia.
2. Using a cattle prod on her dogs when they dig out to teach them not to do it again. The proper thing to do is to cement under the fence so that they cannot dig out.
3. Has dogs that live together that fight to the extent of ripping each others ears off.
4. Lies about her dogs weights to sell her puppies.
5. Swindles Malamutes from unsuspecting owners to capture all of the Malamute bloodlines.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Kool Malamutes...I'd buy from them again...
#13Consumer Comment
Wed, July 22, 2009
Kool Malamutes...I'd buy from them again...
I stumbled upon the Kool Malamutes accidently.
I'm laying out the background for finding Kool's...
I had purchased a 'malamute' from a Tennesee breader circa June 2004. Our buddy died quite suddenly just after his 4th birthday. He had always had health problems. However, he got the best vet treatment money and friendship can buy.
He went from a healthy 150 pound malamute mix to a dead dog in 48 hours. We were stunned and our vets just as stunned and crushed as we were. He was loved by all and our vets always treated him as their own. Our grief was overwhelming.
There was a huge hole in our lives.
I was just surfing Mal sites and stumbled upon Kool's. They had some pups and some adult animals that looked just like a Mal-Sam mix I had for 13 years that was the predecessor of the Tennessee Mal.
So I called the Kools and spoke briefly with Mr. Kool. He told me that I really needed to speak to Pat. Later on in the day, Pat Kool returned returned my call. I told her what had happened some 8 months prior, and that I was considering acquiring another Mal (actually one of her Sam-Mal mixes). She told me I needed to fill out her questionaire before we could speak about purchase. The questionaire was very thorough. I submitted it. Pat emailed me back with more questions she would like answered. I did that. She also wanted to speak with my vets if possible. I said sure and informed my vet that they would be receiving a call from a breeder concerning how we cared for our dogs. She did indeed contact my vets. I went through 3 grueling phone interviews with Pat. She apologized, but she wanted to know how her pups would fare with us.
I thought about it and it occured to me that she was committed to placing her pups in the best of homes, and that they would receive the best care and love.
She finally agreed to sell me a pup. I told her I wanted a Mal-Sam mix, preferably white with biscuit markings. She told me she had a litter coming around the first of December. We agreed on the price, I first in line for pick of the litter. I wired her the deposit and received a statement from her with in days. The litter arrived and Pat immediatly sent pictures of the pups feeding. I saw the one I wanted almost right away. Once a week she sent pictures and updates. She also provided me with the OFA certs for the daddy and mama. We spoke by phone at least once a week as well.
Finally, it was time for Orvis to come home to the Mississippi Coast. Pat shipped Orvis to our local airport about 30 minutes away.
Orvis arrived in a rather expensive crate, bedded in towels, clean, healthy, but just a tad dissoriented. He sat in my wife's lap with a heavy towel (ours) all the home...I might add he tried to slip into my lap as well.
Orvis came into our home that he would share with two rescue dogs we have. He fit right in.
He's 7 months old now. About 80 pounds, smart and sharp...A true joy and a wonderful puppy. He's almost magic....
We still stay in touch with the Kools and send them updated images and just chat.
Pat Kool is a good and caring person. She is devoted, at least to us, and loves to hear how Orvis is doing. I have never known a breeder that showed so much concern.
My wife and I are old enough to know that Orvis will be our last 'big dog'.
However, I would highly reccomend Kool's to anyone that wants a good dog and a breeder that cares about her pups...
Tim & Adele
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Positive Experience with Kool Alaskan Malamutes!!
#13Consumer Comment
Sat, June 20, 2009
Submitted: 3/29/2009 1:23:28 PM
Modified: 3/29/2009 9:43:55 PM
Julia
Glen Cove, New York
U.S.A.
Positive Experience with Kool Alaskan Malamutes!!
I am writing because I want to make people aware of my positive experience with Kool Kennels. After recently losing my beloved husky/chow mix to a brain tumor (not purchased from Kool Alaskan Malamutes), I had been looking for a few months for a new addition to my family. Thankfully I stumbled across Kool Kennels on the internet and wrote to Pat Kool. She was very compassionate about my loss and incredibly helpful and thorough in questioning everything about me that would affect placement of one of her puppies in my home. I also felt very comfortable asking her questions and she responded within a day (usually within a few hours) of my many emails. Most people may have been frustrated with the 30+ emails, but not Pat, she was willing to answer all my questions and was especially accommodating. I asked to get the puppy at 7 weeks old, and she made special arrangements to bring the puppy in early to the vet so I could drive (from NY to Michigan) to pick up my puppy. That's right, I didn't want to wait 8 weeks to ship the puppy and it was very important to me that I find the right puppy that I could sense a bond with. Also, I have cats and I didn't want an older dog to think of them as prey. She said I could have pick of the litter, and remained true to her word.
When I got to the Kennel, Jim Kool and his daughters greeted us warmly and brought out Bella (the mommy of the puppy we were strongly leaning towards). What a wonderful dog! She immediately came over to me and my father and was kissing us happily. She was clean, happy and very good natured and obviously well cared for. Then we were allowed to play with 2 puppies from squishy's litter. All white puppies who were also very clean, happy and taken care of. Jim answered all of our questions, offered to show us around and see the father of the puppy we were leaning towards. We were given plenty of time to make our decision and to just play with the puppies.
Our puppy was given a bath and brought out to us swaddled in a towel and was the cutest thing EVER! She was so well behaved on the 12 hour ride home, I was amazed, there are people who are less well behaved in the car than that puppy. She's been home for a little while now, and already gets along great with my two cats. She's perfectly healthy and everyone who's seen her not only glows about how gorgeous she is, but just how sweet and loving she is. I have nothing but good things to say about Kool Kennels and my experience there.
I'd like to add, I read the negative rip off reports right before I went to pick up my puppy and I was genuinely concerned if not terrified that I was going to walk into a puppy mill situation. Thankfully, that was NOT the case!!! People looking to purchase puppies from Kool Alaskan Malamutes should not be swayed by the negativity splashed all over this forum, I was just there and didn't see or experience anything negative at all. And after 12 hours in a car and having the posts on this site in the forefront of my brain I was hyper-vigilant about any poor treatment of animals or deplorable conditions I might encounter. In summation, I don't think anyone will be disappointed by getting a puppy from Kool Kennels. They are the most beautiful, happy, healthy and wonderful dogs and the conditions in which they were kept looked good to me. I am a huge animal rights advocate and I saw nothing but loving, caring dog owners in the Kools. In fact I'm definitely looking to get another puppy from them in the future since our puppy has already infused the house with so much joy and laughter. I can't speak for others, but personally, my experience was wonderful. I'm reminded of that and how thankful I am that I found them every time I see my little puppy's face.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Positive Experience with Kool Alaskan Malamutes!!
#13Consumer Comment
Sat, June 20, 2009
Submitted: 3/29/2009 1:23:28 PM
Modified: 3/29/2009 9:43:55 PM
Julia
Glen Cove, New York
U.S.A.
Positive Experience with Kool Alaskan Malamutes!!
I am writing because I want to make people aware of my positive experience with Kool Kennels. After recently losing my beloved husky/chow mix to a brain tumor (not purchased from Kool Alaskan Malamutes), I had been looking for a few months for a new addition to my family. Thankfully I stumbled across Kool Kennels on the internet and wrote to Pat Kool. She was very compassionate about my loss and incredibly helpful and thorough in questioning everything about me that would affect placement of one of her puppies in my home. I also felt very comfortable asking her questions and she responded within a day (usually within a few hours) of my many emails. Most people may have been frustrated with the 30+ emails, but not Pat, she was willing to answer all my questions and was especially accommodating. I asked to get the puppy at 7 weeks old, and she made special arrangements to bring the puppy in early to the vet so I could drive (from NY to Michigan) to pick up my puppy. That's right, I didn't want to wait 8 weeks to ship the puppy and it was very important to me that I find the right puppy that I could sense a bond with. Also, I have cats and I didn't want an older dog to think of them as prey. She said I could have pick of the litter, and remained true to her word.
When I got to the Kennel, Jim Kool and his daughters greeted us warmly and brought out Bella (the mommy of the puppy we were strongly leaning towards). What a wonderful dog! She immediately came over to me and my father and was kissing us happily. She was clean, happy and very good natured and obviously well cared for. Then we were allowed to play with 2 puppies from squishy's litter. All white puppies who were also very clean, happy and taken care of. Jim answered all of our questions, offered to show us around and see the father of the puppy we were leaning towards. We were given plenty of time to make our decision and to just play with the puppies.
Our puppy was given a bath and brought out to us swaddled in a towel and was the cutest thing EVER! She was so well behaved on the 12 hour ride home, I was amazed, there are people who are less well behaved in the car than that puppy. She's been home for a little while now, and already gets along great with my two cats. She's perfectly healthy and everyone who's seen her not only glows about how gorgeous she is, but just how sweet and loving she is. I have nothing but good things to say about Kool Kennels and my experience there.
I'd like to add, I read the negative rip off reports right before I went to pick up my puppy and I was genuinely concerned if not terrified that I was going to walk into a puppy mill situation. Thankfully, that was NOT the case!!! People looking to purchase puppies from Kool Alaskan Malamutes should not be swayed by the negativity splashed all over this forum, I was just there and didn't see or experience anything negative at all. And after 12 hours in a car and having the posts on this site in the forefront of my brain I was hyper-vigilant about any poor treatment of animals or deplorable conditions I might encounter. In summation, I don't think anyone will be disappointed by getting a puppy from Kool Kennels. They are the most beautiful, happy, healthy and wonderful dogs and the conditions in which they were kept looked good to me. I am a huge animal rights advocate and I saw nothing but loving, caring dog owners in the Kools. In fact I'm definitely looking to get another puppy from them in the future since our puppy has already infused the house with so much joy and laughter. I can't speak for others, but personally, my experience was wonderful. I'm reminded of that and how thankful I am that I found them every time I see my little puppy's face.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Kool Alaskan Malautes: What a WONDERFUL place to purchase a Malamute!!
#13Consumer Comment
Thu, March 26, 2009
A wonderful place to purchase a Malamute!
I found the Kool website on Puppyfind when I was shopping for a Giant Malamute for my son, who purchased a wonderful AKC giant male in November. In browsing the site, my husband saw Snow's gray male, 3/4 malamute and 1/4 samoyed, and he fell in love. Both puppies were flown to California, Maxx arriving with a rare 14 inches of snow. Our inquiries as to their progress, growth, temperament, shipping needs--were all addressed within hours at the most, often while I was still online, and the Kools worked with us every step of the way. Both puppies arrived in the California desert in excellent health. When I walk Maxx, drivers stop to ask where I acquired such a beautiful dog. I would not hesitate to purchase from the Kools based on email communications and photographs, wherever I lived.
Linda R
Terri
Erie,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
Enough is enough
#13Author of original report
Thu, March 26, 2009
I'm just going to take this one at a time. I'll quote the "rebuttal" from Kool and respond to it appropriately:
"Rebuttal to Terri's lies. Nice try Terri:"
"1. Terri contacted us for the first time exactly 3 years ago: March 2006. Puppies DOB: 1/20/06."
I contacted Pat for the first time in February. I have a Verizon bill as a matter of record.
"2. We NEVER tell people that they may pick their puppies up at 6 weeks. It is 8 weeks. "
You may tell that to some people, however, you told me 6 weeks.
"Littermates' leaving dates:
F #1 on 3/15/06.
M #1, m #4, and f #3 left on 3/19/06.
M #2 and Terri's f #4 left on 3/25/06.
M #3 left on 4/8/09.
F #2 stayed with us and is our female named Song."
I wouldn't know any other date other than the date I picked up Kyra. That date is accurate.
"3. We do not have shacks! They are nice mom and puppy buildings."
That's a matter of opinion. I think they are shacks.
"4. We NEVER send puppies away covered in feces."
Really? Then why did I have to stop at a Petsmart right outside of Michigan and have her bathed. I have the recp't. Shall I send it to you? Oh, wait, you won't be able to open it? Also, how would you know? You don't ever leave your house to see what condition the puppies are in when they leave for their forever homes.
"5. 'I was appalled to learn that Kyra had been alone for the last week as her littermates had all gone....' Good grief!: Our AKC record book shows that Terri came on 3/25/06. The AKC book also shows that another person came on 3/25/06 to pick up littermate m #2. AND, the AKC book shows that another littermate m #3 was shipped on 4/8/06. ALL 3 puppies lived together up until this Terri picked up her puppy on 3/25/06. And, then there is also the fact that littermate f #2 never left. This in and of itself is enough proof for a slander lawsuit against Terri. Our lawyer's partner is the Mayor of Ionia city, Mr. Balice."
I only know what your kids told me. Talk to them. As for Mayor Balice. I'd love to show him all the evidence I have to support every word of what I said. You have my phone number. Ask him to call me.
"6. We have her vet info that was sent by email saved on our main computer. We could not open it when it was first sent due to our inefficient previous email server Hughes.net. We can open it all now, AND, there is NO spay proof."
I have the original e-mail I sent to you. Kyra was spayed at 5 months. It was included. Why wouldn't I have sent it? That makes no sense.
"7. Pictures sent with the Malamute mentioned wearing sunglasses and sitting in a boat on a lake! NO aggressive Malamute could be brought out on a boat wearing sunglasses!"
Kyra was 6 months old in that picture. As I stated originally, her aggression became more difficult to handle as she got older. Her aggression was also unpredictable. There were many times that she was loving. I have millions of pictures of her cuddling. The problem however was that she would be happy one moment, then bite the next with no provacation.
"8. Spays are required NO later than 7 months as can be seen on the Policies page of our website. This is the date of a spay that has always been required. The date of spay by 7 months is to ensure that the spay is done before the typical going-into-heat time of 8 months."
Okay, so what? I had her spayed at 5 months. I sent the required info to you immediately. Shall I scan the certified reciept?
"9. We do not even check the dates that people send in their required vet info and the dates that each item was done because we only care that they had the proper vet care done. We have even had people tell us before that they were turning in their required vet info in late, and we always say that that is fine."
I can't comment on this. I can only say, that wasn't my experience with you.
"10. 'After some additional phone calls I decided to have the documents sent via certified mail. I still have the confirmation receipt.': Post it then!"
I'd be happy to. When I do, what will you say then?
"10. Wearing welding gloves for a puppy? If so, should have had her put down then! Yet, the pics show that at 6+ months she was tame enough to sit in their boat out on a boat ride wearing sunglasses! Will send these pics to whoever emails us off of our website. This report does not allow attachments."
You are missing the point. Kyra was as sweet as she was aggressive. We didn't need welding gloves all of the time, only to take bones and toys away from her. Did you see any bones or treats with her on the boat? No.
"11. 'He said she is just not wired right'. Her eyes are vacant': Yeah, right!"
Again, tell your Mayor friend to call me. My vet will testify in court to his findings.
"12. 'It makes sense that Kyra is aggressive. Her dad was aggressive too.': Yeah, right! Lighthouse was so submissive and non-aggressive that he lived his whole life with us with 3 non-neutered males: Galaxy, Silver Star, and Chaos! No way could 4 non-neutered males live together in peace if they were too aggressive especially when 3 of them are AKC purebred Malamutes!! Lighthouse is now retired due to an infertility issue and is living with another adult male in VA joining this other male while they were both adults."
Again, Pat. I only know what you told me. You told my husband Kyra's dad was aggressive. I don't know what to tell you.
"13. (again, I have phone records, voicemails, emails, vet bills, a report from the vet as well as the behaviorist.): Please post them all!!"
I would be happy to.
What I don't understand is your attitude. You are so busy defending yourself you aren't even listening to what happened. One of YOUR dogs caused a tremendous amount of pain for a family. Did you help at all? No. Did you ever call me back to see how things were? No. Do you even care what happened to Kyra? Apparently not as you never asked?
I'm done with you and with this subject. You are a liar. Sadly, the one person you lie to the most is yourself. Just once, be a decent person and say, "I'm sorry."
FOR ALL THAT READ THIS SLANDEROUS POST BY TERRI PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE IS A MALAMUTE FORUM WHERE THEY HAVE THEIR IDEAS OF WHAT A BREEDER SHOULD BE LIKE, AND THEY DECIDED THAT KOOL ALASKAN MALAMUTES DOES NOT MEET THEIR REQUIREMENTS. YET, WE ARE THE ONLY MALAMUTE BREEDER WITH REQUIRED POLICIES, AND WE ARE ONE OF THE VERY FEW MALAMUTE BREEDERS THAT POSTS OFA RESULTS RATHER THAN LIEING THAT THEIR MALAMUTES ARE OFA CERTIFIED WHEN THEY ARE NOT. AND, THESE PEOPLE CHOSE TO BUY FROM US AND WERE TOTALLY FINE WITH US UNTIL ONE PERSON NAMED DAWN STIRRED UP TROUBLE BECAUSE HER VET OVER MEDICATED HER PUPPY CAUSING CHRONIC DIARRHEA AND THEN BLAMED THIS ISSUE ON KOOL ALASKAN MALAMUTES ALL POSSIBLY LED BY OUR COMPETITOR JOLENE HOUGHTALING OF HUDSON'S MALAMUTES. AS YOU CAN SEE, ALL OF THESE RIP-OFF ADS ALL CAME OUT 9 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THEIR PUPPIES AND ALL WITHIN ONE MONTH OF EACH OTHER. A COINCIDENCE???
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes: A GREAT place to purchase a puppy!!!!
#13REBUTTAL Owner of company
Tue, March 24, 2009
And, speaking of conveniently leaving information out of these slanderous Ripoff Reports, Pat spoke to Mr. Burkhart on the phone about the aggression issue, and he stated something like that they regularly allowed their Malamute to roam the neighborhood, and that there were many neighbor kids around. As we can see of many kids now-a-days, they are unsupervised. And, even when they are with their parents, they are often times allowed to act unruly. One example of that is our own kids' rare outing to the local park about one week ago. Our oldest daughter was in from Maine for the week, and she brought some of our kids to the local park. And there was a young child there WITH his parents, and he was allowed to throw handfuls of pebbles at our kids! So, if there was any aggression issue with the Burkhart's Malamute that increasingly worsened, rather than placing the blame on Kool Alaskan Malamutes, perhaps the blame should be placed on the Burkharts for allowing their Malamute to roam the neighborhood subject to cruel abuse by neighbor kids.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes: A GREAT place to purchase a puppy!!!!
#13REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, March 20, 2009
Kool Alaskan Malamutes has been encouraged to place a rebuttal here:
Rebuttal to Terri's lies. Nice try Terri:
1. Terri contacted us for the first time exactly 3 years ago: March 2006. Puppies DOB: 1/20/06.
2. We NEVER tell people that they may pick their puppies up at 6 weeks. It is 8 weeks.
Littermates" leaving dates:
F #1 on 3/15/06.
M #1, m #4, and f #3 left on 3/19/06.
M #2 and Terri's f #4 left on 3/25/06.
M #3 left on 4/8/09.
F #2 stayed with us and is our female named Song.
3. We do not have shacks! They are nice mom and puppy buildings.
4. We NEVER send puppies away covered in feces.
5. "I was appalled to learn that Kyra had been alone for the last week as her littermates had all gone...." Good grief!: Our AKC record book shows that Terri came on 3/25/06. The AKC book also shows that another person came on 3/25/06 to pick up littermate m #2. AND, the AKC book shows that another littermate m #3 was shipped on 4/8/06. ALL 3 puppies lived together up until this Terri picked up her puppy on 3/25/06. And, then there is also the fact that littermate f #2 never left. This in and of itself is enough proof for a slander lawsuit against Terri. Our lawyer's partner is the Mayor of Ionia city, Mr. Balice.
6. We have her vet info that was sent by email saved on our main computer. We could not open it when it was first sent due to our inefficient previous email server Hughes.net. We can open it all now, AND, there is NO spay proof.
7. Pictures sent with the Malamute mentioned wearing sunglasses and sitting in a boat on a lake! NO aggressive Malamute could be brought out on a boat wearing sunglasses!
8. Spays are required NO later than 7 months as can be seen on the Policies page of our website. This is the date of a spay that has always been required. The date of spay by 7 months is to ensure that the spay is done before the typical going-into-heat time of 8 months.
9. We do not even check the dates that people send in their required vet info and the dates that each item was done because we only care that they had the proper vet care done. We have even had people tell us before that they were turning in their required vet info in late, and we always say that that is fine.
10. "After some additional phone calls I decided to have the documents sent via certified mail. I still have the confirmation receipt.": Post it then!
10. Wearing welding gloves for a puppy? If so, should have had her put down then! Yet, the pics show that at 6+ months she was tame enough to sit in their boat out on a boat ride wearing sunglasses! Will send these pics to whoever emails us off of our website. This report does not allow attachments.
11. "He said she is just not wired right". Her eyes are vacant": Yeah, right!
12. "It makes sense that Kyra is aggressive. Her dad was aggressive too.": Yeah, right! Lighthouse was so submissive and non-aggressive that he lived his whole life with us with 3 non-neutered males: Galaxy, Silver Star, and Chaos! No way could 4 non-neutered males live together in peace if they were too aggressive especially when 3 of them are AKC purebred Malamutes!! Lighthouse is now retired due to an infertility issue and is living with another adult male in VA joining this other male while they were both adults.
13. (again, I have phone records, voicemails, emails, vet bills, a report from the vet as well as the behaviorist.): Please post them all!!
FOR ALL THAT READ THIS SLANDEROUS POST BY TERRI PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE IS A MALAMUTE FORUM WHERE THEY HAVE THEIR IDEAS OF WHAT A BREEDER SHOULD BE LIKE, AND THEY DECIDED THAT KOOL ALASKAN MALAMUTES DOES NOT MEET THEIR REQUIREMENTS. YET, WE ARE THE ONLY MALAMUTE BREEDER WITH REQUIRED POLICIES, AND WE ARE ONE OF THE VERY FEW MALAMUTE BREEDERS THAT POSTS OFA RESULTS RATHER THAN LIEING THAT THEIR MALAMUTES ARE OFA CERTIFIED WHEN THEY ARE NOT. AND, THESE PEOPLE CHOSE TO BUY FROM US AND WERE TOTALLY FINE WITH US UNTIL ONE PERSON NAMED DAWN STIRRED UP TROUBLE BECAUSE HER VET OVER MEDICATED HER PUPPY CAUSING CHRONIC DIARRHEA AND THEN BLAMED THIS ISSUE ON KOOL ALASKAN MALAMUTES ALL POSSIBLY LED BY OUR COMPETITOR JOLENE HOUGHTALING OF HUDSON'S MALAMUTES. AS YOU CAN SEE, ALL OF THESE RIP-OFF ADS ALL CAME OUT 9 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THEIR PUPPIES AND ALL WITHIN ONE MONTH OF EACH OTHER. A COINCIDENCE???
Kool Alaskan Malamutes
Lyons,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Kool Alaskan Malamutes: A wonderful place to purchase a Malamute!
#13UPDATE Employee
Thu, March 19, 2009
Nice story FULL of lies Terri. We are not wasting our time on all of you who are a part of a forum that don't like us. Have a good time on this earth with your souls. BTW, you never sent your required info in the mail to us. Nice try and nice lie.
A wonderful place to purchase a Malamute! I found the Kool website on Puppyfind when I was shopping for a Giant Malamute for my son, who purchased a wonderful AKC giant male in November. In browsing the site, my husband saw Snow's gray male, 3/4 malamute and 1/4 samoyed, and he fell in love. Both puppies were flown to California, Maxx arriving with a rare 14 inches of snow. Our inquiries as to their progress, growth, temperament, shipping needs--were all addressed within hours at the most, often while I was still online, and the Kools worked with us every step of the way. Both puppies arrived in the California desert in excellent health. When I walk Maxx, drivers stop to ask where I acquired such a beautiful dog. I would not hesitate to purchase from the Kools based on email communications and photographs, wherever I lived.
Linda R
A wonderful family pet
I found the Kool Alaskan Malamute website when I was searching for a breeder. I looked into a few breeders before deciding to purchase from the Kools. I chose them based on the following:
1. How well organized the website is
2. The Kool family history that is posted on the website
3. Group shots of the puppies, individual and updated pictures of the puppies
4. The lines of both parents
5. History of the adults along with assessments of their personalities
6. Pictures of where and how the dogs live
7. And most important my conversations with Pat Kool
I purchased a puppy back in October 2007. Since I live in NY I was unable to go to Michigan to pick my puppy out myself. I spent a lot of time on the phone with Pat. I felt she was knowledgeable about all of the litters I was interested in. Pat was very helpful and friendly in helping me pick the puppy that was right for my family and budget. Pat was able to answerer any and all of the questions I had about the breed itself, the puppies, the parents, and the general health of all dogs involved.
In 1 weeks time, while waiting for my puppy to arrival I was in touch with Pat through email the entire time. I never felt ignored or that she was unreachable.
I received my puppy (Mya) on a Sunday. She seemed to be in good health, but still the very next day I took her to my own vet to be checked out. Per my vet she seemed to be in good health and I should have nothing to worry about. Before the first week ended I received a folder in the mail from the KOOLS containing proof of shots, when the next shots should be received, family history including pictures of her mom and dad, pictures of her litter and several shot of her from the time she was born till the time I received her, and general care instructions for her.
I had her for about 6 months or so when she started to have some diarrhea a couple of times a week. I waited about two weeks then I contacted Pat through email to see if she could help. I received her response within a few hours she asked me a few question and requested I stop giving her any treats or table food for a few months. I followed her instructions and had no problems after that. When she was about 1 year old I resumed with the treats and the occasional table food and she has been fine. Just a sensitive puppy stomach I guess.
I have had Mya for about 17 months now and she is a happy, healthy well mannered dog. She is extremely smart and learns everything I try to teach her within a few hours to a day or two. Never mind what she has learned all on her own. She has the sweetest personality and everyone she meets comments about it (even everyone at my vets office). I can't begin to tell you how many people stop me when I'm walking her or stop their cars to say how beautiful she is, and trust me, she is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Over the past 17 months I have been in contact with Pat Kool on a regular basis, whether it is to send her pictures or ask a question. Pat always makes me feel like she's glad to hear from me. And after completing my end of the agreement by sending in the dog food labels, proof of vet care and her spaying, I received all the papers I was suppose to. I have read the two bad reviews on here and felt compelled to respond with my own experience with the Kool family. I will absolutely purchase another puppy from her hopefully someday soon.
Sincerely a very happy customer
Jean P
On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Hi Pat and family!
Talon and I just wanted to send a little note to say hello and let you know that we are doing very well! Talon has his yearly physical in 2 weeks with his favorite dr! Dr Albin! He reminds Talon not to be so OCD when it comes to certain things! Talon is such a charm, he lights up my life in so many ways even though he can be quite fresh and devious sometimes (like his father!!) My mom says he is her worst nightmare but she always refers to him as "Grandma's boy" My dad just loves him they are best friends.............I am in school 4 nights a week now so he and my dad spend quality time together and they go for a walk every night. Talon knows when I bring my back pack downstairs its his and grandpas time and will go get his leash and cry at my dad until they go!!! I love him!
Hope all is well! Write soon!
Courtney and Talon Binnington
dateSun, Mar 1, 2009 at 9:24 PM
Hey Kool family.
We went on a road trip to Indiana to visit the Bass Pro Shop Saturday and took Samson to help him get used to chaos. He had the best day of his life! He charmed every person walking by and kissed so many kids we lost count. I gave him a bath that morning so he was all soft and fluffy.
No one could believe that he just turned 7 months old. I don't know how big your boys usually are at this age, but he is guite large. He's also very well behaved and listens like an adult dog (most of the time). He just keeps getting more beautiful every day and we couldn't ask for a better temperament or personality. I think about a hundred people asked where we got him - don't see many Malamutes in our area.
Well, I just wanted to brag on your baby a little bit. Hope you're all doing well.
Jamey, Angela, Max and Samson
KY