Complaint Review: Sienna Pointe Vizslas - Cathy Gallagher

Donna,

Perhaps it's just me, but your post is written in a remarkably similar style to and using remarkably similar language to the post by "Steve" that was submitted just a couple of posts before your last post. I've also observed in reading between the various posts by "Steve" that he uses two different "styles" when posting - perhaps that can be accounted for by his mood on any given day, but then again - perhaps there are 2 different people (from the same household in Algonquin, IL) posting as "Steve"? If your problems with Cathy and Larry occurred several years ago (I note you still do not provide any verifiable facts that would establish that you really do own a Sienna Pointe Vizsla dog), how did you come across this complaint? Do you just type in "Sienna Pointe Vizla's on The internet on a regular basis just to see what's going on? That would be considered by some rather obsessive behavior. Or, are you just a fan of Rip Off Reports, spending your time perusing between the thousands of complaints posted here on a daily basis, looking for something you can add your own grievance too?

Any way, to all those who are considering a puppy from Sienna Pointe Vizslas , fortunately posts to Rip Off Report are not removable. I suggest you read (carefully) through all the posts by Steve and Donna and then read through all the posts by Cathy and Larry's supporters here and draw your own conclusions. To use Steve's own suggestion (as posted under one of the many other complaints regarding the same issue he filed here on Rip Off Report) things are not always as they appear (or are not always as presented). There are certainly 2 sides to every story. Here we have only one side of the story as Cathy and Larry of Sienna Pointe (very wisely) have chosen not to engage in this public forum. One needs to consider bias when presented with only one side of a story. Facts can be modified, omissions made and 1/2 truths told to fit one's agenda.

I for one stand behind Cathy and Larry Gallagher of Sienna Pointe Vizsla's 100%.
I don't like to see anyone suffer and I don't doubt for a moment that this isn't a traumatic situation (but for everyone involved, not just Steve and his family). Cathy and Larry would not keep a person's pet from them just because it suited them to do so. There would be absolutely no benefit in taking such a decision lightly- as I'm sure you are all able to gather - it involves great expense and hardhship in terms of the inevitable fallout (defamation of character, huge stress, expense of housing, feeding, vet bills etc not to mention any litigation expenses).
I'll reiterate that I sincerely hope that this situation is resolved as painlessly and quickly as possible for everyone involved.


Sincerely,

Lisa O.

Now I know you are full of s***.
Did you already forget what YOU posted on this site:

"In October of 2009 we allowed Cathy Gallagher, owner of Siennapointe Vizslas to take care of our Vizsla, Rally while my Wife and I recovered from medical issues. Cathy is the original breeder of our dog. In July 2007 we paid $1300 for Rally. He became part of our family but we could not care for him because my Wife had serious medical issues and I severley laserated two of my fingers in a circular saw accident."

You admit you gave the do to her and that you and your wife COULD NOT TAKE CARE OF IT.
Those are YOUR words.

Our experience with Ms. Gallagher wasn't TOO bad at the beginning, but as time went on, it was clear she was wanting more and more control and power in our situation, her clear intent was NOT to help us, it was to merely tell us what we should be doing, and she began what I can only describe as "meddling" in how we were choosing to raise our dog. That is when the suspicions arose. We were never rude to Ms. Gallagher, just very firm, and she grew testy with us. I now wish I'd been as strong and courageous as "Steve" and would have voiced my complaints loudly and directly to her at the time, with absolutely no hesitation. Maybe "Steve" would have been spared his situation. Our horrible and uncomfortable situation with Ms. Gallagher is long past, but the memories of that are not. I, for one, feel deeply for "Steve" and his family, agree with him that Ms. Gallagher certainly IS capable of deceit and dishonesty, and wish for them only the best. I pray the truth of their story prevails. I pray Ms. Gallagher has to admit to what she's obviously done. I pray their dog is returned to them as he should be. Again, I'm not as courageous as "Steve" and therefore feel more comfortable stating my name and the fact that our family had purchased a puppy from this company but became very unhappy and unsatisfied as time went on. That's why we bought our other vizslas from another breeder. I do not want Ms. Gallagher contacting me to further berate us about our dog or how we choose to raise it as a member of our family. That is our choice, not hers. We still have our contract. We will not even put ourselves in a situation where Ms. Gallagher might also choose to take our own dog away from us, or offer to give it back only if we pay money for it! Ridiculous. Kudos to Steve and his family for not allowing Ms. Gallagher to prevail. Don't worry Steve, sounds like the court will most definitely see the truth and the light, and in the meantime, God bless you and your family. Hang in there, prayers are with ya! -Donna

It is very sad that many here think this is all about "slander" or ruining someone's reputation. Not true at all. It is simply about getting all the correct FACTS out there for others to know and come to their own conclusions, and then hopefully being extremely cautious if they have to do business with this company.

We are Christians are are trying to help others in the best way possible. This is a platform for reaching many. Same with a newspaper article on this very story, which is currently in the works. Maybe after reading that, ALL the facts will be presented, not just the facts Ms. Gallagher wishes to be known, and everyone will be able to say "aha, NOW i see what truly happened" and what Ms. Gallagher did to cover up her illegal and unethical behaviors, and why she isn't as forthcoming with the facts in this case. Her own "friends" (not anymore, obviously) in Colorado are suing her, they want nothing more than to give our dog back to us, his legal and rightful owners, but they are being threatened with a counter lawsuit by their "friend" (not anymore), Ms. Gallagher, if they give our dog back to us, the owners. Do you think that family will ever be doing business with Ms. Gallagher in the future?. No, of course not. They've had their fill of her, too. She is ruining relationships right and left and has abused friendships in the past (including other breeders), not to mention ours. Is this the way an ethical businesswoman conduts business? I wouldn't think so. It's certainly not the way WE conduct our business.

As previously stated, we are not out to "slander" a name or state untruths about an individual or a company. We've clearly stated our purpose here -- to fight til the end of time to get OUR dog back to his warm, loving family, and at the same time, to go to great lengths to make sure that NONE of this EVER has to happen to any potential consumers out there. If we could save even one family from having to go through this horror story, we'd be very grateful to this forum. That is why we are putting forth so much effort, not because we have so much "free time" (ha!!! quite the contrary these days), but because we don't want to see this happening in the future to ANYONE else. As we started out saying, BUYER BEWARE AND USE EXTREME CAUTION BEFORE EVEN CONSIDERING DOING BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY....PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK. The facts remain the facts and they always will. The truth will prevail in the end.

We remain hopeful, faithful, and patient, and are looking forward to the day with so much joy when our little guy runs back into our arms and to where he belongs. Believe me, we've learned our hard lesson.....never trust what Ms. Gallagher so sweetly says one minute, because the next moment, she's talking out of the other side of her mouth and threatening revenge. That's not the type of business person for us. We are looking for someone 100% ethical and upstanding, which is not Ms. Gallagher, unfortunately. You can choose to read both sides, which we hope you do. What you see is not always what you get though. Just be warned. In the meantime, we ask only one thing -- for prayers that our puppy comes home to his healthy, happy, loving family (and legal owners) very quickly! That's all we're asking, if you're a praying Christian. We have the utmost faith the courts will see the truth, even if some of Ms. Gallaghers' "friends" are incapable of doing that.

And for heaven's sake, money should not even be a part of this story. How can you even put a price on the head of a member of your own family?? For Ms. Gallagher to even bring up such a thought is lucicrous (not to mention illegal). This is about bringing a puppy back to his rightful home, where he thrived as a little vizsla and will continue to thrive and grow old with us as a member of our beautiful family. Thank you.

Steve,
It's really sad to see that instead of just handling this on one post that you feel the need to have multiple posts on the same issue. That says a lot about your character and in my opinion, reinforces the fact that Cathy has done the right thing with Rally. The adult thing to do in this situation is to take care of your family and thank Cathy for all she has done to try and make it work for Rally and your family. It's unfortunate that even though you know that your wife doesn't like dogs, you are still pressing this issue. Why don't you try getting some gold fish and see if your family can care for that first. Dogs are more than just property. They are family members that have emotional and physical needs. Would your kids appreciate being taken to the local orphanage 8 days a month and then spend another 8 or so days staying at a babysitters house. I hope you'll realize that they would be an emotional wreck. If you think that Rally's hives were caused just by allergies, then you are closing your eyes to the whole truth of the situation. And remember....don't you travel a lot with your job? Wouldn't your wife be the one in charge of the dog? It just doesn't make sense to me that you don't recognize the problems. Is money what you really want?

Do you know what spam is? What you are seeing here from steve is a perfect example of spam - repeated postings, total lack of response, and truth in details.

Cathy Gallagher is one of the most honorable people I know. I bought my dog Stella from Cathy in spring of 2007. She is a wonderful vizsla. I chose to a adopt a dog from Cathy because with Cathy, it is not a one-time interaction. She puts great love into the raising of puppies and does an incredible job of matching them with the right families. Long after the puppies go home, she is in contact and makes herself available for questions/concerns/advice. Her website is a testament to this... no other breeder sites have as many pictures or updates about puppies she has bred. She is an incredible resource, mentor, and friend. I would HIGHLY recommend a Sienna Pointe Vizsla to anyone who is thinking about adopting a Vizsla.

The contract with Cathy clearly states that if you cannot take care of your dog, she will gladly take the dog back. With all of the medical issues that Steve mentioned, it seems clear that neither he nor his wife were capable. It is highly unfair to board a dog, especially a vizsla, for 1/3 of its life. Vizslas need love, attention, and high levels of activity.... they need to be a part of a family. Steve traveled for work frequently and his wife did not want the dog in the house when Steve was not there.... how is that fair to Rally? How can Steve fault Cathy for being concerned? Steve spent a lot of time ranting about the costs involved in getting Rally back. Cathy is not trying to swindle Steve, nor did she make the mistake with the AKC paperwork. There are costs involved in the care of Rally in Colorado... What fantasyland does Steve live in that he would not expect this, and would use this against a wonderful breeder like Cathy?

Hi there,

I am so sorry to find this report regarding Cathy and Larry, two people who I know to be very nice and very reasonable. They are without a doubt extremely conscientious, ethical Vizsla breeders. They not only breed wonderful, sweet, happy, healthy Vizslas, they are actively and intensively involved with the breed (showing, obedience, agility, field etc), they also take the time to be available to and involved with their puppy owners throughout their canine companion's life time.
My husband and I have both owned dogs previously and have known dog, cat and horse breeders. My husband is quite serious about dog training, I used to work as a veterinary technician and I used to breed and show cats many years ago. We had the good fortune to meet Cathy early in our research on vizsla's and our search for the right breeder. She knew we were just in our initial research stages but welcomed us to her home to meet her canine family and spent a good deal of time answering our many questions and letting us play with all her dogs. During the next 2 years we chatted and emailed on a regular basis and we returned to visit with Cathy, Larry and the Vizslas periodically. We were both very impressed with how evident Cathy and Larry's dedication and care for their dogs and breeding program was. The dogs were beautiful, sweet, well adjusted and lived underfoot with Cathy and Larry in their home. The house and large yard were clean as were their beautiful, healthy dogs. They also made a point of engaging all of their dogs in regular activities to keep them happy and well adjusted whether it be showing, obedience, agility, field work. It was obvious to us (having had much experience in these matters) that they were exactly the sort of breeders we wanted to deal with. Finally we were ready for a puppy! Cathy & Larry went out of their way to make sure not only that we were a good match for the vizsla breed and vice versa but also took the trouble to make sure that they made a good match between us and the puppy (I had a particular disposition I felt would work best for us and we were willing to wait for the right puppy). They were both very candid and available throughout the entire process and continue to be so to this day. Our Sienna Pointe Vizsla boy is now 2yrs old and we still communicate with Cathy on a regular basis.
We have only had the most positive of experiences with Cathy and Larry from long before our puppy arrived to the current date and we will definitely go to them for another vizsla. We have recommended them without hesitation to the many people who have complimented us on our vizsla. It's very difficult to imagine how the circumstances described in this report might have transpired given our experience with Cathy and Larry. One thing is certain, they must sincerely believe that the position they have taken is right and necessary, as I am sure you do too. However, not knowing all the details, I'll leave it at this, life is short, look into your heart and do what's right for your family and for Rally. Keep in mind that sometimes what we want is not necessarily what's right.

With sincere wishes that you are able to reconcile your differences amicably and quickly.

Lisa O.

My Husband and I are proud and happy owners of a Vizsla from Sienna Pointe. When serching for a breeder for our dream dog we weren't going to stop until we found someone like Cathy. We came across Cathy's website and we knew we had found the breeder that felt right to get our first puppy. Within the first email conversation we were impressed with her knowledge, backround and detail. We are always able to contact Cathy for any questions and concerns and she has always been readily available. Cathy has a wonderful and positive way of supporting your decision of adding a dog to your family. We have been fully satisfied with our decision and because of our positive experience are going to get our second Vizsla from nobody else, but Cathy Gallagher.

Why are you not clicking the update button on your original report and addressing the questions, concerns and points raised there and filing new reports instead? And there will likely be others on these new reports as well. How many reports do you intend to file? It is either by choice which has it's own implications OR do you need some directions on how to accomplish this (which could make one wonder as to your reasoning skills)? I don't file reports, but I think there may be a listing when you log in? If not you can scroll down to the very bottom of the page and click the link which says update your existing report. Your statements here appear to be misleading and/or completely false.
The breeder has not yet made an appearance here on ROR. There really isn't a need as the reports themselves speak volumes I think. It is you who should be elaborating and not choosing to include or leave out whichever details you think may hurt or harm your position. There has however been a virtual horde of people coming to her defense. Most of which seem to be others whom have pups from her and are ready to fight for her. What should that tell us? I believe one mistakenly clicked employee (not owner or individual) but once you actually READ the post it becomes clear that she is yet another proud parent of a Sienna Pointe Vizsla. Did you read your contract as closely as you read her post? Why do you seem to be the only buyer so far with an issue? The BBB of Chicago shows 0 complaints in the last 36 months (not that I'm a big fan of them) at the moment. Leads one to believe she isn't the problem (aside from the details given so far) and that it is a PRIVELAGE to be chosen by her as a parent. A task you apparently were not up to and by your own admission.
As pointed out before, a purchase contract is not considered proof of ownership for life if the circumstances warrant it. Again, did you pay them ANYTHING in the 6 months since you turned Rally over to them? Did you ever even go and visit Rally? How many times, dates, and for how long? You keep alluding to the original purchase contract as your proof'. Well, is there anything in there about being able to and agreeing to provide the proper environment and care? Your description is anything BUT a proper environment for a breed as sensitive and as active as a Vizsla. You stated that you were unable to properly provide for his NEEDS. Does the contract say anything about that? It is stated that if a purchaser is unable to care for one of their pups they will take full responsibility. YOU stated you were unable to care for Rally. The dog was left in there care for an EXTENDED period of time in which you avoid answering whether you paid for any services or care. If the dog was still legally yours, reason says you would have paid for services. Also, how bad were the cuts on your fingers and where? How many stitches? Surgery? What?
We can look at the offer of payment of $5600 in a couple of different ways if that's the case right off the bat and NEITHER is what you allude to (we're back to reasoning skills again). You have left your dog with someone for 6 months who has cared for him, provided training in several aspects, training for titles, and worked on getting those titles. There are people who make quite a decent living for doing so, they are called professional handlers and they certainly do not do so for free. You pay for everything AND pay them for their services and expertise (and I know plenty of people who have paid far more than just $5600 to their handler's PER DOG so it would actually be REASONABLE), OR, we could consider that all the above mentioned has raised the value of the dog who has had so much put into him and she gave you an option of going back and having the opportunity and PRIVELAGE of POSSIBLY purchasing from her again. Have you inquired on purchasing a TITLED dog of approximately the same age and conformation from someone else sir? When you say that you aren't asking for anything but the return of Rally you forgot to mention or touch on any of this or say that you paid for services provided for a dog you SAY is yours. Wonder why that could be?
It seems your intentions and motivations here sir have to do with anything BUT Rally and it truly makes me a bit sick to think of the effect the instability could have on him. Per your statements and lack of any proof provided so far it appears you gave the dog back due to an inability to provide for him properly (this really doesn't apply to just food and water) and now that he is worth quite a bit you want him back and think your original contract from when he was a pup will get you there. You in NO way appear to be considering what may be in Rally's best interest and did not appear to be acting in his best interest when he was yours . Your refusal to elaborate and to answer valid questions leads one further into believing it is not RALLY'S interests which are your motivation, nor that you are being particularly honest.
Links to the other reports (so far)are;
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/439/RipOff0439696.htm
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/444/ripoff0444357.htm
*just my opinions*

I am an owner of one of Ms. Gallagher's puppies. This is our 3rd Viszla and our 2nd breeder. Ms. Gallagher has been professional, honest, caring, and trustworthy. There is A LOT more to the story in this particular case. I support Ms. Gallagher's decision to withhold the dog from the family who is making the complaint. I would have NO hesitancy to purchase another dog from Sienna Pointe Viszlas.