SoHo Shih Tzu Scammers, liars, thieves! Sturbidge MA & Internet
I came across the website, Soho Shih tzu and the owner Barbara while I was looking for a local breeder in the Rhode Island/ Mass area. Her website looked nice, and her dog parents seems adorable. From the first phone conversation I thought she seemed a little wacky, but I set my gut feeling aside and said I could put up with her if it meant a quality dog that would be bred by parents that were healthy, and in a loving home. She went on and on about how she sells her dogs to celebrities, name dropping and showing off about how she owns homes in FL and New York, and her husband is ex military. Then she went on and on about how she doesn’t NEED the money from breeding. (Ridiculous, because I know quite a few people that make a decent living off of dog breeding and they enjoy their careers and I personally think it’s a respectable way to earn your way) She had a litter that was available with pictures of them online. I had inquired about a male she had. She gave me the price and we had agreed upon price of $900 with a deposit of $100 right then through pay pal. The puppy would be ready to go home March 7, 2016. Great! But my husband and I were a little apprehensive about sending money to someone we had never met before for a puppy we have never seen before. But we thought, its only $100. I understood she would want something to hold the puppy, and that was fine. So I sent her the money through pay pal. This is where it gets weird. She starts texting me tons of random pics of her daughter (she has special needs) and pics of her granddaughter and random pictures of other dogs and her home. I thought she was a little strange with all of the texts and the fact that I was a complete stranger she was sending pics of her granddaughter to. I chalked it up to her just being lonely and a little too friendly… So I’m getting the life story of everything this woman has ever done in her life. I asked if I could come and visit the dog and get a look at the parents for an idea of what the colorings would look like. She brushes me off and says it’s not a good week (Not a good sign) A couple of weeks went by and that brings us to yesterday. I hadn’t heard anything from her, so I decide to give her a text and see if I could get over to visit the puppy this upcoming weekend. Also I wanted to find out how she would prefer her payment (cash, check or pay pal the day of) when we pick the dog up on March 7. I get her on the phone, first of all she acts like she has no idea who I am. (you aren’t selling THAT many dogs lady, you should know who your byers are) I ask if I can see the dog this upcoming weekend, and if we are still good to bring the puppy home on March 7. She starts crying and giving me a sob story about how I can’t come and see the dog because her daughter was having health problems, and some crap story and then she starts up with me that I should pay the entire rest of the agreed upon price right then. (again that would have been $800, for a dog I have never seen before to a woman I have never met before) So I remind her that she has agreed that the $100 would hold the dog, and that I could pay the rest (cash) when I see her to pick up the dog on March 7. She then goes into her story about how she won’t send out the papers for the dog without having the full payment for the dog. I tell her, I don’t care if the papers aren’t ready when I pick up the dog, she can send them to me whenever they are ready, I would be fine with that. She seems a little put off but again goes into name dropping that she sells to celebrities and she doesn’t need the money blah blah blah…agrees that if it makes me more comfortable to pay her when I pick up the dog that would be fine with her. She still refuses my request to see the dog this weekend. (At this point I’m banking on it that she’s a scam artist, and I’m just waiting to see how the chips fall) Now today she calls me to complain that her feelings were hurt by our conversation yesterday. She is upset that I don’t trust her as a breeder. The s**t is getting deep, so I get into it with her about how I have purchased dogs in my life, and I have known many people that have purchased dogs and never NOT ONCE, have I ever heard of anyone paying 100% upfront the total cost before receiving the dog. I told her I had never met her before, and what is my recourse if I pay this total amount to her, and when march 7th comes she is no where to be found. Or if she sends me to an address that doesn’t exist? She tries to make me feel badly by saying that she is taking a risk because I might not pick up the dog. So I tell her, well I would never do that, but even if I don’t pick up the dog, she has my $100 AND she still has the dog to sell to someone else. She kept arguing with me that I should pay the money now, and I finally said “Barbara, if you can get someone to pay you upfront the total amount you are welcome to refund me my $100 and sell the dog to someone else” She goes crazy “Ohhh nonononnooooooo I don’t want to do that! I want you to have this dog!” So I say to her that I don’t want to discuss this any further, we have agreed upon this twice now and she will get the total amount when I come to pick up the dog on march 7. OK We hang up. I kid you not, she texts me 10 minutes later and she then tells me that she has had a couple at her house for 2 hours visiting and they want to buy the puppy! So she’s selling the puppy to them and they gave her the full amount. I tell her that this is just what I expected to happen. I knew she was a scammer and a liar. I bet there was no puppy ever. The sick daughter is a sob story that isn’t real either, that’s probably her scam so that people feel bad for her and give her space and gives her an excuse for people not to be able to visit her home. She kept saying that she sells dogs to celebrities, and that she doesn’t need the money. She then continues to text me and says that I am the rudest person she has ever met. I’m rotten, I’m an a*****e. I told her she’s just upset because her scam didn’t work on me. She texted me for an hour straight, personally attacking me and calling me every name in the book. She is either unstable and psychotic, or just a scammer. Maybe a little of both! I didn’t do much research on her, because I had no intentions of paying the full amount until I picked up the puppy. So after all is said and done, I was poking around online and checking her out, and lets just say she has quite the reputation. Not only have I found out that she isn’t even licensed to breed dogs, the dogs she sells are often sick and some die from inbreeding. She has taken hefty deposits from people for litters not born yet (Common practice among breeders, I do understand but usually the breeder will offer you to be able to meet the pregnant mom) Many people have said they paid the hefty deposit for an unborn puppy, only for months and months to go by, and some people are waiting still over a year later! Watch out everyone! Anyone with half a brain in their head would pick up on the fact she has a few screws loose within a few minutes of talking with her. Steer clear!!
9 Updates & Rebuttals
Rita
New York,United States
Barbara at Soho Shih Tzu is not only reputable breeder, she is a wonderful person who truly loves the pups she brings into this world.
#10Consumer Comment
Tue, August 23, 2022
I purchased my dog Lucy from Barbara in 2013. The process was seemless and Barbara even delivered her to me in Long Island, NY. I could tell right away that this is Barbara's passion. It showed in her care intructions. Lucy came to me fully trained on the wee pad and I followed Barbara's easy intructions when it was time to take Lucy outside.
She transitioned so well and was completely trained within a few months of having her. Lucy has yet to have an accident inside my home. We will leave a wee wee pad down when we leave for longer periods of time and she still uses it. Barbara checked in with me a few times after bringing her to me as well and gave precise feeding instructions.
Lucy is now 9 years old and is still as peppy as she was a a year old. She has no health issues, not even the common ones that a lot of shih tzu's have (such as eye issues). She's playful and happy... she's a little stuck up, but thats the personality of a shih tzu...lol.
I do know from my lengthy conversations with Barbara that her daughter does have some health issues. It's sad that people cannot just be human and show some compassion. I know that it's a big decision to bring a pet into your home and when getting a puppy from a breeder, you want to make sure that person is reputable.
Personally, the only person that seems unstable is the person that wrote this report. If this complaint has any validity at all, I can assure you that there was a puppy and the issue is that the person who ordered the puppy did not follow the guidelines set forth by Barbara prior to making the deposit.
She's a small hobby breeder that does it out of passion, not for grand profits. If you get a puppy from Barbara, rest assured that it will be a adorable, happy, healthy and playful puppy that your family will love forever.
Shannon
Lewes,Delaware,
United States
Excellent Breeder!!!
#10General Comment
Fri, February 02, 2018
I am absolutely appalled that somebody would have the nerve to try and damage the reputation of an excellent breeder....a woman (Barb) who has a heart of gold!!! I bought my Shihtzu (Fendi) over 6 years ago. Barbara was absolutely amazing from the first phone call to the day I picked my Shihtzu up! She loves her dogs so much she would personally drive them to you. My husband and I met her in NY. From the day I got Fendi...she was absolutely PERFECT!!!!!
By far the best dog we EVER had!! I became friends with Barb on FB to keep in touch, send pictures etc. I know Barbara, and she is far from what this person wrote about her!!! It's obvious somebody is just trying to hurt her...and its quite sick and sad!!! I only came across this "so called complaint" because I wanted to go back on her website to see when another litter was due because we would love another one. Stay strong Barb...Soho Shihtzu's is the best, and I wouldn't buy a Shihtzu from anyone else. Sincerely, Shannon, Alan, & Miss Fendi
Tia
Massachusetts,USA
SoHo Shih Tzu the Best thing that happened to me this Year!!!!
#10REBUTTAL Individual responds
Sat, February 20, 2016
After reading this Nonsense I had to comment. As a CLIENT and FRIEND, I WILL NOT sit around while you bad mouth my friend! First off, I been looking around for a GOOD BREEDER and came across Barbara. Our first conversation, was amazing! Barbara has so much passion for her Dogs, I had to go with my gut feeling with purchasing my Babies from her. Barbara explained everything to me, step by step about the process of taking home the puppies. She even welcomed me to her Beautiful Home, which I felt welcome to her and her Beautiful family. Now I'm a proud dog Mommy of her three puppies, which I couldn't be any happier. Sad to say, right now Barbara is going though a difficult time right now due to medical problems with the family. Barbara and I became close in the process, She a Good Person with a Good heart. For you write to a bogus report on my friend, shame on you. Get a life!!! You just lost a Good Breeder and Good Future friend!!!! Good luck with finding a Good Breeder out there, because truthful it's hard finding right one. Think again before you speak about my People!!!
Karen at Glory Ridge
WARSAW,Missouri,
USA
Soho IS a Honest Breeder !
#10General Comment
Fri, February 19, 2016
I was so sad to read this nasty complaint about Soho Shih-Tzu Owner, whom I personally know as a good breeder and close friend. The FACTS are Barb's family is going through a very bad time medically since September and the stress is great. This women who made this compalint obviously would have done better dealing with a salesperson at a Pet Shop if she didn't want to know that breeders are real people with real life problems and are not just there to be cold cut and dry people who hand you a dog at 8 weeks when you pay them. Good breeders want to know you and be confident the pup is going to a loving home. When a buyer shows NO concern of anyone but themselves, it speaks volumes to the breeder. I know, I am a shih-tzu breeder 30 years. I have been through many family isssues and my customers are very understanding.
This women should not have made this complaint calling Barb these untrue things. She is not a fraud and not a crook (or she would have kept the $100. ) and sometimes life is hard and people need to pray for one another instead of being nasty and evil on Ripoff.
JudyM
Danvvers,Massachusetts,
USA
Another False Statement From Jennifer Turner
#10REBUTTAL Owner of company
Fri, February 19, 2016
It is stated in Jennifer Turner's original complaint that quote: "So I tell her, I would never do that, but even if I don't pick up the dog, she has my $100 AND she still has the dog to sell to someone else." Please take note that this complaint was made on February 17, 2016. She was refunded the $100 deposit on February 16, 2016 one day before this complaint was written. I texted her on the 16th of Februrary and the text asked for her paypal email address so that I could refund the money because I was uncomfortable with the feeling that she had distrust. She did reply to this with the applicable information. That is how I was able to refund her money. At this point, Ms. Turner seemed surprised that I was refunding her deposit and even asked why. I do have all text messages from day one from her inquiry regarding the purchase of this puppy including SOHO's policies, procedures, etc. Upon inquiring with her tonight she claims she deleted all texts sent or recieved. It is my hopes that any questions, doubts and/or apprehensions regarding SOHO Shih tzus business practices are now put to rest.
Thank you in advance, Barbara/SOHO Shih Tzu - Owner
yes
#10Author of original report
Fri, February 19, 2016
Barbara did refund the amount of my deposit through pay pal. I never denied that.
barbra
sturbridge,Massachusetts,
USA
copy of refund to jennifer turner
#10REBUTTAL Individual responds
Thu, February 18, 2016
barbra
sturbridge,Massachusetts,
USA
Barbra refused to sell a puppy
#10REBUTTAL Owner of company
Thu, February 18, 2016
I am the owner of soho shihtzus, i have been breeding many years with wonderful people and satisfied. this woman Jennifer Turner came to me for a puppy. she only text me , no emails. its very plain and simple. so i wont go into detail here the names she has called me, she picked her pup.. told her a 100 deposit is required, ok she did that. she contacted me a few days ago asking how this works, she wanted to know does she give me more money now or when its pick up time.. i told her its all in youe text messages , i told her please pay btween 6-7 weeks for puppy so i can submit all paper work to akc and she can have her papers delivered with her baby.... she had a problem with this, she said she never paid up front for anything, I explained ,, your not paying up front the pup is now 5 weeks old. she got irate with me and nasty,i do not do well with nasty people.my week was not well as my daughter had surgery the week before andall my clients can vouche for me on this one, they know what i am going through, the phone call didnt go well she wanted my bank account. i said i do not give my bank account to anyone, she states she didnt come to my home, that was her choice, as she said it was to far for her to travel, she loved the pup and would take him. well to make a long story short.... i got off phone and told my husband i was going to refund her deposit,,, reason being,, as i stated to her,,,, if you dont trust the breeder, you should not being buying from me.. period. i have never had anyone dissatisfied and her tone and negativity, just got to me.. this is my choice if i decide not to sell to someone.. we crossed words on text as i asked her for her pay pal address to return her 100 deposit which i did.. i will make a opy of it and put it on here,, she told me there is no pup and i must play a tape when i talk to people that i have dogs barking.. wow that was a first i would of never thought of that. shes angry and mad and calling me a thief and a crook. well she better have her proof to back all this up. i have never ever had this happen before,,she called me fishy and a thief, no just honest and want people to trust me as their breeder OR YOU GET OFF TO A BAD START,SOi decided not to sell to her,, i will not her her slandering my name.i will post the receipt of her money returned, i rest my case. Jennifer Turner is just upset because i would not sell her the puppy. that is my choice,
JudyM
Danvvers,Massachusetts,
USA
Soho Shih Tzu Are True, Respectable and Upscale Breeders
#10General Comment
Thu, February 18, 2016
This letter is written to advise of the personal and professional knowledge I have of SOHO Shih Tzu of Sturbridge, MA. First I must state that everything Barbara was stated as saying is true and are not "excuses" for one not to see their puppy. I have personal knowledge of this. Secondly, we have worked with SOHO Shih Tzu on a professional level for a number of years and have found Barbara to be one of the more honest, caring, compassionate and educated breeders of the Shih Tzus. In fact all are considered as family by the entire family. With regards to the accusations made by Jennifer of Cumberland, RI in her "rip off report" of February 17, 2016 I found I had to reply with a response. First, Barbara breeds for the love of the dogs and most are placed in pet homes. Secondly, it has been our experience that no breeder of which we have ever dealt with releases a dog without full payment in advance. This has been the norm for many years as so many never received the full payment once the puppy was released. Asking $100 deposit is reasonable, as many request $300 non-refundable. I would assume the $100 deposit is also non-refundable but I am not familiar with the contract made in this situation. Furthermore, Barbara's prices for her babies are most reasonable for the top quality Shih Tzus she produces! IF the breeder, for any reason believes that it is determental for the pup and/or puppies to receive vists from their new owners they will refrain from doing so. In this case, I know the reasons Barbara gave are true and accurate. I will also say that Barbara is outgoing, friendly, and most of all very fair in her dealings with buyers of her little babies. To claim she is wacky is nothing short of cruel and judgemental. Barbara is friendly and outgoing to all those who appear the same. I am saddened she apparantely received the "wrong" impression of this individual. That being said, this information is nothing short of a personal attack which has no bearing on the issue at hand. I applaud Barbara for being able to multitask at this time with more than the average going on. For no puppy is left uncared, unwatched or unloved. All are healthy, happy and wil be ready to go home to their new homes soon. In my opinion, and I must state that this is just my opinion, if I were the breeder in this instance, I would refund the lousy $100! For I would not want one of my puppies going to a home where there are individuals who jump to conclusions without knowing the facts, state on a pulbic forum derogatory information with no proof or basis for making such statements and would claim someone as a liar without facts. This type of behavior speaks volumes about an individual and their character. A character that I would not personally feel comfortable sending one of my pups to live with.
Thank you,
JudyM/Personal Pet Transport Company Affiliation who has dealt with Barbara.