Complaint Review: Ann Wasserman - Ringwood New Jersey

I had purchased a fawn pug puppy from Ann Wasserman of Ringwood, NJ back in December 2013. I had contacted her a few times with issues and concerns. The first being on the night I had taken her home; I discovered she had fleas and was covered in flea dirt. That of course later led to worms, both of which I had taken care of immediately on my own. Ann's response was she was unaware that the puppy had fleas, never has had any problems.  Since then I had contacted her on more then one occasion to let her know, my dog had been having seizures. I was hoping she could have offered some advice, and taken some interest for surely as a breeder this would be important and valuable information for her, but to my surprise she seemed to show no concern, not for me, the dog, or anyone else this would surely affect. She seemed to have hurried me off the phone and want nothing to do with the situation. I would hate to think that she made her money and therefore is clear of any responsibility, if not financially as least conscientiously. I would also hate to think that she is knowingly breeding dogs with medical problems and having owners put their dogs through all types of tests and drug treatments, or even worse, euthanized, not to mention the financial and emotional burden it puts on the owner and family. Sure enough after many seizures and tests and different doctor visits, my dog was diagnosed with granulomatous meningoencephalitis/necrotising meningoenchephalitis (GME/NME) which was the cause for all her seizures. This type of disease clearly runs in the blood line of this dog, so for her to tell me no other dogs in her litter or in her line are having a problem is actually impossible. (I have all of my dogs medical records and bills as proof) This led me to thinking what reputable breeder or decent person for that matter would do this and/or show no concern when it was brought to their attention? This led me to do some research and sadly I didn't find anything positive. (SEE BELOW) In fact, I found many people who have gone through the same and/or similar situations all due to her negligence. Further research has shown she had been brought up on charges and that still wasn't enough for her to have the decency to clean up her act or quit breeding altogether. I am also very aware that I am not the only one in this situation at the current time.  I have made several posts on different websites and had read many awful experiences people went through, as well as had people contact me directly and share their experiences.  I know for a fact this has happened to more then just me and that it is continuing!!

Her websites under Annie Wassermann-Meshugga Kennels/Meshugga Enterprizes showing in Ringwood and in Haskell, show she offers a 5 year health guarantee, so why is she not honoring that? When I met with her to purchase my dog, she had mentioned her breeding partner being in Tennessee. What she had said and what her websites state are all very contradictory. Her websites make no mention of Tennessee. I have the papers she had provided me, showing my dog was examined by a Dr. in Tennessee. Why? Why was she even in Tennessee? Why is her partners name not on a single bit of paperwork? Or was she bought from a puppy mill, possibly in Tennessee? Aside from the financial responsibility, my bigger, most important question is why is she not involved, making sure this doesn't happen again to anyone else? Offering free puppies to make up for the sick ones that pass away is unacceptable!! (I also have proof of this)

At the very least she needs to be held accountable and some responsibility needs to be taken by her. Even after her guarantee is up, my dog will still continue to have numerous medical bills and be on expensive medication, as this is a fatal disease. I am fully aware of the laws in NJ and my rights as far as this is concerned. I am in no way looking to make any money off of her, although I think it is quite reasonable that some of these expenses be shared by her. In reality they should be 100% covered by her for 5 years as her website states/guarantees, and she should no longer be breeding dogs that are unfit to be bred. Furthermore, she should have been in contact with me, she should have been concerned, and most important, she should have had this type of negligence stopped years ago! She really should have never been negligent in the 1^st place!! She has no concern for the harm she is doing to the animals and the heart break she is causing to the families that are trying their best to care for them.

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Ringwood woman charged with improper care of 34 dogs

February 3, 2003 / The Bergen Record / Barbara Williams

RINGWOOD - A borough woman was issued 34 summonses this weekend for keeping dozens of dogs locked in cages covered with urine and feces, officials said.

Annie Wasserman, 41, of 341 Skyline Lakes Drive may face up to $1, 000 in fines and six months in jail after officials found 34 dogs and puppies housed in her attached garage.

An anonymous tip to officials about numerous dogs in the house led to the discovery at 7 p.m Friday.

Charges were filed by the law enforcement division of the Passaic County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Charges include improper shelter and unnecessary cruelty on the animals.

Capt. Paul Mariano first arrived and immediately called for backup.

"There were a few dogs outside, but they seemed to be fine," said Lt. Robert Boyle of the SPCA. "We were really concerned with the dogs that were in the house."

Boyle said Wasserman let the SPCA officers into the house and showed them the garage where the dogs were kept. She was very cooperative, he said.

Wasserman said she raised the dogs to give them away and denied selling them for profit, Boyle said. Most of the dogs were pugs and bulldogs.

"When we saw the conditions of that garage - it was just horrific, " Boyle said. "The stench was so bad, my throat was burning and my eyes were tearing."

Some of the cages were so small, larger dogs could not stand up. But the dogs were not emaciated and appeared healthy, said animal control officers.

"I think she just didn't realize how bad the conditions had gotten, " said Ringwood animal control officer Lysa DeLaurentis. "She has a very good reputation for raising dogs."

Wasserman did not return calls to her home.

DeLaurentis removed eight dogs from the premises; by Sunday, owners were found for a Great Dane and an Australian shepherd that Wasserman allowed to be given away. The other six will be returned to Wasserman if she meets several requirements.

"She told us she was shipping most of them to Texas, so if she shows us a health certificate and plane tickets for the dogs, we will allow her to ship them out," Boyle said. "We're going back to inspect the place, and if the conditions are not any better, we will remove more dogs."

Boyle said Wasserman immediately began cleaning the cages on Friday night. After the larger dogs were removed and smaller ones switched to larger cages, the conditions were acceptable pending the next inspection.

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