Barbara Govan of Picabo Goldens sold me the most congenitally malformed in history. And that's the vets's opinion, after they ried desperately to relieve his suffering... He suffered from the rarest and most severe diseases, the main one being dwarfism.
He only lived three years. Through this incredible heatbreak and my dog's suffering, Barbara Govan showed no interest, no compassion. I am still waiting for her to face her responsibilities.
$16,000 in vet bills: She refused to pitch in.
Reimbursing the cost of my dog as she said she would: it never happened.
They were so many red flags about her, I should have suspected improper breeding.
Somone has to look into her shady practices before she puts another puppy through a nightmare and another family through heartbreak.
F U Babs
New York,#2General Comment
Mon, February 13, 2017
Barbara's reactions to this complaint speaks for itself.
In response to her rebuttal#6:
First, it's full of lies. I know the individual's daughter and she does not live abroad. The real reason "Annue" travelled to pick up the dog: Barbara had said she would be in the tri-state area (where she was registered as a breeder - but that was clearly another lie) at the time of pick-up and then she kept postponing her trip up. "Annue" was thus forced to travel to puppy mill 101 to get her dog. Once there, she did not change her mind and take another puppy as Barbara suggests. Instead, she picked up the puppy that had always been "recommended" for her and pictures that Barbara sent pre pick-up can prove this.
Second, what kind of respectable dog breeder let alone human treats puppies like trading cards. "Take back her pup and give her another one"?!?! Come on Barbara, you are the one who should "grow up" (great sign of respect for your clients by the way) and realize that dogs are not interchangeable stuffed animals. Third, the facts speak for themselves and Barbara's refusal to acknowledge the tragedy speaks to her incredibly low character. This puppy died young, after deteriorating very quickly and painfully. A good breeder would at least have expressed her sympathies. Barbara never did, and instead smears her victims online.
In response to her rebuttal #4:
Barbara did indeed offer a refund, but 2 years later it has yet to arrive... Did both the check and the apology get lost in the mail? No, Babs is just a pathological liar who falsely advertises herself as a decent breeder while she pedals dogs from different lineages to unsuspecting clients she forces to travel half way across the country because she isn't where she says she will be. Shame, shame, shame on you Babs. Buy from her (under whatever new comapny name she creates to avoid taking responsibility) at your peril.
Shawn
Alabama,#3Consumer Comment
Sat, February 04, 2017
We got a male golden retriever from Picaboo Goldens/Barbara Govin and have had an excellent experience. She spent time to understand the type of personality we were looking for and that would fit into our family. She selected the perfect puppy for us. He has been extremely healthy and a great golden. I would not hesitate to get another from her when the time is right. I had another golden that had a lot of health issues and can understand the frustration and heartbreak it can cause. I lived it. That is why I spent a long time checking into breeders before picking Barbara for our puppy. Unfortunately, bad things can happen sometimes and I don't think it can be eliminated when dealing with nature.
Ug
South orange ,#4Consumer Comment
Tue, January 10, 2017
A fabulous PICABO golden joined our family two years ago. He has fabulous health and is a kind, gorgeous dog. I am greatful for Barbara's thoughtful breeding. I am sorry that someone had issues with their dog and expressed their issues so poorly. This was the complete opposite of my experience with Barbara and PICABO. I found this complaint when search for Barbara and PICABO info because my parents would like a golden just like mine.
Carol
USA#5Consumer Comment
Wed, November 30, 2016
I was shocked and appalled to find this posting maligning the character of a long-time breeder of superior quality Goldens. Barbara Govan has adhered to the guidelines set forth by the GRCA as to health clearances for all breeding dogs and I can vouch for her deep devotion to the breed and compassion for all life. She is extremely helpful to all puppy buyers long after the dogs leave for their forever homes. My own Golden is an exceptional example of this wonderful breed and that is not by accident. Barbara's breeding program is small, well-researched and professional. I think it is necessary to correct this posting. There is no evidence to support the vitriol presented. Barbara sells all of her puppies with a very clear contract and I know she would stand by it if necessary, like all breeders of merit. Barbara's integrity is the reason I have recommended her puppies to many others. She is the reason I am actively involved with the breed today.
Barbata Govan
Roxboro ,#6General Comment
Tue, November 29, 2016
Annie Dusant please stop this nonsense First my daughter breeds another breed she is in college so my phone number was given to help so she isn't bothered in class And as for the name change I was golden dream golden retrievers when I was married I have since changed to Picabo as it was a new start for me I have been honest I told you I would refund you're money I'm not sure what more you expect from me I am extremely sad because of what has happened to you're fur baby You signed a written contract which was given to you and I kept a copy. You disregard that contract I'm am asking you to stop harassing me.
Elaine
Salem,#7Consumer Comment
Tue, November 29, 2016
Her goal is to breed the best of the best bloodlines. All of her pups are utd on shots, wormed and health tested prior to releasing a puppy to their furever homes. Each of the dogs I've gotten from her were incredible, majestic creatures. I would need to see proof that this dog was indeed from her breeding as well as documentation from the vet about this dog.
Barbata Govan
Roxboro ,#8REBUTTAL Individual responds
Mon, November 28, 2016
First it's important to note the person weighting the complaint is not the true name her name is Annie Dussant Who resides in the city of NY Ms Dussant flew to me in NC to pick her pup up because her daughter was going abroad Ms Dussant did not pick the pup I wanted and she fit with but someone else's pup being my daughters I have advised I will refund her deposit and I would take the pup back and give her another pup she refused. Then she took to different venues to make me look bad I stand behind every pup I sell but that wasn't good enough. The pup was sold on a written contract and I would be glad to provide it so all can see My name has not changed except when I changed from gldndrms to picabo. I have people that can provide references as they have had my dogs I have been breeding over 40 years now I know what I'm doing Please Annie grow up you're name is not Nancy so stop hiding and face the truth. I love my dogs more than anyone and would stop breeding if I felt they weren't healthy. If anyone wants to call please feel free I have nothing to hide Annie, do you?
#9Author of original report
Thu, March 24, 2016
Picabo Golden and its shady practices has changed names! Barbara Govan is now selling goldens under the kennel name of Timber Golden Retrievers and using her daughters name, Taylor Rose. The Kennel's original name was Golden Dreams Golden Retrievers (back in 1979 before she changed it to Picabo and now to Timber. Three name changes = red flag.