Friday, November 21, 2003: Purchased an Olde Bulldog from Puppy & Kitty Nursery, 8 weeks old. The puppy we subsequently named "Daisy" had loud raspy breathing and coughing. Upon inquiring about her health, we were told by sales-girl that she "had a cold" and "that it was very common" and "easily treatable." We also inquired about a raised protruding area on her belly, which we were told by the P&KN agent, was a "outie-bellybutton." Upon the sales-girl's reassurance and our inspection of vet certificate, we purchased the puppy and took it home along with an antibiotic given to us by P&KN- Chloramphenicol.
Upon Daisy's first vet inspection we learned that her "outie-bellybutton" was an umbillical hernea, while not life threatening, would need to be repaired. We also learned that Daisy needed to be neubulized (a treatment to help breathing) due to her now progressively worsening "cold." So we began treatment for the upper respitory infection, which was billed to Regina Galloway the Co-owner/Operator of P&KN.
Things seemed to be steady, until Wednesday, November 26, only 5 full days after purchasing Daisy, when she first vomited. On the car ride to Grandma's house in Ormond Beach, on the East coast, Daisy got more and more unresponsive and we pulled off the highway and went immediately to an animal hospital in Orlando. Daisy was tested for, and diagnosed with Parvo-virus, which if left untreated, could be lethal. We were informed by the animal hospital that with treatment 80% of dogs that suffer from Parvo can be treated successfully with support care. So we selected to treat her.
Daisy's "cold" has now progressed to full blown pneumonia and she is fighting both this and the parvo-virus. Because of this the outlook for Daisy is not good. Im sure I don't have to tell anyone about the heart-wrenching experience this has been. Being a full-time student, the budget is tight. When we purchased Daisy, we knew there would be doggie-expenses, but to date, Daisy has incurred bills of approximately $2991.00. We purchased her for $1495.00 + tax.
We know that Regina Galloway, Co-owner of P&KN, may take the position that she will only cover up to the purchase price of the dog, but we are strapped at this point, and if this little girl is going to die because of her condition, we feel we should be reimbursed for the purchase price of the animal, as well as all vet expenses up to the point. Otherwise, is she makes it we should be reimbursed for any and all expenses until the animal no longer is inflicted with the virus she was sold with- parvo, as well as any treatment for pnuemonia, at least until a vet tells us that it is hopeless. Then we may elect to send her on to a better place. (Note: We know she carried the virus before we purchased her because the doctor's who have seen her all related to us that the incubation period for the virus is 7-10 days.)
Ms. Galloway of P&KN has been cooperative to this point. We suspect this will change in the future and will keep the updates coming. We need to compile a list of others whom this has happened to in the hope of filing against this woman, Regina Galloway, and her Co-owner, Roy Galloway in order to put an end to this business of selling sick pets to unsuspecting customers.
I urge you to contact me regarding your story, so that we may continue this fight. Also we ask for your prayers for Daisy who has had a really rough life so far. Thank you for your time in advance.
Amy
St. Petersburg, Florida
U.S.A.