Complaint Review: Willy's Mountain View Kennels - Elbert Colorado

I agree with the above statements that this breeding facility operated by Mark & Debbie Willard is not what it seems.  We purchased a puppy from her a few years ago.  We're from a couple hours away so we made a few calls to her to inquire about what puppies were still available and the price.  Her prices were much better than other breeders.  She was great on the phone.  Very nice, returned our calls promptly, answered all of our questions just the way we hoped she would.  We made the drive out and got the puppy.

When we saw her facility (home & kennel) we weren't terribly impressed.  Seemed like a lot of the outdoor dog kennels were not providing any shelter (just chainlink fences to separate the dogs with concrete floors).  I didn't see any water dishes out for them.  It was still pretty chilly out in December for them to not have much shelter.

Debbie took us into the garage where the last of the puppies were kept.  You could tell there are usually more than just the one puppy area we saw.  The garage was cluttered, not clean, and the puppies were extremely stinky!!  They smelled horribly of urine and feces.  But they were cute and very sweet puppies!!  It made me sad we couldn't afford to take more home with us to get them out of that situation.  I asked to see the sire and dam (she had mentioned over the phone that both were on site) and she said they weren't at the kennel right now, but she would be happy to send us pictures and get us more information on both parents.  She never did.  Even after numerous emails and phone messages, we didn't hear any more from her.  Out the window with the great customer service I felt she provided prior to our purchase.  I felt like as soon as she got our money, she was finished with the transaction.

We love our dog we got from Debbie & Mark very much.  But as she gets older we've noticed things.  As a very young puppy she couldn't hold her pee.  I thought the potty training just wasn't going well.  Turns out she is incontinent.  I contacted Debbie again to see if she would send me any more info about the parents.  Nothing.  

As our dog got older we noticed not all of her teeth grew in.  Odd, but not too terrible.  I just figured she was a bit more inbred than I initially thought.  Then at the beginning of this year, at around 3 yrs of age, she developes hip dysplasia.  Not just a mild form that is kind of manageable.  It's debilitating and horribly painful for our once very active, graceful, and playful dog.  We're also experiencing other internal medical issues with her that are still being tested.  Our vets have told us they see this in dogs that are inbred.  

Please know we are great dog owners - we do not have human children and we pride ourselves on taking excellent care of our animals with everything we have.  We only provide them with the best food, vet care, beds, toys, treats, etc.  

Consequently, I was at our local doctor's office getting a check up, chatting with my doc about things and mentioned my dogs issues.  She told me she was having similar issues with her dog.  About the same age as mine, but different breed.  After comparing notes and extensive details about the breeder, we both realized we had both purchased our dogs from Debbie & Mark Willard.  My doc told me that Debbie assured her that the puppy they purchased had guaranteed knees & hips.  Her dog has had two knee surgeries and is now having problems with her hips.  My doc was very distraught about the pain her dog has been in.  

And for even more money, you can purchase a warranty from Debbie that says if you have any problems down the road she will cover the cost of the needed surgery.  Granted, it's been a few years since I've heard her spiel, but it had something to do with a supplement purchased through her for the hips and knees to be covered.  We chose not to take her up on that.  I do wonder what would have happened if we had.  Anyone else know more about this offer from the Willards?

I felt I needed to get the word out that people should look elsewhere to purchase a pet, or even better (as I should have done), go to the shelter and adopt.  It breaks my heart that my sweet dog is in so much pain.  Her treatment will be in the thousands of dollars to get her hips worked on.  Not to mention the long term medication and the inability to really be a fun loving active dog she should be.  Do not be fooled!!!  These poor animals are physically inferior and have too many medical issues to be breeding more.  

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I would agree with the original poster and hope people will do some research before purchasing a puppy form anywhere.

This particular breeder has many different names.  Be sure to search reviews and information on all of the names and other business information, such as (and be sure to dig – there may be a bunch of sites they advertise on that will cloud your research – and look at reviews on dog forums, BBB, and other review sites.  NOT JUST THE STARS OR RATINGS – read the comments and hidden stuff. I also recommend researching the names of positive reviewers – if there is no other online content, be weary.  Also be weary of positive reviews shortly days after negative reviews):

Sporting Dogs 4 you, www.sportingdogs4you.com, sportingdogs4you

Willys Country Kennels, Willy’s Country Kennels

Willys Mountain View Kennels, Willy’s Mountain View Kennels

WMV Kennels

Colorados Finest Sporting Dogs, Colorado’s Finest Sporting Dogs, www.coloradosfinestsportingdogs.com, coloradosfinestsportingdogs

Small Dogs 4 you, www.smalldogs4you.com, smalldogs4you

Colorados Finest Kennels and Ranch, Colorado’s Finest Kennels and Ranch

Deb Willard, Debbie Willard, Mark Willard, Nichole Adair Willard

303-358-7959, (303)358-7959, 3033587959

303-646-4787, (303)646-4787, 3036464787

Advice to anyone wanting to purchase a puppy:

Be sure you look for a breeder that provides hip and eye certificated through the OFA.  This will ensure you are not getting genetic breeding issues.  It is worth paying more for a dog with certified parents or you might be stuck with expensive vet bills. 

Be sure you look see the parents, their certificates, and the breeding quarters.

Be sure you review their purchase contract.  Make sure they offer a refund of the purchase price to help cover vet bills if there is a problem under the health guarantee.  A replacement puppy form a breeder that has genetic issues has the same chance of having genetic issues.

Be sure the follow up references and call the veterinarian that sees their puppies.

Be sure the contract doesn’t prevent reviews.

Be sure the contract doesn’t force you to purchase specific food/supplements/vitamins, etc.

There are good and bad breeders out there.  If your research pulls up ANY concerns, look elsewhere.  

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation or ongoing contact with Willy's Mountain View Kennels, but have purchased a puppy from them before.

First off, this is a breeder.  They are not selling you their family dog, but are breeding for a profit.  If you do not like this, you should attack the industry in general, not this particular kennel. I would rate their actual facility at maybe a 6 of 10.  I prefer the smaller breeders, and was a little bit put off by how many dogs Willy's pumps out. This is a personal preference, and should not be considered as a derogatory statement about the kennel.  Rather than someone that breeds on the side, this is someone who's primary income is probably from sale of dogs, and the size of the operation reflects this.  As a result, the dogs are in closer proximity that I would suggest, and perhaps are not monitored as closely as they should be.  (My dog was the runt, and appeared to not have gotten quite enough food..was probably pushed around by the others)

Although I was a little put off by their facility, the puppy I got has been a wonderful addition to our family.  He is super sweet, and is quite the athlete!  At the age of three, he is a georgous dog, has zero health problems, and loves to run for miles and miles.  The kennel obviously knows what to look for in a dog, and is very responsible in regards to bloodlines. Despite the size, this is NOT a puppy-mill.  You simply cannot get dogs this well-bred by accident.  

Anyhow, I love my dog, and at the end of the day, you go to a breeder for their breeding stock and practices.  I would definitely purchase another puppy from them. This rebuttal became more of a full review, but Willy's does not deserve the image that the original compaint painted of them.

Facility (personal attention, kennel condition): 6/10

Dog quality (disposition, athleticism, health, appearance): 10/10 

I bought a goldendoodle. I wasnt given a receipt and was so excited forgot to ask. When i got home i notice a scar on his belly i emailed Debbie and asked her she said she forgot to tell me.   He had had hernia surgery. I also asked for a receipt but wouldnt give me one kept avoiding the issue. Hello IRS .My puppy wasnt sick . I bought  him in 2012. I want another one and saw all the reviews . So i guess i'll have to find somewhere else. Didnt like the fact i wasnt told about the hernia surgey and they would not give me a receipt.  Seemed shadey to me.He is the most lovable , very smart dog . Why would u not give someone a receipt? oh well ill stay away and thank all the people who did the reviews hope all works out for your bad experiences.

Our dog was bred by this breeder 9 years ago and she is the BEST dog I have ever owned.  I believe it is due to strong bloodline and healthy animals.  We just bought our second pup from this breeder and the facility is clean with very happy pups who are comfortable with people and other animals.  We are very satisfied with this breeder and would recommend the dogs to anyone who wants a happy, healthy pup.

We had ONLY the best experience with Willy's Kennel. I cannot even believe that this came up--I was shocked when I got on line to refer a friend here.  Our beautiful, smart, extremely HEALTHY Golden boy (almost 1 year old now) has been nothing but a delight to us every single day (even when he's naughty!).  Things happen.  It's not always someone's "fault" if a puppy gets sick.  Maybe the buyer had viruses in her car, or her home or with her other dogs.  What are you projecting?  This kennel's documents are clear.  Disclaimer: I've had absolutely no contact with the kennel owner since we drove away with our beautiful boy.  We have NO relationship.  But I believe it is terrible to trash a good kennel's reputation like this.  I have been a dog person for many, many years, and this kennel owner was extremely professional and I have no qualms in referring anyone, my friends to Willy's Kennel. 

More lies out of this consumer.  Per her bank there is no such thing as a hold.  You either stop payment which wasn't done or you let it go through and it goes through without incident or bounces. She purchased a puppy and I got a notice from the bank that the check was NSF. She has not provided any documentation for any vet concerns.  My lawyer will be contacting her. As described before she has maliciously and fraudulently represted this scenario and a delibertly falsely reported to incidents that are against the law and describe as defamation of character. 

No vet information was given, and i placed a hold on that check becuase of the issues the puppy had. And I released funds just for the breeder would stop texting me at midnight.  I am looking for justice, and will write reviews and complain so others know BEFORE they buy.  I am sure I am not the only person with a bad dog from you.  There is one that listed you on the BBB!  Paid for a healthy puppy, instead recieved a puppy that limps after short walks and has a vaginal infection.  Spent over $200 in vet fees so far, need to go back for more test that will run over $200 again for meds/visit.  No parental information was given.  In the paperwork, it says that i have vet info, but the vet info is BLANK! What a joke. 

In the end, you got your money, right?? So you dont care!

This report was posted by a customer who bounced a check on me. They are angry because I contacted them about,their bounced check and the bank fees,associated with that nsf check. As the owner I would be glad to show you a copy of,their bounced Check with nsf stamped on it and the document that they signed stating they received a copy of the vet record.  This customer is fraudulently and maliciously trying to harm me.