On Mon, 11 Nov 2002 17:05:48 -0700 "Mary-Ann Bowman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > Spoke with a "breeder" whose name was public when it showed up on > auction > pedigrees. This man told me that he will give a refund for a > dysplasic > dog -- if the owner returns the dog to him. After all, he told me, > you don't > get a new refrigerator unless you return the defective one. > > So what do you think??
I've always wondered what these breeders do with the "defective" returned dog. I hate to guess. I'm fortunate in that although I've had dysplastic dogs in my breedings, I've yet to have one that required surgery. I know the first thing I ask is that either I get to see the xrays or they go to OFA for a pre-lim eval. In one case I had a vet ready to do surgery on a dysplastic pup I bred. He claimed she had severe hips and bad elbows. The poor owner called me in tears and I begged her to please wait to get another opinion. OFA came back as good hips and grade one elbows DJD. Ultimately at 2 this girl ended up with OFA good hips and grade 2 elbows but again did not require surgery. I recommended a life long course of glucosamine and chondroitin. I think the important thing is I am there. I like to think if surgery was needed I would have refunded the owners money as this is a huge financial commitment on the owners behalf however, I have not crossed that bridge yet so do not know. I don't think breeders can make guarantees on something they can not control. If a breeder makes the best effort possible to breed towards healthy dogs and honestly discloses hereditary trends in their breedings then it is up to the buyer to buy a pup or not. There is IMO a risk to ownership. This risk however should not be shouldered by the buyer alone. IMO any breeder that asks for the dog back in order to get your refund is a scam artist. The last thing any breeder should do IMO regardless of what they may think is place blame on the owner for the problem. I can tell you the owner feels guilt, sadness and concern and regardless of what you think may or may not have caused the problem it is wrong to place blame. The hardest thing a breeder has to do is accept the responsibility. Every dog I produce that has a problem is sick or is lacking in some way is my dog. It is as hard for me to accept this defeat as it is for the owner to deal with it. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
