Breeder Contracts: Breeder & Puppy Owner Obligations
By Dennis Guldan

Dear Dennis,
Recently I read your article about xxx Kennels and xxx xxxx. I had heard good things about xxx as well, and last spring purchased a dog from them. Our dog, Spot, is wonderful companion and has been a joy to have around the house and in the field. I'm writing to you however to share with you a side of xxx that is not shared in your article that I think you should also know about. My intent is not to slander xxxx as their reputation certainly can stand on it's own merit, but our experience has been less than satisfying with xxx, and I really struggled with how we were treated by them after reading your article.
As I mentioned, we purchased our dog from xxx in the spring. Soon after we brought her home we noticed that she was having some bladder issues. We took her to the breeder's veterinarian and went through a number of treatments to try and solve the problem, unfortunately to no avail. Spot's trainer, suggested we get a second opinion of the problem. Ultimately, the lab results and tests were referred to the University Veterinary School for evaluation. Spot was diagnosed with Eptopic Ereter which is a genetic trait defect. The diagnosis was confirmed by ours and the breeders Veterinary clinics. Spot was released from University today after yesterday's surgery and the prognosis is very good.
After the initial diagnosis two weeks ago, my wife and I contacted xxx to explain the situation to them. Our purpose in doing so was two fold: First to alert them to this genetic flaw in the dogs that they are breeding, and secondly to find out what if anything would be in a position to do for us with regard to warranting the dog. We felt that since we paid a premium for the dog, that xxx would stand behind their breeding process. Xxx refused to accept any responsibility for the dog, and would not entertain any options other than destroying the animal and giving us a new puppy! I was appalled at the response and the callousness of their answer. Spot has become part of our family, how would we explain this to our young boys who have bonded with her for over 6 months? Not to mention that we have over $600 in training costs and our veterinary bills for this are in excess of $2,000. While we were not expecting xxx to pay any portion of those bills, we did expect that they may concede all or part of the money that they charged us for the dog. Not only were they insensitive but they were down right rude.
Both the AKC and several local breeders including the females owner were shocked that xxx was not in a position to work with us on this.
The worst part was xxx's apparent failure to acknowledge that the problem even existed! It was up to me to contact the females owner to let her know that continued breeding of the dog may result in a prob