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PrintMore Bang for Your Buck: How To Avoid Buying A Sick Puppy
Reported by:
Producer:
Laura Garrigan
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It ranks as one of the top consumer complaints we receive in the Plex. Viewers upset about purchasing a sick puppy. So in tonight's more Bang For Your Buck, we thought we'd show you a safer way to buying a furry friend.
(WSVN) -- Barry and Dali are more than just dogs to Stuart and Evelyn gold.
"They have the run of the house. We pamper them, spoil them," says Stuart Gold.
But these two Lhasa Apsos didn't come so easy. Stuart and Evelyn had to scout various pet stores and various breeders.
"We didn't want to adopt a sick dog at least not from the start," says Stuart.
That's easier said than done according to Eloenora Bonfini from tea cups in Hollywood.
She says, "It's quite easy to tell if something is wrong with the puppy although the average person may not know."
Eloenora says pay close attention to how the puppies are kept. Check to see if they're clean, what they're being feed, and how they act.
"Is the puppy up and playing or does is look lethargic. Is it sitting in one spot, looks depressed?"
"A puppy that is not active not doesn't look happy those are very important things to look at," says Eloenora
Also look at the medical records for the puppies and the puppies' parents. Make sure to check for any genetic problems - common in inbreeding.
Eloenora says,
"You're bringing home a baby. You need to be prepared for something like this."As for the breeder, it's always wise to ask for references.
Talk to vets, local breed clubs, or you can log onto the American Kennel Associations breeder referral program.
"We talked to friends to see if they knew of any breeders," explains Stuart.
Or you can go a less expensive route.
Thirty percent of the dogs at the Humane Society are 100 percent pure.
In Broward County, you can even put your name on a list if you're set on a certain breed.
"The more common the pure bred the more likely it is that it will end up at an animal shelter," says Cherie Wachter of the Humane Society of Broward County.
Stuart and Evelyn used the Humane Society's match-a-pet program to adopt Dali.
They ended up saving about 6 hundred dollars. But the companionship has been priceless.
"They give you a focus outside of just yourself. They're good companions. It's like having a friend around all time," says Stuart.
Remember, Florida does have a Puppy Lemon Law.
So as soon as you buy a dog, you should take it to an independent vet for a check-up.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: lmartinez@wsvn.com
Tea Cups
3180 Stirling Rd
Davie, FL
954-985-8848
Humane Society of Broward County
2070 Griffin Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954 989-3977