Hi, I wondered if anyone could offer some advice as to what they would do in my situation.  I've been in regular contact with the owners of a puppy I bred.  The pup is now a young adult.  He has had a debilitating illness since the age of about 18 months.  This condition affects the dogs movement and although not immediately life threatening, sadly is incurable and distressing for the owners.  I, on first knowledge of the situation offered, amongst other things, a full refund, which they turned down.  Now, a year later, the owner's have taken the pup for an MRI scan which has cost them quite alot and they have asked for a contribution.  My question is thus... They haven't told me how much it has cost them and although I am happy to help, I don't know how much to offer.  Do I just refund the cost of the pup?  He is insured which I thought would have covered this, maybe not...

Any advice appreciated, Helen

As it's a year later, perhaps they only had insurance which covered in that year, and now they are having to pay themselves? Or they've reached the limit per condition on their insurance?

I think as you were happy to refund them the price of the puppy, I'd be inclined to go with that and a bunch of flowers. Well done for continuing to support them.

M.

Thanks M, Yes, that was what I was thinking.  I am not actually sure about whether the insurance has limited the pay out, I feel a bit uneasy asking them.. and also do you think it would sound a bit heartless asking for a copy of the invoice?  I am going to see if they wouldn't mind contacting the neurologist to see if he/she would send details of the scan and their diagnosis to help with research into the condition.  It is very depressing as a breeder, I wish people understood when they think dog breeding is all about making a fast buck.

Helen

I think as they have been forth coming in asking for a contribution, you should follow suit, I would definitely ask for the invoice and how much of it their insurance is paying. In fact if it was my pup that had become ill after that amount of time  I would inform the breeder, but would NOT be asking for money!! Unless of course the illness was one which was hereditary and in the breeders lines and she had failed to inform me, (sorry, not worded very well)

I had a similiar situation, dog was ill due to damage caused when bitch was carrying pups and not realised until later on in the pups life.  I offered full money back which they wouldn't accept at the time.  Sadly she was pts later on and they had a pup off me at the time, of course free of charge.  Thankfully he is still with us 5 years later and doing really well.

Thanks for your replies.  I'll take them all on board.  The dog is now over 3 years old now and they have only incurred veterinary expense as they took him to the RVC for tests after I had discussed with them a number of times about there being no treatment that could improve his quality of life so I'm guessing they may have been referred by an over-zealous vet.  I just wish they had called me before that made that jump decision.  I know it must be hard for them but there is absolutely nothing any test could help with ... We already knew what he had before they spent out to have it told to them again  :o(

Thanks for all your help

so I'm guessing they may have been referred by an over-zealous vet.  I just wish they had called me before that made that jump decision. 

I guess that you are probably right about that. My only worry is, will this continue?  Will they continue to ask for more and more money in the future, I think this is something that you need to think of too.

I agree with others that I would just do a one off full refund, I know that they have refused previously but the downside is, it could cost a whole lot more if you don't and they continue to use the fact that they did not take a refund,so hold you partly financially responsible. If as many owners do they wish to do more and more tests from different specialists over the years it really needs to be a decision of their's now and not constantly coming back to breeder, as unfortunate as this is.

I really believe that a full refund should be a first and last payment or a return to breeder, otherwise you may aswell have kept the dog yourself, when any of us have an animal with a problem and decide to keep it then the financial burden is on that owner.

Your actually paying for treatment that in your opinion is a waste of money and time, once a full refund is given the repeats of this will not be down to you, it is the same with any goods under the Sale of goods act, once a refund is given no further charges can or should be asked for you are admonished.

Your only other obligation as a good breeder would be to have the dog back in the future if they could no longer care for him.

> My only worry is, will this continue?  Will they continue to ask for more and more money in the future,

That's what I'd worry about too. And where will it end? Complimentary therapies, maybe? I don't think anyone could expect more of you than a one-off full refund and the option to return the pup if necessary.

Good luck, I hope you find a solution to suit you all. :-)

Helen, I'm afraid I can't offer any advice as I'm not a breeder, but I would be very interested to know what illness this dog has, as I have a dog with an illness with very similar symptoms to those described in your post. PM me if would prefer to say off board. Alice :-)