How Much is That Puppy in the "Virtual" Window?
The internet has become a very popular way of purchasing a puppy. Many websites can be a quick and easy way to research potential breeders, but before you fall in love with that puppy you found online, you should check out the Help Me Howard report.
Last November, Elizabeth Zaccone was looking for a purebred Pomeranian puppy. She came across a website called Pup Paws, where she was introduced to a breeder named Diana Currie.
Because the puppy was located in Missouri, Diana told Elizabeth she had to wire her $550 for the puppy and an additional $250, to cover the shipping costs to New Jersey.
Arrangements were made for Elizabeth to pick up the puppy at Newark Airport. However, when Elizabeth opened the crate, she noticed that the puppy looked different from the picture she saw online. But that was the least of her problems. Turns out, the puppy's paperwork and shot records were not sent, and the puppy fell ill later that night.
Within 30 hours, the puppy's health quickly started deteriorating. Elizabeth tried to contact Diana about the missing paperwork. Diana said she mailed it, but Elizabeth never received it. The puppy was getting sicker and Elizabeth made a second trip to the vet. Unfortunately, by then, it was too late.
The puppy died in her arms on the way to the animal hospital. The veterinarian confirmed that the puppy had the Parvo Virus and issued her a certificate of unfitness.
Elizabeth called Diana and told her that the puppy had died. According to Elizabeth, Diana never admitted that she sold the puppy sick, however, she did reimburse Elizabeth the cost of the dog as well as the veterinarian bills that she incurred.
We spoke with Diana Currie, who maintains that the puppy was healthy when it left Missouri. She says that the airline would not have shipped the puppy if it didn't have a clean bill of health.
In the meantime, before you purchase a puppy online, there are many things to consider. Lisa Peterson, director of communications for the American Kennel Club gives some tips to protect yourself. Take a listen.
For more information you can got to the American Kennel Club's website.
It's also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints. Make sure you search the state where the puppy is coming from.
Comments: 3
I am Elizabeth Zaccone's sister and i just want everyone to know that this woman Diana Currie is a liar. Even though she said the airport would not have shipped the dog if it was sick that is untrue. They would have had no way of knowing it had the parvo virus. Maximus definitely had parvo before he was sent to us because he showed signs almost immediately and the veteranarian confirmed that there is a 2 week incubation period before the dog will start showing signs of illness. Luckily we talked to the woman who runs the transportation of dogs at american airlines in the newark aiport, and she said she will not be accepting anymore puppies from Diana. Please, everyone consider what happened to us before you buy an animal from this woman!
Hey howard, you r so cool, you have the right job,helping people with their problems. The onyl problem i have with you is the more you help people the more it seems that a great guy like you, is not appreciated enough. !!!!!!
Hello. I too received a sick pup from Dianna Currie (aka puppaws.com) . This woman is running a puppy mill & she must be stopped. Our little pomeranian survived, but only after costly medical bills & alot of work. I love her to death & remembering how she looked upon arrival just turns my stomach. Please have this puppy mill put down!! I can only imaging how her breeding pups are treated. She advertises on her site that her pups are family raised, but our pom had never had prior human contact. Please stop this puppy mill.