I normally do not leave negative reviews, but after everything we've gone through with our dog Theo, I feel future buyers deserve to fully understand our experience with MyDoodleCrush and the limitations of the health guarantee being advertised.
We purchased Theo believing we were buying from a breeder that strongly stood behind the health and genetics of their puppies. One of the main reasons we felt comfortable moving forward was the advertised "2-Year Genetic Health Guarantee," which states coverage for "life-threatening, crippling, and/or disabling congenital (genetic) health defects."
Unfortunately, before Theo even reached 2 years old, we began noticing mobility issues and discomfort. After veterinary evaluations, X-rays, and orthopedic review, Theo was diagnosed with bilateral lateral patellar luxation affecting BOTH knees/stifles. His records also documented joint remodeling, instability, and possible cruciate ligament involvement. Surgery was recommended due to the severity of the condition.
For anyone unfamiliar with this diagnosis, this is not a minor issue. Theo's kneecaps are not properly staying in place, and the condition affects both legs. We were informed this is often considered a congenital/developmental orthopedic condition and can progressively worsen over time if left untreated. The recommended treatment is corrective surgery on both knees, typically done one leg at a time.
The estimated cost for treatment and surgeries is now expected to be roughly $14,000 once both knees, follow-up care, medications, imaging, and recovery are included.
When we contacted the breeder and provided all veterinary documentation, X-rays, records, and surgical estimates, we were told the condition was not covered under the health guarantee because the contract only applies to genetic defects that cause "early natural death."
What was especially frustrating was that their initial response even referred to Theo's condition as a "hip issue," despite the veterinary records clearly showing this is a bilateral knee/stifle condition. We then pointed out that the wording on their website says the guarantee covers "life-threatening, crippling, and/or disabling congenital (genetic) health defects," which sounded much broader than only conditions leading to death.
After carefully reviewing the actual signed contract, we discovered the language in the contract is much narrower than the wording presented on the website. The signed agreement primarily limits coverage to genetic abnormalities expected to shorten life expectancy to less than 5 years. Because Theo's orthopedic condition is considered treatable and not fatal, coverage was denied.
To be fair, communication from the breeder remained polite throughout the process. However, as buyers, this experience was heartbreaking and extremely disappointing. When you read phrases like "crippling" or "disabling congenital defects" in a health guarantee, most families reasonably believe serious hereditary orthopedic conditions affecting a young dog would at least receive some level of support or consideration.
Instead, we are now facing approximately $14,000 in surgical and medical expenses for a dog that is not even 2 years old.
I am sharing this not out of anger, but because I genuinely want future buyers to fully understand what they are signing and what the guarantee may or may not actually cover. Before purchasing, I strongly encourage anyone considering a puppy from this breeder to:
carefully review every word of the signed contract,
specifically ask whether orthopedic conditions like patellar luxation are covered,
ask whether the guarantee includes treatment costs or only replacement/refund remedies,
and make sure the website wording matches the actual signed agreement.
Theo is a wonderful dog and we love him deeply. We will do everything we can to get him the treatment he needs. But I believe future families deserve complete transparency before making such a major emotional and financial commitment. read more
