I should have written a review a long time ago, but due to events resulting in my boy crossing the rainbow bridge at the age of 4, now is the time.
I purchased my sweet boy from Lisa in July 2017 when he was 3 months old. When we went to her property, the yard was filthy with rusted steak knives on the ground and old Kabob sticks with some old meat still attached. Zeke was the only puppy they had left after a couple had allegedly returned him after not wanting him. He had the sweetest disposition, sat on my foot and chased a butterfly while we were asking her questions in the front yard. She assured us that there were no genetic conditions in his bloodline and his parents were hip/elbow certified. She said he was up to date on his shots and dewormed. We took him home 3 days later and I had a vet evaluate him 2 days after for persistent diarrhea. Lisa said it was most likely due to environment change, but he was diagnosed with roundworms. The vet assessed him and also informed me that he had an umbilical hernia, broken tail, fungal skin infection and multiple ticks. He also reviewed his shot record and informed me he only received his parvo vaccine and none of the combination vaccines. When I informed Lisa, she told me that he must've gotten worms from my backyard (after a few days). She also told me she didn't believe in combination vaccines and that I could choose to vaccinate him if I wanted to. With antihelminth medication, he started expelling the worms which were 6-8inches in length. She refused to assist me with vet bills per the contract despite my vet informing me that worms that size take weeks to develop.
When Zeke was 10 months old, I noticed he was developing cloudy corneal deposits in the periphery of his vision. I took him to a vet who referred me to an ophthalmologist. They diagnosed him with corneal lipid dysplasia and did extensive blood work to rule out metabolic and environmental causes. They diagnosed him with the genetic form of this disease resulting in lifelong strict dietary changes and avoidance of triggers. I informed Lisa it was genetic so that she could alert other owners from the same litter and she did not believe me. I again asked for assistance with vet bills given the cost of a specialist vet and she informed me that I could have him evaluated by her vet and get another dog "of similar stock" per the contract. I told her I would not give Zeke back, but she assured me it meant I could get a second dog when I was ready if her vet agreed. I took him to be evaluated by her vet in Loma Linda, but she didn't show up for the appointment and I had to wait in the parking lot for her to show up and pay for the visit after her vet confirmed corneal lipid dysplasia. Zeke was very outgoing and personable and I have never seen him pull away from anyone until she reached into my car to try and touch him. She then offered me an additional puppy when I was ready which I have still not accepted. I asked for a partial refund instead to help with vet bills which she declined.
When Zeke was 3.5 years old, he started having horrific seizures. It started off with one grand mal every 4-6 weeks and quickly progressed over the next 1.25 years of the remainder of his young life. They consisted of aggressive movements, loss of consciousness, urinary and fecal incontinence and postictal states. This last few months, he was hospitalized multiple times for cluster seizures and was diagnosed with genetic epilepsy by a neurologist who was regularly following Zeke and attempting to adjust his medication. He was taking ELEVEN pills a day for his epilepsy which continued to progress, as his neurologist deemed his condition severe. I reached out to Lisa in a desperate attempt to find out if any of her dogs or sold puppies had epilepsy in case there were certain medications that worked better for them. She suggested CBD oil and said none of her dogs have had epilepsy. My neurologist told me that 1 in 100 GSDs have epilepsy. He passed away from complications secondary to epilepsy in January 2022.
I find it wildly unreasonable that she has no explanation or excuse for my baby having not one but TWO genetic conditions, and one resulting in his early passing. He didn't get a chance to reach his fifth birthday and I am beyond devastated to lose my companion and best friend. I spent tens of thousands on him trying aggressively to keep him with me for a little longer and was commended by our vet and the neurologist for my efforts. They kept telling me that I was the only reason he was given this much time, but I can't help but feel slighted for the short time. I will never take up her offer on another puppy as I could not bear the suffering she has imparted on me and my family again. I strongly recommend potential buyers to look elsewhere. read more