I felt compelled to share my experience so that prospective puppy buyers can make an informed…read moredecision.
I purchased a Shih Tzu puppy from Forever Love Puppies and, like many new pet owners, was excited to welcome him into my family. Shortly after bringing him home, however, my veterinarian diagnosed him with coccidia, an intestinal parasite that required treatment. Fortunately, he is responding well to medication and is expected to make a full recovery. He is now a beloved member of my family, and my concern has never been with him. My concern is with the circumstances surrounding his health at such a young age and the support provided after the sale.
As I began researching further, I learned information that raised additional concerns regarding the sourcing and care of puppies sold through this business. I reviewed the breeder information included with my puppy's paperwork and read accounts from other customers describing health issues with their puppies. Some reviews reported serious illnesses and, in heartbreaking cases, the loss of their pets shortly after purchase. While I cannot personally verify every review I encountered, the similarities among multiple customer experiences caused me significant concern and prompted me to look more closely into where these puppies originate.
One aspect of my experience that was particularly disappointing involved communication after the purchase. After my puppy was diagnosed and began treatment, I responded to follow-up text messages from Forever Love Puppies and provided updates regarding his condition. As a new puppy owner dealing with an unexpected health issue, I was hoping for guidance, clarification, or even acknowledgment of my concerns. Instead, I received little response beyond a recommendation to take my puppy to a different veterinary partner.
I also learned from the veterinarian's office that the veterinary practice previously associated with Forever Love Puppies was no longer working with the company. This information was shared with me by the veterinary office rather than by Forever Love Puppies. As a customer already dealing with a sick puppy, I found it concerning that such a significant change was not communicated directly. While I cannot speak to the reasons behind the change in veterinary partnerships, the lack of transparency and communication contributed to my overall concerns about the level of support provided after the sale.
What was especially troubling to me was realizing that many buyers, including myself, may assume that purchasing from a retail puppy seller means the puppy has come from a carefully screened and reputable breeding program. Looking back, I wish I had conducted more extensive research beforehand and asked additional questions regarding the breeder, health guarantees, veterinary records, and breeding conditions.
To be clear, my puppy is doing well today because he has received prompt veterinary treatment, ongoing care, and a great deal of love. However, no new pet owner should have to begin their journey with a preventable health concern while simultaneously struggling to obtain meaningful support from the seller.
For anyone considering purchasing a puppy from this business, I strongly encourage you to conduct thorough research, request complete breeder information, obtain all available health records, and schedule an independent veterinary examination immediately after bringing your puppy home. Ask detailed questions and do not hesitate to seek additional documentation before making a decision.
A puppy is not simply a purchase, it is a long-term commitment and a member of the family. My hope is that sharing my experience will help others ask important questions, make informed decisions, and ensure that every puppy receives the healthy start in life that it deserves.