If you're considering getting a Pomeranian from Mathews Bitsy Pomeranians, run by Jacqueline…read moreMathews, please read this carefully--and take the time to filter Yelp by the lowest-rated and filtered reviews. That's where the real, unfiltered experiences live. Mine is now among them.
Just two weeks ago, my beautiful Pomeranian passed away suddenly at only 5 1/2 years old. She went into cardiac arrest during a routine vet visit. There were no signs beforehand--just a healthy-appearing, playful pup who was suddenly gone. The vet techs tried everything, but they couldn't bring her back.
We had a full autopsy done--my vet kindly paid for it because we were all so shocked. The results showed a rare heart condition (Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) ) thickening of the heart tissues usually found in cats, one that's nearly impossible to detect until it's too late. She also had tracheal issues, which I've since learned are common in poorly bred Pomeranians. You cannot outrun genetics, no matter how much you love your dog or how good your vet is. This is a condition inherited.
When I first met Jacqueline, I had an uneasy feeling. I asked for health documentation, and she dismissed me, saying: "Why would you need that? They're healthy." I asked to see the puppy's parents and was told, "Why do you need to see them? You don't always look like your parents." When I heard loud barking from what seemed to be her garage, I asked if there were dogs back there. She denied it and said she didn't hear any barking at all. Eventually, she brought out the mother, but only at a distance--it felt staged and uncomfortable. Her answers were vague and evasive. She couldn't tell me exactly how many dogs she had, only that some were at her girlfriend's house, some here, and others "somewhere else." It felt like she was hiding something.
It felt like a backyard breeding operation.
After I bought my dog, Jacqueline continued texting me pictures of other puppies she had for sale, asking if I or anyone I knew wanted to buy one. She always seemed to have a steady stream of Pomeranian puppies available, which raised even more red flags. Where were all these puppies coming from? How many dogs is she really breeding--and in what conditions?
Despite my gut feeling, I had already fallen in love with my pup. I waited a month to bring her home. During that time, I started having nightmares, and eventually found the filtered reviews here on Yelp. I confronted Jacqueline about them, but she insisted they were written by "competitors trying to sabotage her business."
I wanted to believe her, but I no longer can. Too many stories, too many patterns. And now, I'm living one of them.
Please--if you're looking for a dog, adopt. There are so many animals who need loving homes. But if you absolutely must get a purebred, find a breeder with merit and ethics--one who breeds to show, not just to sell. Look for breeders who health test, who can provide transparent records, and who genuinely care about the dogs' well-being--not profit.
Just because a dog is AKC registered does not mean it's been genetically tested, responsibly bred, or isn't the product of inbreeding. Don't be fooled by registration alone.
I adored my Pomeranian with all my heart. She brought me so much joy, and her loss is unbearable. I will never support Jacqueline Mathews or Mathews Bitsy Pomeranians again, and I hope that by sharing this, I can help others avoid the same heartbreak.