This was to be my first puppy purchase, so I'm a novice at finding a breeder. I know enough to stay away from pet stores and was attempting to do just that. I found Winterhill on Facebook, probably my first mistake. Long story short, I had contacted Leah about her two 11 wk old goldens available. I did not know the questions to ask at the time. We were supposed to drive the 1.5 hr trip at the end of the week to meet the puppies and hopefully come home with one. Excited, I started reading up on golden puppies. Through that process, learned more questions to ask, and red flags to make you run away. I thankfully also googled Winterhill and found all these bad reviews. Her fb reviews are glowing, I now know why. She immediately blocks people from her page as soon as a hint of dissatisfaction crops up. She did it to me WHILE we were having a fb chat. This was the conversation.
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Hi Leah, checking in and I have a few more questions.
Is the sire/dam onsite? Are they akc registered? Can you provide me with their information?
I did some research and I have to say that I have read some things that concern me. Like I said before, I am interested in a healthy pet, not a show dog. And I realize that online reviews are subjective and I don't always believe them. I just want to make an informed decision. I don't want to buy a puppy that was brokered from elsewhere and shipped to you.
Also, Is there a reason that the two males are still available after almost 11 weeks? I'm asking because it seems that most breeders have wait lists and so I feel I have to ask.
Please understand I am not trying to attack you, I would like to present you with the chance to reply to my concerns.
thanks
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Her reply:
I appreciate your concerns. I do not like to sell dogs to people who are doubtful to begin with. There is no doubt in my mind that you will be able to find someone who you are comfortable with from the onset. I am only answering one of your questions as I don't think our dogs are what you are looking for. I don't begin to sell my pups at eight weeks. I also do not keep waiting lists. I am able to pick out the people who seem to be a good match for my babies and me as we will be having an ongoing relationship throughout the dog's life. There are several people whom I am considering for the last two pups and I am sure they will be placed by the week's end. This decision not to sell you a puppy is not made out of disrespect and I am sure you will find the right puppy and breeder for you soon. God bless and have a Merry Christmas.
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Well then I guess in a roundabout way you answered my questions.
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If that is what you have to say to make you feel better, that is fine. I will not sell pups tom people who are doubtful from the start no matter what. You may assume whatever you want. There are lots of people attesting to the integrity of my breeding program on this page.
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And then she blocked me.
It's RIDICULOUS to call yourself a responsible breeder if you are unwilling to answer these hugely important questions.
So in the end I went with Twin-Beau-D our of Swansea. Nancy is the real deal, she has champions in her lines and is willing and happy to answer your inquiries.
Google how to buy a puppy and educate yourself BEFORE you fall in love with a cute little face! read more