Bassett Hounds | A Bassett Hounds Buyer Nightmare

A Bassett Hounds Buyer Nightmare

Two days after Holly saw the southern Illinois paper with the advertisement for Bassett Hounds, her kids were holding the newest member of their family in awe and disbelief as they drove south on Highway 64 about 4pm Tuesday afternoon.

He was the perfect companion for that annoyingly lovable three year old bundle of laziness they affectionately referred to as “Hammy Sammy”. Now they had the perfect set of Bassett Hounds… and Hammy Sammy had a mate. They named him “Cheese Whiz” because he kind of had the coloring of cheese.

Get it? “Hammy and Cheese”, the perfect pair!

Unfortunately for Holly and for “Cheese Whiz” he had something seriously wrong with him and by the time he was 6 months old it was determined he would not live much longer. Their prized pair was about to be one again. Holly could not remember the breeders name or address. The number she had for him that she so diligently located on a cell phone bill, was no longer in service.

Looking back on the meeting she had with him. She thinks he was very anxious for her to take the dog but she and the kids had been so excited that she didn’t really pay attention. She was too busy looking and playing with all the beautiful babies he had for sale. There was nothing in writing either so she had no way of recovering from what appeared to be a scam. At least it felt like that to her.

Holly had spent $1350 on vet bills and the initial purchase so what started as an exciting adventure had now turned into a nightmare now that Cheese Whiz was gone. It is no surprise to anyone that Holly could be blinded by those sad eyes and floppy ears but one has to ask, what do those of us that love Bassett Hounds need to do differently?

Here is a list of 6 suggestions for the time you are looking for a puppy.

1.) We have to keep ourselves from getting caught up in the moment while we are “shopping” for a puppy. You know “puppy love” is very strong.

2.) Second, you should permanently record the breeder’s information including phone number, address and maybe even a driver’s license or ID.

3.) Fortunately in some states there are now “lemon laws” covering the sale of puppies. The following states have some form of these laws:

Arkansas

California

Connecticut

Florida

Minnesota

Massachusetts

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Virginia

Vermont

Each state is different in what it covers and what recourse a buyer has and for how long. For instance one major difference is the length of time a buyer is covered. It can range from 7 days to one year depending on the state.

4.) Deal only with reputable breeders. They will always provide a health warrantee and you need to get it in writing and pictures would be best for proof.

5.) Take pictures. Take a picture with the breeder and the two of you holding his puppies. It can be for “your album”. This is a good record of the person and the time of purchase. Make sure the date stamp is turned on when you take the shot. Most cameras have the ability to do that and it will be one more piece of proof if you need it.

6.) Meet at their residence or business so you have an address to tie into the transaction. If they insist on meeting you in a public place take a picture of their car and license plate. That will serve as additional ID if necessary.

Once you have your puppy at home it is naturally your responsibility to take care of the dog as well as possible. It is not uncommon for lack of exercise, grooming and cheap or unhealthy dog food to be the cause of health problems. It is your job to get educated for your dog’s sake. These things and others topics about Bassett Hounds will be covered in other posts for other days.

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One Response to “A Bassett Hounds Buyer Nightmare”

  1. Donna on May 19th, 2009 2:19 am

    WE JUST TRIED TO PURCHASE A BASSETT HOUND PUPPY. THE SELLER WAS VERY QUICK TO SEND US PICTURES AND TO TELL US HOW HEALTH THE PUPPY WAS BUT, AS SOON AS WE SAID WE WANTED TO HAVE A CONTRACT AND HAVE A 30 DAY HEALTH GUARANTEE IN WRITTING, HE DECIDED THAT HE DID WANT TO SELL TO US. I DON’T THINK ASKING FOR THIS WAS OUT OF LINE. MAKES ME WONDER WHAT HE HAD TO HIDE. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITTING OR RUN LIKE …………

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