The following is from Karen, printed at her request:

      "My puppy Mickey, a beautiful Yellow Labrador Retriever, was given to me as a gift from my children for Mothers Day.. He is now 9 months old, and at around 7 months of age we noticed that he was limping and having a hard time walking when he got up from a resting position. We took him to the vet and had x-rays taken. It turns out he has elbow dysplasia in both elbows, plus right hip dysplasia. Besides that, he also has an impacted canine tooth, and enamel hypoplasia on two of his teeth. My vet says that he is a GENETIC MESS.

     He had surgery on his elbows two weeks ago, and is recovering nicely. The surgery and x-rays have cost $2100 so far, and we haven't taken care of the oral situation yet. wrote a letter to the South Florida pet store where Mickey was purchased for $500.00, and asked them how they wanted to handle the situation. I received a reply saying that it is not their policy to pay for vet bills, but that they would give me another puppy from different parents, and I could keep the one I have. I wouldn't part with my sweet baby now, and will do what ever it takes to ensure him the healthiest, happiest life we can give to him.

     I am still trying to hold the pet shop liable, not for the money but in principle. Florida law specifically states that pet shops have to refund money to people who find genetic defects up to one year, and this is the case here, yet they have refused me. I have written to the attorney general to plea for help.

     I made a mistake of getting a puppy from a pet store. Had I known then what I know now I would never have bought from a  pet shop; however, if Mickey hadn't come into my life he could have possibly been put down, or had to deal with a miserable and painful life.  I am glad we have him, and I know he is a lucky little guy to have us."

 A  WORD  OF  CAUTION  FROM  DOG-BREEDS.net

     There are good breeders and there are bad breeders. Please make an informed decision when you purchase your puppy.

Before buying a dog:

     We recommend that you purchase your puppy from a breeder who is familiar with the pup's parents and ancestry. A good breeder will know the temperament and health history of the dogs in their line. Ask to see the puppy's parents. Most often, puppies will resemble one of their parents in temperament and conformation. If you purchase from a pet shop, ask if you can talk with the breeder to obtain this information.

     On the breed pages of this web site you will find a list of hereditary dog diseases.  You will also find links to books about each breed. Ask breeders that you contact what health checks they have performed on their puppies or the pups' parents. Many breeders will provide a health guarantee. Get everything in writing.

     Be aware that just because health checks have been performed on the parents, it doesn't mean that the pup will never inherit a disease. Dogs, like people, can develop diseases, and even good breeders sometimes produce pups that carry hereditary defects.  Some hereditary disorders will not interfere with a normal life; others can be devastating. A good breeder will screen the parents for hereditary diseases and make every effort to give their pups every chance for a long, healthy life.

Read our informative Buying a Puppy page.

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