Breeder canceled on me, has not refunded deposit NEED ADVICE PLEASE

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Help sought.....I had a breeder reneg on a deal. Details not necessary and it worked out for the best as the entire transaction had not sat well with me.  In any event, she stated she was putting the returned deposit in the mail to me a week ago.  My original deposit was in the form of a bank check and a refunded check in the amount of the $350 has still not been received. 

 

Any advice would be most appreciated.

 

Thank you,

Susan

 

 

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

I would wait a few days and then call the breeder back. Ask her to please void her original check, and send a bank check instead or xfer $$ directly to your bank account. If she refuses to cooperate or fails to return your deposit, you only have a few options left, one of which is to share her name with DK users as an unreliable and unprofessional breeder. It's too bad you did not get a signed contract before giving her money. She could be a total fraud and if this is the case, you'll probably never see your $350 again.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Is always best to try and work things out first between the two of you. Did you have any signed agreements, even though in some cases word of mouth is acceptable as a contract (because money was exchanged) and she did accept your deposit which I hope you have reciepts for. Word of mouth goes a long way...publically letting other potential buyers know about this breeder is a great start. If you don't receive your full refund file legal actions against them, can also go the Better Business Breaua where she is located.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

I would be patient. The mail tends to take its time when we're waiting for something :). If you don't receive it by the early part of next week I would certainly call and make an inquiry. I would also take the opportunity to reconfirm with her that the address she sent it to is correct. Honestly, just being off by one number can delay mail by weeks :).

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

When you say bank check I assume that you mean something like a cashiers check. If you have your receipt for the check you could check with your bank to see if it has cleared. If not cleared they may be able to cancel payment. Same if you wrote the check off you personal account; you may be able to stop payment if check hasn't cleared yet.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Good advice from Nina.
If that doesn't work, I agree with others and would wait until Monday to call her (unless you receive this weekend). She may have forgotten to put it in the mail, mail is slow, etc...give her benefit of doubt right now.
If she gives you any future trouble, you can tell her you are getting an attorney. I know you would rather not get nasty, but sometimes a threat like this works (and you never have to get an attorney). Sorry, husband is one so this is probably what he would recommend if breeder doesn't hold up to her end of the bargain.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Thanks to everyone -- all reassuring and good advice. My husband happens to be an attorney also so he's already got all the ducks in a row for any further action, if necessary, but I'm hopeful it won't be. I had confirmed my address in a follow up email to the woman to which she responded she was getting it in the mail the next day - again, that was a week ago and she's going on vacation today so I'm trying to remain optimistic this was done prior to her departure.
I have my receipt for the bank check and all our email correspondence. I was also very fortunate to have connected with a more local - and very lovely breeder with beautiful and equally as well-mannered dogs - to whom I sent another deposit. I do understand the need for such ways to keep reservations. As a former childbirth instructor, I used to do the same thing to secure spots; however, I also maintained flexibility and understanding for individual circumstances - and when I felt I could not adequately provide for a clients needs would not hesitate to refer them to another professional who may have been better able to accommodate them. It would have been nice if such courtesy had been extended to me from the outset but it certainly was, as we say, "a learning experience". Such as learning the benefits of PayPal - thank you for sharing that helpful benefit of using that method of payment.

[Natasha]

For future reference (if you are still looking for a puppy), if your breeder will accept payment via paypal (ours did), then pay via credit card through paypal. If there is any kind of an issue, paypal and your credit card company both have protections in place so that you can get your money back.

Also, read the agreement and make sure you are OK with the terms should something not work out. Even if you really love that puppy, if something doesn't work out or if your puppy winds up sick, you want to make sure that you are OK with the terms that you have in writing.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

This doesn't sound good- no check for a week and going on vacation? I would call the bank and see if she cashed the bank check.........you can report fraud to bank and tell them what happened. They are quick on tracking these people down sometimes. Was is a street address or PO box?

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Hi Pat,

This is a very well-known breeder. The bank check was sent to the address listed on her website. My husband placed a call to her v/m last night. I received an email today that the "check is in the mail".

I am hoping for news of the arrival of a litter from a very kind breeder I have a placement with now. Chocolate doodle dreams fill my head and heart....
Susan

[Audrey Goldman]

Caution about chocolate doodle dreams. My Archie arrived, also from a reputable breeder in NY, at 8 weeks old a very deep dark chocolate. This is just what I wanted and paid dearly for. A medium chocolate, wavy coat 40 lb (max) 5th generation ALD. Archie is now a year and a half, 52 lbs, with a curly wooly coat. As for the color, I do not know what it is. Latte? Silver? Some mix that is definitely not chocolate, barely brown. In fact, Archie looks like a standard poodle.Yesterday at the vet I saw a doodle that fit exactly what I thought I was getting. An ALD about 40 lbs, with a rich deep chocolate wavy coat. The owner said "Ben" came from a breeder in Chicago. I keep asking myself how this happens. My request was very clear, my $2,500 Check + shipping to CA paid in advance. Is this breed still so unpredictable that what we want is not alway what we get?? I am a regular writer and the first to say I love my Archie. But, as a first time dog owner I really believed what you ask and pay for is what you get. I suppose this is only the case with AKC breeds. Comments welcome. Audrey in Studio City, CA

[F, Calla & Luca]

Many, many chocolates fade over time. In fact most, not all, puppy colors fade as the adult coat comes in. But there is a lot more to a multigeneration dog that you pay for besides coat color.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

My Samantha was a deep chocolate brown when I saw her at 11 weeks old. Deep chocolate no more
but I just love her coloring. I am not sure what you would call it - latte, with silver and blonde and chocolate but I just love it!!

First day home

2 years later