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Yesterday I saw a local ad for re-homing a BC who looked so much like Juno that I was really struck and emailed the person.

 

Turns out, the pup is from the same breeder, one month younger than Juno and out of the same father (different mother, obviously). Reason for re-homing? The little guy was purchased by a teen, who lives in an apartment with her mom and her mom's 2 dogs. Now that the pup is getting bigger, the teen realises she doesn't have enough time to deal with his energy levels, and the teen's mom doesn't want a dog who's going to get bigger yet in the apartment.

 

Sigh. I couldn't help it - the pup has the same soulful eyes that Juno has. They are half-siblings. My heart strings tugged. So he's coming home tonight to join our clan.

 

Over the past two weeks I've become painfully aware that Juno's breeder is absolutely not the responsible breeder he seems to be :(

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I know how these dogs (and dogs in general) pull at your heart strings. Thank you for 'rescuing' this pup.

 

One idea if you do not want to increase your pack - Can you network with your local (or closest) BC rescue group? They may be able to help by taking this pup into their program. You could be his foster home or he could go into another foster home for future adoption.

 

I have found that fostering can assuage my desire to add to my pack, and it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling to think I have helped a dog. The downside is that the "foster failure" syndrome lurks close to the surface. (I almost kept my last foster, but realized that with my time limitations (too many things going on right now), he deserved someone who could give him more time - and wouldn't you know it, the right home did apply. Otherwise, he wasn't going anywhere.} :D

 

Yes, photos please!

 

Jovi

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I feel really upset about Juno's breeder.

 

When I went to purchase Juno, I was shown only her mother, father and grandmother, and the remaining pups in her litter. The place was very clean and well-kept, a family home. The dogs were very healthy, cared-for. Everything seemed really good. I felt good about purchasing a dog from these people.

 

Fast forward. A little while ago, I sent photos of Juno to her breeder. In reply, he sent me info about a 14wk puppy, the last in the litter, looking for a home. He thought I'd maybe like to purchase her. I was a little surprised that there was another litter so soon. I asked some more questions. Well... there were two litters in March (one of which was Juno's), a litter in April (Juno's half-brother from the original post), and a litter in May. There are three other bitches that I was not shown when I purchased Juno, all of whom were bred by the same sire. He plans EIGHT litters next year.

 

Also - I met a local gal who has one of Juno's sisters (the pup we almost chose, actually!). She wasn't shown the parents at all. She never received her pup's ABCA papers.

 

And now there's this half-brother of Juno's who is coming into our home tonight. I just feel very irked that a breeder would sell a pup to a 16yo girl who lives in an apartment with her mother, without asking any questions and without the mother's involvement.

 

So I did a little digging. There are three other pups from this breeder who are being re-homed by the families that bought them. AAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!

 

I don't even know what to do about this, or if anything can be done. I'm very bothered.

 

ANYWAY, here is Juno, last week:

 

391653_219306594865223_52245885_n.jpg

 

And here is "Coby", Juno's brother. The picture is from the ad, not a photo I've taken -

 

post-13437-065546900 1347285760_thumb.jpeg

 

Do you see the resemblance, and why I was struck enough to reply to the ad?

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Just from that picture, Coby's eye look a bit off to me. Could be just the picture and I can't put my finger on it but something just a bit off. Anyone else see anything strange? I would wonder how the man can have so many breedings and be sure who is bred to who. Care to tell us the breeder, or maybe you have in a previous post? IMO a decent breeder won't mind the mention of their name. Even if there's a problem they can prove themselves and sort it out. But a shady breeder might get mad at the mention of his name.

 

He is a cute puppy though.

 

Long ago my first heart dog Jazz had a brother from the same litter, I found him 18 months later, circling around in rescue. I took him, we were his 7th home and he was only 18 months old. I thought it was fate and he was waiting for me. Boy was I wrong. He was a horrid little dog with horrid big issues that I was left to deal with. Total BYB's. At that time I wasn't really on the Internet that much and didn't know what a BYB was. Ignorance is not innocence. I've come a long way since then.

Yes we got him sorted out but whoosh what a hassle. He lived to the ripe old age of 15 and kept my daughter on the straight and narrow at college but he taught me a big lesson in rescuing and hearts. You have to keep your heart out of things till your brain can make the right decisions.

 

Good luck with Coby.

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You are not the only one who has thought you did your homework, looked for the right things, and asked the right questions - and found out that the breeder of your loved dog was not the responsible breeder you thought he/she was.

 

Lessons learned, don't be shy to help others learn from your mistakes (and we all have made mistakes), and know that you have given Juno a good home and her brother another chance.

 

Best wishes!

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Just from that picture, Coby's eye look a bit off to me. Could be just the picture and I can't put my finger on it but something just a bit off. Anyone else see anything strange? I would wonder how the man can have so many breedings and be sure who is bred to who. Care to tell us the breeder, or maybe you have in a previous post? IMO a decent breeder won't mind the mention of their name. Even if there's a problem they can prove themselves and sort it out. But a shady breeder might get mad at the mention of his name.

 

He is a cute puppy though.

 

Long ago my first heart dog Jazz had a brother from the same litter, I found him 18 months later, circling around in rescue. I took him, we were his 7th home and he was only 18 months old. I thought it was fate and he was waiting for me. Boy was I wrong. He was a horrid little dog with horrid big issues that I was left to deal with. Total BYB's. At that time I wasn't really on the Internet that much and didn't know what a BYB was. Ignorance is not innocence. I've come a long way since then.

Yes we got him sorted out but whoosh what a hassle. He lived to the ripe old age of 15 and kept my daughter on the straight and narrow at college but he taught me a big lesson in rescuing and hearts. You have to keep your heart out of things till your brain can make the right decisions.

 

Good luck with Coby.

 

Yes, Coby's eyes look a bit off - BUT Juno's eyes (which are usually totally normal) tend to look like this when her allergies flare up. She's got seasonal allergies to something outside, and every so often has a flare up - red & itchy skin, red & swollen eyes, etc. It passes quickly as soon as she's no longer exposed to the allergen. When I saw the photo of Coby, my first thought was that he must have allergies like Juno. I am HOPING beyond all hope that it's as simple as that.

 

Coby is still very young and has only had one home, so I really hope he's not in rough shape and that it will be workable and manageable to have him here.

 

There's only one sire, unrelated to all four bitches, so I don't think inbreeding is an issue.

 

Would it be in bad taste for me to name the breeder?

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eeder.When I went to purchase Juno, I was shown only her mother, father and grandmother, and the remaining pups in her litter. The place was very clean and well-kept, a family home. The dogs were very healthy, cared-for. Everything seemed really good. I felt good about purchasing a dog from these people.

 

Bad breeders are good at appearing normal; they are there to make a buck, not for the dogs. Several years ago we were involved in a mill raid with over 500 small dogs. The people had rental properties in 2 other counties where their daughters lived and would 'show' the adult dogs w/ the puppies so that all 'appeared' normal. People are sick. Just another scam.

 

Maybe you can spread the word about this guy to help this from happening to other people. How did you find out about this breeder? Maybe you can block that avenue. Take down signs at local pet/feed stores. Block craiglist ads.

 

It does look like Coby has hair loss around his eyes. If I were you I would take him straight to your vet for a full physical prior, de-worming, flea check, skin check, etc, prior to bringing him into your home with your dog and kids. Best of luck to all of you!

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Lindsay

I didn't mean to imply that my story was Coby's, just a cautionary tail. I would have him to the vet asap.

Even though I told you that horrid story of Pach the rescue with 7 homes. He ended being our beloved pet so still a happy ending. Just trying to warn you about the pitfalls of leading with your heart!

 

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Personally I see nothing wrong with naming this breeder but not sure what is right or wrong. I'm sure others will offer their opinions.

 

If I was able to stop one person from getting a pup from a disreputable breeder I'd consider that a win for our side!

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Is that hair loss or is it tan fur? If it's tan fur the natural "highlights" could make his eyes look different. If it's hair loss, I'd suspect demodex (mange) which is pretty straightforward to clear up in many cases.

 

FWIW, I think puppies are fairly resilient if their temperament is okay genetically and they didn't have a lot of bad experiences. Kenzi was bounced around to 4 different homes by the time I got her at 9 m/o and she's an all around really nice dog.

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Yes, looks like demodex to me, too. Don't freak at the word "mange", it's not contagious and easily treated. I actually didn't "treat" at all when Jack had it, just boosted his immune system, good food, low stress. Plus, while I'm agreeing with Mara, ditto on how resilient puppies (or rather, dogs in general) are. He'll be just fine with the right care and structure.

 

Jovi had a very good idea, though. I bet if you contact your local (reputable) BC rescue, they would take him in their program if you will foster. The foster home is usually the one thing rescues desperately need, so I don't see how they'd say no if that part was already lined up. That way you get to get him back on his feet, and they'll find him a great new home.

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Would it be in bad taste for me to name the breeder?

I can be rude and blunt sometimes, but I think it does everyone a service to name a breeder that *you* feel is someone who people should avoid. Sometimes, those breeders and/or their supporters get on here and state their point of view, which is fine. But a heads-up doesn't do anyone any good if no one knows who it is about. I don't think anything you've said is out of order and would preclude naming names.

 

Naming a breeder also means that if someone later on is interested in researching that breeder here, or experiences people here have had with that breeder, the search function will allow him/her to locate this topic.

 

JMO.

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I can be rude and blunt sometimes, but I think it does everyone a service to name a breeder that *you* feel is someone who people should avoid. Sometimes, those breeders and/or their supporters get on here and state their point of view, which is fine. But a heads-up doesn't do anyone any good if no one knows who it is about. I don't think anything you've said is out of order and would preclude naming names.

 

Naming a breeder also means that if someone later on is interested in researching that breeder here, or experiences people here have had with that breeder, the search function will allow him/her to locate this topic.

 

JMO.

Hear, hear!

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Hear, hear!

 

Well, since I have a bad feeling in my tummy about the guy, I'll go ahead and say that I think Dennis Nutt from Thamesville/Ridgetown, Ontario, is less than responsible about his breeding and placing puppies in homes.

 

On a more positive note, my kids are so ridiculously excited about meeting Juno's brother tonight! We're setting up a new crate and "belongings basket" (each dog has a little basket for leashes, toys, etc) for him today, and the kids are already making plans about who gets to throw the ball for Coby first.

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Oh, poor little guy! I'm glad you're saving his cute little self. And a pox on his breeder! People like that just make me ill, but they are good at covering what they really are. :(

 

I agree his eye area looks a bit odd, but I'd think just allergies or fleas, or some other topical thing that can be easily remedied. He otherwise looks like a darling, sweet little guy! Please post photos when you have him safely home! :)

 

~ Gloria

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I'm really glad you told us the breeder's name. I've been thinking for a little while that I would like a discussion on breeders so people can state good/bad things about certain breeders, address or point out concerns about certain breeders, allow breeders to defend themselves, and people to defend or reproach certain breeders. A good breeder shouldn't mind this since they should have nothing to hide.

 

I don't plan on getting a pup for a little while, but I like to know about breeders because I know I will have this breed for the rest of my life. I'd like to know about all the other breeders that are out there and the opinions of others who may see something that I don't see. It would help us to watch out for each other and our dogs and possibly prevent breeders from getting away with certain things.

 

I just didn't know how the group would respond to this or if it would get nasty (I don't like nasty and think constructive criticism shouldn't have to get nasty...)

 

Just my opinion, I'm still new and most of the reason I say this is because I know so many people on this board have seen and done more than I have and have so much more experience and I would welcome and appreciate they're insight.

 

Also, cutie pie puppy! Have fun with him! :)

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You do know that Border Collies are like potato chips, don't you? You can't have just one! Thanks for being there for Coby. And I think that naming the breeder and why you now have reservations is the right thing to do.

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Best way to find out about good breeders is to attend local sheepdog trials and maybe even volunteer. There really aren't "breeders" per say. There are people who work and trial their dogs who plan a breeding for themselves or others who are asking for a pup from a particular dog they see working or trialing. The atmosphere at trials is usually friendly and welcoming. Don't be shy. Most handlers like or love talking about these wonderful dogs.

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So! We picked up Coby this evening. I'm not sure when the ad photo was taken, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with his eyes. Actually, Coby looks to be in great health. His fur is soft and shiny, his eyes sparkle, his teeth look great, and his skin actually looks better than Juno's (her allergies flared a couple of days ago). What I do see is that his blaze is just a crooked little stripe of white, which makes his face seem crooked at first glance. His face is actually beautiful at second glance :)

 

Coby has a WONDERFUL temperament. He's not shy, but not headstrong either. He took to my kids right away.

 

The teen girl who had to re-home Coby had done a great job with her limited time & resources. She has him crate trained and pretty well socialised. She was so sad to see him go, and I felt badly for her. She obviously loves him very much.

 

Now he is sleeping in his crate. In the morning there will be a photo-taking frenzy!

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I was doing some searches online trying to find information about the "person" you got Juno from. All I am coming up with is e-bay style ads for his pups. :huh:

 

I am so happy that you could help out the little guy. I am waiting to see pictures. :D

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