>" It has been an honor these past 5 years to care for him, be responsible for his > upkeep and vet care. "
I think as dog owners we all accept these responsibilities willingly. It is easier on the pocketbook though when the dog you accept from someone is already an adult, has had all health certs. done, and a AKC Championship in addition. When you took him into your home and heart did you believe that in addition to him coming at no cost, all his health care, dog food, and upkeep would be paid, for the rest of his life? "She's my wonderful little Swiss Miss, no matter her elbows. Her litter back agreement could not be fulfilled as it turned out she had cysts on her ovaries. I was quite naive 7 years ago and would not enter into such a contract now. " Again, if the dog was given to you for nothing, in a breed where HD and ED are almost a 40/60 chance I think you came out pretty good. No, she can't have puppies, but a lot of people pay full price for puppies with high hopes of breeding only to find out that the hips, elbows, eyes, teeth, or other things do not pass. If they do pass, and are bred, and if they do get pregnant, a c-section for a litter of 2 dead puppies, or a bitch that dies as a result of the pregnancy can be a real heart breaker. I think I'd be happy that both my dogs are alive at 7 - 9 years of age and I had been given at least a $3000.00 credit (2 x $1500.00 purchase price.) toward their care & upkeep. I still think that was pretty generous. As far as Bobbie & I , we've never had any sort of partnership. I have used some of her males in the past for breeding. I've never had to sign a stud contract. She let me know up front what the terms were, and nothing ever changed. I've never purchased a puppy from her, she has never purchased one from me. I do co-own a male with Bobbie, he lives here with me. I paid nothing for him. Bobbie has only used him at stud 2 times in 3 years. I gladly pay his upkeep expenses and Jeff & I are very grateful to have him to enjoy in our lives, a nd sleeping on our bed nightly. If heaven forbid he came down with cancer and died tomorrow I would not be mad at Bobbie. Where is the sense in that? I would still be grateful for the time I was given with this beautiful guy. Question to all listers: If a breeder gave you a puppy free of charge, and it came up with health issues later on, would you feel that the breeder should be responsible to pay all the health costs? Bernerly, Mary Jeff & Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners http://snobear.freeyellow.com California, USA
