Buyer Beware!

On Sunday 6th December we received a panic-stricken call from a gentleman. He had collected a 12 week old greyhound puppy from a ‘breeder’ in Nottinghamshire the day before, having found details of this pup on Pre-loved (or similar).  He had done his due diligence to the best of his ability and explained they needed a dog who would be happy to live with his four cats and two Chihuahuas.

When he turned up to collect the pup, it was pitch-black and there were a hoard of puppies in a pen outside (he was one of 12 born). Dad in another pen and two female greyhounds in another. It was so dark, he couldn’t tell what he was collecting. The puppy cost £300.

Once home, the puppy was so terrified of everything – including the resident cats and Chihuahuas – he wouldn’t come anywhere near the humans either.  He had clearly never been socialised in any way and his thick kennel coat suggested he had simply been kept in the outdoor pen since the day he was born. The gentleman tried to call the breeder to return the pup. Guess what?  She refused and then stopped answering his calls.

In steps Forever Hounds Trust!  Within 3 hours of the call the pup was safe in our care thanks to our wonderful volunteers.  We whisked him straight to the vets, where he spent the night. He was homed the very next day to a wonderful home that had been waiting an age for a pup just like him.

Please meet Donny. One very lucky pup and one very clear reminder of why going to a reputable rescue (and not buying a dog from Pre-loved) is a very, very good idea! We will be reporting this breeder to the local council, as will Donny’s previous owner.