[QLD] What Are My Rights Here? Bought Puppy, Puppy Wouldn't Eat! Returned to Breeder. Breeder Won't Return Puppy

Some advice please, preferably LEGAL ADVICE. I bought a 16 week old puppy about a fortnight ago. From the moment I got him he wouldn’t eat. I made up a special recipe of food as per the breeders instructions. Pup would just dance around it, play with a piece like a cat with a mouse, then eat it. I tried feeding this to him every day. Pup wouldn’t go near a plate or bowl. I tried Optimum wet and dry food, roasted chicken with bone broth, puppy milk. Tried serving it warm and cold on round plates and square plates, on the floor by hand. The only thing the pup wanted was treats. Every day I reported this to the breeder. I was putting food out, Luna would sniff at it and then walk around the house crying and sniffing out food. When you see how much food I left out for her, I thought maybe there was a medical issue.

I brought her to our local vet on Day five(5) for a free puppy check. She examined Luna and asked what I’d been feeding her. I told her about the recipe the breeder gave me and she scoffed.

On day seven (7) I’m was really panicking because she hadn’t eaten anything substantial for a week. The breeder tells me she was fine with her, but dogs get stressed with change. I was scared my puppy would become malnourished if we kept on like this. So the breeder said to bring her back. She actually offered me another dog. Then said she’d refund my money ONLY once she sold her.

I gave pup back ONLY out of concern for her health! After one day I missed Luna so much, despite the feeding difficulties, we had really bonded. I asked for her back. Said I’d bought a crate and I’d be willing to pay for food made by her initially. That we could start from scratch.

Once I had a day to clear my head and to think it all through, I realised how much I missed my puppy and actually asked for her back. I know I made a lot of mistakes at the start. I should have asked for her diet a few days before I picked her up. I should have crate trained her. I suffer from major depression and I think I just got overwhelmed. I picked her up almost straight after an episode in hospital. I was afraid that she would get sick with everyday that passed and she’d end up with malnutrition. For her sake I wanted the breeder to assess her.

I paid puppy off as I’m on disability. I paid one third via bank transfer but the rest in cash. I didn’t get a receipt for the cash portion. 🤦🏻‍♀️ $450 bank, $1050 cash and a vaccination for $122.

I was scammed by someone on Facebook in January when trying buy a puppy. I lost $1300.

I’m a good person and I’m being made to feel like an animal abuser.

I just need advice, legal or otherwise. Yes I gave her back, but that was to SAVE her from starving. I know there will be people who agree but I am more than willing to try again, the breeder says NO‼️

Thank you all 🙏🏽

Comments

  • +13

    Are you okay? Will you be okay if you don't get Luna back?

  • +35

    Member Since
    30 min ago

    Yep this checks out

    • -1

      What do you mean “this checks out”?

      • +5

        Means it's a new acc by a long standing member who possibly rates in the top 10 of power users registered on here and is often posting deals, but recently came into this situation and needed to make a new acc to get advice.

        • I’ve never posted on any forum let alone this one before. So I’m not a longstanding member or a “power user”?!

    • +5

      Can you imagine OP with a baby?

      Where would OP ask to take the baby back?

      • +3

        The breeder?

      • -4

        You’ll be happy to know severe endometriosis took away any chance of that happening. You A-hole.

  • +16

    is this a troll post?

  • Legally you have no legs to stand on.

    • Care to explain why?

      • +1

        Probably because of a bad accident or severe gangrene in both legs requiring amputation.

        :-|

  • +25

    At the end of a day you dumped a puppy. The end.

  • +30

    Your legal rights are you can purchase a dog again even though you shouldn’t

  • +16

    I know its hard but I think you are best to let this one go. If you love the puppy, you need to understand that it may have higher needs than you can currently provide. Not every puppy is good for everyone. But they all deserve a good home.

    You should save a dog from the RSPCA and plan more beforehand, they will provide support and won't just dump you with the dog.

    • My last dog was a rescue. I got him from an abusive home. He was so traumatised at the age of 5. But I looked after him, worked within his limitations until trust was built. So I don’t just “give up” on animals. Mickey lived a great life. He passed away last July at the age of 18.

      • +4

        Sorry that Mickey passed. What I'm trying to get at more than anything is twofold: 1. You might not be the right person and that could be only at the moment, or it could mean it's the wrong type of dog for you and 2. There are many amazing dogs who need a home so you can try to get access to this one but there's a long line of beautiful dogs waiting for adoption.

        • +1

          It does not mean that OP has "to let this one go". At the very least OP must get the money back.

          • @leiiv: Sorry I need to clarify. The money is a whole other thing. I was referencing the animal.

  • +16

    Why didn't you just adopt one from RSPCA.

    • +7

      Can't get labra-cocker-pood-weilers there
      .

  • +19

    From the sound of this story, the pup is better off with the breeder.

  • +12

    TLDR - OP shouldn't own dogs.

  • +12

    I mean I can see why the breeder doesn't want to give her back…

    • What do you see?

      • +2

        probably the obvious, an owner that gave up on a puppy very quickly and wasn't able to manage his diet. That really is the only information they are certain of, perhaps it was all just an unfortunate situation but most breeders are actually people that also love dogs and the idea of selling them into a home where they feel the pups health is at risk is not something they will willingly do.

        • -1

          I still can't get my head around it. What's obvious?

          an owner that gave up on a puppy very quickly

          That is an unfair judgment, not a fact. True that OP wasn't able to manage the diet on the first few days, but it does not mean that they cannot ever learn to do it. What else is it you can see that I cannot?
          Pup wouldn't eat, OP asked advice from breeder, breeder said to bring pup back, breeder took the pup but kept OP's money!!

          most breeders are actually people that also love dogs and the idea of selling them into a home where they feel the pups health is at risk is not something they will willingly do

          If breeder does not want to sell/give the pup back that's totally acceptable, we all can understand that. But give the damn money back!!
          It's one way or another, which is not the case in this story.
          Refunding the money ONLY once the breeder sell the pup again is NOT acceptable.

          But FEW people bash the breeder, only the OP, why???

          • +1

            @leiiv: The breeder has just those few facts. They don't know whether the person can learn, they just know they already were unable to adequately care for the pup. I definitely agree the money should be returned immediately if they are refusing to now sell to them.

  • +5

    preferably LEGAL ADVICE

    Are you volunteering as a test case for mandatory pet owner registration and licensing?

  • This cannot be serious.

  • So weird when ours still baby she eeat everything. Very easy. The only issue is not feeding too much. Try apple and eggs. I never see dog refuses those.

    • +1

      Still eat everything if you fill her up with treats?

      • +1

        Yes. Until now. She has bottomless stomach. And take any food brand too. And still like the boring dry food even after eating our cooked mince beef

  • lol @ “legal advice”… speak to a lawyer… even if we have lawyers here they are not going to give you “legal advice”.

    • -1

      As long as the advice isn’t illegal it qualifies.

    • You don't need a lawyer for small and obvious dispute like this.

  • +2

    What did your vet recommend, and did you try that?

    • +10

      That's what I was looking for….. What did the vet actually say?

      "She examined Luna and asked what I’d been feeding her. I told her about the recipe the breeder gave me and she scoffed."

      So what did they suggest?

      Did they say this was apart of acclimatising to its new surroundings? Was it sick?

      Did they suggest a diet or care plan?

      Or did they stare at it and concur that 'Yes' my opinion its definitely an animal of the dog species and shoo you away????

      What's the verdict here?

      • Vet advised me to give her Hills Puppy Prescription wet food. Put couple tablespoons in bowl, sniffed it and couldn’t jump away fast enough. She said the dog would eat when it’s hungry. Tried waiting that out but I could hear her little tummy grumbling.

        Breeder is adamant she won’t return puppy. $2800 for two puppies this year and no dog to show for it. Back to rescues and RSPCA for me. I got Luna because I wanted a dog who was mine from scratch. My last dog was 5 when I got him from a rescue centre. He was very traumatised, I reckon he used to be kicked and shouted at. He wouldn’t let me Pat his belly with my foot for 2 years. He always freaked out when anyone cheered watching the footy on Tv. Hated guys in high-vis with a passion. It was the only time he’d bark. I had an awesome 13years with him.

        • +3

          For the sake of your wallet and sanity the RSPCA route may prove to be more reliable solution…..

          I sympathise with your reasons and the likely reason you need another pet being mental/emotional support and stabilisation.

          As for the legal issues being you said "I paid puppy off as I’m on disability" are you apart of any support group/organisation for your disability?

          Maybe they free offer legal aid/consultations to find out all the available options?

        • +2

          Vet advised me to give her Hills Puppy Prescription wet food. Put couple tablespoons in bowl, sniffed it and couldn’t jump away fast enough. She said the dog would eat when it’s hungry. Tried waiting that out but I could hear her little tummy grumbling.

          You should have waited it out like the vet said? You don't know more about dogs than the vet after all.

          Sure, the puppy only wants to eat treats but if a child only wants to eat lollies do you shrug and only feed it lollies for dinner? Or do you, as the adult, give it the thing it needs?

          I'm sure you'll do better with something more trustworthy (e.g. the RSPCA and their inventory) - treat this as a life lesson for trying to buy puppies off random people/Facebook.

        • Did you try something tastier than wet food?
          What’s in the recipe the breeder gave you?

          I’ve had fussy dogs and worst case scenario is a Woolies bbq chook. No skin and only from the breast. Obviously for short term use, you can’t feed them just that forever.

          • @ColtNoir: I tried:
            · I cooked up the breeder’s recipe (attached),
            · Optimum wet and dry food,
            · Hill’s Science Diet wet puppy food
            · My Dog puppy with chicken and rice
            · Finely chopped roasted chicken with bone broth and blended cooked vegetables
            · Dried food soaked in puppy milk
            . Woollies chicken chopped finely

            I tried serving it warm and cold, served on round plates, square plates, different coloured square and round plates, on paper towels, with me sitting on the floor ext to her and lastly by hand. The only thing Luna wanted was those Vita Pet milky stick treats. Every day I reported what was happening to the breeder. I have a Messenger log of our conversations.

            Every day I put some dry food out and a couple tablespoons of other food in a bowl, even chopped one of her milky treats up very finely and put it in the food in a bowl. But she would still only sniff it and then walk around the house and garden crying and sniffing for food. Or she’d pick out the treat and leave rest. Her crying was heartbreaking 💔 because there was so much food there.

        • -1

          Breeder is adamant she won’t return puppy.

          Ok. Take them to QCAT.

  • +2

    The breeder said they'd pay you when they sell the puppy yeah? Maybe you can get it in writing. Maybe a puppy isn't what you really need right now, you could get one a bit later when you're ready for it. Dogs will bond with anyone, it's what they do, nothing special about that particular puppy.

  • +4

    I didn’t get a receipt for the cash portion

    That means you got scammed again. Seller should either give the puppy back to you or refund your money immediately, otherwise they are scammer.
    Even if you take it to QCAT, how would you even prove that you paid the amount that you claimed? You can still try to argue to win the puppy back.

    But why did you return the puppy back to the seller in the first place??? Does not make sense to me. You could have just say to let the puppy stay with the seller temporarily and observe.

    And the biggest question is left unanswered, why did the puppy wouldn't eat? Surely the vet and the breeder gave some sort of answers.
    My guess is that she's just a picky eater.

    • Very very picky. I have a trail of communication regarding payment and how much she was on Messenger. I wouldn’t have been able to take her had I not paid the balance. I’m prepared to persevere with her and her food issues. I’d even call Dr Harry if he was still around 😁. She just won’t give me the chance. I have more support now as I’m moving in with a friend and her flatmate.

  • +1

    I'm sorry you've been struggling and I'm sorry to hear that you got overwhelmed with the puppy not eating. It's totally understandable to get overwhelmed and worried in that situation! I just wanted to comment to say that I hope you start to feel a bit better soon, and I hope the situation gets sorted out for you. People on online forums can be harsh and unkind, please don't take any of the harsh/rude comments about your character to heart.

  • +1

    I've never heard of a puppy as old as that at sale. What's the story? May explain the problem - lack of socialisation during the critical socialisation window.

    • She had ten other puppies to socialise with. I was supposed to pick her up but my mental health deteriorated. My mum passed away two years prior in July. On top of that my dog Mickey, who I’d rescued when he was five, passed away at the age of 18 in July 2023. So I was in hospital for four weeks. I made mistakes. I shouldn’t have picked her up straight from hospital. I wasn’t prepared with her food. The breeder gave a a couple of tablespoons of her food and some dry food. So that’s why she was 16 weeks. The breeder never charged me for holding onto her and I thought that was nice of her then. Not anymore. She should have given me a few days worth of food at least.

  • +2

    oh man, those edits

    edit: was confident this was bait but looks to be legit…

  • +5

    Given that giving unsympathetic responses when they think its something that wouldn't happen to them is one of the defining characteristics of OzBargain, this is probably not where the OP should be seeking advice on an issue where emotion is so much a factor.

    • Well when I googled my problem, someone had posted a similar issue. I’ve never posted on forums in my life. I’m looking for advice on my rights. Can you suggest another place to post? You are right there are some nasty bastards on here.

  • +12

    The number of people having a go at OP, who has just admitted they have major depression and were actually hospitalised for it, is pretty disappointing.

    • +3

      Well, let's be honest this is a pretty ridiculous place to be seeking this type of advice and help.

      • +3

        Does not mean people should be mean..

      • +1

        This isn't the normal sort of person asking a dumb question we get. You can see OP is struggling with a lot, even their writing is anxious, it was the wrong time for them to buy a dog, but when someone is in that state of mind it's hard for them to see themselves.

    • Yeah I don't understand it at all, is this "reading between the lines" things?
      What did OP do wrong except being gullible to return the puppy back to seller without getting a refund?
      Which could happen to many people..

      • For me, their state of mental health doesn't come into it. It's their stated actions with the pup that are a concern. I don't think they are ready for a puppy. They need a mature dog.

        • So what actions are the concern exactly?

      • +1

        Stop. Buying. From. Backyard. Breeders.

    • While some of the comments are indeed harsh, some are pointing out that people need to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, which is somewhat fair in this case.

    • -3

      OP needs to man the (profanity) up and stop being a baby

  • +2

    Is she a registered breeder? If so complain to the club she registers with. Clubs do not like members who do the wrong thing. Did she give you a contract when you originally got the puppy? Did you sign the puppy back over to her when you returned it? I don't see how she could resell it if it is still in your name.

    • not sure why you were negged. Pertinent questions.

    • I hadn’t even had time to complete the change of ownership. I unknowingly handed all the paperwork back in her bag.

  • +6

    To be honest, you sound like a nightmare, if I was the breeder I would give every cent back so I never had to hear, see or deal with you again…..

  • -1

    You should get a goldfish instead.

  • This is so Pam. If this isn’t she, she can resolve it

    • Definitely sounds like a Pam post.

      Surely there's not others out there.

      • I wonder if Karen can help Pam

  • Sorry i personally i would be hesitate as the seller to give you the dog back as the seller may feel your not a good match with that puppy. If your not in the right place dogs can sense that. Your welfare is important but so is the puppy's the early part of a puppy's development is essential.

  • +2

    I'm so sorry this happened to you. As others have said, people can be mean on here so please ignore the negative comments and only focus on the positive and helpful ones.

    Puppies are hard work. I got my first puppy since childhood last year and despite reading puppy books and watching videos, it was a steep learning curve. My breeder has been very helpful, though, which has made a big difference.

    My dog loves cooled scrambled egg, Eureka air dried food, Ziwipeak Air dried beef squares. They're expensive but you can get a sample bag from Eureka for $5 (free postage) to try it out. He also loves raw beef but not so keen on mince. I tried the Lyka fresh food that is delivered but he didn't like it. He also eats sardines without salt and in brine at times. Plus carrot sticks and bully sticks. He's not that keen on kibble.

    It sounds dodgy that the breeder didn't give you a receipt for cash. As others have said, did you have to sign a contract? I did.

    Is the breeder listed on Dogzonline? That's where I found my breeder.

  • +2

    I have 2 rescue dogs. The 3yo "poodle" is very fussy and sometimes misses a whole day but he eats when he gets hungry. He has put on weight since we got him and the rib cage and back bone have a healthy covering. The vet says he is healthy.

    The 2yo Maltese was fussy until we did some dog sitting and then he realised that if he didn't eat his food straight away the other dogs would eat it. He doesn't delay anymore. That greedy little bugger is now on reduced rations as he gained 500gms in 10 days "competition eating" and is now shaped like a pipe.

    Our dogs eat kibble, raw vegetables from meal prep and table scraps. No canned wet food as it appears to stick to the teeth & cause decay.

    The bowls get put down for ~40 mins in the at 7am and if they don't eat they are put away until 5pm and they get another 40 mins to decide if they eat or not.

    Sorry OP but I don't think you are a suitable owner for a puppy. Maybe think about a mature rescue (3-6 years old) that has eating & toileting habits established.
    As for the money, kiss it goodbye.

  • +1

    Hi Pam!

  • +2

    You have stated this in your post "So the breeder said to bring her back. She actually offered me another dog. Then said she’d refund my money ONLY once she sold her."

    You will get your funds back …. "Then said she’d refund my money ONLY once she sold her."

    Get a different dog if you must, when funds returned.

    • -1

      OR the pup will never get sold (who can tell beside the breeder?), OP will not receive their money back.

  • Sorry this happened to you. I had something very similar happen except it was with a kitten. We brought the kitten home, and it wouldn't eat for a week, saw 2 different vets, one suggested syringe feeding which we did for a little while, but it wasn't a good solution due to the stress of being force fed. Also she had an injury from the desexing process (turnaround time for the breeder between 8 weeks to desexing to hand off was way too fast imo)

    In the end, we spoke to the breeder who could not give less of a shit once the kitten was out of her hands - we ended up taking her to a veterinary hospital to be looked after for a few days to get fluids medicines.

    Luckily for us, we happened to be at home cooking dinner and our kitten could not get her hands off our woolies chicken, which is what ended up saving her life. It was the only solid food she chose to eat, instead of all the other cat food we tried and the breeders recommended diet.

    Unfortunately for the legal side, we had the receipts, official documents, etc. for the kitten and we tried taking the breeder to NCAT but again judge couldn't care less. They said we bought the cat, could've returned it at any time as a 'faulty product' and that was that. I think unless you have some proof that you bought the cat or it had an underlying issue, it's going to be pretty hard to fight against it. I would possibly try and get the police involved if they have basically taken your money AND your puppy, since that's scamming and you at least know who they are.

    Good luck either way, I hope you are able to find a good solution

  • @hellopam is that you?

  • I've had puppies and kittens who won't eat what the breeder (or in one case) store said they ate. One puppy in particular was really stubborn. The store insisted that they brand was what he was being fed and eating. With him, we tried a lot of different things. He would eat cooked chicken and in his 18 years, that was always a go to when he was a little off. Once he adjusted to us and the house, he ate bit not the brand we had been forced to buy by the store. he had times when he couldn't eat for a few days. One of my pedigreed cats wouldn't eat any of the recipes the breeder gave us. She's always been a dry food cat and graces when she wants. Wet food is absolutely not her thing, even if it's real meat.

  • +2

    I suffer from major depression

    and you'll be worse off asking for advice here

  • -2

    OPs a grub who shouldn't own pets

    /thread

  • Have you tried feeding your puppy passports?

  • +1

    This post has brought out the best/worst in the OzBargain Community. This is what AI says of us!

    The typical OzBargain poster often exhibits anxiety-driven behaviors, with a strong need for control and compulsiveness in deal-hunting. This relentless pursuit is likely rooted in a fear of loss, where missing a bargain feels like failure. Their obsession with finding deals provides structure in a chaotic world, offering a sense of security.

    Beneath this, there’s often a hint of nihilism. The act of hunting for bargains can outweigh the satisfaction of ownership, reflecting a cynical view of materialism. The focus is more on the thrill of acquisition than on the products themselves, showing a rejection of mainstream consumer values.

    Woof woof

  • Disclaimer: me and the OP is not related either by birth or marriage lol

    • OP gone couldn't hack it

  • Regardless of OP's 'character', the seller can't just unilaterally decide to keep the puppy and the money!
    Alas another case of OP not getting the feedback they wanted and bailing.

  • Please Block new users from making posts @scotty @moocher

  • OP needs to sort their life out before deciding to take on another life to care for, which they are clearly not suitable for.

  • im kinda sad i missed this. OP if youre reading this please come back

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