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Warning signs for potential dog owners

A dishonest breeder taints all breeders, a Seminole couple who are breeders say.

By DEMORRIS A. LEE
Published January 28, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Jim Damaske] Stacey Long, with her Shih Tzus, and her husband, David, say they breed dogs in an ethical and upfront manner. They say if a breeder can't show you the mother and father of the puppy, don't buy it; never buy a puppy without its proper medical papers, and, most importantly, handle the dog before the sale.

Stacey and David Long breed Shih Tzus, and take pride in providing clean, purebred dogs they say make great pets.

So when the Seminole couple hear about cases such as those involving another local breeder, Vilisity Dawn Stow, their eyes roll.

"It just offends me greatly," said Stacey Long, sitting with one of her Shih Tzus cradled on her chest. "This really gives all breeders a bad name."

Stow is accused of selling dogs she falsely claimed to be pure breeds. Since she was arrested and charged with several felonies and misdemeanors in December, more potential victims have come forward.

The Longs say there are clear warning signs every potential pooch owner should heed.

For example, if a breeder can't show you the mother and father of the pup, don't buy it, Stacey Long said.

Long said potential owners also should look at the dog's cleanliness and its coat; smell the dog's breath and, most importantly, handle the dog.

"If the dog is frightened by your touch, that means that he hasn't had much human contact, and for pets, that's not a good thing," Long said.

Pat Callahan of the Pinellas County's Animal Services said all breeders should have a permit from the county, and it must be visible when one walks in to purchase a puppy. He said that breeders are inspected twice a year and residents can contact Animal Services to see if there have been any complaints against a breeder.

Callahan advises to never purchase a puppy that doesn't have proper medical documentation. He said it's illegal to sell a dog younger than 8 weeks old, and at 6 weeks old the puppy should have had a series of shots.

Fast Facts:

Resources

- Pinellas County Animal Services: www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices

- For information about Florida's regulations on the sale of animals go to www.flsenate.gov/statutes. On the left side of the page, under "Search Statutes," type in 828.29.

- For information regarding American Kennel Club certification, go to www.akc.org.

[Last modified January 27, 2007, 18:31:55]