Thunder Valley Rottweilers Customer Club

Dear Mr. Upchurch;

I am writing as a concerned citizen who was introduced to your county on 11/30/2007.  My husband and I personally flew from Portland, Oregon into Evansville, Tn.,  From which we drove 4 1/2 hours more to meet with Joan Foote.  You see Mr. Upchurch, we had just received a puppy from Joan, and let’s just say the puppy was not in the best condition.  (I had also previously sent a 14 month old female, just 8 weeks earlier, for Joan to show in the ring and promote.)  After receiving my new puppy and numerous email, photograph’s and etc., we felt it very neccasary to make a visit to your County in person.  I think at this point Mr. Upchurch, the rest of my story can be read in the letter I posted on the Thunder Valley Customer Club www.thundervalleyrottweilers.com    Please read the following below:

Joan Foote, Which part do you not UNDERSTAND?

On 11/30/2007 We were also personally on Joan Foote’s property to retain Jazz & see for ourselves what was actually going on. I was starting to receive emails from everyone about Joan & Stephanie, and the horrible living conditions of the dogs.  I was told that if I cared anything about Jazz, that I should jump on the next flight and go get my dog.  People talk and rumors fly, but who only knows what the real truth is, right?

Well than on 11/17/2007 I finally received my puppy that I have waited 3 years for.  This was not the Elektra puppy in which Joan & I had made the deal for.  The Elektra puppies had all died.  I had already paid Joan $1000.00 and also sent her a Maik puppy in trade for the remaining balance.  Joan received the pick female out of Maik & Treasure.  I agreed to take a puppy at this time from Jordyn & Rathko.  Joan was also supposed to pay the shipping and give us $500.00 back.  Needless to say, I once again paid the shipping and the puppy did arrive with no AKC papers, And no $500.00.  Let alone no shot or worming records.

She arrived at 9 weeks old.  This little girl who barely came in at 9 lbs.  Her tail was completely raw…WITH STITCHES!  What the hell Joan?  She was covered in numerous spots with pretty serious flee beds.  This puppy was completely overwhelmed by everything.  The vet was beside himself with the tail alone.  He told me to immediately get some weight on this puppy.  We also started treating her for bacteria in her stool.  Imagine that!

Now that we had personally witnessed the condition of this puppy, We immediately booked 2 tickets to fly to Tennessee.  We wanted to see Jazz and find out what the Hell was really going on.  There are Absolutely NO WORDS to describe these once very beautiful dogs and Champions.

We were all 4 absolutely horrified!  The living conditions are unspeakable.  We had Jazz by her collar and Joan & Stephanie fought with everything to try and retain our dog.  They refused to let us take our dog off the property!  After 2 hours and 3 Sherriff Deputies, with a very heated conversation, Joan come up with what she thought was the perfect solution.  Joan wants us to send back the puppy we just received.  The puppy I have paid for and than some.  She wants us to also pay the shipping of the puppy one more time, and send the puppy back to Tennessee.  In turn we are to also pay the shipping AGAIN and she will return the Maik daughter that she received back in April.  At 9 1/2 months old the Maik daughter is half the weight and size of a normal pup her age!   At this point I am beyond crying & upset.  Jazz was beyond elated to see my husband and I. She was very thin and looked not at all like the girl I had sent to Joan only 8 weeks prior. Jazz was rolling on her back and crying to me.  I was crying and asking Joan what the hell has happened to her, and is this how she takes care of a show dog.

 I walked through the garage and saw with my own eyes the living conditions of the 40 to 50 plus dogs.  I did not see any food or water in one crate.  These animals are in very serious conditions of starvation and major health issues.  Now, taking this all into consideration, we decided the only way out for Jazz was to sign this informal agreement UNDER EXTREME DURESS!   We left Tennessee, with Jazz in hand.  When I reached the motel that night, Jazz started eating and has yet to stop.  When we reached Portland, we immediately took Jazz to the vet.  In 8 weeks Jazz lost 15 lbs.  That is a lot of weight for my 15 month old female.  Jazz was wormed for anything and everything.  She was also covered in fleas.  Since Jazz was in heat, we decided to do a progesterone.  She was at a 21.  You better pray that my dog is not impregnated by Riggs Joan Foote.  I will repeat the test in 2 weeks.  You call yourself a Code of Ethics Breeder?  Once again I will call you a LIAR!

After all this, we are now into Joan & Stephanie right around $6000.00 for a puppy that has no AKC papers, and our understanding has a different mother than whom we have been told.  At least it’s all over!

Now get this!   Joan Foote called today to see when we are sending her the puppy.  Now in case you did not understand Joan,  we have the right to negate this informal agreement, here is a copy of it to read once again. 

Joan Foote and Stephanie Paulter

D/B/A Thunder Valley Rottweilers

2134 Country Club Road

Jamestown, Tn. 38556

Ms. Joan Foote and Ms. Stephanie Paulter  

Due to the extreme duress we were under when we witnessed the Dire conditions of the Rottweilers under your ownership and/or care; including the conditions of our Rottweiler that you were supposedly taking to shows. Namely Von Sarco’s All About Jazz who we entrusted the both of you with her care. We have decided to back out of the informal agreement/so called contract that was signed by us 11/30/2007. 

When also taking into consideration the condition of the puppy that was shipped to me 11/17/2007. Coupled with the dire condition of rest of your Kennel; we were put in a position emotionally and physically to agree to nearly anything to ensure Jazz would not have to stay under such horrid conditions. We, the rightful owners of Jazz signed this informal agreement/ contract to ensure her safe return home to Portland Oregon.

Upon receipt of this letter, you are hereby informed that the informal agreement/contract is now null and void. We are formally requesting that you remove any and all references to Von Sarco Rottweilers from any website you either own on maintain. Our sight is copyrighted and will do anything within the legal boundaries to protect our rights. This letter shall be considered the end of any personal or business relationship from this day forward.

Sara and Cody Bird

D/B/A/ Von Sarco Rottweilers

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I guess that sums it up Joan Foote.  How about when Hell freeze’s over?  I would not send you a sick Bug! 

So there you have my side of what happened that day Mr. Upchurch. I really feel after seeing the numerous dogs and the total picture of the entire situation first hand, that it is absolutly imperative that your  kind County do something to CLOSE THIS PUPPY MILL DOWN.  It is very important for you to relize that this is real, and there are numerous people who have experienced the same or similiar things. I do not care anymore about any monies owed to me at this point.  There is absolutly no way in GOOD CONCIOUS, THAT I COULD EVER SEND ANY ANIMAL BACK TO THESE LIVING CONDITIONS. I am just a very concerned citizen who is one of many appealing to you for help.  These rottweilers in Joan Foote’s care, have volunteers backing up to aid your County in their removal.  I think we all know what Dog spells backwards Mr. Upchurch. It is the right thing to do. These dogs need our help.   I will anxiously be awaiting your reply. 

Sincerly Sara Bird

 Portland, Oregon