I was interested in getting back into dog competition as well as I needed to get another demo dog for my pet training classes. I purchased a puppy from Joan Foote, a Florida breeder. Two other puppies promised to me had died, so I was very excited when she called and said that she had a 10 week old puppy for me out of Thunder x Elektra.My expectations were extremely high, only to be disappointed as time went on dealing with Khori’s temperament and bloodlines.He was only 10 weeks old and showing food aggression already. I called Joan and inquired if he had previously displayed any aggression. I was surprised to learn that he started his food aggression at four weeks of age. I also found out that the policy of Joan Foote was to take their puppies away from the dam at four weeks. This was very disturbing to me.
When Khori arrived I also noticed that he had an umbilical hernia that they failed to mention to me as well. Plus he has the white hairs on his chest that happens to be a fault in the show ring. I was extremely upset, because during conversations with the Joan, prior to purchasing Khori, I specifically told her that I needed a puppy with conformation and temperament that would be suitable for the show ring as well as a demo dog in my training classes. To my dismay, she also informed me that he had been the most dominant puppy in the litter. Based on my requirements that I provided a reputable breeder would have mentioned these issues before allowing me to purchased Khori. Furthermore, they would have recommended a more suitable puppy or suggested that I wait for another litter.
The first week after Khori arrived, I decided to take a trip out to see a trainer to evaluate him. She evaluated Khori and she could tell that I would have my hands full in the future and that Khori would not make a good demo dog.
At 18 months of age his vet discovered his heart murmur. It kept getting stronger, so I took him to a specialist who determined that he has a leaky heart valve. I faxed in the findings to Joan and never heard from her. A decent breeder would have offered something.Little by little his behavior started to change in a direction that I didn’t want it to go. His aggression was expanding into other areas. I was getting increasingly more concerned for our safety around feeding time as well as public outings. After about an hour of activity he would shut down and just wanted to be left alone. I could tell when he had too much input; he would show this by growling at people so they would leave him alone.All I ever wanted was a dog becoming a champion, a demo dog, a dog to have fun with in dog sports. I do not have that in Khori. I had to really save up to buy him and I trusted Joan and now I am crushed and have no faith in breeders.
Purchased Price: $1500
Dopler for his heart: $500
Neuter: $250
Private Trainer: Board and Train (aggression problems) 8 weeks/$75 a day. (scared to add that up)
Being a trainer, and doing everything I can to help him: Priceless
3 responses so far ↓
1 Sara Bird // May 3, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Welcome to our website! There are quite a few of us that have Shattered Dreams as well. I started my quest 4 years ago waiting & wanting an Elektra puppy. I have been quoted $2500.00 for your exact breeding in which you paid $1500.00. I am so sorry that you have had to deal with all the problems. All of us breeders are not like that. Many of us believe in a code of ethics. Speaking for my kennel alone, we would have replaced your puppy. I am glad that you are doing everything possible for your rottie. I commend you. You are a good person & a good rottie owner. That is priceless.
2 randifeist // May 3, 2008 at 7:30 pm
What an incredibly sad and heartbreaking story. Each person that comes forward has their individual pain, suffering, and loss. They may have different names, live in different parts of the country, but all have the shared experience of dealing with the most heartless, cruel, criminal breeder, namely—Joan Foote of Thunder Valley Rottweilers. We have all gathered together on this site and behind the scenes to help stop this insanity. There is definately progress being made and we are praying that there will be an end in sight. To all those out there that have been touched by the evil hand of Joan Foote, please know that God is with us, guiding us, showing us the way, and there will be a light at the end of this dark tunnel.
We need to believe this, to live this, and to know this. Court dates are coming, hang in there as justice will be served. Joan Foote’s criminal ways cannot, and will not last much longer. Although we cannot change the past, we are all here to help stop any present and future cruelty.
3 scammedinCO // May 4, 2008 at 6:22 pm
To Khori’s owner - I am so sorry for all you are going through. We have all paid a large price for our dreams to be shattered. Our puppy too was supposed to be “show” quality. He has a significant overbite, white patch on chest, and nose has stripe. All are complete disqualifications. I agree an ethical breeder should have known and not sold puppies so expensively as something they could never be. I feel your pain - though I can complain about temperament in our boy. You are in the right place & there are legal options for you. I pray that you get some justice for what Joan & Stephanie have done to you.
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