My GSP puppy dies at a Kennel

[Trial153]

line bred, inbreed, cross breed...best to best. It’s all a crap shoot. If I haven’t started 200 dogs I haven’t started one, and the way they start is they way they stay.

 

[tdhanses]

IMHO, breeding is absolutely critical if you want a healthy, naturally inclined, pup. I research things, probably to much, before I jump in. The breeder and their dogs are what I personally base the value of the pup on. Some breeds are rarer and some breeders really stand out.

This book helps explain it way better than I can: https://amzn.to/34MoAKT

Being a novice hunter, with minimal dog training skills, my pup scored a NAVHDA 112 Prize 1.
https://www.navhda.org/natural-ability-test/
I think his intentional breeding made all the difference. He was bred to be a versatile hunting dog by hunters and his "family" are hardcore hunters. I feel lucky to say that his faults are based on my training skills and not on him. Its impressive to see him in the field the few times I have been blessed to watch a real dog trainer work him.

Having had one other dog (GSP), and having been around a few hunting dogs, its amazing how helpful natural inclination (through selective breeding) is. I personally would never buy a working / hunting dog at a parking lot or through an add. For me its a referral based business, or one you find through research and interviews. For me its to much of a gamble.

With that said, some folks get some amazing dogs with little to no planned breeding program. I am not that lucky, so I want all the advantages I can get. : )

The amount of time and effort I put into getting my pup far exceeded the actual purchase price. I'd be pretty frustrated and would want answers. I am pretty confident my breeder would be right behind me demanding answers as well. Tough scenario all around...

If you want a heathy dog, get a mutt and stay away from breeders. I’ve had nothing but great mutts and they are plenty smart to train as hunting dogs.

Everyone I know that has a registered pure breed has had medical issues of some sort or other issues, while not all are major some have been. Also seems like a shorter lifespan with the breeder dogs.

 

[MuleyFever]

If you want a heathy dog, get a mutt and stay away from breeders. I’ve had nothing but great mutts and they are plenty smart to train as hunting dogs.

Everyone I know that has a registered pure breed has had medical issues of some sort or other issues, while not all are major some have been. Also seems like a shorter lifespan with the breeder dogs.

This is proven. Mutts are overall healthier.

To the OP, sorry about your pup. I imagine it’s even harder not being there.

 

[Marble]

I've been a GSP owner for 25 years. I love my dogs. I am so sorry for your loss!! They have such wonderful personality.

My oldest is almost 10 and shes slowed down to the point where she can only hunt for two hours or so. I then have to give her anti inflammatories to keep her just able to move. She's my angel face. I love her to death. I also have a 4 year old pup from her.


If it were me, I may or may not do anything with the COD. I would talk with the breeder and see if they can work with you for another.

 

[bpurtz]

I would talk with the breeder and see if they can work with you for another.

This ☝

We had a 1 y/o Golden that suddenly got very sick. X-Ray showed something in the lungs but the vet couldn't determine what it was. Exploratory surgery was obscenely expensive with no guarantees so we decided to put him down. The breeder said they had never experienced any health issues like we encountered but still offered to let us pick out a new puppy.

 

[Gobbler36]

So to you saying that you would of gone back as soon as I found out well I’m 32 hrs away with my 3 boys and wife visiting family I can’t just load everyone up and head back when I please.
I spoke with the owner today and directed him to put her in a freezer until I arrive tomorrow evening. He stressed I needed to call and let him know my arrival, for some reason this makes me suspicious.
In my op I did say I was giving the benefit of the doubt for right now. It’s a lot more for the autopsy for her they charge $550 and another fee to check for poison so I’m approaching what I paid for her, so it really sucks. Feel like my hands are tied because that’s an expense I wasn’t prepared for and it doesn’t sound like he’s willing to do anything but I will approach him with the option to split the cost of that.

 

[timmymac24]

what a mess good luck to you in solving the mystery and hopefully finding a suitable replacement

 

[KurtR]

So to you saying that you would of gone back as soon as I found out well I’m 32 hrs away with my 3 boys and wife visiting family I can’t just load everyone up and head back when I please.
I spoke with the owner today and directed him to put her in a freezer until I arrive tomorrow evening. He stressed I needed to call and let him know my arrival, for some reason this makes me suspicious.
In my op I did say I was giving the benefit of the doubt for right now. It’s a lot more for the autopsy for her they charge $550 and another fee to check for poison so I’m approaching what I paid for her, so it really sucks. Feel like my hands are tied because that’s an expense I wasn’t prepared for and it doesn’t sound like he’s willing to do anything but I will approach him with the option to split the cost of that.
[/QUOTE]

I would have and my wife and kid would have wanted to. I wouldn’t enjoy my time not having answers and wondering. That’s just me not saying right or wrong but you asked on the internet. Him not wanting deal or know why sounds fishy. Either way it sucks for you.we just had to put down my sons lab unexpectedly so might be thinking more with emotions than practical to.

 

[SwampBone]

Terrible situation to be in. I board my dog regularly and worry about this type of thing happening. It would be hard not to let emotions take over. Hard not to trust your initial gut instinct. Hard to say if the guy is acting weird because of the situation or if he’s just weird in general. To the guy talking prices for how long your dog should last, Jesus get your head out of your A$$

 

[30338]

Bad deal, but betting it had a health issue from the start that just went unnoticed. I'd imagine the place you got the dog from would offer a free one or discounted price on the next litter. I'd keep the lawyers out of it .

Purchase price to me means nothing. I have over $1000 in gas so far this year on bird hunts. Using another breed and costs are $1200 to $1800 for pups. Its really nothing in the whole scheme of things. Good luck on getting yourself sorted out and hope a new pup finds a good home at your place soon.

 

[tdhanses]

So to you saying that you would of gone back as soon as I found out well I’m 32 hrs away with my 3 boys and wife visiting family I can’t just load everyone up and head back when I please.
I spoke with the owner today and directed him to put her in a freezer until I arrive tomorrow evening. He stressed I needed to call and let him know my arrival, for some reason this makes me suspicious.
In my op I did say I was giving the benefit of the doubt for right now. It’s a lot more for the autopsy for her they charge $550 and another fee to check for poison so I’m approaching what I paid for her, so it really sucks. Feel like my hands are tied because that’s an expense I wasn’t prepared for and it doesn’t sound like he’s willing to do anything but I will approach him with the option to split the cost of that.

Have you contacted the breeder yet? Most have a heath guarantee.

 

[ScottH]

Difficult situation for sure. Please let us know the outcome.

 

[Montana Slim]

Certainly anyone’s prerogative to do their research and like picking a hunting unit it’s essential. But unfortunately you’ll find as much variation within one litter as you will across entire breeds. If I was hunting to kill birds I’d buy an entire litter or two, hunt them all for a season, and hopefully send all but one or two packing.

This is just asinine, and again, not what the thread is about...

 

[tipsntails7]

Certainly anyone’s prerogative to do their research and like picking a hunting unit it’s essential. But unfortunately you’ll find as much variation within one litter as you will across entire breeds. If I was hunting to kill birds I’d buy an entire litter or two, hunt them all for a season, and hopefully send all but one or two packing.

I’ve been around hunting dogs my entire life, I’ve worked for kennels and trainers on and off, and am now friends with several. I am speaking from a retriever perspective, mostly waterfowl.

I can count on one hand the amount of dogs that came from quality bloodlines that couldn’t do what they were suppose to do. Sure some will be better than others, but they will all hunt (normally better than the hunter can direct).

If this is the method you use to pick bird dogs you may want to get yourself some training or let someone else train your dogs for you.

To the OP’s question. You need to decide what you want to do, if you have the dog examined and it turns out to be a genetic issue the breeder (a good one) will get you another dog. If it’s something else, you and the kennel owner get to have a pretty straightforward conversation barring you didn’t sign liability cya documents.

If the kennel is indeed a large and proper outfit they have insurance just for this, especially if their main focus is working dogs, as their value is tied more to reality than family pets

If you do not pay to have it examined you have really no recourse either way, and your out a kennel.

We put a lot of time and effort into hunting dogs, they also become a part of our family, so having someone you trust watch them while your away is extremely important. Finding out if you have a reputable kennel or a kennel to avoid is worth the $500 in my opinion.

sorry for your loss as well.

 

[Milestone522]

Another option to think about is having a University with an Ag/Vet program do the necropsy for you if cost is the problem. Not sure what they have in ID or where you are but you can often get the necropsy for free having a student complete the exam with an instructor. Just need to call and see about the arrangements. Students learn from doing, staff learns from instructing, and you probably will have a good understanding of how the pup died.

It will be a basic exam though and not as extensive as a forensic necropsy which is really no different than an autopsy used in a homicide investigation (and are quite expensive). I have had to obtain 2 forensic necropsies related to homicide investigations and they are detailed and costly. So the college route may help your pocketbook and still give you the answers to your questions. Just remain neutral and wait to see what the exam shows.

I’m sorry for the loss of your pup.

 

[Billinsd]

If I was hunting to kill birds I’d buy an entire litter or two, hunt them all for a season, and hopefully send all but one or two packing.

Say.......what?

 

[jmez]

You are being quoted $550 to do a necropsy?

 

[Gobbler36]

Yes the only animal hospital in the treasure valley that does it quoted me $550 and additional for poison testing

 

[BrushyHillGuide]

Yes the only animal hospital in the treasure valley that does it quoted me $550 and additional for poison testing

Very sorry for your loss! I’ve hunted with dogs most of my life and currently maintain a kennel of blood tracking dogs here in Texas. We always have one or two that live in the house with us as well. So, I can relate to the emotions you’re going through with the loss. I think that @tipsntails7 gave you some very solid advice a few posts back. If the pup had an undiagnosed defect (I’ve got my money on that possibility) then any reputable breeder will replace the puppy; and will want to know about your pup’s condition. If the pup died as a result of something that happened at the boarding kennel, they will almost certainly reimburse you in some way to avoid litigation that they will certainly lose. Barring something that happened while under your care (unlikely but still possible) that ultimately resulted in the pup’s death - something like it ate a non digestible item that impacted - you SHOULD, ultimately get the cost of the autopsy reimbursed either by the breeder or the facility. I occasionally breed a couple of my dogs and I can tell you that’s what I would do, and I’m no professional breeder.

Seems like you and your family are emotionally devastated and that’s understandable. It shows the kind of great people you are because you have true love for that pup; and I commend you for that. I will caution you, though, not to let that sadness turn into too much anger. At least not yet. Chances are, this is a tragic event but just one of those curve balls life sends you from time to time. It sounds like you did due diligence in researching the boarding kennels. Trust that for now. At least until you have evidence otherwise. I can easily see where even a reputable kennel who’s never had something like this happen would act in a way that might seem a little ‘off’ simply because they’ve never dealt with a situation like this before - they certainly realize this could have a big effect on their business. I’m not defending them, just saying wait and see. Right now you know nothing. Nothing except that the pup died. The cause could be anything right now. Not even Perry Mason could solve this mystery at this point. So, try to process your emotion and help out your kids who are surely struggling.

In the end, I feel like you’ll likely end up with another pup after at least some reimbursement from someone. Based on the fact that this occurred after such a brief stay in a kennel you chose carefully, my bet is that there’s was a defect in the dog. Take a little solace (assuming I’m right) that this didn’t happen 2 years down the road. I promise you, the sadness and pain you felt would be exponentially worse.

Hang in there, brother! Don’t let some of the dumb shit that gets said on forums get you down. Calm down, grieve and it will work itself out when you get home.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jmez]

Yes the only animal hospital in the treasure valley that does it quoted me $550 and additional for poison testing

Wow, that's out of line.