I sold a puppy to a man. He had a daughter who also wanted a littermate. As it was the man's daughter I agreed to sell her a puppy on payments at reduced cost.

Two of the cheques have bounced. The dog is registered in my name. I was going to transfer the pup when paid for and spayed. How would you go about reclaiming this puppy? Show up at the door? She is not returning my calls. I left a message saying I wanted to take the pup to my vet and spay her as if she could not pay for the pup she was for sure not going to be able to spay her. I want to make sure pup gets spayed.

I would understand if she would explain and try to work something out but being ignored is making things worse. I will never send a pup on payments again.

Is the puppy chipped? If so, I would show up at her door with proof that the pup is yours and a sheriff (or similar authority). Bring a scanner to show the chip registered to you. And take it, and never give it back. And, learn a lesson from this. Don't sell a puppy to someone who can't afford it. If they can't afford the pup, they can't afford the spay or other routine medical care. God forbid a major medical problem.

The chip that is registered is incorrect as it fell out. I rechipped her but have not update the number with AKC. I do have both chip registrations though.

Seems like all you need is the chip reg. What does the sheriff or other authority care about the akc?

OP I feel your pain and support your getting that puppy back.
I had sent an absolutely gorgeous puppy home on payments based on the "word" of a breeder friend of the person. At four months when we both visited (hopefully, me to pick up a payment) we were both concerned that the puppy was allowed to jump off kids' beds, jump off the kiddie slide, and roughouse with the kids, etc. despite our admonisions about the deliterious effects of trauma on developing joints. I did not get a payment that day (all kinds of excuses) and should have taken the puppy back then but was talked out of it by the other breeder. The household was pandemonium during our entire visit.
Two months later, I found out through the grapevine that the puppy was limping on all four legs. She had only paid $300 at that point and to add insult to injury, refused to take the puppy in for xrays or evaluation ("couldn't afford it). She wanted me to take the problem off her hands. She couldn't bother to be home when I picked her up, and arranged to have her father bring the puppy to the park and ride. I picked her up that day, and brought her straight in to an orthopedic specialist the next morning.
Long story short, this puppy was so severaly crippled at 7 months, she had to be euthanized. It just about killed me to do it.

The daughter is clearly not showing good faith and will probably not spay her or care for her properly. No bargaining, be firm, it's no longer about paying for her now, she shows a lack of good judgement and integrity and you could take her to court for the bounced checks (breach of contact). Take a law enforcement person with you, if the puppy is listed in your name.
Go get her, before she ruins her or breeds her!

That is one sad story been there. Seems like you did not do enough research on your puppy buyer. Even with a reference from another breeder, I feel it is your responsibility to do your own background search. I would never let a puppy go on payments. That is just crazy!! I don't even accept a personal check for the final payment of the puppy when the buyers are taking the puppy home cash only. To the OP I would show up at the puppy owners door and reclaim my puppy back. That is it no money no puppy!

I always sound callus when I say this but you get your CASH upfront when the puppy leaves your home, and whatever happens after that is out of your control. You do payment plans, you might as well have given the pup away for free. Don't expect your money.

Sometimes even the best screening doesn't help and I know it kills us to think of our "children" in a bad situation, but there is a limit to what we can do once they are out of our hands.

If you don't have a signed-contract stating the terms of the agreement and payment terms, then you really have no ground to stand on. It does not matter that you have the registration and microchip in your name. She paid you some monies. If there was an exchange of money and she is in possession and you have no written contract/agreement about the terms, you won't have any rights. I learned this the hard way myself. That is why a signed contract is an absolute must.

I had been communicating with a woman for over two years regarding a puppy from me. She came to pick up the puppy and also delivered another puppy for me on the way home. She gave me a bank generated money order from her bank for his balance due. A few days later the money order had been cancelled. I then looked back at my savings statements (never reconciled my accounts at that time) and I see her deposit of a personal check also bounced. I was willing to try to work it out with her but it came down to having to go to her city 300 miles away and get the puppy, which cost me well over $600.00 to make this trip. The gal happened to work for the police department and she was giving me quite a run around about where and when I could get him. I told her no problem, I would have her commanding superior escort me to her home to collect said puppy. Needless to say the time and place was immediately put in place. Lesson learned for me. It was my first litter and I will accept a personal check for a deposit but I only take USPS money orders or cash for the remaining balance. And FWIT, I now reconcile my savings and checking accounts. I would get in touch with the local PD or Sheriff department and tell them the circumstances, and ask for a escort to collect your puppy. Good luck and keep us posted.

I just told a possible puppy buyer the same thing when she tried to talk me down in price on the phone without seeing a picture of puppies or parents, pedigree, clearances or speaking to other breeders. If she can't afford the price of the pup, then she might not be able to pay for medical care and the like. I think I got the woman who called me annoyed as she was looking to save a few bucks but too bad.

I agree, bring a scanner and the law. Reclaim *your* puppy! Sorry you have to go through this. Glad you put her in your name only.

Why would you sell a puppy on payments???? If they can't pay for the puppy, they can't pay for the care if it. Obviously the people doesn't have enough money. I'm sorry you lost the money, but I feel more sorry for the puppy.

OP's name is *Lesson Learned*. OP asked *How would you go about reclaiming this puppy?*

Do you think this OP needs a lecture from you or advice on how to get the puppy back?

Stop with the lectures and help her!!!!! I am sure you've made a mistake out of the kindness of your heart too. Maybe it was 25 years ago but we *ALL* make mistakes. She wants to fix it so help her,don't criticize her.

Writing a hot check is a criminal offense. Go to your county Sheriff and report it.

When I have made an exception and take a check, I always go directly to the bank that the check is drawn on (only take major banks) and with proper ID and sometimes a small fee, I walk out with cash. In the case of a worthless check, I will know immediately and it wouldn't effect my own accounts.

I do a full litter registration of my puppies; registering them individually to myself always with limited except for my keepers. Then when sold, I do a transfer. They are microchipped at the vet and in addition, I have a DNA sample taken and verified by the vet on each puppy. I don't always send them in to AKC because of cost; but I have them. Microchips can be lost or removed; DNA cannot.

I am sorry to hear that you were taken advantage of. We all learn the hard way sometimes.

NOW go and report this person for theft by check!

It looks like you were too trusting in this case. You were trying to find the good in this person but unfortunately there does not appear to be any good here. I am sorry that you are going through this.

In regards to involving the law, I was told by my local police department that such a case would be considered a civil matter and that their department could and would do nothing about it. If you can get a prosecutor to demand action, the police department will take action. Unfortunately, the police are ruled by the prosecutor's office.

Just to update that puppy is home.

Other than shots not up to date and long nails she seems fine. Will go to vet for health check.

Happy to have her.

I think the law is that if the check is written post dated it is not a crime. We cannot forsee the future.

I am going by my contract stated puppy would receive medical care and payment. This did not happen. It does not seem like she will be fighting on this anyway.

I'm glad to hear she's safe and sound!

That's great! Please tell us---how did you get her back? Did you involve the law, or were you able to get them to surrender her to you, or what??

Glad you got her back quickly. We should all take a lesson from this, not only about payments. Not all puppies can be reclaimed. You did a great job getting her back.

"That's great! Please tell us---how did you get her back?"

We told her that were were concerned that she did not have her latest shots and was in a home with an intact male. (Small breed) We were taking her to get her medical treatment. My guess is she expected us to do all of this and return her with no speak of how she was going to repay.

After dog was in our care we then called and explained as per contract that she will not be returned to her. We did not lie to her we intend to get all the care she needs. Sadly I feel it is as in many situations the kids who loose out. If she had just been honest with us things would be different.

"That's great! Please tell us---how did you get her back?"

We told her that were were concerned that she did not have her latest shots and was in a home with an intact male. (Small breed) We were taking her to get her medical treatment. My guess is she expected us to do all of this and return her with no speak of how she was going to repay.

After dog was in our care we then called and explained as per contract that she will not be returned to her. We did not lie to her we intend to get all the care she needs. Sadly I feel it is as in many situations the kids who loose out. If she had just been honest with us things would be different.