[wkquek]

I'm new here and would like to relate a very sad experience that I had with a breeder from Penang, called Sylvercrest Kennels. My wife and I wanted a french bulldog puppy. We found Sylvercrest, picked a puppy from her new litter, and went pick up Odysseus in early January this year.

After 2 weeks with him, he passed away while playing with a friend's dog. I can't tell you how sad we were. The vet issued a letter saying that he had a severe case of elongated soft pallate and his airway collapsed from over excitement. Elongated soft pallate is a common ailment in Frenchies but the vet verified that this was a severe case.

We contacted the breeder asking for a full refund but she refused; instead offering 50% off on another Frenchie or free replacement of another breed of puppy. After a few emails back end forth, she has refused to budge from this offer.

We consulted with a few parties and realized a few things that were not quite right:

1. We were not given a contract to sign stating terms and conditions of sale
2. We were not advised to take him for a vet check up
3. After we forwarded our our complaint, she dug up some other contracts from the internet and stated that her contract only covers 1 week after purchase
4. She kept quoting that no other local breeders would give a guarantee for more than 1 week but one of the contracts that SHE FORWARDED TO ME stated coverage of 6 MONTHS on life threatening genetic defects
5. Breeder did not furnish us with an actual MKA Cert number
6. We were not allowed to see Ody's parents or his living conditions
7. She delayed delivery to us a few times, forcing us to go up to Penang from KL to pick up Ody
8. She constantly sold herself as far superior to "local Malaysian backyard breeders" in quality and service

I'm now looking into what further action can be taken legally but just to inform every one out there, this breeder markets themselves as premium but from our experience they conduct themselves very unprofessionally.

Recently we purchased Penelope from Mr Ho, a self proclaimed "back yard breeder" who was SO much nicer:

1. We were immediately allowed to visit his house to view his whole Frenchie family, who are happy and well adjusted, living comfortably together
2. Penelope is the same age as Ody but more than 2 times larger! She is healthy and robust
3. We have a contract that covers death from genetic defect for 6 months
4. His price was 30% cheaper

From this experience, some breeders may sell themselves as reputable and premium but if they are a small outfit, they may just be backyard breeders who are better at marketing - all talk and no substance. End of the day, it may be better to buy from a genuine backyard breeder who is open and transparent. Of course, please do your due diligence

1. Take your puppy to a vet for a routine check after purchasing
2. Meet your puppies parents
3. Make sure you have a contract signed

And please take good care of your new family member!