When I finally decided to become a Reputable Ethical Breeder, I knew that eventually I would make difficult decisions. During one's breeding years, I would often be caught standing in front of crossroads. I have made decisions that I regret in the past. I vouch to try harder making more responsible sound ones and resist temptations.
In lieu of becoming a Reputable Ethical Breeder, I decided to offer Cali up for sale because I couldn't possible breed her knowing that she was suffering from a limp although at that time, she wasn't diagnosed as mildly dysplastic yet. I advertised her in the newspaper as "Female, Black Labrador, CDG and Soon To Come On Heat." Of course, with that kind of advertisement, prospective buyers jumped the gun so to speak. I interviewed the guy and told him that I do not wish to breed Cali because I was unsure of the limp that was very obvious she was suffering from. The prospective buyer bought Cali nevertheless. After a couple of weeks, Cali's new owner came back and wanted Baileys' stud service for Cali. So, I told him that of course it would be unwise to breed Cali which was of course, the main reason why I sold her in the first place. And still, he insisted and said consider it as his discount. So, not knowing what else to do, I obliged. After a month, he came back and said that Cali did not get pregnant and was very much disappointed ... blah, blah, blah! He was happy with Cali because she carries baskets, she's a good companion. Duh! Of course, those were the same exact reasons why I was happy with Cali too. But Cali's new owner had other plans for her.
Knowing that I had some reputation, he asked if I could make a refund since Cali wasn't pregnant. So, I told him that the price I asked for Cali was based on Cali's CDG title and not the "Soon To Heat" tag. And so the story goes that he didn't much care but do enjoy Cali's CDG title but would rather have a pup to take care of.
I had a male Chinese Shar-Pei pup that time. To make the long story short, I just gave him the pup. A month passed, I bumped to a fellow board director at the dog show and he whispered to me ... "You! Hah?" kind of accusingly but in a teasing manner. And so I asked what was the matter. Then he said, you're selling pups at Cartimar. To my surprise, I asked where did he hear that from or why he said such a thing? Well, he told me that he was in a pet store in Cartimar and saw this Chinese Shar-pei pup. He asked to look at the litter ticket and he saw that I was the breeder. So I told him this same story I am telling you now. Cali's new owner sold the Chinese Shar-Pei pup that I gave him for whatever money he could take. I bought the pup back from the pet shop. As to Cali's being hip dysplastic, I was just informed later on and so I asked for a Veterinary's Certificate which of course, never showed up. I informed Cali's breeder but of course, he knew that already right from the start.
I gave up on becoming a Reputable Ethical Breeder but I strive very hard to be a Responsible and Respectable One.
Life's Lessons to be learned.
I'm happy too that irregardless, Cali's new owner is happy with her. I miss her too. I had good times with Cali.
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