Unfortunately we live in a world that, especially over the Internet, people can say or claim whatever they wish. The world is full of those who will rob or steal and maliciously, for no apparent reason, seek to cause another person or organization harm. Those who slander others for self benefit and those who steal photos from one website and place scam ads of their own to rob people of their trust and money are becoming more numerous every day. Harmful Internet viruses are created and sent to people every day, not for money or gain, but merely to spread harm and chaos, most usually to people they don't know and have never met.
Texas True Blues has fallen victim to theft of our photos and to malicious slander from others, as have many of our friends and associates. We monitor our site continuously and we have sought professional advice on guarding our photos. Regrettably a guaranteed solution has not been found. Our sincere thanks to those who have brought to our attention these issues...please continue to do so. In an effort to help guide anyone who is concerned, below are a few of our thoughts, that may help you--before parting with your trust and money.
1) Does the Breeder, on their website, offer a phone number for direct contact?
2) Does the Breeder offer references (Vet., New puppy owners, etc.)?
3) Did you call the references and will they send you photos of the puppy they purchased.
4) Does the Breeder readily describe the different personalities within the litter and do they attempt to match the right puppy with your home situation?
5) Does the Breeder ask anything about you personally and the environment that their puppy will be living in? If not, they must not care about their pups or the life they are being sold into.
6) When you contact a Breeder about a photo of a puppy on the Internet, if you are suspicious, request a new photo of the pup taken with a sheet of paper which clearly shows YOUR NAME and the DATE to be emailed to you within a reasonable amount of time.
7) An honest and reputable Breeder will never feel the need to "bash" or "degrade" another breeder, their dogs or their business practices. Reputable Breeders are secure in the quality of the puppies they raise and the way they conduct business...no "bad mouthing" necessary.
8) Don't look for a quick, instant deal on a pup. This is a life you are talking about which will also impact your own life. Take time to communicate with the breeder. Several email's and phone conversations are necessary to get a good feel about each other. If either party doesn't want to invest this very important time...the deal should not take place.
9) Both Breeders and buyers should have many questions. If, as a buyer, you have no questions...a puppy is probably not the best choice for your life at this time. A breeder should have some questions as well, in order to help match the right puppy with each family and to educate the buyer as to proper care and requirements needed for a puppy.
10) Use "common sense" and "gut instinct". You are dealing with a person you can't see, don't know and may never meet. You are attempting to buy a living animal that you can't see, touch or get a kiss on the cheek from. The buyer is 100% dependant upon the Breeder being truthful and honest. The Breeder is also 100% dependant upon the buyer in the same areas. If either party has doubt or suspicion of the other... Walk away from the deal!
We hope these few ideas will help you with a safe and rewarding puppy buying experience.