Complain about a product or service

Shake A Paw Puppies

david of Oceanside, NY December 24, 2009

I was looking to buy my 6 year old daughter a puppy, a neapolitan mastiff to be exact. I always knew better than to buy a puppy from a store as I have family that breeds toy dogs for the show ring. I went in and talked to one of the associates, John, abouot my purchase and was told that the dog was a special order and that they would find one for me from a reputable breeder. I asked further what made the breeder reputable and he gave a song and dance about the dept of agriculture checking in on the breeders that they used and that they werent puttpy mills. I guess I wanted this dog so badly that I decided to go against every instinct I had and went ahead and left a deposit for them to find my dog. John was very helpful and did his job quite well. Everything he said he was going to do he did including getiing me a picture of the dog that they found for me.

I was very happy and couldnt wait to surprise my daughter on Christmas morning. On the day I agreed to pick up the dog I got a phone call from the manager Tashy stating that they found a second dog that held more of the characteristics that I was looking for in the breed. I went in and looked at the dog and decided at the end of the night to take the secind dog offered to me. At the store the dog was playful and wel mannered. Fast forward to less than 12 hours later and the dog has no appetite is lethargic and unresponsive. The dog threw up everything that he took in including water and I took him immediately to the animal hospital. Over the last three days the dog has gone up and down and finally ending up very very sick again. The converstion I had with the Dr indicated that the dog would not make it through the next night. I immediatelt phoned the store and was conviently told that Tashy, the manger, couldnt hear me the phone was static ridden. I told him not to worry I was on my way to the store. When I got to the store I was again met with resistance saying that I saw the dog and it wasnt sick in the store. I pursued my point and I guess he got it because I was told they would refund my money. The manager was told to write me a check which I refused in case they wanted to stop payment on it and was eventually refunded my money through my credit card.

I had many problems as far as communication with the manager and he never called me back although he insisted that he did. I got every other call from everyone else in my life this week strange that I missed only his. They stalled and tried every tactic possible NOT to refund my money and it was only my perstance and determination that made it possible. I implore everyone who reads this to STAY FAR AWAY from SHAKE A PAW or any other store like it. I am guilty of giving them a shot in order to shortened the length og time needed to get a pet. I hope that this little puppy gets better and lives a long life but it doesnt sound like he will. God bless him...

Now I sit here on Christmas Eve with nothing of substance for my daughter for Christmas. All I have for her is a story to tell her about the sick puppy that almost was. I have toys a crate and food to explain as well as why she didnt get what she asked Santa for. I am to blame for being so impulsive and not listening to my gut but SHAKE A PAW is to blame as well for dealing in puppy mills and irresponsible breeding. STAY FAR FAR FAR AWAY!!!!!

****** of South Orange, NJ December 14, 2009

My family and I recently became interested in buying a puppy. One day, we visited the Shake a Paw in Union, New Jersey. We took out a cream-sable Pomeranian puppy who we nicknamed Blondie. We all noticed how calm and sweet she was compared to the other pomeranian puppy we played with, who was more interested in the toy than us, and was unbelievably hyper. But Blondie was sweet and gentle. She even lay in my lap for a while, despite never having met us before. We also played with a poodle and a cocker spaniel. Neither were as amazing as Blondie. We did not buy her, however.

As we left, we stopped to ask the people there some questions, even though it states on their site that all pups are from quality breeders. The people seemed so nice, and they answered every one of our questions. About 30 mins later, our daughter, who fell in love with Blondie, was in tears. We had just learned that Blondie had come from a puppy mill, the reason she was so mellow.

To think that we almost bought from Shake A Paw is now unbearable, it hurts my heart just thinking about it. My story should tell you one thing: even the nicest-seeming companies can have a mask on. We are now looking for a breeder instead.

Catherine of East Meadow, NY November 11, 2009

I purchased my boxer dog at Shake A Paw in Hicksville 6 years ago. The dog had kennel cough, worms which was very costly. On Christmas eve 2 years later my dog had seizures. It took one year to get them under control to maybe several times a year. What a great dog he was but he was sick all of his life. Rocky lost his battle on 11/3/09 by having seizures every couple of hours over a 24hr period. Rocky was on pheno and potassium brohmide which was very costly but my son grew up with him and we all loved him. It is terrible that I hear one story after another about this pet store. I think they obtain the dogs from Puppy mills, Rocky came from Michigan. I think this place makes a fortune misleading its customers and sells very sick animals that are not properly cared for. My son cries every day for Rocky I will never buy a dog from a pet store they all are supporting the puppy mills. Rocky turned 6 in September what a short life.

Michael of Long Beach, NY May 30, 2009

We purchased a three month old pure bred english bulldog puppy (or so they say pure bred) from Shake A Paw in Lynbrook in April of 2008. The total cost quoted for her was 2600, however total actual cost came to over 3000. Long story short, the puppy came from Oklahoma most likely from a puppy mill. The salesperson said she was AKA certified, not AKC. I am not a dog expert but I have never heard of the AKA. Also, she does not have the features of your standard English Bulldog (she has less wrinkles, is a little scrawny) I was assured that the owner of Shake a Paw has two dogs of his own from this specific breeder.

At about 13 months old the dog developed epilepsy. She now experiences very violent seizures and cluster episodes every few weeks. We have brought her to numerous vets and emergency facilities to treat the disorder. One night she had 30 seizures in a 16 hour period. We have spent a total of over 5000 out of pocket (excluding the cost of the dog) in vet bills. When I brought all the evidence to shake a paw and explained that they had sold us a sick dog, the manager basically told me there was nothing he can do but give us a replacement dog if she dies. I've contemplated putting the dog to sleep but we are too attached to her. Now because of her idiopathic epilepsy she will be on at least two medications daily for the rest of her life. The dog is not even a year and a half old. NEVER BUY A DOG FROM SHAKE A PAW! No matter how cute.

robin of little egg harbor, NJ May 2, 2009

I bought a black cockapoo from shake a paw 3yrs ago, or thats what i thought my family has owned 3 other cockapoos before and she looks like none of them! The day i got her she was on a cold floor in a little box with a bull dog puppy nipping at her ears (which were all infected a week later). I took her in the room with me and she just gave me a look like get me out of here! that was all it took 10min later we were on our way home. Olive is know 3yrs old and has alot of issues, she is scared of people, always has her tail down, and pees and lets out a loud yelp anytime someone touches her! it is so sad! although she is great with me and my husband and we love her to death, i blame shake a paw. I know she is from a puppy mill AND I AM SO GLAD THERE STORES ARE CLOSED! that just proved something wasnt right with there stores!

Michelle of Oceanside, NY April 20, 2009

Michelle of Oceanside NY (04/20/09)
I have been searching for the perfect puppy for over 2 years, and I found him at Shake a Paw. I had gone to other stores in search of a puppy, but always came back to shake a paw for many reasons. We visited both stores many times over the past 2 years to look for a miniature schnauzer puppy. Each time we went in, we were treated well, were given the opportunity to play with the puppy alone and were given advice concerning allergies we may have. They even suggested isolating us with our puppy outside to test our allergies! Both stores are clean and offer state-of-the-art facilities for the puppies and customers, too. They have a huge selection of accessories, too. Everyone was patient with us during our search. We were given an excellent price and finally got a happy and healthy puppy 2 months ago. He is intelligent and loving. I had a wonderful experience and would recommend them to anyone who wants a puppy.

Michael of Levittown, NY January 23, 2009

Michael of Levittown NY (01/23/09)
My girlfriend, three kids and I purchased an English bulldog from Shake a paw on election day Nov 7th, 2008 for approx 3000. We named her coco and took her for all her necessary shots and vet visits. We grew to love her as a part of our family. On Inaugral day, approx 79 days later our puppy dropped dead right in front of me. Emergency vet said possible seizure or burst blood vessel in the lungs, possibly congenial. The vet also mentioned getting many unhealthy puppies from shake a paw. I would also like to note i have a healthy five year old bulldog purchased somewhere else that resides in our home and lives in the same environment our coco did before passing.

We purchased from shake a paw understanding they had a great warranty in case of health problems. When we brought the paperwork to shake a paw and explained our situation, expecting to bring home a new puppy (who could never fix the hurt we have been through but possibly quicken the recovery time) we were told there was no proof it was congenial and they could do nothing for us. That was another heartbreaking experience. I rushed to cancel the cremation of our puppy in case a autopsy is needed. I am awaiting to hear from my vet since she is out of the office to see if we can prove its congenial.

Arent there lemon laws concerning the life of the puppy? Do i have any rights to fight this further? we just bought a house and are struggling to get by as it is and cannot afford another bulldog yet I know that is the only thing that would make my family a little happier right now. please give me any information you have on this, and any other complaints against shake a paw. thank you for your time.

Almost 4000 already lost. But would just like shake a paw to replace a female english bulldog, like the sales reps made us think was in their warranty.

Seth of Cedarhurst, NY January 9, 2009

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