Should I say something?

[Kaiser2016]

Looking at her photos and photos new owners shared. Never have I noticed flawed ears. Ears being a major factor I looked at when finding a puppy.

Who knows what was going on at the vet to produce such a different result from what you've previously seen. Regardless, you didn't pay for a subpar crop so someone needs to account for it.

 

[Kaiser2016]

Off topic....OMG! That face!

I know right! Such an adorable shot of her with such innocent eyes.

 

[Cscallan]

I know! She has made my heart throb since the first time I set eyes on her. I didn’t even hesitate when it was time to pick from the litter.

Off topic....OMG! That face!

 

[Brioddy]

She is adorable, and no doubt you love her. From a business standpoint, I believe something should be said. If you go to a restaurant and order a steak rare and it comes out well done, don't you expect a refund or discount of some type?

 

[Kaiser2016]

Eliana is well over anything we have ever paid for for a dog and so our expectations were just as high as the price we paid. I was hesitant to say that I feel like I should be compensated, and this post was for that reason to see if that’s something that’s appropriate or fair to expect.

I know some ppl think where love is concerned that money shouldn't come into it, but the entire Doberman ownership experience starts with a monetary transaction, let's not forget that.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

I asked for pictures after the crop because I was anxious to see new pictures of our baby and her ear shape but they were never sent.

This would have upset me! To think the breeder did not notice this is laughable being that she is a breeder of many litters (I assume) and familiar with ear cropping.
To not mention or make note of it to you at the time of the crop or when you picked your pup up makes me uncomfortable with her personal integrity.
Obviously this has been eating away at you for 5mo. I think it needs to be addressed with the breeder so you can move beyond it after you express your feelings with her.
If you are seeking financial compensation, I would research the law on statute of limitations with regards to filing a complaint for financial compensation.
With the negative trend on crops and docks I tend to think it might not be viewed as a breach of contract. I would read your breeders contract carefully, contact someone in the legal arena for help understanding the contract.
I think it's more on the ethical end and they may say you took possession of the puppy knowing the ears were not an acceptable crop by standards.
I think you would have to include the crop vet as well as breeder in a grievance to receive remuneration by default or breach as the vet was working as a contractor to provide a service to the breeder and would therefore be liable as well.
Whatever you decide I hope you can find closure and continue to enjoy raising this beautiful girl.

 

[Cscallan]

I know some ppl think where love is concerned that money shouldn't come into it, but the entire Doberman ownership experience starts with a monetary transaction, let's not forget that.

This is something that was also on my mind and I was on the fence with myself. I feel guilty for feeling like I am owed something because besides her ears being flawed she is wonderful and loved.

This would have upset me! To think the breeder did not notice this is laughable being that she is a breeder of many litters (I assume) and familiar with ear cropping.
To not mention or make note of it to you at the time of the crop or when you picked your pup up makes me uncomfortable with her personal integrity.
Obviously this has been eating away at you for 5mo. I think it needs to be addressed with the breeder so you can move beyond it after you express your feelings with her.
If you are seeking financial compensation, I would research the law on statute of limitations with regards to filing a complaint for financial compensation.
With the negative trend on crops and docks I tend to think it might not be viewed as a breach of contract. I would read your breeders contract carefully, contact someone in the legal arena for help understanding the contract.
I think it's more on the ethical end and they may say you took possession of the puppy knowing the ears were not an acceptable crop by standards.
I think you would have to include the crop vet as well as breeder in a grievance to receive remuneration by default or breach as the vet was working as a contractor to provide a service to the breeder and would therefore be liable as well.
Whatever you decide I hope you can find closure and continue to enjoy raising this beautiful girl.

So many great points and advice. I do need to look over all the paper work and make sure my excited self didn’t overlook anything that I signed. I want to believe they would do the right thing in response and at least pay me an apology. I just don’t believe it went unnoticed. One major mistake I made was not asking for crop vet name. I remember asking for her vet but I can’t remember if she ever told me or not, I would have to look back. A lot of responses were short and didn’t answer all questions. Again I gave benefit of the doubt of limited time and I still do, I’m sure they are very busy, but the other side of me knows they should take the time to answer questions from their customers, especially promising ones, promising ones with deposits down. I was blinded by beautiful puppies.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

I was blinded by beautiful puppies.

I can understand this!

 

[Kaiser2016]

I feel guilty for feeling like I am owed something because besides her ears being flawed she is wonderful and loved.

Just think about how much better you'll feel after you tell the breeder. And do get the name of the vet. I know I'm comparing apples to oranges, but you wouldn't buy a new car, find a gash in the back seat later on and then feel bad about asking the dealership to make good on their product even though the rest of the car was perfect. If you think of it that way, perhaps it will help to remove some of the emotional aspect from this situation.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

The nice thing is that people on the street or wherever you go will not likely notice it.

Hey, be glad they are standing. I'd far, far rather have one ear a bit shorter than the other than to have a cropped-but-flopped Dobe.

I would let the breeder know just how you feel and what you think. I know what you mean regarding not wanting to confront. If they are a quality breeder, and it looks like they are based on how gorgeous your pup is, they will want to know about this! They will listen and care and try to make sure it never happens again. Still, human defensiveness and pride might be present and they might try to shut you down or be curt with you.

For some reason, this reminds me of when I had to contact the boarding place that so neglected my Oji. I made the phone call to the owner (who is the guy I dropped Oji off with and spoke to at some length before leaving him). Well, this guy is a pretty proud person and thinks he is quite accomplished in the dog world. Maybe he is. I don't much care. But he is also a big talker / smooth talker. So on the phone he defended his business and his staff completely and tried to explain each and every thing away. In addition, he is one of those people who are not confident enough to let the other person really speak. He cut me off and talked over me and such. He also was condescending to me, talking about how I need to work through Oji's separation anxiety. This was beside the point and does not change the fact that Oji was neglected and they did not call me if there was any problem – like the owner offered to do of his own volition.

So after I was done with that phone call – and I did not accept what he said, but I didn't want to ratchet it up because it would have just been a big old argument and I would probably start sounding aggressive – I decided I would write him an email.

This is what I suggest you do. Perhaps call the breeder. If you don't feel quite like doing that, just go straight to email. In any case, write your thoughts, feelings and position clearly in the email. Maybe at least call them and tell them you are sending them an email and would they please read it completely?

Written word, if the other person actually reads it, allows you to get your points made without them cutting you off.

Wish you the best in this!

 

[My2Girls]

I would definitely say something and carefully read over your contract. Mine included everything from the vet check-up report to listing the cropping vet etc.

I don’t know about getting a partial refund - you still have the pup and just be prepared that she might play hard ball and ask for the pup back and offer you first pick on the next litter. Just something to consider.

 

[GOD'S GRACE]

I'm a natural flop ear lover and guess what... my girl's ears are not identical. Go love that baby of yours! ;-)