How much is too much?

dobe8 · 07-12-2008, 10:58 PM

We went to look at this 21 month old male dobe today. He was absolutely stunning. Beautifully cropped ears, he is about 95lbs. The woman is getting rid of him because she moved here from Idaho and got a job that has long late hours, and can not take care of him. He seems very obeidiant, very confident, and well behaved. He is everything I could ask for in a dog.

But....the only thing that concerned us is that he has a suspisious bump near his leg, its about half inch and slightly hard. We are concerned because our friends dog just died of tumors that looked IDENTICAL to this one when they started.

Also she is asking $300 for him. I know that is not alot of money, but I would want to take him to the vet and get a full blood panel done, physical, and check out that bump. And that alone will cost about $300. I would rather spend the money on vet care, treats, toys and other things to help him adjust and have good vet care. But I can't afford both. One of the reasons we don't want a puppy is because they are so expensive. I just think $300 is alot, but I don't know how to talk her down on the price. Anyone have any good advice?

So he is perfect in every way, but we are worried about the bump...

**azdobes** · 07-12-2008, 11:12 PM

I would ask the owner (at his/her cost) to supply you with a bill of good health from a veterinarian that you can both agree on, with the specific provision that the bump be tested so you both know what it is. Maybe they already know what it is and are trying to pass a problem and its inevitable grief along to someone else - you.

If the tests all work out, $300 is a bargain price.

faber · 07-12-2008, 11:19 PM

i had a vet that used to charge an insane amount, later we moved and found an "farm" style vet...he did everything he should, was great, polite, to the point, and professional. Most important he charged a price I could afford....there wasn't allot of time/money spent on a "performance" or "big scene."
-that said, in my opionion, (i know here we go, right?), maybe consider either coming up with more money, or waiting tell a better time to get a dog.

**RedFawnRising** · 07-12-2008, 11:45 PM

I'm sorry, but I hate folks who dump their animals and then try to make a last buck off of them.

Do ask her to vet the dog and provide proof that bump is okay.

Then, an adoption fee is fine, if all else is up to date and so forth.

clipclop · 07-13-2008, 02:36 AM

yeah- i have a bad taste in my mouth for someone trying to SELL a dog they can't keep! I would tell her what you would like her to consider as far as money going to a full medical exam etc. Tell her you are willing to help her, but she really is placing the dog and those are your terms.

dobe8 · 07-13-2008, 03:03 AM

Well I REALLY want him, but my hubby is worried because when we first arrived he snaped at Sierra. It was not a big deal, and they got along perfectly afterward. I think he is just hesitant to bring another male in the house...

SNCBOOM · 07-13-2008, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedFawnRising

I'm sorry, but I hate folks who dump their animals and then try to make a last buck off of them.

Do ask her to vet the dog and provide proof that bump is okay.

Then, an adoption fee is fine, if all else is up to date and so forth.

It is HOPEFULLY an attempt to keep away poor dog owners. I wouldn't mind paying that as you will pay a similar fee with a rescue organization. It's to keep away the lowlifes that will mistreat or even worse use a dobie as a bait dog.

poconogal · 07-13-2008, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNCBOOM

It is HOPEFULLY an attempt to keep away poor dog owners. I wouldn't mind paying that as you will pay a similar fee with a rescue organization. It's to keep away the lowlifes that will mistreat or even worse use a dobie as a bait dog.

I agree totally, there are so many out there who'd love a free Dobe for a junkyard, a garage, bait for training a fighting dog... Recently I corresponded with someone who had an ad on Craigs List for a free Dobergirl. Turns out the woman was a Pit Bull Rescuer but she found the Dobergirl and took her in. She told me that she wouldn't place the Dobe with any of the people who came to see her, they were horrid and she was very afraid of what they'd do with her. It ended up with transport being arranged for her to a Dobe rescue facility in PA.

**melbrod** · 07-13-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobe8

Well I REALLY want him, but my hubby is worried because when we first arrived he snaped at Sierra. It was not a big deal, and they got along perfectly afterward. I think he is just hesitant to bring another male in the house...

Another male?? I thought two male dobes in the same house were ill-advised??

**Lexus** · 07-13-2008, 01:21 PM

If your pup is a male, then definetely walk away from this guy. Doberman males are notorious for same sex aggression, so take that snap as a warning and steer clear.

That said, IMO, this person is selling their dog, not rehoming it, and that just doesn't sit right with me personally. So I don't agree with the selling cost of $300 dollars. An adoption fee is one thing... but that isn't what this is.

Good luck!