Wow. You have grossly underestimated me. However, I do appreciate that you express goodwill towards Axel. He deserves every ounce of it.
I got his ears cropped because he is a beautiful dog despite what's going on with his legs, and I plan on having Axel for many years, and cropped ears are beautiful on dobes. Sorry that some people don't agree I should be acknowledging that he has a future still. I checked with TWO vets before proceeding with the cropping because I was worried about the legs' condition. They both said they thought it would be okay. The vet who cropped the ears mentioned the legs and wanted a full story on them before he cropped the ears.
Yes, the breeder is to blame for continuing to breed knowing that some of his puppies go through this. I can't stop him from doing what he's going to do. It was too late by the time I found out. I could return the dog and get my money back, but honestly, I think Axel is worth the fight. I've not been afraid to mention the breeder's name on here, which is a very popular forum for the breed, and I know that will go a long way for their reputation. I'm also not going to go off on a rant about them. I don't think that will do Axel any good. I think making the BBB and AKC aware of what's going on is my best course of action right now. I'm waiting it out to file a report because I believe a complete story is a more powerful story. That seems perfectly reasonable to me.
You criticize me for being collected with how I write my posts (because that's all you know about me), and not hysterical. Seriously? Just because I don't post all my emotions online for everyone to read, doesn't mean I don't have them.
I've already admitted I have a lot to learn, and I do. That's why I consult professionals with the health of my dog. I'm doing everything my vet has recommended. I'm doing everything the specialist has recommended. I came online for another resource, and I've actually learned some things from y'all, too, that the vets later confirmed. After inappropriately aggressive posts on this thread, I honestly don't know if this crowd is one that I find uplifting enough to be worth my time. I'll see. I may simply become a reader for information and just back down on the posting so as to not incur undeserved wrath.
Oh, and I don't think Axel is a "poor dog". I think he is a great dog, and I'm blessed to have him in my life, and I hope to be the same for him.
I find it good practice for keeping my cool to say something nice about someone that I'm really upset with. I see you tried to do the same by saying you're not mad at me but you're just upset at the situation. Well, I'm upset with the situation, too. But I'm trying to be productive with my posts and ask for resolutions rather than just posting rants. (Obviously except for this one post because I don't know why. I guess I just find it offensive when someone accuses me of not taking care of my dog.) And yes, the breeder is still very responsive with me even after all this.
I glanced at Tyson's story. Yes, it is unfortunate what he is going through, or went through. It looks like he is with a responsible owner who is doing their best to provide a good life for Tyson, though. I hope to do the same for Axel.
I would really appreciate it if others with more experience with the issue would present themselves or PM me. I'm open-minded, and I've discussed everything I've learned so far on this forum with my vet, and then we made decisions together on how to proceed.
Thank you for your concern about Axel. I understand sometimes people just need to get things off their chest. That's okay. Hopefully if you read this response you will feel better about Axel's environment or situation.
I've already seen some improvement in Axel's legs. My vet calls me regularly checking in and he's been in touch several times with a specialist, too. I have high hopes for Axel, and I expect to be blessed with him in my life for many years, and this will just be a distant memory one day. And so as to not worry anyone, I'll tell you that Axel will be neutered when he's old enough to prevent the possibility of spreading this condition unnecessarily.
I hope that you have a blessed and uplifting day unlike mine yesterday when I was crying because of everything that Axel is going through.