Synnove Shih Tzu, Coastal Maltese, Precise Paralegal Services reviews and complaints
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Deceit in Business Dealings
Although I have a prior complaint against Mikki McFarland/Broderick on this forum, the evidence against her has escalated in severity and I feel a new complaint needs to be opened. I assumed before that my case was an isolated one, and now I question that.
My prior complaint was regarding dishonest business practices, specifically the refusal to refund a remittance of $600, which was requested by Mikki as a 1/3 deposit on a specific litter of Maltese puppies (specific parents, specific due date). When the pregnancy was in question, Mikki promised me I'd get my money back if tests proved the dog not pregnant. The dog wasn't pregnant, Mikki made repeated promises, but I never got my money back. I am able to prove everything, and a judge agreed. On January 20, 2010, I received a judgment against Mikki McFarland in Snohomish County District Court, Everett (WA) Division. The judgment was escalated when she continued to refuse payment. She now owes the deposit plus legal fees plus interest.
Mikki links to the AKC and American Shih Tzu Club on her website, and implies that she sells AKC registered dogs. To quote her website as of today (May 11, 2010): "We raise Shih Tzu exclusively and use only AKC as our registry. Our goal is to produce breed standard correct dogs that are the best representation of the breed." However, the representative that I spoke to at the American Shih Tzu Club insisted that they have never in the past, and never will, recommend Mikki as a breeder. This woman already had suspicions about Mikki, and based on my further information, said Mikki is running what reputable breeders consider to be a puppy mill. This is not a reflection of neglectful conditions, necessarily, but rather a reflection of her selling litters of puppies (of any breed) in rapid succession without concern for the quality of the dog or its confirmation to standard. Despite Mikki's claims, the American Shih Tzu rep assured me that Mikki has never exhibited either Maltese or Shih Tzu in this area. That she would even take a deposit BEFORE a litter was born is further proof of her purely monetary motives. The rep informed me that most reputable breeders will not take deposits at all because they won't sell a puppy until they know what they have to sell. (E.g. they keep the best quality specimens to improve their stock; they want to insure the health of the puppy, etc.) The spirit of the AKC breeder is one who exhibits and breeds for quality, not mass production of litters. The American Shih Tzu rep strongly suggested that I contact the AKC and the Washington State Attorney General's Office, and both are in progress. Mikki's e-mail addresses and phone numbers have been changed repeatedly, and her current puppy site (www.mysynnove.com) does not list a name, address or phone number -- all of which supports the contention of underhanded business dealings. I have no doubt that the people who defended Mikki in my prior complaint are honest and got healthy puppies from Mikki. Even a stray animal can have healthy puppies. Although Mikki's pups probably are purebred, advertising as AKC quality is deceitful. Furthermore, if the Attorney General's Office makes the determination of Internet Fraud, this could escalate to a federal crime level.
I strongly suggest that anyone dealing with Mikki McFarland or Mikki Broderick, in ANY of her various businesses, do considerable research first. Deceit is a character flaw and not likely to be limited to one business operation.
I am sorry, AmericanEssence -- the above post was from me, QuinnyAnne, not AutumnGuy. I had a friend visiting and I wanted him to read your post so we could talk about it. I guess he was still logged on the forum when I went to write my reply. I didn't even know he had an ID on this forum, but that solves another mystery for me. (Ha)
I am sorry I am not tech-savvy. Must have been confusing for you.
Again, good luck with your puppy. I do absolutely understand that these critters are part of the family, and when they hurt, WE hurt.
QuinnyAnne
KEY POINT: Show Quality vs. Pet Quality
Thanks, Happycampertzu, for your support on the refund matter. I think Mikki misled her friends initially to get support by saying it was sour grapes over a non-refundable deposit, and it was FAR from that. Tell her to send me the money that she owes me, and this will all be over.
I do understand what you are saying, and I admit that I was shocked when the representative of the American Shih Tzu Club called Mikki's operation a "puppy mill". I demurred, but the woman had other reasons for saying this (definitely NOT the timing of a deposit!) and said that my experience just proved her point. She was so supportive of me in my plight, that I took on her fight, too, and perhaps should not have. I did make the distinction initially on this forum: this is an elitist definition of "puppy mill", not the TV-popularized definition. The relevance is that it is an elitist group that Mikki claims to belong to.
In an incident unrelated to my conversation with the Shih Tzu rep, another exhibitor/breeder made the same comment about puppy mills and I immediately took note and queried her. I did not initiate this topic either time. The term IS used by the serious AKC exhibitor/breeders in this way. Find one and ask. The difference is between a breeder working hard to produce the best AKC standard quality (show quality) pups that he or she can, and breeders content to produce pet quality pups.
The two AKC breeders that I talked to said that they can't make money off of their animals because so much time and money goes into traveling around the country campaigning their dogs, getting the championships, investing in new breeding stock, etc. Another show breeder pointed out that she researches genetics and knows the parents and grandparents (and owns many) of all the pups she produces. These people are dedicated to the AKC standard of their breed and are working hard to improve the quality of the breed. That is why they resent (and use the term!) "puppy mills". A puppy mill just breeds dogs and sells puppies. None of the AKC breeder/exhibitors I talked to will take deposits at all, for the reasons I stated before: it is several weeks after a pup is born before the breeder knows what they have to sell, whether it is breeding/showing stock or pet quality stock. They are constantly looking for their next show dog. If you are selling for profit, you just count noses and sell. Mikki counts noses and sells. She has bred no less than four different types of dogs, and has bred cats as well. This may be a private residence, but it is a commercial enterprise.
Look up the definition of "commercial". Yes, it IS the key word here. It means intending to make a profit. There is nothing wrong with that, but in the puppy business, it is a big distinction. As the Shih Tzu rep said repeatedly, it is the money motive over adherence to breed standards that drives what she calls puppy mills. She said that breeders like Mikki can make a lot of money, but the exhibitor/breeders such as herself have to have fulltime jobs in order to support their hobbies.
The quality of the puppies was never my concern. It was a side issue irrelevant to my complaint, which is that Mikki owes me money, she knows she owes me money, she is in defiance of a court order to pay me money. I do not doubt that her pups are healthy. But I do doubt that you could show one successfully. That is the distinction. This isn't really my fight. But I promised the rep of the Shih Tzu club that I would contact the AKC. She felt strongly that a complaint should be in the file. She said that by using both the AKC name and the American Shih Tzu Club name as references, Mikki was implying breed quality that she doesn't have.
That is the concern of the dog clubs. My complaint, which I have filed with the dog clubs and am filing with various consumer protection agencies, and anyone else I can think of, is her unethical business practices. Within one week of accepting my money, Mikki knew it was a possibility that she would have to refund it. Within two weeks of that, it was a certainty.
I am glad you got a puppy that you love! I got NOTHING for the money I gave Mikki.
Poor Business Practices -- Promises Not Honored
My complaint is against Mikki McFarland DBA Coastal Maltese, Synnove Shih Tzu, Precise Paralegal Services, Mikki's Legacy for Life, and others.
I have proof of everything in this document.
SUMMARY: I put a deposit of $600 on a specific litter of puppies, due a specific date. I was told if this dog was not pregnant, I would get my deposit back. This dog was not pregnant. My money was not returned, despite eventual court order.
DETAILS:
In May, 2008, I contacted Mikki McFarland about a puppy. I had reason to be selective and I explained this. Mikki said she had an ideal (for my purposes) female, Jazzy, whom she was breeding to an ideal male. She said her puppies were $1600 and she required a 1/3 deposit. She said she had a long waiting list, but would only take one deposit per litter.
On May 22, 2008, Mikki told me that another woman wanted to put a deposit down, but that I had priority. I called Mikki immediately to make sure Jazzy was pregnant, since she had not yet stated this. She said yes, Jazzy was pregnant and due July 18th. I Paypal'ed Mikki a $600 deposit promptly.
The deposit was on a specific litter -- specific parents, due a specific date. I sent an e-mail confirming this.
On May 29, 2008, one week after accepting my deposit, Mikki said Jazzy might not be pregnant. Then the next day, Mikki said maybe Jazzy IS pregnant.
On that day, May 30, 2008, Mikki agreed that if the June 13th ultrasound showed that Jazzy was not pregnant, she would refund my deposit.
On June 14, 2008 Mikki informed me that Jazzy was NOT pregnant. I requested my deposit back and Mikki agreed to send it. I have not yet received my money.
From June 18, 2008, to May 27, 2009, Mikki made multiple promises, and multiple excuses, but I never got my deposit back. After May 27th, 2009, Mikki refused to answer any of my e-mails or acknowledge me in any way.
On October 8, 2009, I felt I had no recourse but to file a civil suit. I had absolute proof of all of the above, and the judge agreed. I won my case on January 20, 2010 for the return of my deposit and all court fees. Mikki still did not pay me and the claim was sent to a higher court, where other legal actions have been implemented.
Mikki continues to do business selling puppies online.
I am not speaking to the quality of Mikki's puppies. When we were discussing puppies, I liked her and trusted her. However, I put money on a specific litter of Maltese puppies, and Mikki's promises to me were not kept.
I answered the questions on the complaint form. I don't see how this makes me less believable. My motive is simply justice, which I still seek. This was never a small matter to me.
Everything I posted was true. I have a court order from the Snohomish County District Court, Everett Division, backing me up, plus very complete correspondence. There was no mention of non-refundable deposit on her site at the time, and none between us as we discussed her upcoming litter. She said she required 1/3 down and would take only one deposit per litter, and when I gave her the money we acknowledged that it was for a specific litter due a specific date. Also, I have it in writing that she promised me my money back if Jazzy was, in fact, not pregnant.
May 30, 2008, Mikki says: "You need a puppy. Having said that, I'll give it to June 13th. For the ultrasound and if she's not pregnant I'll return your deposit at that time. If she is of course the puppy is yours."
June 18, 2008: "I'll get your deposit back to you sometime next week."
After prodding, on July 24, 2006: "I'm also sorry I haven't returned your deposit yet." (She accidentally gave the money to her daughter.) Then, more promises.
Actually, I have several promises throughout that year, and the next ... promises that I would get my money back.
E.g. December 19, 2008, she said "I ... plan to give you back your deposit and am working toward that end. When I have it, you'll get it."
Even Mikki, herself, never said once that the $600 was non-refundable. She continued to promise its return.
I am sorry to say that I have also had a horrible experience with Mikki McFarland which began with misrepresentation and ended with her doing everything she could to "hide" from me. The only thing Mikki takes pride in is her ability to scam prospective buyers by taking their money, then not delivering on her promises. If you have a lot of money to throw around for a puppy you may never get, or a deposit you definitely will never get back in the event of a problem, then go ahead and take a chance, but I am getting the impression the above comments were posted by Mikki herself under multiple identities. It is highly unlikely that these "happy and satisfied" buyers would coincidentally be checking a complaint board about a breeder they say they love and are thrilled with and these comments seem to come from someone who knows WAY too much about how to defend themselves legally as a breeder. A buyer would not know these things, and a happy buyer would be more likely to refer specifically about their puppies and attach photos of themselves with the puppies than to worry about the legal aspects of a career in dog breeding.
I eventually found a breeder I love, and purchased 2 Yorkies instead of Shih Tzu after the nightmare with Mikki made me weary. I love my breeder and it would never occur to me to check complaint boards on a breeder which I've had personal experience with and am 100% satisfied with. Also, if Mikki is so reputable and such a wonderful breeder, then WHY has she suddenly stopped breeding Maltese?
I don't stand to make any money promoting breeders, but I am trying to prevent other buyers from losing their money like I did by trying to do business with Mikki. Everyone is free to choose their own breeder, but I am telling you to proceed VERY carefully before you consider buying from Mikki McFRAUD, or you risk losing a lot of money.
I saw this complaint and was shocked. I bought 2 puppies from Mikki and have been thrilled with them. They are so gorgeous and so healthy. The pride she takes in her breeding program is very apparent. The experience, care & love she puts into her puppies exceeded my expectations. I spoke with many breeders prior to selecting a puppy from Mikki and they all have non refundable deposits, regardless of the amount. This is posted on Mikki's site and included in her contracts. Every breeder contract I have ever seen refers to non refundable deposits and no cash refunds. I am also shocked to find this person listed Mikki's profession and her residence address and telephone number in her attempt to harm her personally. Any credibility one could have ever given this complaint should be disregarded based on this alone if no other reason. This person's has clear intent to cause harm and malice to Mikki and her family's well being. I find this pathetic.
I have known Mikki and adopted 4 dogs from her over the past 20 years. She is a highly reputable and knowledgeable breeder of high quality dogs. How sad that someone would trash her reputation over a stupid deposit. My dogs have lived healthy, happy lives and brought our family years of joy because Mikki breeds the best. I would recommend her to anyone and have many times over the years.
I purchased a Shih Tzu puppy from Mikki in September of 2009. He was happy healthy, well socialized, beautiful and litter box trained. Mikki was very professional from start to finish. I signed contracts on health warranty, spay and neuter in addition to being informed in writing, by notices on her site and verbally that all deposits are completely non refundable. When I was shopping for a puppy and a reputable breeder I found that non refundable deposits are an industry standard. I can not speak to the person who filed this complaints experience, just my own, which was delightful and added a wonderful four legged family member to our household.
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It makes me sad to read this. I know how heart-wrenching it is to watch a little innocent suffer. Even puppies from a reputable breeder can have problems, but it is MUCH less likely. Plus the reputable breeder's attitude is going to be different than the one you are experiencing with Mikki McFarland-Broderick. The breeder should be there for you, very concerned to get as much information as possible from you, and partner with you to help make sure the puppy gets the necessary care. As I said in prior posts, the reputable exhibitor/breeder is dedicated to the breed standards and works hard to perfect their line. That is their objective, not selling puppies. Most will have some kind of a health guarantee for a year or more -- refund and/or help with medical bills. This wasn't my problem, so I haven't researched it, but I do know someone who went through a similar situation. In that case, the breeder paid for necessary surgery on a congenital defect that wasn't established until one year of age. This breeder was NOT an exhibitor/breeder, but DID have the guarantee ... and a conscience. My guess is Mikki won't answer your e-mails or calls ... ? Maybe has changed her e-mail address or phone number again ... ? That is the treatment I got when she sold me a puppy that didn't exist. Even if you did get a guarantee from her, it is probably as worthless as the one I got.
I suggest that you contact the AKC. They already have at least one letter on file about Mikki McFarland-Broderick! They may be able to give you advice. They told me to contact the Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau, which I did. Those organizations couldn't help me get my money back, but they did promise to keep my letters on file, and I am sure an accumulation of such letters would get their attention! Also, definitely contact the local clubs for your breed. If your puppy is Shih Tzu, at least one of the clubs is already well aware of Mikki's puppy mill, but it won't hurt to give them more info. Also, the rep I talked to was very sympathetic and gave me leads to follow. I have made some progress in recovery, but it has been a LOT of work. There are many complaint boards where you can air your complaint -- I've hit several -- might keep someone else from doing business with Mikki and coming to regret it. You could file a small claims suit if you have a contract of some sort. But understand that Mikki is quite willing to ignore court orders -- she has a minimum of THREE in the recent past, from DIFFERENT enterprises of hers -- and so she is unlikely to suddenly get a conscience and do right by you, no matter what you do.
My name is available via this forum, and my phone number listed, if you want to talk more.
Good luck with your puppy. And thank YOU for posting.
I would have to agree with you on all your points. We purchased a puppy from her and she completely refuses to acknowledge the medical condition our little one has. To us our little one is not just an animal but is a part of our family. I would truly love to speak to you off this site and see what more can be done to bring light to all this dispair. Thank you for sharing, ESS
Dear QuinnyAnne,
Calling a breeder a puppy mill over the timing of a deposit is a stretch. I posted a comment on your first complaint QuinnyAnne - because I had a different experience with Mikki and wanted to share it.
By definition a puppy mill is a commercial breeding operation:
Puppy mill
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A puppy mill, sometimes known as a puppy farm, [1] is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated with an emphasis upon profits above animal welfare and is often in substandard conditions regarding the well-being of dogs in their care.[2][3] Similar types of operations exist for other animals commonly kept as pets or used as feed for other animals. The term can be applied to operations involving other animals commercially bred for profit, e.g. "kitty mills."[4] There are an estimated 4, 000 puppy mills in the U.S. that produce more than half a million puppies a year.[5] Commercial kennels may be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture which may inspect the kennels routinely.[6]
Keyword: Commercial
This is a very serious accusation you are making quite lightly, literally on the timing of a deposit. Perhaps if Mikki did keep more dogs, have more litters and was breeding for serious profit... you'd have your money back already.
Again, I had a delightful experience with Mikki. LOVE my dog. Found Mikki's home to be friendly and her dogs to be well socialized and happy.
I am not taking sides here, if you are owed money and you have your judgement then you are well within your rights to pursue payment. But the puppy mill accusation, outrageous and mean spirited.
Sincerely,
A PLEASED CUSTOMER!
This paranoid posting by Mikki McFarland seems to reinforce her guilt and unstable personality. I have never met Quinny Anne but she sounds to me like a ripped off customer who is only trying to get a refund for a dog she never received. As a breeder, you routinely give out your personal contact information and address to generate business to potential customers and complete sales transactions. Assuming you also gave this information to Quinny Anne, she did not illegally obtain any of that information. If you're not going to keep that information confidential and private, why should anyone else have to? Bottom line is, if you took money from a potential customer as partial payment for a puppy, then did not deliver that puppy, you owe them their money back and apparently the judge agreed because the detailed posting Quinny Anne wrote said that she won the case on January 20, 2010 and you were ordered to refund the deposit and pay all court costs! If you disagree with Quinny Anne's complaint and feel that you do not owe that money, why didn't you prove it so the judge would see it your way? Apparently you had no argument, otherwise you'd have won the case and there would be no reason for anyone to post negative comments about you.
Where there's smoke, there's fire and if you've ripped one or two of us off, there must be dozens more you've ripped off who don't know about this complaint board. You can have your friends or family post bogus positive remarks about you, but that doesn't mean you're innocent, and the fact that you spent time posting this ridiculous retort of incessant, nonsensical babble instead of trying to make amends with a dissatisfied customer speaks volumes of your character (or lack thereof) and business savvy of which you have none. While I'm sure you're breaking your own arm, reaching around to pat yourself on the back for coming up with the "Google Bomb" analogy and excuse, it's a load of crap. If you spent as much time pleasing your customers with fair and quality business transactions as you've spent coming up with reasons why you won't issue a simple refund, maybe you wouldn't have people suing you!
Seriously, PLEASE YOUR CUSTOMERS and they will post nice things about you! It's not rocket science, it's just common sense!
Please read following link regarding the internet assault by Bonnie Ohrt (Quinny Anne), regarding Mikki McFarland. Bonnie Ohrt — Malicious intent
Please read the complaint board against Bonnie Ohrt, author of this internet assault.