New Jersey Dog Breeder Darkside: Redux
Since the original post about bogus dog breeding in New Jersey, I received several comments from the alleged breeder(s)" who sold us our dogs Moose and Sandy. I invite you to read them---they are very interesting to say to least.
A person who became involved with our little doggy drama sent me a link to a company that does genetic testing verify or refute canine breed or pedigree claims. We are going to have both of our dogs tested. We suspect that Moose is not a havanese as billed but a maltese/bichon or maybe a maltese/havanese mix . As luck would have it, we met both a maltese and bichon during our trip to Moosehead Lake in Maine and learned alot about both breeds. Moose looks alot like a maltese but unlike pure malteses who are all white, he has quite a bit of cream coloring in his coat.
The jury is still out on Sandy (who we bought as a 10 week old puppy) is suppose to be a full-blooded havanese female. She looks like havanese that we have seen in photos, but given the circumstances we are not certain that she is really what she is supposed to be!
If either or both of the dogs are not what they were claimed to be in the pedigree papers that we received, it is our belief that we have a good case of fraud or at the very least misrepresentation on our hands. As most of us know, DNA doesn't lie! Who says that Cary Mullis didn't deserve to win the Nobel Prize for developing PCR!!!!!!!!!
Please read the back story (see below) about our journey into the underbelly of bogus dog breeding in the Garden State!!!
Original Post
Several months ago, my wife and daughter saw a “really adorable” dog at a school fundraising event. My wife asked the owner what type of dog it was and she was told “it is a Havanese.” Neither my wife nor I had heard of the breed before but, after doing some Internet research we learned that it is related to the Bichon and is called Havanese because the breed originated in Cuba. As former residents of Miami (we met there) and familiar with all things Cuban my wife and I decided to buy a Havanese puppy for our daughter and two sons (they had been vigorously campaigning for a dog for the past few years).
The first step in our search was to Google the breed and see whether there were any Havanese breeders in New Jersey. Much to our delight, we found five Havanese breeders in New Jersey and no fewer than three were in driving distance from our home. To make a long story short, we purchased a wonderful 10-week old Havanese puppy called Sandy from a private breeder named Grace Abrams who runs Havanese 4Ever in Vincentown, NJ. A couple of days after we brought Sandy home, my wife took her to her first veterinary appointment and disappointed to learn that Sandy had serious case of ear mites and a round worm infestation. While we concerned, we didn’t think much of this (although Grace had certified that the puppy was healthy and disease free) and went on with our newly-minted Havanese existence.
After living with Sandy for several months (and spending way too much money to build a fence for one dog), my wife and I decided that Sandy needed a companion to play with. Imagine our delight, when we saw that Grace was looking for a home for a young, Havanese male that she had recently acquired “from a couple relocating from North Carolina to New York City.” After seeing the ad on Grace’s website, my wife, Sandy and I drove back to Vincentown examine the “9 month old healthy Havanese male” that was dumped on Grace’s door step. Grace informed us that she had been caring for the dog for two weeks and that he was filthy and in very bad condition when she first got him. Without any hesitation, we adopted the dog (Moose) for $400 (after Grace knocked off $150 because of the ear mites and worms with Sandy) and thought all was right with the world. We also received some nominal paperwork including Moose’s veterinary records, his pedigree papers and a receipt.
A couple of days after we brought Moose home, my wife took him to the vet for a physical examination. Much to her dismay, the veterinarian told my wife that Moose was not 9 months old but closer to 3 years, had a bad case of gingivitis (and 4 loose teeth that needed to be pulled) and an ear and urinary tract infections. After receiving three frantic phone calls from my wife who was in tears, I contacted Grace and informed her that things were not right with Moose and that we wanted our money back. Again, to make a long story short, Grace refused to give us a refund unless we brought Moose back to her. Of course, we didn’t comply and Moose (who is a wonderful, loyal and sweet dog) is now an official member of the family. That said, with the help of a pet advocacy organization, NJCAPSA which has been investigating puppy mill fraud in NJ, we learned that Grace Abrams is a member of a notorious ring of South Jersey dog grifters run by her mother Donna Roberts who in 2007 was found guilty under NJ Statute 4:22-26L on three of five counts of animal cruelty.
Grace aka Dawn Abrams and her mother Donna Roberts purportedly purchases puppies from Pennsylvania Amish and Mennonite puppy mills (allegedly run by a nefarious character named David Zimmerman) and sell them from Boston to Washington DC as well as locally in New Jersey. Although never convicted of fraud, numerous complaints have been filed against Donna and Grace claiming that they supplied customers with falsified veterinary certificates and bogus AKC or other registration papers. Sometimes, Robert Cohen, an odious licensed New Jersey veterinarian, issues “health certificates” for Donna/Dawn’s puppies and so-called “rescue animals”. Not surprisingly, Cohen’s name appeared in court documents in several cases of fraud brought against Donna Roberts.
Because of her convictions, Donna Roberts keeps a low profile. Grace/Dawn Abrams is the front person but her mother Donna Roberts actually calls all the shots. Over the years, Donna and Grace/Dawn have sold dogs under the following kennel names: 1) Dark Moon Havanese, Shamong, NJ, 2) Shady Oaks Havanese, Howell NJ, 3) Kissy Face Havanese, Lakewood NJ, 4) Havanese Breeze, Medford NJ, 4) Havanese 4U, Indian Mills, NJ and 5) Havanese 4ever, Vincentown, NJ. Be warned that they also advertise Havanese and other breeds on PetFinder, Craig’s List, Breeders.net, Doggie.com and others pet sites where there are no ad listing charges.
Also, be aware that they are alleged to sell dogs under the following names or aliases:
Dee Woods
Dee Roberts
Gloria Anderson
Donna Anderson
Rachel Anderson
Donna Marie Dueben
Donna Truex
Robin Lewis
Robin Anderson (Donna Robert’s sister)
Marci Jean - advertises under the same phone number as Shady Oak
Carol Lang
Grace Abrams - Havanese4ever
Paul - Shady Oak Havanese
Marci Dueben - Havana Breeze Havanese
After we learned about Donna and her co-conspirators, my wife and I (who is an attorney) thoroughly examined the papers that we received for Sandy and Moose from Grace Abrams. Sure enough, no fewer than five of their aliases appeared in various capacities (e.g., owner, seller, breeder etc) throughout our documents. Further, Robert Cohen was the veterinarian of record who signed all of Sandy’s veterinary certificates. Although Moose was billed as a 9 month Havanese we now believe that he is a 2 year old Bichon, Shih Tzu or a mix. We think that he was probably a former breeder dog in a PA puppy mill (since he was not neutered). Sandy is likely a true Havanese but I wouldn’t be surprised that turns out not to be the case.
I wrote this piece because the emotional and gut-wrenching experience that my family and I have gone through has had a profound effect on me. To that end, I am going to do everything possibly to shut down the operations run by Donna Roberts, Grace/Dawn Abrams and their co-conspirators. Any suggestions, ideas, help (especially Internet/technology-wise) on how to put these people and their ilk out of business would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to repost this piece on any appropriate pet and dog breeder sites or blogs.
Until next time….
Good Luck and Good Puppy Hunting!!!!
You are sadly mistaking!! I recieved Marcus 'moose' from a older coulpe.Nothing like you are stating.Furthermore you were a complte jerk at the vets office and made a huge seen also why did you run over Toms veggie garden you know he made a police report Moose is what he is a good dog and purebred not 2 or 5 .But 10 1/2 months old.nobody held a gun to your head to adopt him as we had plenty of homes inline.also you would have paid alot more at a shelter.and would have not reciveced pedigree papers,shot records or anything else.
Cliff, I could have told you all about puppy mills. We learned about them while looking for our dog and avoided them like the plague. Consequently we found a reputable private breeder, someone working out of their home. You need to research the breeder and find out about former placements. Also visit them and examine the breeding facilities. Good of you?
Dear Mr.Mintz, You, a doctor (who by your own words teach vets) and your wife, a lawyer have absolutely no reason to complain. Moose (aka Marcus) was adopted out with an adoption agreement which you both SIGNED adopting the dog AS IS. My daughter, Gracie, and I for that matter saw nothing wrong with this dog and get your lame story correct. The dog was bought and owned by a couple who lived in NJ. and transferred to NY where they could not have dogs. They asked Grace to find the dog a home, what is so sinister about that? I haven't bred a dog in over a year so where do you get puppymill from? The highest amount of dogs I ever had was 26 which can be proven by the Burlington County Board of Health Records when I passed their inspection. And for the record 9 of them are old rescue dogs nobody wants. So can your bull-shit. Your violant, outragous scene at Dr. Cohen's office says it all. You are a bully and I believe you did that on purpose so the doctor couldn't examine Moose and debunk your vet's findings. Your actions and threats that day in front of 20+ witnesses clearly was a ploy and my daughter's right to have the animal examined by a vet of her chose was interferred with by you thus violating her rights under NJ Law. You sir are the one who is wrong, and again for the 30th time return the dog and you will get your lousy $400 adoption fee back. You DO NOT get the money back and keep the dog. And I challange your vet as well, first the dog is 5 years old, now you state he's two years old. he had no loose teeth and he had no ear infection, and I know that because I have groomed that dog since he was 8 weeks old. My daughter has a huge vegetable farm, seven kids, only 3 havaneses, two altered mutts that were rescued and one old golen retriever. Where do you get puppymill out of that. Now that you are shoved up the ass of Libby Williams who is herself a con-artist and a liar please consult with your wife about the slander as this can have a way of biting you in the ass. Read The posts of Denise and Tom Scala, which I am sure will be joined by plenty of others in their class action LAW SUIT against this Fraud of a woman, Williams. Collecting thousands of dollars in donations to Help animals, NO to futher her personal attack on Breeders, even GOOD BREEDERS. So keep writing your lies, Mr. Minz perhaps we should add your name to the suit.
As this is your site I know that my comments will never reach the public because that is the last thing you would want the public to know THE TRUTH. Also I was never charged with fraud for anything, as there is no fraud in anything I have done with my dogs. I DO NOT buy puppies from puppymills and I was charged with two dogs having a parasite and one having an ear infection that even her vets told her was caused by getting water in the ear from a bath (my fault?) At this time only one charge remains, a pup that came up with coccidia, $5.43 total medicine bill to cure. As far as all my AKA's the idiot Williams has my friends and family's names there, none of which I used to sell my dogs so more lies on behalf of Libby Williams. She makes up her own stories as she did with the Scala's. Also Dr. Cohen is a great vet and has very, very loyal clients who I am sure will be contacting you shortly as we are posting your name and address in his office so they personally tell you want a jerk you are.
Mr. Cliff. I am a dog trainer/groomer in Bloomfield, NJ. I also wanted to adopt Marcus (Moose) We had visited him and fell in love. I have to say you are way off base here. I checked the dog's teeth and did not find any loose or tarter covered teeth (I used to have a maltese known for teeth problems). I found Grace to be kind and gentle. If she has a puppymill will you kindly tell me where it is? I was all over the property with her husband looking at the old tractors and was even given a case of corn. There were no other dogs there except their pets and I counted 6 dogs, one cat and 9 kids. There is no puppymill, get a grip on the truth man. If you don't want the dog, email me I will take him in a heartbeat. We would have had him but my wife wanted to wait till we came back from our vacation. Like I said man there was nothing wrong with this dog, it kinda seems you want something for nothing. Everything cost money even fences and dogs. Oh and from my research her mother doesn't have a puppymill either, I have talked to more than three dozen people who have bought dogs from her that are perfectly happy and adore their dogs. So enough of your slander. I will take Marcus and you can find another dog from another "breeder that you like.
Grace is Dawn's 11 year old daughter. She is using her daughter's name to sell these puppies.
Re: Nikki My grandaughter Grace is not 11 years old but she does have her dog registered in her name (no Law broken) If you are so knowing why don't you print your full name. I love all these people who slander my family yet hide their identities. Oh and Mr. Mintz your money would have been better spent on anger-management therapy or paying your wife to defend you for slander statements that you made and continue to make. Good Luck with your "test" results, make sure you send them to us so that our Lawyer can use them.
I am so glad you posted this article. I only wish I had seen it a month ago. My husband and I recently went to see a Havanese "puppy" brokered by Grace Abrams (I don't believe for a minute she breeds any dogs) and could not get over the disgusting smell coming from the pen she kept the "puppy" and its "mother" in. I can tell you there was no way the dog she showed us was 12 weeks old (had to be 2+ years old)as she claimed. It was SIGNIFICANTLY larger than the one she said was the mother. Both dogs had very obvious social issues common to those from puppy mills. They were so scared and nervous...so sad. These people are pretty low class and live in filth and squander. I feel so badly for the poor children on the property that day. It was clear to us that since this woman showed little concern for the care of her children, she certainly is not someone who is going to care for an animal. Anyway, I just wanted to post that I believe you because I saw it for myself!
you're right, grace may not be 11... i think she's 10... and yes, dawn is using her child's name to sell puppies and yes that is illegal
If your business is a legitimate business, why do you use aliases!?!? What are you hiding except fraud and deciept!! And not only do you use your daughter's name (Marcie), who is a child but your granddaughter's name!! Shame on you both. You are not good people. No matter what you say, you have been found GUILTY of animal cruelty in the court of law. Karma will do it's justice. Bad people don't win. You and your daughter, DAWN, are selfious, mean people who do not care about animals or children. Your are just upset because your source of income is in jeopordy. God have mercy on your souls, that is if you have one.
Why is it that all you people who make your slander comments HIDE. As far as my grandchildren, they are well cared for and run and play on the farm. What do you think that a kid should sit in a sterile enviroment and watch tv all day. As far as the dogs, the mother was Miranda (she was stolen off the property by a heavy set bald man in a silver suv) and the puppy was sold to a wonderful family. If you bothered to look in the puppy mouth she still had puppyteeth. It is obvious you know nothing about dogs period and as far as Dawn using Her daughter's name, no Miranda was Grace's dog so how do you get illegal from that, Nikki or is it Jenny or Doug. Haven't you stabbed enough knives in your step-mother's back and your half-siblings. You two have tried to break up your father's marriage for 16 years now, when does it end? Now your trying to do it through the dog's. Why don't you cowards post your own, real names, you don't see us hiding behind anything. Or are you afraid of being sued? because we can prove you wrong or the rest of the family will see what type of bottom feeders you really are. And FYI Dawn's grandmother used to call her Grace all the time so now it is illegel to use a nickname, well do you think Libby is a given name NO her REAL name is Mary Elizabeth, so much for alias, Libby Williams has used one for years. According to her you're not even supposed to use your legal married names or have any friends that breed dogs. I wonder what will happen when all these so called do gooders who slander innocent persons and minors who have done nothing wrong start to fight back against the Hitler of the dog world and her Nazi tactics. Mark my words people its coming.
Once and for all I do NOT use any aliases. I have bred dogs for 41 years and have been married three times, are you suggesting using my legal married name is ILLEGAL. That is where "LIBBY" is wrong. And Marci does have her own dogs and she is an AKC junior handler, and she has a right to bred and show her own dogs and shouldn't be slandered by "LIBBY" or anyone else as she has NEVER sold a sick dog or has done anything wrong. Contary to what "LIBBY" writes and tells everyone none of us have a puppymill. As far as my so called alias listed by "LIBBY" she has posted anyone who has contact with me even persons who don't own a dog and a couple she made up. The woman is obsessed with me and is slandering everyone I know, which is now in the hands of a Lawyer. Slandering minors and people she has no complaints about especially the ones who don't even own dogs is unlawful and she will be finding that out very soon. Also our souls are very much in tact as we have done nothing wrong. The charges were bogus there was no animal cruelity. A parasite which comes from the mother is not a crime, what is a crime is to file bogus charges. These people couldn't get revenge because their vets refused to find the pups sick so they used the SPCA to do the dirty work and the SPCA fell for it. I didn't get up one day and said Gee I want to be cruel to my puppies today, let me see what can I do, Oh I know I'll shove a couple parasites down their throats so they can have them in their intestines. Cruel would be beating them to death or starving them, are you people so blinded by the lies you cannot see the truth and can no one out there even with half a brain realize that sometimes a vaccine or worm meds don't work for whatever reason on certain pups it's not the breeders fault. Personally my dogs will not be bred again till fall of 2009 so why would I use my name to advertise puppies that are not in my name that my dear would be a lie. When and if I breed MY DOGS again I will advertise them under my name and that is that. I have plenty of referrals every week that call looking for a pup from people who have bought puppies so I really don't need to advertise. And you are right about Karma, Hope "LIBBY" is prepared for it and Mr. Mintz.
Unfortunately we are going through this horrible drama with Donna Roberts, as well, I know all too well, the lies and false accusations she spreads about anyone that disagrees with her and/or who has in fact, found out the truth about her. Please, feel free to read ripoff report under Shady Oak Havanese, for all the sordid details. Thank you, for bringing this out in the open. I will do anything and everything I can to help you and anyone else that has had this horrible experience. I continue to gather my facts and I fully expect a rant from Ms. Roberts, but, as always, it will be more lies, more "stories" to draw the attention away from herself. It won't work forever, in fact, it's not working now. We were all given Unfit for Purchase and were sold sick puppies. Ms. Roberts was convicted and also failed to follow NJ Consumer Law. Donna, it doesn't matter what you "say" you're doing "now" it matters what you have already done..it won't just go away. My story is on ripoffreport, feel free to contact me for further (and there is a lot) information. I hope all is well with your dogs and I am so happy they now have wonderful people to care for them. Just when I thought it could get no worse, it does, who knows how many people this has happened to that haven't been able to tell their story. I have the facts and I will not engage in a war of facts or words with Donna, Dawn, Grace or whoever the heck they claim to be, today. Please contact me, I will be happy to help you and speak with you. Take care and all the best. Thank you.
Re: Laurie Pallante, I think your time would be better spent finding a job now that the Insurance company is closing in on you and your insurance fraud, not to mention your illegal daycare center. I was found INNOCENT of SELLING you a sick dog. INNOCENT means NOT GUILTY. Now tell all these paople WHY DID YOU WAIT 10 DAYS TO TAKE THE SICK
Oh and I love what you wrote on July 9 about your house is full of honesty and integrity all the while commiting insurance fraud. Jeffrey Goldstein the Insurance invetigator was very interested when I told him how you ran around my back yard playing with the pups and bending over several times to pick the different pups up to cuddle. I told him it didn't look like you had anything wrong with you. Could you be fibbing Laurie? And while you are on your computer all day who is watching all your daycare kids?
Birds of a feather, Mr. Mintz? Sure looks like it.
Mr. Mintz, if you are so truthful why are you rewriting my comments? Laurie Pallante claims to be sold a sick puppy, a puppy so sick it had to be spoon fed yet whe waited 10 long days after purchase to take the pup to the vet and then on top of that the vet does not find the pup sick or unfit for purchase, just like your pup named Sandy, you know the one your expert groomer claimed was a yorkie mix. (snicker) (lol)
Neither pup was found unfit and you both want to slander and boo-hoo. Why don't you get together and cry in your beers. We did nothing wrong if you follow the correct law that governs the sale of dogs in NJ. So Why are you slandering? I don't even know how 50 people could respond because my whole family combined hasn't sold 50 puppies in the last year or even two years. Slander, slander slander. Don't either of you work? Oh yeh we know Laurie doesn't she is disabled and on workmans comp and taking in money illegally with her "daycare" my, my yeah I would believe everything that comes out of her mouth, she is such a truthful human being.
Mr. Mintz you write:
If either or both of the dogs are not what they were claimed to be in the pedigree papers that we received, it is our belief that we have a good case of fraud or at the very least misrepresentation on our hands.
YOU now have the proof, right?
So when is the court date, can't wait to see all the evidence. Will be there for this one for sure.
Re: Ms. Jamison,
We are still waiting for copies of his proof, also his claim that the pup Sandy had worms. Mr. Mintz made no phone calls to my daughter about the pup and were entirely happy with her until the adoption of Marcus, when his expert vet told him the dog was 5 years old not 10 months, then she changed it to 3 years, then to 2 years, can't understand how a vet (we still don't have her or his name) could be so off base. My daughter has recieved nothing in the way of proof of any of his allegations. He just keeps on slandering everyone in my family and for no good reason except for what all these JERKS are telling him. Did you read the part about his expert groomer calling the puppy Sandy a Yorkie MIX. You got to wonder why everybody thinks they are an expert, including Mr. Mintz. We have emails from him that he claims to teach vets their job yet Why didn't he see these things he claims was wrong with Marcus ???? Mr. Mintz has a ego problem and a anger management problem, not to mention what we call in the dog world "rage syndrome" He can run his mouth but as you see he hasn't posted his results for everyone to see and he also did not tell everyone that Wisdom X is only 85% accurate. For a PHD he's not to bright.
I purchased a dog from Donna Roberts. I was a westie. She told me she was the breeder and showed me the "mom".
Long story short...when I finally received my papers a man named Clyde Horst was named as both owner the male and female dog and owner of the little. Ownership was transferred to Donna Roberts.
She did not breed this dog. I was lied to. She is a puppy broker, not a breeder.
why don't you post the truth, afraid?
I am here to campaign for the puppies. It's horrific the abuse these puppy mill dogs have to endure.NEVER buy puppies from pet shops, and BEWARE of anyone who claims to be a "breeder". Check out the home and make sure you are buying what the seller is claiming they are selling. I would also recommend going to a local animal shelter and adopt a dog or a puppy. Many shelters carry all types of hypoallergenic dogs that are in need of a good home. We need to put a STOP to the abuse of puppy mill dogs. A puppy mill puppy is not socialized. They are taken away from their mothers at such a young age that they end up developing behavioral problems that last their lifetime. Puppies should stay with their mothers for at least 12 weeks. It's sad and pathetic that this cruelty is continuing so in order to put a stop to it, REFUSE to purchase puppies from puppy mills, "breeders" that say they are breeders when in fact they are just runners for the puppy mill owners. This is big business people. Do something and once and all put a STOP TO IT!!!
I purchased a pupppy 3 1/2 years ago from "Robin Anderson". The puppy appeared lethargic when we got her home and then stated to have difficulty breathing. We took her to the vet and Lucy was diagnosed with pneumonia. She was very sick and nearly died. The vet spoke to Robin that day. Robin kept putting us off about the vet bills and she finally just disappeared. In hindsight, we were blinded by puppy love to the fact Robin was living in a Senior Citizen trailer park "because her home was being remodeled", had no email address because "her computer was down", had only a cell phone, etc. The AKC was useless. They just want their membership money. If you Google "AKC and Puppy mills", you will be surprised what you will find. The HSUS was helpful. I found out that Robin has 2 havanese dogs, gets the puppies from the mills and passes them off as her dogs' pups. I would love to see these animal abusers punished.
Thank God for this article and my doing the research. Found someone named "Danalyn" in Medford/Vincentown and said if I came to visit, I could speak to her mother because she knows alot more about dogs than she does. The ad I found was the same as your attachment above. Thx for saving me a trip!