As a Humane Investigator, I have seen many frightening and heartbreaking things. One I would like to address here is the misuse and misrepresentation of purebred dogs by breeders who manipulate the system purely for greed and self-satisfaction. This type of behavior in my opinion is just another form of animal cruelty.

As reputable breeders it is our responsibility to ensure the dogs we elect to include in breeding programs are those with optimal qualities of correctness, temperament and health. Health includes examinations and clearances for eyes, hips, elbows, heart and thyroid. And the bottom line is very telling...either you are reputable and do your best for the Golden Retriever breed...or you are not.

Let me preface this all by stating that while correctness, temperament and intelligence are critical attributes in any dog, health should be an equal consideration. I am specifically calling attention to two Golden Retrievers, which were bred by me, and subsequently sold to the same individual who ultimately misrepresented them.

Dog #1 was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect by a Board Certified Cardiologist. In spite of this, his owner elected to represent him as a cleared dog. It was achieved in this manner: Another dog I bred had already cleared, was substituted for Dog #1 and presented for examination to a veterinarian at a dog show which sponsored a clinic.

The veterinarian failed to check Dog #1 for permanent identification which would have exposed the fraud. Veterinarians rely on our honesty when presenting a dog for examination, that this dog is documented correctly and the information we provide, including the AKC registration number and the dog we present are one in the same. In this instance, the cleared dog was examined, and it was Dog #1 who received the clearance.

I challenged this with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and they verified the examination and failure to check the permanent identification. OFA has also elected to let the clearance stand, and in this position has cast a shadow over the integrity of their registry. They did not demand that Dog #1be retested and that the test be witnessed by a reputable breeder or representative of OFA. As a result, Dog #1 was at one time offered at stud and his offspring may very well be affected with congenital defects.

Unsuspecting individuals seeking a healthy prospect for their bitches or puppies will be unaware of Dog #1’s true medical history.

Once a dog is cleared, the findings are submitted by the veterinarian to the Orthopedic Foundation of America, commonly known as the OFA. In turn, these findings are evaluated and a registration and certificate of clearance are issued. This fee-based registry does not employ policies guarding against the misrepresentation of dogs, nor does it act on those who choose to misrepresent an animal.

I filed a challenge with the GRCA (Golden Retriever Club of America) who basically was powerless and ignorant of the fact there are dishonest people who misrepresent their dogs. Every year GRCA club members send in their dues and sign an agreement to abide by their code of ethics. The GRCA just like OFA does not employ policies guarding against those who misrepresent an animal even when it is brought to their attention by the breeder.

So what does all this mean to you the prospective buyer? Apparently because of the lack of enforcement by the OFA and GRCA whom represent themselves as organizations that you the prospective Golden Retriever buyer should be able to rely on to obtain honest truthful information, are useless and totally unreliable. I have proven this by submitting evidence of at least one Golden Retriever who carries a misrepresented heart clearance and both organizations have looked the other way. I just wonder how many others have “slipped” into their system? And we as reputable Golden Retriever breeders wonder why there are so many health issues with Golden Retrievers today and are we truly surprised when these health problems “just pop out of nowhere?”

Prospective owners are now challenged in their research to locate reputable breeders. It is time-consuming but certainly worth the effort, considering the result. It would be in your future puppies and your best interest to seek references locally of breeders when selecting your puppy. Reputable breeders are a relatively small community and known to each other. Take the time and perseverance to ensure that your efforts will be well-rewarded.

As a result of these events, I accept no responsibility or liability for a dog not purchased directly from me even though it carries the Sherwood name. This includes Sherwood dogs also used at stud.

Dog #1 was born 11-18-98 and died at an extremely early age on 6-28-06. Most likely from a heart malfunction.

Dog #2 can’t be located and is presumed dead. The owner removed him without notice from his successful show career and hasn’t been seen since. I co-own this dog.

Thank you for taking the time to read this statement. Debi DeNardi