I purchases a $1500 Maltese from Cyndi Epplin in February 2007. We had a contract that if the dog was diagnosed with a congenital defect within one year of purchase, there was 100% reimbursement. Nearly a month after purchase the puppy became very ill and was diagnosed by our vet and then a cardiologist specialist with having a hole in his heart a "congenital defect" as explained by the cardiologist. The dog does not have a long life expectancy. In addition, the puppy had multiple other problems associated with "puppy mill" (the vets words -- not mine). The puppy was believed to have been taken away from his mother way too early to be sold as a smaller dog that would "not be over 4lbs." The dog got up to 8lbs within 1 year.

I have been trying to get our money back ever since. Cyndi said she would give me the $1500 back but she didn't have it because she had three weddings and two funerals -- and this went on for nearly a year. I finally had enough so I was advised by my attorney to file a small claims case. I did so and Cyndi has yet to show up. However, after she was first served, she sent me a $500 money order stating "1/3 reimbursement for maltese." Now she owes me court costs in addition to the $1000 remaining balance.

Cyndi Epplin is operating an unethical business and needs to be shut-down. If she can sell $1500-$3500 dogs, she should be able to reimburse me the remaining balance. After the court dates are completed, I plan to take whatever action necessary to get Cyndi investigated and hopefully shut-down forever.