I hate to say it-but I was scammed. After the devasting loss of our beloved pomeranian, I began the search on the internet to find a reputable breeder. I placed many phone calls and emails to various breeders but Gina Alford was one of the first to return my calls. Further, she was always available by phone or email throughout the course of the business transaction. We received photos of a gorgeous female cream sable pom and wired a very large sum to purhase and have her flown to our home town Easter Sunday 09. I was assured, in writing, that the sale included AKC papers. Once the Alfords received our wired money, things began to get sticky. It was no longer easy to contact the Alfords (calls weren't answered or even returned and neither were emails). I began to panic. I finally did receive a reassuring call on that Saturday morning indicating all was well. Things went south again the next day though-the day of our puppy's flight. As it turned out, instead of being flown into our hometown, we were told we had to drive 2 hours to pick our puppy up. And, we were informed that she was seriously sick form the trauma of transportation to the airport via the car. Upon arrival in our homestate-sick was the understatement. And, the puppy was NOT the puppy we were sent pictures of. None the less-there was no way to try to return this very ill animal. We were not convinced that she would even live. And, there were no papers sent with her. I phoned the Alfords and was assured that papers would be coming within the week although no papers ever came. We worked to get "Bella" well-she is now a bouncy, silly little girl. Since the second week in April I have continued to call, email, beg, plead, nicely request and not so nicely request papers. Still we have no papers. We do not receive return calls or responses at all anymore. In the end, we do have what looks to be a pomeranian who we have welcomed into our home. We love her dearly and she is adorable in many ways-but she is NOT the beautiful show quality dog we were lead to believe and assured of by pictures. And, after almost $2, 000 not including vet bills to get her well again after the trip...she remains unregistered. The Alford's got our money-our vulnerable family was grieving and we bit. To those reputable breeders who contacted us, I regret the decision to work with Gina Alford and wish I had taken the time to more thoroughly research the situation. To those looking for a puppy, don't do so in haste. And, think twice before you wire any money to Gina or Rick Alford. The old saying "you get what you pay for" does not hold up here. Gina and Rick Alford of Lil Darlin' Pomeranians-shame on you. I believed you and I'll bet there are others out there just like me. Shame, shame, shame.