I bought a dog online – he's a completely different breed but that's not the worst part

The process of purchasing a dog can be daunting and intricate. One dog owner recently experienced a horrifying surprise, shedding light on the importance of caution when acquiring pets online. While several options exist for obtaining a new furry companion, such as adopting from sanctuaries and certified breeders or browsing through online listings, there are risks involved.

Animal charities, including PETA, have denounced dog breeding as inconsiderate and cruel due to the vast number of rescue animals awaiting adoption. Moreover, breeding poses health risks and unnecessary stress for the animals, as reported by the PDSA.

One influencer and self-proclaimed 'dog mom,' Shelby Susnick, chose to explore online platforms like Craigslist in her search for a new pet. In a TikTok video, she shared her experience and emphasized the dangers of obtaining a dog through the internet.

Initially, Shelby believed that she was facilitating a straightforward rehoming process. Unfortunately, she unknowingly fell victim to a puppy farm breeder scam, suspecting that her dog, Russell, was sold to her at a discounted price for ill-intentioned reasons. Despite being listed as a rehome dog, she discovered that Russell did not originate from a genuine owner but rather from a backyard breeder—a term used to describe profit-oriented breeders who often neglect proper care.

Contrary to what she was led to believe, Russell's actual breed differed significantly from an Australian Shepherd. A visit to the vet revealed an alarming diagnosis: Russell had a 50% chance of survival as he tested positive for parvo—an extremely contagious and potentially deadly disease for dogs.

Parvo attacks white blood cells in a canine's intestines, inhibiting the absorption of essential nutrients and leaving them weak and dehydrated. Shelter dogs, typically of mixed breed, have a lower susceptibility to diseases such as Parvo.

Although Russell eventually pulled through, Shelby aims to raise awareness about the perils of acquiring a dog online. She now shares heartwarming content featuring her furry friend on TikTok (@booplethesnoot). Her message serves as a cautionary tale, reminding well-intentioned individuals to exercise vigilance, even when seeking to rehome a dog.

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Earlies, SSP also told about a woman who won court case against a neighbor who regularly taunted her dog with a drone.