Dozens of Edmonton families will welcome a new four-legged friend into their homes this Christmas season but - without the necessary research - such a purchase could end up being a holiday nightmare.
Last Christmas, the Schmidts bought a dog from an Edmonton-area woman but the perfect present turned into a family heartache. Chris Schmidt says when he first laid eyes on the Harley, he knew he had to bring the Yorkie pup home to his wife and children.
But Schmidt never asked for references or visited the kennel where Harley came from.
Instead, he says, the woman met him in the parking lot outside the store where she said she was getting her dogs groomed.
Just a few hours later, the 11-week-old puppy got sick. Schmidt says the woman who sold him the puppy, Samyra Binicki, told him in an email to give the dog Pepto-Bismol.
"She specifically said, don't get him tested for parvo or any of the diseases," Schmidt recalls. "Vets will just drain your wallet...just give him Pepto-Bismol."
Schmidt took Harley in for emergency veterinary care on Christmas Eve but the puppy couldn't be saved. He was euthanized three days later. The letter from the veterinarian says Harley died from parvovirus, a highly contagious disease spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact.
When CTV News attempted to get some answers from Binicki, she denied she sold the Schmidt family a dog. She suggested Chris Schmidt has been harassing her.
The Alberta S.P.C.A. says puppy brokers aren't illegal and they are a growing business in this province.
"A puppy broker is someone that does not breed themselves but will bring large or complete litters from a breeder," said Don Ferguson, spokesperson for the Alberta S.P.C.A.
"It's becoming a big business and we're discovering that it has become an issue," Ferguson added. "We have a number of investigations that we have participated in."
The Edmonton Humane Society suggests potential buyers trust their gut instincts and make sure they do the research.
"Know about the breed and then know exactly where the animal is coming from," stressed Shawna Randolph, spokesperson for the humane society.
This Christmas has brought back a flood of painful memories for Chris Schmidt and his family. He knows he'll never make the same mistake again, if he ever decides to bring another puppy home.
"Christmas is supposed to be special for your kids and your family," Schmidt nodded.
"And I kind of ruined it last year."
With files from Dez Melenka
