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CB Dog Breeders Review of Starlight Kennel/Shawn Soldon
Starlight Kennel/Shawn Soldon

Starlight Kennel/Shawn Soldon review: Fraud/Unhealthy Breeding 25

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1:29 pm EST
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In August of 2008 we purchased two pure-bred Spanish Water dogs from this breeder. We asked her about the parents health, and were assured that they were healthy and had no hip or eye problems. We were told that she would register the dogs with one of the dog registration organizations. We paid $3200 for the two dogs and left with a packet of papers. We failed to look at the packet to make sure the papers were in the tabbed folders. When we found that there we no papers included to prove the health of the parents nor were there any registration papers, we contacted the breeder and insisted upon receiving these papers. After many attempts and threats of returning the dogs she sent us copies of barely legible papers that showed the sire was rated in the 30% percentile for hips. The testing organization suggest that any dog that rates below the 50% percentile not be used for breeding. Thus, Shawn Soldon lied to us about the hip health of the parents. She also provided an OptiGen eye exam sheet with the dam's name on it and pre-printed with a Veterinary Ophthalmologist, but the rest of the form was blank. When I called the eye registry they had no record of the dogs eyes being examined or registered. Shawn Soldon said that she does not register the exam with OptiGen because it costs too much. Shawn Soldon also claims that the blank form shows that no problems were found. I called the Ophthalmologist and they had no record of the exam and said there would be some notes on the paper if they had done an exam.

With regard to the registration papers, Shawn bragged about how many organizations she could register the dogs with and said she would send us the papers in a month. We have not seen them after over 4 months. I tried to write to her, but my registered letter was returned.

After purchasing the dogs from her, I was contacted by another breeder of this breed that I had contacted earlier in my search for available puppies (they had none at the time). They contacted me to tell me that they had a puppy available. When I told them that I had already gotten my puppies and told them where I got them they said that I should be very careful about dealing with Shawn Soldon and said "I hope to God your puppies are healthy". Apparently Shawn has a bit of a reputation among breeders.

I intend to sue Shawn Soldon and Starlight Kennels as the State of Pennsylvania has a puppy lemon law allows me to recover 50% of my purchase price if the registration papers are not provided within 120 days, but I wanted others to be warned about this unscrupulous breeder. Aside from the registration papers, we hope to God that our dogs remain healthy. Only time will tell.

Update by DavidK
Nov 15, 2013 7:41 am EST

For anyone reading that Shawn's dogs are healthy and you only need to worry about getting all the paperwork up front, I strongly disagree. JLocke and LabradoodleFan have it right. I believe these dogs are mistreated early in life and that has a lasting impact. Lucky is the person who get one of the dogs that is not affected by this treatment. We have also found that her misrepresentation of the blood lines is a problem. What may seem like a perfectly healthy dog as a puppy, can end up blind or unable to walk before too long. Of course, they will then be a part of your family and you will have to face the heartbreak of dealing with it. We have found that our male SWD is aggressive. At first it was only toward people outside the family, so we muzzled him when we had company. Last week he bit my 14 year old son as he walked in the front door. The female is totally neurotic. She seems to have dog ADHD. I know how to train dogs and have always been complemented on how well behaved and nice my other dogs have been. These dogs have deep-rooted issues. Our dogs are now 5 years old. While we love them, I wish we had never gotten them.
Shawn continues to threaten me for starting this thread several years ago. I will not take it down. This is too important. If I must, I will file a criminal complaint against her and have her arrested. I suggest anyone looking for a pet of any kind look elsewhere.

Update by DavidK
Feb 18, 2014 8:30 am EST

Reading through the posts since I first started this complaint, I find several recurring themes with regard to the behavior of the dogs from Starlight. One in particular that is interesting is the dogs eating their own feces. I have had several dogs prior to the two I got from Shaun and, while I knew this was something that some dogs do, I never had a problem with it. However, it seems that so many of her dogs have this issue that I wonder if it is associated with the conditions under which they were first raised. It is a very annoying habit and I have found no way to break it, including the various pills and potions that are supposed to make it undesirable to eat. They still gobble it up.

Update by DavidK
Jun 21, 2014 11:24 am EDT

IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE WHAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT SHAWN AND STARLIGHT, MAYBE YOU WILL BELIEVE THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. THIS IS FROM THE INSPECTION REPORT DONE IN 2010. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ THROUGH ALL OF THE DISGUSTING DETAILS, JUST GO TO THE LAST SENTENCE. IT IS ON THE PENN DEPT OF AGRICULTURE SITE

Inspection of the kennel took place on February 2, 2010. A total of 33 adult dogs and 12 puppies were located on the premises at the time of inspection. The 2009 kennel license and revocation order were posted.

Inspection was performed with SDW Horst, SDW Warminsky, and Dr. Ward.

The inspection of February 2, 2010 is as follows:

21.21(a) – Maintenance
Wardens observed broken/chewed plastic on walls of enclosures, a broken cage, and broken/chewed plastic around dog door openings, chewed/broken dog beds, ripped up flooring, broken glass board material, and a hole in wooden doorway filled with debris.

This Warden directs that the kennel owner take the following action(s):
Indoor and outdoor housing facilities for dogs shall be maintained in a manner to protect the dogs from injury and to contain the dogs.

21.21(b) – Water Resistance
Remarks

Actions which are directed to be taken are not all that may be required of the kennel operator to come into compliance.

The kennel operator is responsible for taking any and all actions necessary to come into compliance.

Inspection Date
2/2/2010
Inspected By
DONMOYER, KRISTEN
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Dog Law Enforcement Office

Kennel Inspection

Wardens observed rusted cages/enclosures, and chewed/scratched wood.

This Warden directs that the kennel owner take the following action(s):
The interior building surfaces of housing facilities shall be constructed and maintained so that they are water resistant and may be readily sanitized.

21.23(a) – Run Space
Wardens observed enclosures/cages housing dogs which did not provide sufficient space for the dog housed therein.

This Warden directs that the kennel owner take the following action(s):
Primary enclosures shall be constructed and maintained to provide sufficient space to allow each dog to turn about freely and to stand erect, sit and lie down in a comfortable, normal position.

21.26 – Ventilation
Wardens observed a strong smell of ammonia throughout all the different kennel areas.

This Warden directs that the kennel owner take the following action(s):
Indoor housing facilities for dogs shall be sufficiently ventilated when dogs are present to minimize drafts, odors, ammonia levels and moisture condensation. Ventilation shall be provided by means of windows, doors, vents or air conditioners. Auxiliary ventilation from fans, blowers or air conditioners shall be provided when the ambient temperature is 85 degrees F or higher. The relative humidity shall be maintained at a level that ensures the health and well-being of the dog housed therein in accordance with generally accepted husbandry practices.

21.29(a) – Excreta (Charges to Follow)
Wardens observed an excess of feces on the deck, exercise yards, and in some primary enclosures. Owner admitted to not having cleaned the excreta in a couple of days.

This Warden directs that the kennel owner take the following action(s):
Excreta shall be removed from the primary enclosure, including any floor area or ground surface beneath the primary enclosure, on a daily basis.

21.29(b) – Sanitation (Charges to Follow)
Wardens observed enclosures with a buildup of dirt, dust, debris, hair, feces, and urine in them. Several pens in the main outdoor kennel building owner admitted had not be sanitized/cleaned in a month, stated she scraped a few, she did not clean the pens on the ends because they are harder to clean than some of the others.

This Warden directs that the kennel owner take the following action(s):
Primary enclosures for dogs shall be sanitized a minimum of once daily, and as often as is necessary to prevent an accumulation of debris or excreta or a disease hazard. A dog may not be placed in a primary enclosure previously occupied unless the enclosure has been sanitized.

21.29(c) – Housekeeping/Pests (Charges to Follow)
Wardens observed cobwebs, urine stained wood, major hair build up, dirty/dust covered enclosures, chipped rusted piping, frozen urine inside and outside of enclosures, feces smeared between paving stones in enclosure runs, and a clogged drain which was overflowing.

This Warden directs that the kennel owner take the following action(s):
The buildings and grounds of kennels shall be maintained, kept clean and in good repair to protect the animal from injury and to facilitate practices required by this chapter. Kennels shall have an effective program that controls ingress by insects, ectoparasites and avian and mammalian pests. Evidence of insects, ectoparasites and avian and mammalian pests or conditions that would allow or encourage infestation in a kennel are indicative of an ineffective program and unsanitary environmental sanitation in the kennel.

21.30 – Condition of Dogs (Charges to Follow)
Wardens observed dogs that were severely matted (Spanish water dogs and Springer spaniels). One Springer spaniel “Franklin” in particular had a matte the size of a softball on its chest that was matted to the skin.

Some of the Springer Spaniel’s white under coats were stained yellow from urine, and others had feces matted into their coats.

This Warden directs that the kennel owner take the following action(s):
Groom dogs with matted and urine stained coats, and clean the kennels to prevent dogs from having urine stained coats and feces matted into their fur.

**Wardens reported the condition of these dogs to the Chester County SPCA as cruelty to animals due to the condition of the matted dogs observed during this inspection, which is why no veterinary checks were ordered on these specific dogs.

Update by DavidK
Jul 09, 2014 2:34 pm EDT

HOLY MOLY! I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE IS NOT IN PRISON!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT BUY ANY KIND OF ANIMAL FROM THIS PERSON!

SHE NEEDS TO STOP THIS BUSINESS RIGHT NOW!

25 comments
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migi
Woodmere, US
Mar 18, 2015 3:31 pm EDT

we purchased our SWD from Shawn in the spring of 2013. He was very poorly socialized but we've spent thousands of dollars and hours on training so that's all ok now. the big problem, aside from her never providing the paperwork proving his hips, he's really not doing well. He's two years old and can no longer walk and is having trouble eating and drinking. Our vet and neuro suspect Myasthenia Gravis, which they say can be a result of...you guessed it- inbreeding.
we were naive first time pet owners and should have listened to our gut when we saw the horrible condition of Shawn's property (she did not allow us inside the house) and turned right around.
I have no words, just deep sadness for our poor pup.
I am posting mostly to let ppl know that one of her dogs has MG, incase your dog is showing symptoms you can share this with your vet. not much is known about SWD's and it might be helpful to know that this runs in her lines.

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RSchmidt
Dover, US
Jan 16, 2015 8:13 am EST

I too was a victim of Shawn Soldon. The day after we purchased the puppy, we took him to the vet. His stomach was filled with rocks and he had pneumonia and was not expected to survive. We were given the option of returning him for another puppy. Certainly he would have died if that happened. We spent $3, 000 and he thankfully survived. Now, at a young age, he is in need of a double hip replacement. At the time of the purchase, we were offered a "deal" of we also took the 3 year old mother. We were told that she was no longer fertile. The home is absolutely disgusting - fly paper hanging from the ceiling, filth, smell, etc. This is without a doubt a puppy mill. Stay away. I hope the authorities in Elkton keep a careful watch over her.

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Christine DWilson
North East, US
Nov 12, 2014 4:17 pm EST
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Anyone who purchased a dog or gave a cat a home, you may be out some money, registration papers etc., but you CAN be happy in knowing that all of you truly RESCUED these poor little animals. The Elkton, Md. Kennel operated on Appleton Rd. has ALSO been shut down. I'm gathering mpre facts on the story, but I was told that she left numerous dogs-puppies-in her car to die on the heat. Killed them. One puppy was barely alive when they were discovered. Not sure if it survived. I guess she rented the property from Montgomery
Brothers Realtors/Bldrs and it sits for sale with kennels intact-and a haunting, black, wooden cut-out on the fence-of a dog barking. I passed there four times a day and where I once heard constant barking, there's an erie silence. Very sad. Is N.J. next? Word needs to go out!
-D. Wilson

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JenaO
Newark, US
Aug 08, 2014 12:56 pm EDT

We purchased an English Cocker Spaniel from Shaun in January. I was shocked when my husband brought him home. He was six months old and extremely underweight and clearly malnourished. He also reeked of urine so badly that it took several baths to get him clean. At six months, he wasn't house broken and had no socialization skills or training of any kind. He was also very sick with various worms, ear mites, and more. Further, he hadn't even received any shots. We spent $1200 on him and thousands on his vet care to get him healthy--which took a couple of months. I requested his papers on several occasions and there was always an excuse. Like others noted in this chain, I was told we'd get papers when the puppy was neutered (which he was), and no, there was always another excuse. We've had him seven months now and still no papers. That said, with a lot of love, attention, and good medical care, he has turned into a wonderful, healthy, kind friend and companion. We've heard that Shaun's operation has been shut down in Maryland. Thank goodness! I can't believe how she has gotten away with such cruel and abusive behavior for so long. I'm glad we were able to save one of the dogs, but sad that so many others suffered. I can only hope that Shaun is now finally having to face the results of her terrible actions!

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ItsTheBigBadWolf
, US
Jul 08, 2014 9:17 pm EDT
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Do your own research, get the facts, then make your own conclusions:

39-count Criminal Complaint filed 6/14/2014 (related to kennel business / animals)...
http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/inquiry/inquiryDetail.jis?caseId=1K00069063&loc=11&detailLoc=DSCR

30 Cases (from 1995 to Present... 28 since 12/2010)...
http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/inquiry/inquiry-index.jsp

15 Cases in Magisterial District Court - Chester County...
http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/MDJ.aspx

5 Cases in Commons Pleas Court - Chester County, PA (Kennel, DUI, etc)...

http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/CP.aspx

1 Judgment (Plumbing/HVAC) - Satisfied...

http://courtconnect.courts.delaware.gov/public/ck_public_qry_main.cp_main_idx

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anonymous35
Elkton, US
Jun 20, 2014 10:16 am EDT

http://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fm.cecildaily.com%2Fnews%2Flocal_news%2Farticle_43b2f016-a9f8-53e8-9e45-55dc51a8d08b.html%3Fmode%3Djqm&h=fAQHqjrXE&enc=AZNndBaQoLuAIY3jorhmTJWu-JH5iBzMdHsacMoyS-rCmVIf9PsR1EIq2xFJJPCSluo&s=1

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StarBriteK
Star, US
Feb 16, 2014 7:36 pm EST
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I too have been a victim of this puppy mill operation. I purchased a 7 month old Springer Spaniel that Ms. Solden advertised on the Puppyfind.com website in April 2013. I live in Idaho and needed to have the dog shipped from Maryland. The problems started as soon as
Ms. Solden received payment for the dog and shipping expenses. I was given nothing but excuses and delays plus an additional request for more money to cover shipping expenses, of which I never received receipts for the airline expenses, shipping crate, or veterinary exams. I even took 2 days off from work to spend bonding with the dog, however because Shaun delayed shipping the dog for 3 extra days from originally scheduled I had less than 24 hours to acclimate the dog to her new home before returning to work.
Even though I have a signed purchase contract and have fulfilled all the stipulations Ms. Solden required to receive my dog's AKC registration papers, I too like many other individuals who have had the misfortune of purchasing dogs from this women, not received my dog
's papers. Numerous attempts to contact Ms. Solden have either been unanswered or responded with more lame excuses, lies, and delays. What I have is a purebred mutt with some serious psychological issues including separation anxiety, timid, skittish, was not house or crate trained as advertised, was 5 pounds under under weight for her age per my vet's exam the day after she arrived which explains why still to this days she eats lawn debris and her own feces (since it's what she had to survive on at StarLightStars Kennel). I had wanted to compete in agility and obedience competition with my dog however because of her personality that will not be possible.
It was only after I "googled" Shaun Solden's name that I became aware of her past history in Pennsylvania which resulted in authorities revoking her kennel license and now I have found this website where I can post my feedback of the negative experience I was subjected to because of this unscrupulous and fraudulent puppy mill breeder.
I did not buy a dog from Shaun Solden, I "RESCUED" a dog from her puppy mill business.

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A.J.C.
Virginia Beach, US
Dec 09, 2013 10:32 pm EST

Purchased a 7 month old puppy from Ms. Solden back in 2011 at the Elkton, MD address. House was absolutely disgusting barely a place to sit in the living room, stuff everywhere. The house smelled and everything seemed to have a layer of filth. Tons of dogs in kennels stacked and lining the hallway and kitchen. Even more dogs outside. Despite being 7 months old the puppy had zero socialization, was not house broken, ate feces and ate her food incredibly fast. I should have walked out as soon as I saw the place but felt so bad for the puppy I decided to finish the deal and get out of there as fast as I could. Im surprised if her neighbors have never complained of the smell or noise.

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Frank71
Sicklerville, US
Dec 09, 2013 5:56 am EST
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I purchased an English Springer Spaniel puppy from Shawn in August, 2003 - the mother was Bijou and the father was Sundance Kid. Our dog, a female is now 10 years old. This dog has been perfect in every way. She gave us papers when we picked her up. We haven't had any problems with anything - she's as healthy as a horse and in 10 years she's only been to the vet for annual checkups - never any sickness whatsoever. She's also the most intelligent and sweet Springer that I have ever owned - she's like a human. I'm sad to read all of these complaints. If I ever had to buy another Springer, I'd definitely consider buying one from Shawn again...
I do remember getting a letter from some agency years back regarding a lawsuit that someone was bringing against Shawn regarding the legitimacy of our litters sire. There was a female puppy who is a sister to my dog and was going to be bred. Apparently the DNA or some genetics showed the sire of our puppies may not have been the actual sire. I had no intentions of breeding etc., so it didn't bother me in the least. All I know is our Springer is wonderful and I wouldn't change a thing about her.
If anyone would want to contact me, feel free to do so at [protected] my name is Frank

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shawn soldon
Elkton, US
Nov 27, 2013 10:56 pm EST
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Do not believe these lies about me Pa never harged me with animal cruelty or neglect, these people are just plain crazy! I have tried for years for complaintsboard and these "anonymous " posters to take down these lies and comments about me personally and professionally .They an't do it unless the poster will .I have sent messages to all of them and they have cowardly not responded . I have proof of these peoples espeially david korries lies about registration pedigrees and legitimate health testing. My dogs are registered with the AKC .
My pedigrees and registration is correct.
I never was booted out of De and passed all my inspections there I moved back home to PA to be close to my father who had bad health annd a series of strokes . He died in Dec. 2011.
I did move to MD after we found out the property that we bought in Pa was not zoned correctly .
These are personal comments not professional ones and I am deeply hurt by former employees who said they were my friends that have hurt me too . My dogs are my family and live in my home and I have small building or kennels where the dogs an ome in and out and have A/c, heat music and special pet cots too. I love my dogs and d korrie is has decided to try and ruin me I have been breeding since 1999 .I was a professional photographer and teaher with a graduate degree.. Just contact me and you will see how much I love them and judge for yourself .I can not believe all the ugly lies and comments
The fact the woman with autumn has given out my personal info and contact info is an invasion of privacy .I have decided to get a lawyer to end the obvious defamation of my character and sue the people responsible for posting wrong info and outright lies about me .The editor needs to look at the comments and see the info is false and libelous and remove them without any proof.

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shawn soldon
Elkton, US
Nov 17, 2013 8:13 pm EST
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D korrie who started this complaint in 2009 is wrong about me and continues to write libelous things with out any proof He has defamed my name professionally and personally He recieved his registration papers after he neutered his dog He would have recieved them sooner but he is so stubborn and vengeful he would not send them He recieved 4 page contract witht he pedigrees health guarentee, health records
Now almost 5 years later he blames his 2 dogs behaviors on the breeder not ttaking responsibility for his so called training.A breeder makes choices in breeding and caring for the puppies but someone CAN TAKE A WONDERFUL PUPPY and ruin it.

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Donna124
Newark, US
Nov 17, 2013 3:17 pm EST

Sorry to hear that your son got bit! But if you have to MUZZLE your dog I would have to question your cridentials in dog training. So now if he bit your son did you report it? Also if you purchased your dog's 5 years ago and the behavior is now coming out I would think that their enviorment may be a problem. Now if you have questions on the bloodline you could always DNA the dog's to make sure. To say that someone could end up with a blind dog or one that can't walk is uncalled for, this could even happen when you buy from a pet store. After all you do sign a pet guarantee. If anyone does not take any checked out is a fool. I have purchased a ESS from Shawn and have had her for 3 year's she is the best pet I've ever had. I have also breed her with one of Shawn's ESS and I have checked he's paper's and blood line as well. I do help Shawn with her Kennel's and all of her dog's and I love them and play with all of them. I have never seen her mistreat a single one of them. As for her SWD. They are all well behaved and play with all of her other dog's and I mean all of them and that is the English springer spaniels.

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Donna124
Newark, US
Oct 07, 2013 12:22 pm EDT

I'm sorry to hear that some of you have had problems with your animal's. I have purchased a female Springer from Shawn in 2009. She was 9 months at the time. I took her to the vet with in a week. She checked out as healthy as good be. Her temperament was awesome. At the time I really was having sever depression and she was the best medicine in the world for me. She just made me laugh and loved me like no other dog did. We purchased her to breed and we are finally going to do that this year, she is now 3 and just as loving and funny. Just wish other people had the same experience as we did.

Donna in De.

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Soldon In PA
Oxford, US
Aug 06, 2013 9:56 pm EDT

thank you for the internet. I was warned about her animals.

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JLocke
Dayton, US
Jun 22, 2013 10:28 am EDT

Do not buy from this breeder!

We bought Autumn from Star Light Kennels. Autumn was housed in the owner's home. We estimated that more than 20 dogs were living in this house. The house was very dirty and foul smelling. Cages were stacked around the living room and dining room. (these were the only rooms we saw). Autumn at four months weighted four and a half pounds. She came to us but did not appear comfortable. We were told she was the "run" of the liter. We paid in cash and were told that akc papers would be mailed to us. We never received paperwork. As Autumn has grown( she is now two) evidence of genetic defects have emerged. Our vet feels these are evidence of inbreeding.

- She has an eye defect. Her eyes incompletely developed. She has very limited vision. Her eyes rotate outwards.

- Her ears are set higher on her head for a springer.

- She has a flat tened top to hear head.

- She has trouble going from lying to standing.

- She is clumsy and falls frequently.

- She is very hyper active and has problems focusing and learning.

- She injures easily.

- Her nose is always dry and scaly

In spite of all this we love Autumn. She has become a loveable and loyal member of the family.

Breeder Info:
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.soldon
website: http://www.starlightkennel.net/

Email: shawnsoldon@aol.com

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Joshua 6
Harrisburg, US
May 15, 2012 8:58 pm EDT

My wife and I had the same problem -- paid for the dog just before I deployed to Iraq in 2008 and never received the papers as promised. We did sue and won the judgement at the local District Magistrate in Pennsylvania, but she has made no restitution. She was run out of Pennsylvania and now appears to be in Elkton, MD. WARNING TO ALL -- DO NOT PURCHASE ANY PUPPIES FROM THIS WOMAN.

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Shapets
Clemson, US
Sep 22, 2011 9:30 pm EDT

Do NOT buy a dog from Shawn Soldon- she is the worst kind of breeder that keeps moving from state to state to keep breeding. She only cares about the money and not about the dogs. I neutered my Spanish Water Dog puppy that I bought from Shawn as a breeding dog. He had no socialization skills with humans and was very food aggressive. It appears that Shawn feeds her dogs only when it suits her. It sickens me to think that she continues to breed rather than getting a job. I hope Maryland finally closes down her down once and for all.

Shapets

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Labradoodle Fan
McLean, US
Jun 27, 2011 1:33 am EDT

We purchase a male Spanish Water dog from Soldon and her Starlight Kennels in Delaware in 2007. The dog was unstable and aggressive. I talked with one of the workers, the parent male dog was also aggressive and they had multiple problems but stopped breeding the male. She is greedy and abusive to her dogs. Whatever to save a buck. She was investigated by the Delaware authorities and moved to PA. She was shutdown in Delaware. Her husband /boy friend is from PA if he is still around. If she is still breeding dogs stay away. She is crazy abusive person that should not be allowed to breed animals. Looks like she is still on the move from Delaware to PA and now MD. Why don't the state authorities talk to each other? And those other breeders in the business know what is going on, this has been happening for at least 5 to 4 years, shame on you. People that have the expertise should be policing their own.

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jinxx
Oxford, US
Jun 09, 2011 3:24 pm EDT

Shawn Soldon is notorious for withholding paperwork from owners. We paid, and then paid again...and again...for a dog. She kept upping the price and claiming it wasn't paid in full. We finally had to demand the papers after paying much more than originally agreed for the dog.
Although Shawn breeds beautiful dogs, our experience with her has me writing on this complaint board. I advise that if you choose to purchase one of her animals, get EVERYTHING IN WRITING and follow up immediately. She is not to be trusted. As for the condition of her kennels, which I saw on numerous occassions, I will say that the animals were reasonably taken care of - but not by the standards of the law. She was always overcroweded and continued to breed. She did not seem to be able to keep the help she needed to keep up with the work required to keep the kennels in clean condition. Therefore, although it was clear she loved the animals, she did not do what was necessary to keep a clean facility.
I am sorry to see these complaints continue as she has since moved from PA to MD. You will get a wonderful dog - but be firm on the price, and be aware you may have to eventually pursue legal avenues to obtain paperwork. For the record, overbreeding not withstanding, I have never seen evidence of neglect, or mistreatment. Her dogs are well socialized (cats not so much), and usually healthy. Perhaps there are occassions where veterinary intervention could have happened sooner, but was never totally neglected.

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DogsHaveNoVoice
Frederica, US
Apr 06, 2011 2:30 am EDT

As someone who has worked for Shawn at her kennel i would warn anyone looking to get a puppy from her. Her dogs were always housed in horrible conditions and in rigged kennels that were neither secure or safe. I witnessed her breed male dogs to the point they became sterile and could no longer produce puppies and females bred back to back and at ages that dogs should not be bred just so she could get the money from them. Very Very rarely did any of her animals see a vet. One time someone came to pick up a kitten that was not socialized and almost feral and watched her talk these poor people into taking the cat home. Her cats were also kept in horrible condition's in the attic of her home with little human contact or sunlight and little care other then food and water every other day. Please if you are considering getting a puppy look else where. Shawn does not care about the animals all she cares about is how much money they can make for her. I have not seen or heard from Shawn in many years but i am very upset to hear she is up to the same things and feel so horribly for the animals in her care. If people stop buying puppies from her she would stop breeding.

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Marty malone
Wilmington, US
Feb 25, 2011 8:40 pm EST

Dog purchasers beware: Soldon and her Starlight Kennels have moved from PA to Elkton MD, where she is jamming around 30 dogs into a glorified garage located on a small 1 acre piece of land. She was booted out of PA by the state but has just moved a bit over the state line. Nothing has changed except the location.

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doglovers2
Oxford, US
Mar 15, 2010 7:45 pm EDT

PLEASE check with the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture/Dog Law enforcement bureau, and see their online kennel inspections reports on Shawn Soldon/Starlight kennels! Also check PA state court records. This person/entity has multiple charges either pending or found guilty and the state revoked/suspended her kennel license! Also, the Phila. Inquire reported online that the American Kennel Club (AKC) revoked her affilitation.
In fact, reading the online report of the most recent 2/10 inspection, the conditions were so horrible that the inspectors stated they were filing/referring for ANIMAL CRUELTY charges against Soldon/Starlight kennels! The conditions docmented by state officials are enough to turn your stomach!
Please, do not shop with this puppy mill. ADOPT from your local animal shelter!

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karende
, US
Jan 22, 2010 5:36 pm EST

My husband and purchased a Spanish Water Dog from Shawn in 2004. We still have not received papers, but really have not pursued the matter. We did pay a lot for our dog but we bought him with the intentions of having a pet and he was neutered so the papers don't really matter that much to us. We have a wonderful dog who is terrific with our son. He is very protective and we couldn't ask for a better socialized dog. When we went through the process of getting our dog we visited Shawn and the kennel (it was not in Pennsylvania) many times. We were well aware of the way Shawn raises the dogs and we were able to see the parents. Our dog is seen by the Vet regularly and we have not seen any health issues (other than him hurting his webbed feet by stepping on acorns in our back yard.)

I hope that you are happy with your dog as we are and that you will get the papers that you are seeking.

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Joshua 6
Harrisburg, US
Jan 09, 2010 5:45 am EST

My wife and I have been working for 18 months to get registration papers for our Spanish Water Dog. (We payed $1500 for her). For 18 months, I've been corresponding with her and hearing the excuses. We finally registered a complaint with the district magistrate and the default date was yesterday. After speaking with the magistrate, he told me I'll get a judgement in my favor and I can begin the collection process in approximately 30 days.

I also discovered that Ms. Soldon has lost her kennel at her Catamount Road address in Oxford, PA. She has until 31 January to remove all of the dogs and then the property will be sold. I point this out because if there are other people out there that need and want to get redress, you may want to move fast. She may be difficult to find after 31 January.

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sgc
, US
Apr 29, 2009 2:12 pm EDT

I also purchased a pure bred Spanish Water Dog from Shawn in Sep 08 and she said the registration was not available until after the puppy was spayed, so I spayed the puppy and asked for the registration, but have not received it.

our puppy is wonderful, I hope she is healthy, the vet seems to think that the puppy is fine. And you can tell that she came from really good stock, but all the widgets that breeders have to go through does make the process very expensive and maybe Shawn didn't have the money. I paid 1, 800, which seems so high to me, but she was the first breeder I saw and I just decided to get the puppy. I am glad I found our puppy, even if Shawns breeding practices leave a lot to be desired. I do think her pups come from good stock - they are beautiful.