Kinship Companion review: sold us a sick puppy 37

In the fall of 2102, my daughter paid over $1200.00 cash to Christy and her husband, Chuck, for a Berner puppy. They wouldn't let us see any puppies she had and said she would pick a puppy that would be perfect for her and her life style. When we picked up the puppy, it was filthy. When we were in the room talking to the family and getting to know the puppy, who by the way was six months old, the lights were low and everyone one spoke in a hushed tone. Then the daughter spoke in a normal tone, the puppy hid and Christy told her daughter to speak quietly. My daughter and her husband signed the multi page contract and she and her husband left with the puppy they named Roger. The next day, she gave Roger a bath and she took Him to the vet. One of her concerns was he had very bad diarrhea. At the vet's office and after the exam, she could hear the Vet and the Tech talking in the room next to her. They were concerned about the condition of Roger and the fact that he was filled with parisites and had been treated for intestinal worm with a medication that had not been used in at least three years and also had hip problems. Later that after noon, she invited a freind over to meet Roger. When her friend started talking to Roger, he barked at her and hid behind my daughters legs. Twice when she walked Roger, he growled at people who went to pet him. She called to discuss these issues with Christy and guess what...Christy couldn't talk to her because she was taking care of her sick husband and daughter. So, she called two trainers and both said that Roger showed signs of being aggressive and said he probably was not socialized correctly or early enough in his life. When Christy finally talked to her, she told my daughter that SHE had made Roger act that way. I am not sure how it was my daughters fault, but Christy said it was. As far as the barking and growling at people, that was also my daughter's fault. She said the hip issue was because Roger was a puppy and any vet that knew any thing, know that hip issues could not be detected until a puppy is at least two years old and done growing. She refused to talk to my daughter after that. So, after having Roger for four days, she and her husband retuned him to Kinship Companions. They decided they could not have an aggressive dog that was afraid of and couldn't be trusted around people. Even though my daughter was not given any money back, she knew Roger was a dog with many health and personality issue that she and her husband were not able to deal with. Christy never took any responsibility for the issues that Roger had and after the phone conversation that she blamed all of Rogwrs issues on my daughter, she never talked to my daughter again. I know that Chriaty and Chuck knew exactly the kind of dog they were selling to my daughter and son in law. There were so many red flags in this story that we should have seen, but we didn't. After retuning Roger, my daughter and son in law adopted a mutt from a rescue. They now have a beautiful German Shepard/Saint Bernard mixed dog that is a great dog and has no issues what so ever. They say that they have a $1200.00 mutt :). In my estimation, if you buy a dog from Christy or Kinship Companions, you are asking for trouble. They get your money anyway they can and then you will never see them again. They are dishonest people that care about no one but themselves. I feel very, very sad for Christy and her children. She is teaching her children how to be dishonest, just as she is. So sad for all of them.

I don't have a complaint re; the health of our Bernese Mountain Dog purchased from Kinship Companions. I had some rather important questions regarding his first few weeks.
When I first inquired as to the availability of a male Berner, I was told they didn't have one presently. My response was that we would wait for the next litter and would like to be considered at that time. Within two days, I received an email from Christy informing me they did have one. They had turned down a potential family, and their "little man" was available. We jumped in the car on Saturday and drove 4 1/2 hours from Menomonie to Sheboygan to get him. Understanding he was either the runt (non derogatory) of the litter he appeared very shy. As people that have raised dogs and had many dogs over the years we were confident in our ability to help him through this difficult time.
My question came in as to what happened to him between the age of 8 weeks and 15 weeks when we picked him up? To this day I don't have that answer. This boy is very undersized at 80-85 pounds, and is extremely skittish. He is afraid of his own shadow, noises and every person in the world other than my wife and I. We spent hours trying to socialize him and help him become comfortable with life in general. Today is 4 years later, he is still frightened by sounds he can't identify, every person in the world other than my wife and I, despite our best efforts to socialize him. I can't help but think this boy was placed prior to us, and it had to have been a really bad place for him. We wouldn't give him up for the world, but, sure would have liked to have known what really happened to make him available to us. We may be the best place for him, and we certainly love him despite his flaws. I did try to call Christy on a few occasions, only to be met with she isn't available right now, she's sleeping, or just no answer at all. Did I ever get mad enough to want to give him back? No. I just wanted and still do want to know what happened to him to create such a squirrely guy.

Just deal with the fact Kinship produces awesome puppies. Slandering this breeder is only going to bite you all in the ###. God does not like ugly. It is so obvious to me that the same person keeps logging in and slandering this great breeder because they can't deal with the fact that Kinship is the best place to buy Goldens and Berners. What a lonely miserable life you must have. I am going to continue spreading the word about how wonderful Kinship is and I will be buying another puppy there in the future. Your negative posts will not damage them. Trust me. The puppies from Kinship will win!

Kinship Lies. I'm sorry that your puppy was one of a select few that may have become sick, but did you ever even own a puppy from Kinship? You never state the name of your beloved puppy or state how old it was when it passed. Are you just vengeful or did you truely have a problem? I'm sorry that you feel that they didn't take the proper actions, but let me ask you . What was it that was wrong with the puppy? Are you sure its a hereditary problem or is it possible that there are other contributors to its illness? Did you do any research on Kinship Companions that you know of these same issues from others and if so why did you go ahead with purchasing a puppy from them? You are rather vague on what you are complaining about. How can they defend themselves against something or someone if the problem isn't actually stated? How long after purchasing this puppy did it become visibly ill?
As i said before i honestly do believe that the Mikulas go above and beyond to provide and take care of these dogs. Just today a momma dog went into labor and had a bit of difficulty with her first pup. Within minutes Christy had the pup and was on her way to the vet. Thanks to Christy this puppy has survived and is doing quite well.
As for your thought about the kids being put up to providing these positive feedback on this page...well all i can say is grow up. Kinship Companions have no need to do this. They have plenty of very happy customers that will proudly defend a wonderful business and family. Please move on with your life.

I completely agree with Thud! There seems to be several praises for Kinship after complaints. However, they don't take the time to test their dogs to make sure they are healthy, not just saying they are. They make almost $2000 a dog. Why can't they get their dogs tested? Because they are GREEDY and don't want to spend the money to make sure they are producing quality dogs. Instead, they say they have a "low rate" of defects. And they are full of excuses. Someone is always sick, etc. And, amy_123, it's great you are a "personal friend" to Kinship and they supposedly love their dogs as they do their children. If that were true they would do everything in their power to be responsible breeders and make sure they were producing healthy dogs. Even with defects, they make excuses and then continue to breed the same dogs who produced unhealthy pups. That unhealthy pup is placed with a family who falls in love with the dog and they either pay huge vet bills or lose their beloved pet. Irresponsible, shady, greedy breeders who care only about how much money they can make. Reputable breeders have no complaints or resolve any issues they do have with their pups. These people lie and deceive, and make excuses for breeding dogs with poor health. After a couple of issues, a reputable breeder would take steps necessary to make sure it didn't happen again. Sad, sad, sad! I hope anyone interested in buying from these people READ THE COMPLAINTS and don't buy into the falsified praise given on here, which is most likely the owners or one of their several children.

Maybe "THUD" is the original complainer in the first place?! I am thoroughly impressed with our puppy from Kinship! I saw this complaint before we got our puppy from them and to be honest it made me hesitant but my curiousity got the better of me (thank goodness). All of the comments "for" the breeder are from people that realize how detrimental one complaint can be. Maybe when you are more worldly knowledgeable you will understand...for now...Our puppy is top of the line, obedience, hunting, farm dog, house dog, gets along with kids and cats...there isn't anything our dog can't do! He can go all day with me on the run, or lay around the house and not do damage. Happy is in our dogs eyes all of the time!

Thud- First of all, WE choose to leave POSITIVE comments in response to this slander, because we BELIEVE in the INTEGRITY of the Breeder. PERIOD.

Kinship Companions is the definition of a reputable/responsible breeding program. The only thing that seems obvious here is that someone is logging on with different 'anonymous' names and attempting to dirty the reputation of this business/family. SHAME on them. and Remember--- Karma is a ###!

I own a Golden from Oct 2009 litter--- she is the sweetest, most gentle, and HEALTHY girl. We had such a positive experience with the breeder, that we even encouraged my parents' to select another female in summer of 2010. My family has expereince with breeding, and we took great pains to not only select a good fit for a dog--- but to support a breeder who has impeccable morals and strength of character. We ABSOLUTLEY back this breeder, and are current members of the Golden Retriever Club of America.

We are the proud & most appreciative owners of a now 41/2 year old European Golden delight! We researched & did our homework prior to getting in touch with Christy & Chuck once we had made the decision that we were ready to adopt our 3rd Golden Retriever. Right from the very first inquiry we learned what professional dog breeders Chuck & Christy were and are! As much as we were so anxious to make a decision and come and get our puppy we soon learned that this time we were working with the most hard working, dedicated and caring breeders we had ever worked with. Christy takes her time and researches her families to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes that are ready and prepared for the responsibility of all that goes into a lifetime of caring for and enjoying a family pet. Christy demands in the most professional way that each of her perspective adoptive families has the proper yard, ability and mind set to give the dogs the care they are all deserving of. As much as this is a full time business for Chuck & Christy never ever is the welfare of any of their puppies compromised for the mere sale of a dog. Christy & Chuck dedicate their lives to filling and completing the real of dog loving families lives with the most perfect, healthy puppies ever! Their facility is the most immaculate facility any breeder could ever provide for their dogs! Most schools, daycare facilities and homes are not as clean as where Kindship puppies and dogs call home. As I mentioned in the beginning of this letter, our Golden is our 3rd Golden and the best, most secure from day one, dog we have ever owned. All of these fine attributes are only because of the philosophy which is applied to the breeding that Chuck & Christy use in their most professional business. My own kids say that our dog actually came more trained the day we picked him up from Kindship Companions than he is now. We can not say enough about the wonderful job that Christy & Chuck do on a daily 24/7 basis with their puppies & dogs. We are all better off for the job that these 2 people and their beautiful and hard working family have done to provide each of us with our very special and beautiful dogs! We highly recommend Kindship Companions to everyone and anyone who asks us where we got our beautiful loving dog from!

Our experience with Kinship Companions has been nothing but professional, accommodating and over all a wonderful. We adopted "Jake" our American Golden. He was and remains a healthy, fun loving dog. He is now almost 5 yrs old. That is why when we decided to adopt a 2nd pup, we obviously went with Kinship because we already felt we could trust them. When he first brought our baby "Finn" home, he had worms. At first I felt somewhat upset, however still did the right thing by calling Christy late in the evening about our concerns, she and her husband were very understanding and said this is (unfortunately) sometimes happens, I don't blame them for that. It just so happens we had just taken Finn to the Vet earlier that day, and they tested him for worms, so our vet gave him a de-worming, by the end of the night, Finn has gotten rid of that worm. I never felt that they were pushing the blame of themselves for something like this happening, they were very comforting, very knowledgeable to us. Finn is almost 12 mos. old now, and is thriving. He is such a active pup! We love both our Goldens from Kinship companions, so I find it so hard to believe this couple could be so cold and calculating. While I can only speak of my experience with this company, I would have to disagree with these slanderous comments. I'm sure if they felt a bit responsible for selling a sick puppy to someone, they would do the right thing! We are content with our 2 dogs, however somewhere down the road if Kinship is still in business, we will return to them.

Our experience with Kinship has been wonderful. I, along with other members of my family own 4 of their "retired mama's". They each are approximately 7 years old and are the most loving, beautiful, gentle and, I must add, HEALTHY dogs! I've sometimes wondered if the "sick" puppy may have come from one of them since the age of our dogs fits the time frame which makes it very likely. All I can say is IF it did, there is NO INDICATION that one of these dogs could produce anything other than fabulously healthy and joyful offspring! Sorry to hear that someone had to experience the rare misfortune of a sick pup, but slandering such a wonderful breeder is not the way to resolve the issue. I know that Kinship loves each one of their animals and I have never seen such a beautifully run "dog farm". It is not a "mill". I was so impressed by the fact that I too had to go through the long application process and lengthy conversations with Christy before I was "approved" to adopt an adult dog who was being "retired"! They cared deeply about each one of them and cried upon parting with them as if they were each their personal pets! It's been almost 2 years since we adopted the first and second ones, and a year since we got the other two. I couldn't be more pleased with our beautiful girls! I can't believe that any one of them could produce anything but bundles of joy! And I am completely convinced that Kinship Companions believes the same! Sorry for the complainer's pain... but for your sake... move on. The bitterness will only bring more harm to yourself. The rest of us who know the truth will continue to send our friends and family to Kinship to find the most amazing companions that money can buy and Kinship will be one of the most successful and respected breeders in this country!

My family adopted Max, a golden retriever from Kinship Companions almost 2 1/2 years ago. He is in perfect health, and his temperment is the best of any dog I have ever encountered. His breeding was careully planned by Christy and her family, and his pedigree proves the thought and love that went into every dog on that paper. I have people stop me EVERYWHERE I go and ask where this beautiful, gentle HEALTHY dog came from, and I without hesitation respond "Kinship Companions"! I owuld go back to her in a heartbeat if we ever want another golden!

We got our Berner From Kinship Companion in February of this year. Lexi is almost 6 months old and the best dog we could have ever asked for. When my Fiance filled out the application it gave me the feeling that Christy and Chuck were not going to give their puppies to just anyone. They want the perfect home for each puppy. We drove over 14 hours round trip to pick up Lexi and would drive all around the world for her. When we got to Kinship and met Christy and Chuck they were very welcoming and answered any questions we had for them with no hesitation. They gave us a folder of all the shots, all the tests, and all of the previous vet visits so that we knew where Lexi stood health wise. We brought her to our vet within a week to get her checked up on and the Vet said she was 100% a healthy dog and even commented on how extensive the information that Christy and Chuck gave us to help keep Lexi's health perfect. To this day there has never been any health issues with Lexi. She is the most LOVED dog by every one around us with the best personality you can get out of a dog. Every day she does something new that makes us smile and love her more! I post photos of her on facebook all the time and Christy is always there to respond! Even though we do not live any where near them, Christy has still been able to watch her grow through the photos she sees and she is still so involved with Lexi. Training her was so easy! She was kennel trained within 2 days and potty trained within 2 weeks. We couldn't be happier with our experience with Christy and Chuck and kinship companions. They are not just friends they are family. We recommended them to a vet tech that is looking for a Berner and we will recommend them to any one!

and just an FYI, we purchased a Golden Retriever from Kinship Companions. Our friends (with 4 kids under the age of 5) also got a Golden from Kinship Companions because of how amazed they were with ours and our personal experience working, with Christy.

We adopted the MOST WONDERFUL puppy from this breeder a year ago and Kinship Companions has been absolutely WONDERFUL, PROFESSIONAL, and COMPASSIONATE, to work with and recommend them to everyone we come across wanting an EXCELLENT dog from this top rated breeder of humane animal treatment and care. Christy has become a personal friend through our original puppy purchase and we could not have asked for a more loving doggie for our little family (our kids are ages 2 and 1) from temperament to quality. Can't wait to get another puppy from her in a few years!

First, I'd like to say I'm sorry to the people who had a sick puppy . That had to be a awful thing to go through when you fall in LOVE with your puppy at first sight. And then to loose the little one. I can clearly see that you want someone to take notice... I would too. I got my little Daisy (English Cream Golden ) from kinship in March 2012 from my husband for my 50th birthday. The application took me over in hour to do and I felt well worth it . I could tell by the application that this breeder took a lot of time to think about where her puppies would be. We talked a couple times and I truly felt she was a compassionate person . Chrisy knew I worked at a Elementary School and wanted to do therapy with my dog. My husband and I went to see Daisy and felt Christy and her husband were honest and took lots of time talking with us and answering question . She totally made us feel like a friend and that we could call or FB or email with any questions. I have FB her many times asking her questions about training and telling her about how silly Daisy is, and she has always got back to me. Daisy is 5 months, very happy and smart. I really hope this situation works out . Unkind words and bitterness tends to hurt us more than anyone else. I hope you find a new Golden to love, not that it could ever, ever replace the one you had.

I don't personally own a puppy from Kinship Companions but I am a personal friend. I visit their house about once a week and constantly see Christy and Chuck obsessing over these puppies. They care no less about their puppies than they do their own children. Let's face it these puppies are their children. I know for a fact that they do everything in their power to make sure that these pups are well cared for down to using organic cleaning supplies. If a puppy of theirs that was placed has become sick...let's face it this is a fact of life and is going to happen... I know they would do everything in their power to help bring him/her back to good health. Shame to the original poster for not being adult about this and taking the proper actions in private towards Kinship Companions. instead of being childish and trying to ruin a hard working family and their livelihood.

Kinship companions does not do any testing on their dogs! Since they have obviously had some health issues with puppies they have bred, a responsible breeder would want to ensure that they were producing healthy puppies. If a dog doesn't pass health clearances they should not be bred. You have to TEST them before you know. When asked about their health clearances, they are vague in their responses, then stop responding altogether. A reputable breeder would make sure their dogs have no health problems. Since they have had complaints, what they should do is admit that they did not follow the appropriate procedures before but are changing that from this point forward and getting all of their dogs tested and providing clearances. They charge up to $1800 for their puppies. The tests are not that expensive, and would show good faith effort on their part. It is irresponsible to be breeding dogs with no clearances, especially with a history of problems. It is obvious they only care about making money and not about producing healthy puppies that will live long, quality lives. A moral person would change their methods after one health problem, and its obvious they have had several, as well as several names for their business over the last 10 years. Hmmm. Then they get defensive and refuse to tske responsibility for their neglegence! SHAME ON KINSHIP COMPANIONS!

I find this comment judemental. I have a WONDERFUL pup, Stella from Kinship Companions that I had flown all the way to Florida over a year and a half ago and the relationship I built with Christy, owner, was an amazing one. Kinship LOVES their puppies and their oweners. When I was in the adoption stage Christy and I spent WEEKS talking through the "what ifs", I mean come on, it is life and things happen and it isn't something Kinship could predick. Anyway, we talked about what could happen, pup getting sick or something. I knew there was a chance, just like there could be a chance when you have your own child. You have to take ownership of your child. I can't imagine for one minute that they ignored this person. I am contact with the Kinship family monthly, on a pup level and a family level and they are the most loving and caring people I have EVER meet. Shame on people that come onto these web-sites and through there words out like this. This is Kinships love of work. I understand how upsetting it must be to have this pup sick but please don't bash these people, you knew when you signed those papers that there was a chance the dog could get sick. Handle it, like any real mom would. I would never bash them or tell them they owe me or need to fix it. Stell is my baby and I will take care of her until the day she dies. WE LOVE YOU KINSHIP and my son, 4, loves you for giving her to us. We would recommend you to anyone! May god bless you and your family and hope you find another puppy and I hope you have a learned a lesson, god would not want you bashing, own up...

We adopted our first dog from Kinship Companions in 2009 and it was the best experience we have ever had. Christy and her family are wonderful to work with, so professional in every dealing we have had with them and have a broad range of knowledge on dog breeding and health and care. We had a nightmare experience with another breeder in the Madison area when we adopted our last Golden in 2000--actually ended up having to go to court to have the entire mess straightened out--so we were very careful in choosing the next breeder we worked with. Kinship Companions stood head and shoulders above everyone else we talked with and I interviewed breeders throughout the state and Illinois, MN and IN before making the choice to go with Christy. I literally cannot say enough good things about working with her. I would adopt again from Kinship Companions in a heartbeat--we have a wonderful, healthy, well-behaved loving dog and the entire experience was trouble-free. Whenever I had a question after I brought Finn home, Christy quickly responded. She was up-t0-date on current research and literature involving Goldens and was a great guide. We even drove the 2 hours from Kenosha to Christy's to have her family take care of him for 10 days when we went on vacation and it was worth every minute in the car. Anyone who is considering adopting a dog, I would recommend you spend time doing your research and talking with breeders before you make your choice and I am sure you will quickly realize, like I did, that Kinship Companions is both excellent and professional. When we decide to expand our Golden family I will be giving Kinship Companions a call.

Let me start by saying that only the immature point fingers and call names. Honestly, I get that from my 16 first graders every day and I would hope that adults would atleast be mature enough to handle problems above that of a first grader. Let us also becareful with what we say about other people, especially if we do not know them personaly. As a teacher I have students who tell things to their parents about things that happen in class that are an exaggeration. I have learned what is is like to be on the other end of the spectrum as a teacher, to deal with parents that do not know the whole story and question what is going on in the class rooms. It is the parents that are the greatesst blessing and encouragment to me that ask questions and find out the whole story instead of taking every word they hear from their child as the absolute truth. I know the family that runs Kinship for the past 26 years (long before this business was even thought of) and let me say that if anyone says anything about them that is untrue and exaggeration I know it. Not only have I spent many, many days helping them with their business first hand, I have seen and heard what goes on behind the scenes. For those of you that point fingers and don't know what your talking about becareful because I know what goes on and you do not. Yes things happen in life that we do not like and how we handle them says ALOT about our true character. Yes, we want to let others know when we have not been satisfied with something we have received, but these things do happen! and some things are out of the hands of those we buy them from. So the next time you are upset about something look at all your facts before you post something about it, because there are those of us who know the truth and will defend it.

I have had the BEST experience with Kinship Companions. They have been beyond informative, loyal, deficated and caring towards us a's well a's the puppies and dogs. We have purchased one dog from them and they placed an older dog with my mother who is getting older and was in need of z constant companion that was over the puppy stage. The dog came to her at age four and is the most gentle, well trained dog we have ever been around. That doesn't happen on it's own. That happens a's a result of the amazing environment that the dogs are in.
When we have questions. christy us avaiable night and day to answer them. She is intelligent and understands how to integrate a new dog into a new family. Mist breeders we have dealt with coils care less once the puppy is sold. Not kinship. It's been years and they still keep in touch.
I am very disheartened by the negative posts I have read and felt I had to respond. It is not fair to ruin a reputation that someone has worked VERY hard for. They have a family to raise and support and are doing everything they can to make their Customers happy. They are only human, mistakes or unhappiness can happen but don't ruin their entire business over this. It's wrong and unfair. Imagine if someone set out to ruin your life?
I highly recommend kinship if you are looking for a phenomenal breeder with a heart of gold.

My husband and I have raised dogs for 15 years. We have two dogs from Kinship Companions and I have known the owners for years. We can vouch that what is happening on this page is intended as revenge against the owners of Kinship Companions. It Is NOT an accurate reflection of who they are and it is not the truth about what has ever happened with one of their puppies. Anyone that knows the Mikulas knows that are dedicated to their children and animals in a way rarely seen and would never treat someone the way this site reads. I consider them family and I was able to be involved in this a little bit. I read the emails and documents and spent weeks helping them through this. They reviewed this matter with their attorney and have decided not to respond because of the malice of the person that wrote this and lack of integrity about the site itself. I respect them and I need to say some things in defense of these very good friends of mine.
Ok, first of all. The first post is a manipulated version of the truth. Yes, the dog was found to have a rare condition called situs inversus (which is a freak anomaly and has nothing to do with bad breeding)…BUT there is more to the story. This person “Watch out of Kinship” is very cunning. She doesn’t live like most of society. Her dogs have their own “wing” on their house. Her husband is an ATTORNEY and wealthy business man. They already owned two dogs and were trying to buy two more puppies at first from two different breeders. They tried to buy one from Kinship and one from another friend of mine at the same time. Then these two breeders found out about each other and because she already had a deposit Christy accepted her excuse and sold them one puppy-which I think was her only mistake-and when they got the puppy they loved it. I have seen tons of emails they sent through the year talking about how wonderful and loved their dog is and they even asked TWICE to buy another puppy. Then months and months later they email out of the blue and want to fly him across the county to return him because he is “defective”. And Christy was perfectly willing to do just that but then they find out that the issue wasn’t a “defect”, but an INJURY. I know it seems complicated, but right in the dog’s vet info you can see that the dog was fine and then ate a bunch of toys that got stuck in his gut. So what did the owner do? They took him to the emergency vet where they couldn’t find anything wrong -if he had a kidney issue and was messed up since they got him it would have showed up and they wouldn’t have done surgery- But they did an expensive surgery and took out a bunch of toys from his stomach. When the dog didn’t recover they blame Christy and Chuck and demand a puppy or money. What sense does that make? Just wait- there is more. The odd kidney thing “situs inversus” was considered an “incidental finding” and I know personally that it isn’t always a big deal because my first husband had it! That poor dog had a hard time because he almost died from the toy being in his gut for days and days and then had a surgery. MOST IMPORTANTLY just like they have failed to do here they intentionally left that information out! That is right- when she contacted Christy they said nothing about the tragic surgery that just happened because they knew how nice this family is and they knew that she would send them another puppy. Just like they did here the poster has intentionally and wrongfully omitted the fact that the “defect’ was found during an emergency surgery requiring days of emergency care due to ingestion of a rope toy. This poor dog didn’t suffer because of defect- it was an injury. THINK ABOUT THIS Obviously the dog was healthy or they wouldnt have spent all the money trying to find out what was wrong and then finding and removing a rope toy! AND THEY DIDN'T TALK ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT ANYONE INCLUDING YOU TO PUT 2 AND 2 TOGETHER. No wonder they have not been upfront about this. Anyone that sees the actually documents can see what really happened here. In 15 years I have seen few people that are this manipulative- but they are out there and they love to have pretty dogs too!
AND THEN they go online and claim Christy was “unresponsive”?!? Even though I can count over 100 emails between Kinship -in the end this person refused to sign the guarantee even though they tried to act like a guarantee was in place. This was no accident. Remember the husband is an attorney. The poster also complained to all sorts of honest agencies who found that Kinship did nothing wrong. So why did they turn to this site? What really breaks my heart is that this all started last year when Chuck and Christy were expecting a baby and having a very hard time with the pregnancy. Christy was in the hospital and everyone was just hoping for a successful pregnancy. Then I get a call from Christy crying. I thought she was calling to tell me they lost the baby. What she was so upset about was that this stuff is posted online about them even when JUST THE DAY BEFORE Chuck had emailed them asking for more evidence to their claim because what little records they sent contradicted their claims. Chuck and Christy couldn’t believe their own customer would lie to them. Chuck also asked that they stop being so unkind in their accusations because it was distressing to Christy. “Watch out for Kinship” had written Chuck back an email saying she would “pray” for her and send the records. The records never came and they knew she was pregnant and that this would only hurt them. This isn’t just my opinion. I’ve looked over all of the documents and helped Christy send them to all of the websites this slander was posted on so that she could deal with this while in bedrest with the pregnancy. EVERY SITE and agency removed or discredited the “complaints” except this “[redacted]” and it’s sister page “Complaints Board”. Which are nothing but cyber terrorism sites. The posts made on this site were not intended to “inform” readers. This site does not work toward diplomatic solution it just supports unkind motives and provokes ugly tit-for-tat behaviors. I don’t blame Chuck and Christy for not responding because whatever they say will just be put down and turned around because these people don’t care who they hurt. Ultimately these posts and the site itself are great ways for vindictive people to try and use extortion- defamation and slander against businesses and individuals like Kinship. I even did some research on that--The owner of [redacted] is a fraud and a cheat. He is an American but THIS SITE IS NOT HOSTED IN AMERICA which is why hundreds of Americans have pursued lawsuits against it for slander and emotional distress and have not been able to do anything. THE ADDRESS TO THIS WEBSITE IS A P.O BOX! The website refuses to remove posts unless you pay [redacted] $$$. Sad. Sad. Sad. I am not putting my name because I dont want to complicate it and I know people will say anything.
So If you are coming across this you are probably online shopping for a new puppy. I am asking you not to get caught up in the hysteria the poster or “posters” are trying to cause to ruin this familys reputation. If they had an honest complaint do you think this breeder would have a facility that is permitted and inspected and work with all of these excellent breeders and dogs? Would they still be placing puppies with educated people since this stuff was posted? If this WAS true and every governing agency that has already been involved in the matter was too stupid to handle it right-do you think the best info you would find would be from the one or “3” people on this site that think they are single handidly going to protect potential buyers? As if this breeder has somehow pulled the wool over the eyes of America? The person (or couple of people) complaining on this board think they have some sort of inside information about how terrible and bad this breeder is even though hundreds of other people LOVED working with Kinship Companions? So hundreds of people are just lucky? Or stupid? Are you reading this website to find out facts? Have you noticed that ANONYMOUS posters intentionally fail to mention WHAT the terrible illness was that their dog had? Notice they offer no evidence to their claim? No names. No details. They do not care about truth. They just hope to get to you emotionally so that they can get to the owners of Kinship. Chuck, Christy and their kids are selling puppies NOT refrigerators or exercise videos. If you think there isn’t a difference you shouldn’t buy a puppy at all because this family doesn’t deserve to deal with another person that doesn’t understand that every once in a while a puppy will get sick and breeders are not God. Oh--- and that Missouri post.---that one is a real gem! They’ve never even sold a dog to someone in Missouri. The person that wrote that one is another breeder that is being sued for slander because the idea of Kinship “not living up to their promises” is downright laughable.

Really people? Get a life. You have to be stupid to miss that "MJF14" has been obsessively coming back to this page for months. BUT they have never given any proof and no real condition or even a NAME.
I found this post before I got my puppy and called the BBB and they have nothing but good things to say about this breeder. AS DOES ANY SANE PERSON I HAVE TALKED TO and a lot of people I know have dogs from them. If you ask me I think "MJF14" is either another breeder trying to ruin Kinship because of how popular and established they are or it is the same person that posted the original post and is trying to stir up a bunch of trouble to validate herself claiming a lot of people agree with her. "All four of us"?!?!? Who would that be? I count 3 and no one even posted any real facts or id. And this "MJF14" thinks it is so important to "warn people", but she didn't post anything until someone else posted something? How exactly does that happen? This website is nothing but the National Inquirer and you have to have some real trust issue to believe that AKC, BBB, and hundreds of other people that know the owners of Kinship are anything like these no-body's claim. You people "complaining" are nothing but a bunch of cowards and bullies. This is all a bunch of slander.
I must add one more thing. If you do not breed dogs and have never bred dogs don"t act like you know everything about breeding! The AKC does do kennel inspections! Look it up!

Nope; you are wrong. Not just 1 person; 4 of us. And, not all female. I am sure many of their puppies are healthy. Ours were not.

As for the picture of the puppy you submitted, the rest of us got Golden Retrievers from Kinship, not Bernese Mountain Dogs.

well its mostly one pissed girl who is mad cuz she thinks that it was sick but kinship is VERY good service GREAT
Puppys and noting wrong and if you dont believe me here is one GREAT HEALTHY FRIENDLY puppy

A comment to the above reference to the American Kennel Club. Yes, it's primary service is to function as the largest and most respected registry of purebred dogs in North American. Moreover, it is an organization which provides presidency in quality control amongst the dogs produced under its registration. They are the only organization that requires DNA testing, and implements the use of such to prove legacies. No, AKC is not in charge of policing or arbitrating civil debates, but it surpasses it's duty in upholding the reputation of the purebred dog in the United States.

No other registry requires frequent and often spontaneous inspections of the quality/care of dogs, facility, and paperwork kept by breeders. While they cannot persecute "puppy mills" they work similar to the bar association in the keeping of standards and are quick to withdraw registration rights and impose strict financial penalties if there are inconsistencies. AKC is filling the gap between state legislations.

As previously mentioned, this particular breeder received an extensive inspection recently and as with all inspections was found to be above expectation. It is also clear when looking at their dogs pedigrees that these are dogs of very fine quality thus we will see very fine puppies being produced unless God and nature see it differently. The quality of lineage this breeder is working with (International Champions, and world renowned lines) can not be ruined with one breeding to the degree they are being accused. Having spoken to this breeder at length I can't imagine they would heartlessly ignore a client. I can however imagine the heartbreak they have experienced seeing people they entrusted their puppies to choosing to slander their name in such a shameless and unregulated public manner. There must be more to the story in these complaints. Did this breeder refuse to take the puppy back? Was there something wrong with the puppy that had more to do with the period of ownership by the complainant, than their breeding?

I know the owners of Kinship companions personally, and can attest to the fact that they take their puppies and their reputation very personally. I have seen Christy holding and comforting her females in between giving birth, and crying while cradling a pup that doesn't make it. It breaks their heart every time. They have built their business by considering what is the best for their dogs. Every time I see them I am impressed with the way they have their kennels and whelping pens set up. As business owners, they do have to protect themselves with a contract just like any other business owner would do, and they need to keep to the terms of the contract, as do the buyers. Sometimes unfortunately that means someone will not get what they want, but if the contract is mutually agreed upon, then both parties must abide by the terms.

I know they are not a mill, and I am sure some people have had a good experience in dealing with them. I am glad you are one of the people who received a healthy dog.

But as with others who posted here, my pup CAME to me ill. The initial poster's pup had a genetic disease. I don't blame the breeders for this completely, as puppies are living creatures, and some things are "out of our hands". The major complaint here is NOT with the dogs, but with the response of the breeder, which was basically, "it is not our fault; deal with it".

First let tell the owners of the sick puppies that I am sorry for thier pain.

I have been to Kinship Comapnions' kennels and this is NOT A PUPPY MILL. The facilities are immaculent and the dogs are well cared for.

The owners do care very much about thier dogs as well as thier reputation.

Akc as part of thier vigilance against puppy mills goes to any breeder that has the number of litters anually that this breeder produces .They check thier kennels, the condition of the dogs and thier health records. This breeder is in good standing with Akc. Akc has been to this kennel and gave them a clean bill of health; As a matter of fact the Akc comment was that there was nothing that this breeder could do to improve thier operation.

I have purchased a puppy from kinship and have found the owners to open and approachable. I signed a contract at the time that I purchased my puppy and for me the wording was quite clear. In addition to the contract the breeder personally stressed to me the importance of having my puppy well checked as soon as I got her home. Did the people complaining do this? Did the vet at that time tell them that there was a problem ? Was the puppy diagnosed at this time? There are many things that I personally find left out and to our imaginations. Lets face it unforunately when presented with an unfavorable statement we generally tend to believe just what we hear and not even ask for all the information.

My understanding of this complaint is that the owners had no trouble with puppy until after a surgery brought on by the puppy having swallowed a toy.

I am not a personal friend with this breeder I am only speaking from my personal experience.

Although everyone is intitled to thier opinions and anyone who after fairly trying to deal with any beeder and finding no mutual conclusion should share thier experiences and warn people. We should remember that we are all reasponisible for researching any purchase. As prudent people there are ways of checking a dog's genetic back ground before purchasing the dog.

Dogs like people can have physical issues in thier life times. We can't hold our parents responsible for things beyond thier knowledge is it fair to blame breeders for things beyond thier knowledge? From the paper work on my dog I know that they do conduct DNA testing on at least some of thier dogs. I also know that they take the responsibility of breeding thier dogs very personally, and that thier reputation is very important to them.

I have enough faith in this breeder that I am going to be using thier services again.

First of all, I would not begin to compare my challenges with my sick puppy with ANYONE who has challenges with a handicapped child. And I don't think anyone who posted a complaint on this board thinks these stated problems are the worst things we could be dealing with.

This board is only here to warn others about problems we have had, FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED. You obviously are not interested. People also complain about vacuums, appliances, cars, etc. on this board, again, only to let others know. Did you post your message on those boards as well?

We who posted here got puppies that are very sick. All of us are keeping our puppies, and doing all we can to help them get better, because bottom line, we love them! But, we are warning others; some of the Kinship puppies seem to have conditions that ARE genetic, and if anyone is considering purchasing a puppy from them, they would probably appreciate this information.

And yes, there are two sides to every story, but Kinship chooses to "keep quiet", and has no apparent interest in "getting involved" once the puppy leaves their property. Again, NONE of us would give these wonderful dogs up for anything, and we are all doing all we can. But it would be negligent of us not to warn other people, should they be looking for breeder.

Is this what the world has really come too? I wish you all could experience having a handicapped child! Would you write a post on a complaint board about your child too? Or would you stop trying to find blame and deal with the issue at hand?! People are always trying to find a reason to point the finger at someone else, to lay blame on the breeder or genetics. I think perhaps you all need to do a little research on hip issues you might just find that it can be environmental as well as genetic. As the parent of a severely handicapped child you learn that some things in this world are not perfect but you make the best of it and love regardless! Breeders are not GOD and only he decides who will be perfect in this life. I do know there is two sides to every story.

What dogs were the parents of these sick pups? Wondering if there is a genetic link between them?

We brought our puppy home from Kinship Companions towards the end of last year. I just had her "fixed" and was told by the vet that she has severe hip dysplasia. We have to consult with an expert as soon as possible to determine whether or not she's a candidate for triple pelvic osteotomy (sp.). We've been warned that her sockets might be too shallow to do anything.

Our pup also come to us sick. And one sickness led to another, because of the initial compromised immune system. The puppy eventually recovered, but this was after a couple of thousand dollars were spent at the vet. Kinship was very defensive, and took no responsibility, even though my vet was certain it was a condition (or shall I say conditions) that had been with the puppy for quite some time. I didn't want my money back, nor did I want to return to pup. Just a little help with the vet bills, or a "step up to the plate" on their part.

We usually get our Goldens because they are "unwanted" by others. They have never had the health problems we have encountered with this pure bred, very expensive dog. However, he is a sweetie, and I wouldn't give him up for anything. I am glad we have him, because we were able to financially see him through his illnesses!

This is horrible. I have heard from others in the community that this breeder is poor in response and never lives up to their promises. STAY AWAY FROM KINSHIP.

By Still Disgruntled
Missouri