“Rana, it’s over.”
Sadly and with tears in her eyes, she agreed. There would be no “Hershey.”
It was a very detailed and elaborate pet scam and my PILL (partner in love & life) was almost a victim. It broke her heart, but I’m very pleased to say that her tale has a happy ending.
It started about three months ago when Rana’s beloved dogs, Muffin and then golden doodle Daisy went to that “Rainbow Bridge” after being a part of her life for over a dozen years.
I inherited the two canines when I moved into Rana ‘s home. Based on seniority, I knew my place between her and those “fur-babies.”
But now the house was dog-free. For Rana, the silence was deafening. For Yours Truly however, I was beginning to live my dream: Life begins when the last child leaves for college…and the dog dies.”
I sensed that my celebration would be short-lived. Especially since my Ladylove remarked (on more than one occasion – way more than one) that she has never been without a dog.
Within the week, she was online looking for dogs at rescues, animal shelters and breeders. After many, many hours of intense research, she found one.
The breeder’s (who we will call SOB) Facebook page stated that he had a new litter of Shih Tzu pups. Instantly Rana fell in love.
As shown on the front page, it was a chocolate brown pup and SOB advised (always by text or email) that she selected the “pick of the litter.” Rana asked me “what do you think?” (as if I had a say) while reminding me that her birthday was rapidly approaching.
She told SOB that “Hershey” would have a forever home in our Sun City community.
“Not so fast,” SOB texted as he had questions and reservations. SOB had to be sure that Rana was a “responsible” owner and that she had the means to take care of the pup. That included (among other requirements) a fenced-in backyard.
Rana faithfully and immediately answered all questions and even provided photos to assure SOB that Hershey would be properly taken care of.
And there was one more thing. Rana had to sign and return the official “Certificate of Sales/Change of Ownership” document. You can guess how fast Rana downloaded the form, signed it and told me to get my fat butt off the recliner, and scan/send it back now.
SOB claimed that he lived in Elko and that Hershey would be delivered on Monday. Preparing for her new addition, Rana visited numerous pet stores purchasing various dog beds, toys, treats and the required puppy food.
Seeing my PILL that Sunday evening was like watching my sons anxiously awaiting Santa’s arrival on Christmas a generation ago.
Rana woke up early that Monday morning and when I entered the kitchen an hour later, (and before my morning coffee) the look on her face said it all. Per the very late night email, SOB’s mother suddenly died and Hershey’s arrival might be delayed.
There was, however, a Plan B. SOB’s very trusted and often used delivery company would now transport Hershey.
The company required that the transport be via an air-conditioned crate. Renting the crate would cost $700.00, although there would be a 90% refund.
As only my Rana could do, she then engaged in a series of extended emails questioning why there would be a fee; especially since the air-conditioned crate would be under the sole control of the delivery company.
Rana was fast becoming annoyed (and concerned). After downing my 2nd cup of coffee, I contacted our Vegas Voice pet columnist Annoula Wylderich for guidance.
Annoula advised that the so-call Certificate was bogus. Additionally she had contacts in Elko and offered (with our thanks and ever-lasting appreciation) to check out SOB’s address.
Within the hour it all came together. The residence was an abandoned property, and then came the fatal, final blow from SOB and the delivery company – payment had to be made by gift card.
The Vegas Voice has been saying, screaming and warning for years that you never, never, NEVER pay by gift cards. Rana (despite hoping otherwise) had no choice but to recognize and accept that the entire adventure was a scam. No dog, no Hershey.
Now the only thing worse than a brokenhearted Rana is a very angry one. She’s now in favor of the death penalty and I have no doubt that if SOB is ever caught, my Ladylove would happily strap him into that chair and flip the switch…twice.
But as I said, there’s a happy ending. Two days later Rana arrived home with “Jenni.”
Jenni is a Shichon, a 50/50 hybrid of a Shih Tzu and Bichon. All I can say is that if I ever had a dog like that growing up in the Bronx, I would have been called a sissy and laughed at (if not worse).
Rana’s smile, however, says it all.
Yes, one dream for me disappeared, but have to admit I’m living another: Happy PILL, It’s a Thrill.
