I can’t believe I fell for it, except that I just wanted it to be true.
After losing my lovely boy earlier this year, I finally got the point of thinking I might be ready for a new dog. Don’t really want a puppy or to pay crazy puppy prices. On Sunday, saw a listing for a 3yo boy, owner claimed to need to rehome because of changes in work, i.e. can’t wfh. Low price because more important to find loving family etc. Lots of photos of dog in a family home, with toys, out in the garden etc.
Asked me to message on WhatsApp, where we exchanged a long conversation. Asked about where the dog would sleep, who would be primary carer, were their children, would I love him. Did I have experience with dogs. All the questions you’d want a real owner to ask. Hearted the photos of my previous dog.
Would I send £50 deposit for him to take listing down. Fine. Arranged to meet the dog today, with the plan for me to bring him home after my holiday in a couple of weeks. Turned up today - not known at the address, no reply to WA or a phone call, listing gone, WA blocked.
The bank have refunded the deposit. I have wasted an afternoon, and fallen in love with a little dog who I can’t ever have.
No results from a reverse image search of Google, so maybe it is his actual dog, but it’s certainly not for sale.
Things I wish I’d done:
- Stuck with messaging via the Pets4Homes site not WA.
- Said I would bring cash deposit today not made transfer.
- Listened to my gut a bit more. There were things which sounded too good to be true, but I ignored them because I wanted them to be true,
Things I’m glad I didn’t do:
- Give him my name and address when he said he was going to transfer the microchip to my name.
Stay careful out there, everyone!