Annette M.

READ the ENTIRE 10 (ten) page contract before sending any money to this AKC "Breeder of Merit". Her contract brings micromanagement to a new level and effectively voids any of the generous guarantees she proffers on her website. READ the website like a contract, because Laura considers it to be a legal document and hides the most important information at the bottom of verbose pages. She even includes a clause stating that badmouthing her online voids the warranty and gives her reason to repossess the dog. Why would a reputable breeder need to put a clause like that in a contract? The microchip of the dog that she sent us, does not match the microchip number on the contract nor on the AKC application.
She provides references, but keep in mind that these references are people who intend to title her dogs and enhance her "Breeder of Merit" status. If you want a high quality dog that will be a loyal member of your family go elsewhere, especially if you want your heirs to inherit the dog (she reserves the right to repossess the dog if you die). If you want a lifelong relationship allowing Laura to dictate every aspect of you dog's life - but an About Time Corso. If you want a show dog and don't mind going through a few "poor representatives of the breed" to get one, buy from Laura. If you want to show in ICCF events, go elsewhere, they had the good sense to suspend her. In my book, that makes ICCF more credible than AKC.

The general opinion of the uneducated public is that AKC papers mean that the dog is higher quality than those who do not qualify for the coveted "papers." We recently filed a complaint against About Time Cane Corsos for sending us a pup whose microchip number is different from that on the paperwork. AKC would not even investigate. Instead, a committee devoted to the investigation of impure breeding decided based ONLY on pictures the dog that we believe to be a boxer mix is simply a "poor representative of the breed." Yet, About Time remains a "Breeder of Merit" in spite of producing poor quality dogs and failing to keep accurate records. Given that the AKC prides itself on being the "DMV" of dogs I am surprised that the mismatch on microchip numbers went unnoticed. However, unfortunately, their lack of concern that one of their "Breeders of Merit" is producing poor quality animals did not surprise me - on all of their websites, including the page promoting "reputable" breeders who paid to be there, AKC posts a disclaimer about the quality of the animals these breeders produce. AKC papers may come at a high cost, but are worthless.