Statement from Manager of Shake A Paw stores Marc Jacobs

On Oct.3 Shake A Paw sold "Buttons," a Chihuahua puppy weighing approximately one pound (a normal weight for the breed) to Ms. Frances Castaldo. Ms. Castaldo called Shake A Paw on October 5 because Buttons was not eating well, and again on October 7th because Buttons had loose stool. On both occasions, Shake A Paw provided Ms. Castaldo with advice and recommendations on feeding and caring for Buttons which, because Chihuahuas are very small to begin with, required extra care and attention. Shake A Paw also recommended taking Buttons to a veterinarian.

On Oct. 9 Ms. Castaldo took Buttons to Veterinary Emergency Group in Tarrytown where, according to what Ms. Castaldo told Shake A Paw, she was advised by a veterinarian there to euthanize the puppy. Shake A Paw pleaded with Ms. Castaldo to get a second opinion. On October 11th, Ms. Castaldo took Buttons to West Hills Animal Hospital in Huntington where Buttons was admitted and treated for a parasitic condition. Buttons was released and sent home on Oct. 17th and, to the best of Shake A Paw's knowledge, is doing well.

Shake A Paw covered the veterinary charges for the six days that Buttons was treated at West Hills, and has offered to reimburse Ms. Castaldo's veterinary expenses for Veterinary Emergency Group, up to the purchase price of the puppy, as required by the New York Pet Lemon Law. Ms. Castaldo has submitted a bill which substantially exceeds the purchase price of the puppy, and despite repeated requests, has not provided any veterinary records from Veterinary Emergency Group or an "unfit for purchase" certificate. The Pet Lemon Law provides that a customer who timely provides an unfit for purchase certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is entitled to return the puppy for a full refund of the purchase price or keep the puppy and receive reimbursement of reasonable veterinary bills up to the amount of the purchase price. Alternatively, the customer can return the puppy and take home another puppy.

On many occasions, Shake A Paw has gone beyond the requirements of the Pet Lemon Law in order to assure customer satisfaction, and it is willing to do so here. But Shake A Paw needs Ms. Castaldo's cooperation in providing information that has been reasonably requested – in this case, the veterinary records -- which would show the condition of Buttons when seen at Veterinary Emergency Group, the various tests that were ordered, the diagnosis, and the recommended treatment plan.

Shake A Paw understands that it is perfectly normal for people to be upset when their pets take ill, but puppies do occasionally get sick, just as babies do, because they are more susceptible to disease and illness than adult dogs. In accordance with New York State law, all puppies, including Buttons, are examined within five days of their arrival at Shake A Paw to assure that they are healthy and have no conditions that would make them unfit for purchase.

Shake A Paw stands by its obligations under the Pet Lemon Law with respect to Ms. Castaldo's purchase of Buttons and has always been willing to reimburse reasonable veterinary bills incurred at Veterinary Emergency Group supported by appropriate documentation.