October 2017 by Michelle Marshall
This is our unfortunate experience with Marilynn - My Mother-in-Law, a senior citizen, living on a fixed income, saved her money for several years so she could purchase a AKC registered “Red Toy Poodleâ€. She did her research, and found a AKC breeder in Wadley, Alabama which what appeared to her to be the perfect find. Marilynn Wilkins owner of Marilynn's Little Red Toy Poodles showcased beautiful, healthy looking poodles on her Facebook page. My Mother-in-Law eventually made contact with Marilynn, and sent Marilynn a deposit for a male puppy. Arrangements were made for my family to travel 460 miles to Wadley, AL to pick up her dream puppy. Upon arriving at Marilynn's, my family was a bit astonished to see how Marilynn housed her dogs. In a space approximately 10†x 10†there were 30-35 dogs. No kennels, just corral type separation, which leaves one to wonder how she kept track of who was breeding with who? The adult dogs, (breeding dogs) appeared to be thin, and their coats lack luster. The puppy was sent home with doses of Albon medication. When asked why, Marilynn stated it was to keep him calm during his travel home. The puppy died 27 hours later. My Mother-in Law was devestated! Marilynn was contacted immediately. Her reaction was not of concern or compassion, but accusatory, argumentative and denial of blame. The decision was made by my family to have an necropsy (autopsy) performed. Marilynn, being a reputable AKC breeder should have offered to pay for this procedure, but she never did. The necropsy report proved that the puppy was not healthy, he had a diseased liver with lesions present, fluid in his lungs, congestion on his brain, and an abnormally small kidney. Furthermore, the medication, Albon, that Marilynn said was to keep him calm is used to treat bacteria infections. Now, we all know that there is no guarantee on life, but under these circumstances, a good ethical, reputable dog breeder would refund the money or offer another puppy. Marilynn Wilkins refused to do either. Buyer BEWARE- Marilynn Wilkins may be breeding unhealthy puppies. Marilynn Wilkins should not be considered a reputable dog breeder.
