Cowboy and Reba's Vet Bills and Cont'd Care

In December of 2023, we purchased two dogs from Stein Miniature Schnauzers out of Kingsbury, TX from Robb Stein and Christopher Leach. Without knowing, We were sold sick dogs with giardia and kennel cough from a puppy mill.

During this time, we were also moving across the country from Illinois to Arizona. Our plan was to meet with Christopher Leach or Robb Stein to pickup the dogs in Austin, TX. We drove multiple hours off path and stayed in a hotel over Thanksgiving weekend. It was agreed that as long as Reba's paperwork had come in the mail by that time, we would take her home. Regardless of her paperwork though, we would pickup Cowboy since his paperwork had already arrived.

When the day came to pickup Cowboy, Robb would not agree to meet up with us unless we picked up both dogs. Considering their reputation with providing paperwork, we would not agree to this. They're known and have been in lawsuits regarding not providing paperwork when people pay extra for it. We drove out of our way and the breeder would not give us Cowboy alone. So we left Austin without puppies and missed our family Thanksgiving. A couple of weeks later (December 8th, 2023) the breeder was able to deliver the dogs to Arizona. Conveniently with 5 other dogs in the same area. After the fact, we found out 2 of which had been confirmed sick as well.

When the dogs were dropped off, the breeder told us that Cowboy (who was 12 weeks old at the time) had been sick with threadworms at 6 weeks old and was treated. When Cowboy's vet records were later requested from Williams-Sebby Veterinary Clinic & Pet Resort it was uncovered that he had confirmed worms 4 days before being dropped off to us. The vet records also indicated that Cowboy had loose stool and a hacky cough (later we found out it was kennel cough). The breeder (Robb Stein) denied vet treatment and said he would treat it home (which he never did) nor did he tell us about this.

After 3 days of having the puppies, their stool continuously got more loose and coughs became more present. Specifically Cowboy's. After 5 days, Cowboy was rushed to the emergency vet. He was lethargic and was vomiting 15 times in 30 minutes. He had to stay at the vet for a few hours and was closely monitored. My heart was broken dropping him off there. After tests had been done they discovered Cowboy had a severe case of giardia. His monocytes were very high indicating a long term infection. The kennel cough had been discovered just shortly after. Reba also had giardia and kennel cough. The breeder will not release Reba's previous vet records to us. When we requested the vet records for her, we were told that Robb Stein told them that they cannot give them to us. Fishy....

It has been proven by multiple other people, and I have been in contact with many people who also have sick dogs from them or have purchased dogs who have died. All with the same infections as Cowboy and Reba. Some even having pneumonia. One being sold a dog that had been on oxygen most of it's puppy life along with it's littermates and the new owner not being told this. They found out through the vet.

For the past 5 months, they have been battling these two infections back and forth. We have sanitized everything. Water bowls, food bowls, cages, pens, the turf. We have put up another yard and replaced all the turf around the house that had come in contact with Giardia. At this point we have paid $5,400 in vet bills alone. We are currently needing to re-home the puppies due to not being able to afford medication or tests for much longer. Ideally we would LOVE to keep our babies. Unfortunately, funds are running thin. I am not one to ask for financial help, but we need it at this point. I was prepared for vet bills with new dogs. But NOT $5,400 worth alongside other costs.

Robb Stein and Christopher Leach have created a huge bump in our life plans. We were supposed to have moved out here to pay off some debt, build a future, and Dorian would go to school. Instead we've gone further into debt setting us even further back.

Unfortunately a lawyer is not an option right now for us. We appreciate ANY help we can get. This is our last resort. We’re exhausted and depleted.. Much love. Austin & Dorian

Click the link below to learn more about Stein Miniature Schnauzers & their scamming ways. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557181615872