Don Wethersby and Russ Locken

Don Weathersby and Russ Locken

I am putting this on the web site as a natural party. Both parties do not have access to a web hosting that I am aware. I am also an advocate of the truth in such matters.

It has come to my attention and others that there are some false accusations floating around. I will post this for you to view and make your own informed decisions on this matter. If you would like to speak with either party feel free to e-mail me directly and I will pass it on to the party of your choice.

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June 10, 2005

Don,

We had Hoshi (Bull) at the vet again?last week for his entropion, he needed a second surgery.? While he was there and under the anesthesia, we had an x-ray done of his hips.? We have been concerned for a while, but wanted to wait until he was closer to a year old?before having any testing done.? Seeing as how he needed surgery again and would be under anesthesia we figured to go ahead and do the

x-ray as he will be one year next month.? The results from the x-ray are quite upsetting.? It?was read by two vets,?one being Dr. Charles Conrad, Hoshi's surgeon,?who has read OFA results for years.? The two vets both agreed that for his age he was already severely dysplastic on his right side.? This is heart wrenching news to us as we strive to ensure our dogs have the utmost care in all areas; from diet, to nurturing, to exercise, to supplements, to verterniary care.? In short, ?we treat our dogs better than most people treat their children.? We thought when we obtained Hoshi, we were getting him from a reputable breeder and we would not have to worry about issues like this.? Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Hip dysplasia, like entropion for that fact, is a GENETIC DEFECT.? I know we have debated in the past and you do not believe that the "entropion was your fault".? But seeing as how you produced Hoshi, and it is a GENETIC DEFECT, if we were to be flippant enough to try to place blame in the matter,?it would in fact fall to you.? We accepted your opinion on the entropion and let it rest because we have made Hoshi a part of our family and your solution kept referring back to money.? Hoshi is priceless to us, as all dogs should be to their owners.? We were not trying to scam you into giving us our money back, but rather educate you that their is a problem with the lineage you are using.?

Now another problem has manifested itself in a much larger, long-term GENETIC DEFECT.?? We will be speaking to a specialist that we were referred to so that we can get a second opinion (as we did with the entropion, so that we were not speaking our of turn and were fully aware and educated on this?potentially blinding?health issue).? I can assure you though, the diagnosis will be the same.? Anyone who looked at his x-ray could see a significant issue with his right hip.?

I cannot tell you how upset this makes us.? To think that?our dog will suffer in any way, shape, or form is infuriating.?Hoshi's quality of life?could be greatly diminished because of this.?Aside from the fact that?we had planned on breeding him with our female, Suki,?and as responsible dog owners we?are now going to have him neutered.?

We cannot help but wonder if all of this could have been avoided if better husbandry practices were utilized.? I have been in contact with several other Tosa owners, as I correspond with several on a regular basis and most?think it is unacceptable for our dog to be in this condition at such a young age.? To be honest with you, we have looked at some of the pictures you have sent of your other dogs, and noticed eye issues with them as well but perhaps this is what you think is normal.??I would bet if?we?were able to regularly observe your dogs in motion, we would notice hip issues as well because obviously your dogs must have them!??

So to?conclude my main reason for sending this email is to inform you of 2 serious issues we have had with our dog that was purchased from you in August of last year.? These issues are not speculation and have been addressed by 2 Vets one of which is extremely qualified.? Entropion is one thing but the issue with his right hip is unacceptable and I would like to know how you plan to rectify the situation.? You have no idea as to how?disappointed we are with our dogs GENETIC DEFECTS.? ?We anxiously await your reply

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June 10, 2005

Russ,

I am sorry to hear this about Hoshi.? I would like to address each issue separately.

When you first came to me about concerns you had with the entropian, I explained to you that he may grow out of it as some pups do.? I also discussed that as he got older there were medical treatments available to you.? The issue was?NOT money, but rather?the unnecessary?stress of a?surgical procedure done at that early age.? At that time, if you remember, I offered to send the money you paid for your pup back to you.? I stressed if you were not satisfied that this was an option before you got too attached to Hoshi.? If my memory serves me correct he was between the age of 3-4 months at the time.? I would like to know what pictures of my dogs you are referring to.? You have seen my?breeding pair?in person and neither of them have eye problems, entropian or hip related issues.?

As far as the x-ray results, I refuse to take blame for that.? There are no?CONCLUSIVE findings that the occurrence of hip displaysia is?a result?GENETIC DISORDER but do play a part of it.? Any large breed dog?has the propensity to have hip and joint problems.??Such factors as you mentioned, environment, diet & supplements, medical care and?nurturing all play a huge role in the overall development within the first two years of a puppy's life.? Once again, if memory serves me correct, we had and have discussed these issues in past conversations even prior to your purchase (DO YOU REMEMBER).? I stressed this strongly because people who do not?or have not owned a large breed dog either expect too much or too little.??I?sent you a complete diet and schedule of my dog's feeding regiment.? All I can do is share the information I have.? I cannot control nor dictate to someone what they do with their pup?from that point on.? I am strongly confident that my advice is solid.? Once again I am sorry about the results of the x-ray and entropian for the dogs sake.

Now I need to clear the air about some accusations regarding myself and my breeding practices.? I clearly stated to you that I am NOT A BREEDER, BUT RATHER A HOBBYIST AND ENTHUSIAST and I have been since the age of thirteen.??That was reflected in the care provided and the price of the pups.??Out of a litter of 13 puppies I only sold three.? The only reason you were sold a puppy was through a referral from a breeder.? You have never seen my name in any magazine or website showcasing my name as a breeder.??You are the one that refused to understand?why the puppies were sold for $1,500 and not more.? You should count this as a blessing.? I had the opportunity to make this a $20,000 litter or more?as many breeders do.? I chose to make sure that each pup went to a good home.? I kept two, while?eight of the puppies were given as gifts to friends.??It is unfortunate that you as well as one other person have seemed to have?problems and concerns with your puppies.? The owner of the third puppy sold is very pleased with him.? He, as well as the other owners, followed my instruction on how to properly feed, supplement, exercise?and nurture their puppy.??

You called me several times regarding the?weight (size)?of Hoshi.? I told you that you needed to be patient and it would all fall into place and left you with the quote " An acorn can't be forced into an oak tree overnight".??The last time you called me regarding this issue, I?offered to either refund you your money or send the puppy back to me.? I was even willing to make the trip to pick him up?or fly him in and I would take care of the shipping (DO YOU REMEMBER).? I did not have a problem with either option.? I would have done it for any of the pups that left our home.? Especially?'Bull Wheezer'?because this was my?pick pup.? I have called you many times?while?you have not returned my messages.? During our last contact you still expressed interest in?Eve.? I called you back and left a message on your cell phone asking if you were interested in acquiring her.??I still have yet to hear from you.?As hard as it would have been for may family to part from her,??I was willing to make that sacrifice to appease you.? So now you can consider her as the one that got away.

The accusations you have made against me are not warranted.? If it makes you feel better to put the blame all on me, I am man enough to accept it.? I wish you would have had enough respect to have called me to discuss your issues rather than send a threatening email.? I have nothing to hide.? I think your actions are not only cowardly but unrealistic (BAD KARMA).? You have met me and should?know that I am about as real and fair?as they come.? So you are UNWORTHY!???????

I am knowledgeable not only to the breed, but to my lineage.? This was a selective and test?breeding.? Out of a litter of 13 puppies, two complaints would only warrant a 1.5% margin of error.? And if you do more research and stop letting others determine the fate of your puppy, you may begin to see the bigger picture.? So I will be the first to tell you as a fact that does not classify me nor the breeding as NON-REPUTABLE.? I followed all of the code of ethics of the UKC.? Most importantly?I followed my own?code of ethics. At this point you made no efforts to allow me to help you in any of your concerns.? I have made every attempt to resolve your early concerns.? Based on the information you sent me, I see no reason to make any further contact with you!

Don W.

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June 12, 2005

Don,

First and foremost let me tell you something....THIS IS NOT ABOUT MONEY. It is about the fact that you will not take any responsibility for any health issues associated with the dog you sold me.

When Hoshi was first diagnosed with entropion, yes, I called you and all?you told me is was everything except what it really was. It was entropian and we have letters from two accredited vets to prove it. You never told me about any surgeries! You actually told me to NOT get surgery! And to set the record straight you NEVER offered to come here and get the dog! You did offer me my money back if we sent the dog back to you. Yes, you did offer the money, but didn't offer to come here, not once did those words ever come out of your mouth. Not that it would have made any difference- we would never have given him back. You said he was only three or four months old at the time- should that imply we would just get rid of him?! My girlfriend Jessica was attached to him the minute he got out of the car, as he was to her. He had also formed a bond with our female Suki. So let me be clear- we would have never sent him back to you.

As for seeing your dogs in person, yes, I did see them. If you remember Boss had pieces of a Kong ball in his stomach at the time but you attributed his leanness to it being hot. You didn't even know what was wrong with your own dog! As for Daja you didn't take her out of the crate, not even on a leash. The pictures we are referring to all of the ones you have sent us of your dogs. You are so proud with their eyes all runny. Should you want to send pictures of your stock, clean them up first.

As for the X-Ray results, "I refuse to take blame for that." is what you say. Why take the blame for anything? Hip dysplasia is not a GENETIC DISORDER? Can you read? Why do people cull dogs with bad hips then? Why are there tests to screen for hip dysplasia? Don't even bother answering because you will give me some line of shit that won't make any sense. You talk in circles and don't argue with facts. You can not refute the X-Rays from the vet. Do you want copies? If not, I am sure you will get them because every Tosa breeder in America will know you produce bad dogs.

You don't need to clear the air about anything because we know how you are....YOU ARE NOT REPUTABLE. It doesnt matter if you advertise or not. What in the hell does that have to do with anything? As for selling only 3 dogs- good for you. I am glad you gave the others away because the people can use the money they saved on the inevitable vet bills. As for me not understanding why you only sold dogs for $1500 you are correct.?I didn't but now I do. They are second rate pups. I am not sure about your screening so I can not assume anything- but I have my own ideas. If two people are unhappy perhaps that is two too many. As I am sure whoever the other person is will let people know as well. Perhaps they will not be as loud as me, but they will speak up I am sure. Remember Don, the truth speaks the loudest. You mention your program and what you tell people to feed and do with their pups, we have gone down this road before but I will go down it again. We got our puppy from you and within 3 weeks you told us to feed our dog 3 different diets. Come on man, if you don't you know what to feed your dogs, how can you pretend to tell someone else what to?

Yes, I did call you about his weight and you were right. He did grow at a much different rate than my other dog. The fact I was concerned only plays in my favor because I give my dogs the utmost care in every aspect of their lives and am educated enough to know something was off. When I did address the weight issue you never offered to take the dog back. Again, we wouldn't have sent him anyway. As for not returning your calls, I have nothing to say to you. I think you are impertinent and full of yourself. Why would I want to hear what you think I am doing wrong? We do nothing wrong! The other Tosa in our care is 100%, not a thing wrong with her. On top of that, the breeder we got her from knows how to treat customers. When we call him with concerns he doesnt get defensive and "blame" the issue on us. You never offered Eve to me. I had to make offers on her. And yes she is the one that got away. Now that we know of the problems with your line I wouldn't take her for free. Correct that, maybe I would to be sure she was getting all of the medical care and attention she needs. You do not seem to identify your dogs health issues (Boss and the Kong) and you do not stand behind your dogs!!!!! We have vet bills and X-Rays to prove our statements. What do you have? You have statements like "hip dysplasia is not genetic". Only a fool would utter such a statement.

We will put the blame on you because you are the one that won't stand behind your dog. You will not accept responsibility. I have ZERO respect for you as a breeder and have no intention to speak about anything other then making good on the bum dog you sold me- not that you have anything to offer me. KARMA is not an issue here as we have done nothing wrong. I am UNWORTHY, I like that statement. I traveled thousands of miles and my money wasn't UNWORTHY was it? Who referred me to you? I want to call them and thank them for sending me to such a reputable person! If I ran my business the way you run yours, I would be out of business in no time.

As for research, Jessica and I are both college educated so research is not an issue and everything we have read points to the fact that you sold us an unhealthy pup. I have done more research on this breed within the past 36 months than you will do in your lifetime. I did my homework, as I continue to do as they mature and new issues arise. We had also had our female for over six months when we got Hoshi, so your point about "expecting too much or too little" is moot. I spend more money on food and supplements for our dogs in a month than you probably do in a year. The fact that I was educated enough to have Hoshi on Ester C and Glucosamine will benefit him with his hip issues. Did you tell me to do that? I dont think so. You are knowledgeable about nothing....You spend time on the phone talking to whoever will listen. Then you use borrowed knowledge to sound like you know something only to change your mind the very next day. And for the record 2 out of 13 is not 10%, but that is neither here nor there. And how was our initial email threatening? It was simply a representation of the facts- again facts- not the nonsense you preach.

To surmise in case you missed something: This is NOT about MONEY and giving Hoshi back to you was never an option!

PS- Oh, I almost forgot the best part, I am not a racist. Should you feel the need to use this as your defense with anyone else, I will be sure to address it in a manor that you will not be happy with (that was a threat). If you think by playing the race card you will deflect the criticism you are due, once again you are sadly mistaken. People will see through that crutch for just what it is- a weak attempt to change the subject- something you are very good at.

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June 16, 2005

?

Don,

?

Sorry you hung up the pone on me.....Perhaps sometime you can call me and we can work things out..You can express your discontent and I can express mine but don't think yelling at me is going to help anything......If not then we will see each other in person and perhaps yon can as you put it "Stump the shit out of me".? Thanks for the invite out to your house but I will pass as spring in NY is lovely.? Not to mention I have lots of work to do around our home and property.? If you have the opportunity to travel to Japan I will be going in September or October to the national tournaments.? Perhaps we can meet there should you have the funding and time to go.? Good luck with your future breedings and endeavors what ever they may be.

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June 16, 2005

Russ,

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There's no doubt in my mind... You crossed the line. I've lost all respect for you as a human being. I'm not accustomed to making idle threats, but you truly touched a sore spot. You need to understand a few things about life before you make accusations about people that you don't know. I have always taken full responsibility for my actions. I have no control over the situation with your puppy, I'm not God.??I have?requested for you?to return him and give your money back but it seems as if you are trying to rectify something else. If you have other issue with me besides the pup then I suggest that you man up. Take the bullshit somewhere else because you are barking up the wrong tree BUDDY. I'm not a fool...this shit is all stemmed from you listening to others as well as the trash posted on message boards... figure. This will be my last time ever exchanging words with you any further correspondence from you at this point will be deleted. ?Why is that you and Eddie have problems with your pups, while everyone else pups are fine??Regardless of what you say...you did expect too much from the breed in general. An English Mastiff might be your speed. The real deal is that I gave you more than you expected and you're too blind to appreciate it.? My wife and I are well educated too and are very much in love with three very bright children all of which?are blessings. You must understand that happiness is not based on money, possessions, power or prestige,?but on relationships with people you love and respect. So to you good luck with your future and endeavors what ever they may be.

?

Don W.

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June 16, 2005

Don,

I am sorry if you feel that I crossed the line......As for losing respect for me as a human being that is alright by me.? We are on the same page then as I have none for you.....The only thing that I feel that I did wrong was express my discontent to others instead of you.....If you are angry about that then I understand and am rather disappointed about that myself.......You are not god and that is correct......As for rectifying something else I am not trying to do anything but get you to accept responsibility for a pup you produced.....Since you elude to the bulletin board I can not help but think that you feel badly about what happened with Pat but that is between you and him......I am not sure why Eddie has a problem with his dog?? Perhaps that is something you need to address with him....We have spoken very little......Not interested in an English mastiff....Would have gotten one of those if that is what I was interested in getting.....Yes your wife was a very nice lady and my problem is not with her or your children...Instead it is with you.....I am more then happy with my life...I have a great relationship, a wonderful home, successful business, and 2 great dogs (yes Hoshi is great despite his ailments).? As stated before I am sorry that I spoke ill of you to others in the past without first discussing it with you first and for that I apologize.

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This is a result of some one listening to a novice.

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Eddie,

I must say that I'm very disapointed to know that you have been a conspirier to Russ's decietful behavior.?I now realize that?you have been the entire time. The Tosa world is very small everyone? know each other. I've attached a letter that I wrote to Russ, if you have the same feelings well then it pertains to you as well. I feel that my kindness has been taken for weakness. I think both you and Russ should rethink your actions and realize that you are dealing with a man. It would have been better for all parties if you and Russ, had adhere to my advice. As of yet your puppy has not been tested or evaluated for any health problems. I hope that when ever you do that you keep an open mind that your role as a?caretaker my have played a part in rearing your pup, regardless of the circumstances. It has been made clear to me why you would request for photos of the other puppies as well as pictures of the parents whom you've already seen in the flesh during your visit.

Subject:

Macho
Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2005 09:34:54 -0400
From: Eddie
To: donweathersby

Do you want him? Otherwise, I'm gonna put him down!

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From: Don Weathersby
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2005 6:34 AM
To: Eddie
Subject: Re: Macho

Eddie,

I will make the arrangements to have him flown in withen a couple of weeks.

I will contact you as soon as everything is square.

As it is I have been very busy, I hope you can understand .

It would be much appreciated if you would not put him down but return him to me.

I've spoke with an individual that is more than satisfied with raising Macho.

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Subject: RE: Macho
Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2005 08:42:46 -0400
From: Eddie
To: Don Weathersby

Don:

What can I expect as far as compensation for my loss?

Eddie

_______________________________________________________________ All of these e-mails are as they were presented to me. I have not altered , spell checked or other wise the e-mails on this page. This page is for a statement of the truth and only that. These puppies were sold from an individual owner, NOT a breeder. These puppies were sold with NO guarantees and NO contract. I just wanted to clarify that fact. This not a representation of StoneWall. I am putting this information for people to read the truth and to learn.

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