"I transacted with the owner of the business, Ignacio C. Barandiaran, to purchase an English Bulldog (EB) puppy during the fall of 2015. During the months of August to October 2015, I made three separate payments to Barandiaran, the first I mailed to his pervious address in the form of a personal check, and the last two wired to him through Western Union (WU) as money transfers:
08/20/15: $500 Check as a Deposit for the Puppy;
09/22/15: $800 WU transfer; and
10/20/15: $1,200 WU transfer.
TOTAL: $2,500.
I found out about the owner's business on Instagram, through 3 separate profiles and accounts: @smokenboo (main account), @smokenbowtie, and @smokenboorare. The number listed on the biography section of those profiles has his number, which I texted to inquire about an EP puppy, how much it would cost, and how I could purchase and acquire one from him, especially since I reside in Hawai'i. He proceeded to tell me that the puppy costs $2,000, depending on the color, and that a $500 deposit needs to be made, and that that amount would also be the shipping fee for the puppy, if it were to be shipped to Hawai'i. I continued to keep in contact with him, through phone conversations and text messages re: updates on payments and answers to more questions I would have about the puppy (e.g., what kind food it currently eats). Mr. Barandiaran was, at first a pleasure to deal with, but it was later when I found out that I could not get my money back, that he started to be evasive and untrustworthy.
All 3 of the payments were received by the business owner and the $2,500 for the EB puppy was paid in FULL. The owner continued to be in contact with me about which puppy I wanted, which I appreciated. However, after he gave away my original pick (white EB with brown spot on the eye), he said he has another litter due in February or March of 2016. I decided to wait for his next litter of EBs. I told him this, and he agreed.
However, on 02/29/16, I underwent some very dire financial issues. I called the owner that day and explained to him my situation. I pleaded for a return of the sum I paid in full so that I could take care of my financial issues. He was very evasive about it, but told me that he would need to discuss with his wife. Over the next few weeks, I pleaded and asked for my money back via text and phone calls, to no avail. He would reply, but nothing substantive or helpful to me in my financial distress. Over the last few weeks, I have again pleaded, begged, and expressed to him my disappointment, frustration, and sadness over his handling of this situation. I have not received an English Bulldog puppy, and it is now 03/02/16. I don't know when his next litter is ready, but I believe, as a consumer, I have a right to change my mind. I haven't received a puppy, but he has my money, all $2,500 of it. He promises to give me a puppy since I have already paid him, but I no longer want to transact with an owner that is not more responsive to and respectful of his customers' feelings, needs, and wants. I just want my money back, but he refuses to give my money back. I no longer want a puppy - just my money back to get my life back in order."