Congratulations on your purchase of a Tealwood Labrador Retriever.  Your puppy has been selectively-bred for excellent quality, health, soundness, intelligence, and good temperament. In addition to this guarantee of conditions over which we, as breeders, have some control, i.e. adequate hips and eyes, I continue to research and have culled out of my breeding program many other health issues as much as possible.  The problem with some of these issues (such as allergies, epilepsy, cardiac problems, incorrect bites, OCD, etc.) is that there is not a “test”, nor a genetic marker, nor a data base of affected or producing Labradors.  Also, some health issues are significantly impacted by conditions in the dog’s environment and/or there is only a “suspected” genetic basis but no clear-cut genetic pattern.  And, many conditions are simply a fluke of mother nature, as we see with humans.  Elbow problems do not have a clear genetic basis, and elbow x-rays are very commonly misread; also, elbow problems are commonly due to even minor puppy injuries, hard play, jumping off steps or a couch, Frisbee, etc.  These issues mentioned above, without clear-cut genetic basis and a test and/or database for the condition, or those significantly affected by environmental factors, cannot be covered by this guarantee.  Undescended testicles or fertility problems are not guaranteed.

HEALTH GUARANTEE:  Your puppy is guaranteed to be in good general health, free of internal worms, and free of congenital deformities as of the time you take possession of the puppy (unless otherwise stated).  I strongly recommend that you have your veterinarian check the puppy within 72 hours of receiving him.  If your veterinarian feels the puppy is not as represented, please have him write a letter describing the problem and call to make arrangements for returning the puppy for a full refund.  Since I have no control over the new environment, this general health guarantee will not be in effect after the 72 hours has expired, and will not cover problems caused by neglect (such as poisoning, accidents, etc.), or exposure to other sick dogs, even during the first 72 hours.  If your puppy develops diarrhea, it is likely due to stress, water change, food changes, over-feeding.  If it continues more than a couple days, the puppy should be checked by a vet, particularly for the protozoan parasites, coccidia and giardia (which are common in the environment). 

HIP GUARANTEE:  As with all my breeding stock, both of your puppy's parents have had their hips x-rayed and certified to be free of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals, the national registry for dysplasia control.  Research has shown the hip dysplasia and other joint problems are 50% due to heredity and 50% due to environmental factors.  Your puppy is guaranteed to be free of hip dysplasia, relative to the purpose for which you purchased the puppy, at two years of age, which is the age the OFA feels the condition will be seen on x-ray if it is to occur.  If you purchased the puppy as a show/breeding prospect, at show price, this guarantees that the puppy will pass/certify hips with OFA.  If you purchased the puppy as a pet puppy, the puppy is guaranteed to be free of hip dysplasia to the degree that it would significantly limit the activities for which the puppy was purchased.  Evaluation must be done prior to 30 months of age and must be done by a qualified veterinarian approved by myself, and x-rays must be submitted and rated by the OFA.  A diagnosis of hip dysplasia based on a veterinarian’s manual examination, poorly positioned x-rays, or Penn-Hip scores alone will not qualify for this guarantee.  Do NOT let your vet try to pop the hip out of the socket!  If the youngster has been significantly overweight, or has had an accident that could affect the hips, this guarantee will not apply.

EYE GUARANTEE:  My breeding stock is examined by a certified ophthalmologist on a regular basis.  If you purchased this puppy as a show/breeding prospect, the puppy is guaranteed to pass annual eye exams by a board certified ACVO ophthalmologist and be eligible for CERF.  If you purchased this puppy as a pet puppy, your puppy is guaranteed to be free of PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) and other hereditary eye defects that would cause vision problems significant enough to limit the activities for a family companion dog.

If your puppy qualifies for guarantee, according to terms above, the full purchase price of the puppy will be applied toward a puppy of your choice from another Tealwood litter (buyer pays shipping).  This credit will apply upon receipt of the following:  (1) the OFA evaluation denying certification and/or verification by a qualified orthopedic veterinarian that the puppy’s hips will significantly inhibit a normal life as a pet; or copy of eye exam;  (2) the dog's registration papers signed over to me;  and  (3) a statement from your veterinarian that the dog has been neutered or euthanized.  Depending upon the circumstances, it may be required that you return the puppy/dog to me.

In order to be covered by this guarantee:

  1.  The dog must carry the “Tealwood” prefix in his registered name.

  2.  The OFA evaluation must be made no later than 30 months of age.

  3.  The eye exam must be by a certified ophthalmologist.

  4.  The dog must not have whelped or sired a litter.

  5.  The dog must be owned by the original owner.

Other:  ____________________________________________________________________________________________________