19 December 2009
By Matthew Squires
A woman who lost £1,200 in an online chihuahua puppy scam has welcomed a four-legged addition to her family.
Christine Wylde, 48, of Fishwick, Preston, paid the money to a Scotland-based breeder on the internet site called Lee Chong but the dog never arrived.
The Evening Post reported last month how Christine appeared to have fallen victim to a Cameroon-based scam.
The animal was for her eight-year-old daughter Katherine's Christmas present and the family were left devastated.
But now they are celebrating after a breeder in Chorley offered them a three-month-old chihuahua for a cut price £300.
She said: "It's unbelievable. I wanted to warn people to be careful if they go on the internet.
"I never thought anybody would come forward and offer me a chihuahua for that price. It's amazing and I'm so grateful.
"When I told the girls, Katherine was crying because she didn't know if it was true."
The pair went to see the puppy and immediately fell in love with it, counting the days until they could pick it up on Thursday.
Now the pup, which they have named Branston, is at the family home, and Christine says her family is looking forward to Christmas again.
She added: "It has made it all worth it now.
"He has settled in nicely, we are all enjoying it and looking forward to Christmas.
"He's small, he's very friendly and playful. It's made everybody happier.
"We've been out and got him a bed, toys and dishes.
"It's the ultimate Christmas present. It's been a very expensive lesson. I won't be as silly again getting anything off the internet."
The mother-of-seven had paid an extra £200 for insurance after the breeder claimed the tiny chihuahua – which she had seen on a picture – was suffering from stress.
And the tricksters even asked for cash for a pet passport to bring it from Scotland.
Matthew Butler, from Chorley, sold the puppy for £300 which covers the cost of vet bills and food but no profit.
He said: "I have four Chihuahua adults myself and have recently had a litter of pups.
"We had sold them all but one was returned as the new owner became allergic to the puppy.
"As I read the article I immediately thought about Mrs Wylde and how well she would look after the dog based on her desperation to get a chihuahua."
http://www.lep.co.uk/weirdnews/This-time-they-can-call.5924726.jp
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