The personal information that you may have or inadvertantly given so far would be worth thousands to a SCAM artist, even the license plate on your car along with a home phone number in the wrong hands can be enough to have your identity stolen. Be VERY careful.
Is it possible they used a 'web acquired' photo for their add, rather than an actual one of Sophie? (best case scenario)You could call and ask her directly if that is an actual photo of Sophie. And this "owner" is not the original owner, that one (who could have shown her ?)moved away and left the dog with a friend, who is now rehoming her? Does sound very odd, but not impossible.
Condolences on the loss of your Lucy. Often we get another dog before we are really ready, to keep another dog or child company. It all works out.
If you are near Tampa, there is an "Pet Adoption Expo" tomorrow at the Fairgrounds, BRAT will have a booth and some of the Wimauma puppies (just to show off) there. You could start the adoption process, if Sophie doesn't turn out to be real.
Well, I don't understand what the scam is, but perhaps someone can help me figure this out?
The owner of the dog, "Sophie" sent me three pictures of the dog. I forwarded them to my daughter, who told me it looked like the pictures were from a dog show. So, I just googled "Pet shows basenjis", scrolled through, and found one picture of "Sophie" that was taken in August 2009. The link is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/granny_to_3/3827086199/Now that I know that the owner didn't actually take the pictures, I'm confused as to what the scam will be? The lady's friend, Misty(who didn't know how to say basenji) said that she had the dog, the papers, the shot records, a crate, and even a book about the dog… so if that's the case, whats the scam? If there is a dog, is it a stolen dog? We are supposed to meet at a public parking lot, so what will she gain?
The dog was listed for $75 as a re-homing fee, but that's a lot of trouble for $75... and if this person had shown the dog, I would think that she would not part with her for only $75... and if she was selling her as a former show-dog, would have mentioned that.
Anybody have any ideas? I think I will contact the local Sheriff's office to see if there's been other reports similiar to this....
What makes you think it is the same dog in the two pictures? I don't think that it is, the white on the face is different, at least that is the way it looks to me.
Also, why would you automatically think it is a scam? Of course I would not meet in a public parking lot… and would insist on meeting at her home. But then again, maybe this person is afraid of giving a stranger her home address, especially if she lives alone
Since the advertiser says she has Sophie's papers, why don't you ask her to provide you with Sophie's parents' names and Sophie's name and registration number. With that information you can do a bit of verifying for yourself.
Thanks, Pat, for the keen eye- I thought the markings were the same, but from different angles? I didn't automatically think it was a scam, because I'm excited and want it to be true… but my 22 year old daughter is the skeptical one, and pointed out to me that the pictures looked like they came from a dog show event. I've taught her well.
I contacted the Sheriff's office for that county, and they had no reports of scams for dogs. The Craigs Listing was removed today, so that's a good sign? I have a call in to meet the lady tomorrow. The deputy's words of caution were to NOT go to her home, or to follow her anywhere, and to circle the car to record the license plate before meeting. Also, where one may think you should pay with a check so you can cancel it, it's better to pay with cash or money order.
If I can meet her tomorrow morning, then we will know if there really is a basenji looking for a home.
Mack, thanks for letting me know about the Pet Adoption Expo- I live in Brandon and would love to meet some of the people from BRAT. I will go there tomorrow afternoon!
Wish me luck 
Good luck..keep in touch and make sure your safe.
And lvoss suggestion is good also, ask her for the registration information, her AKC number, sire and dam's name and AKC registration number.
I'm glad we have people on this forum who are able to recognize this kind of thing and do something about it. Great job!
Chris
Hi everyone, just to close this mystery- the ladies involved disappeared, so to speak- they don't answer phone calls or emails, and while we were supposed to meet on Saturday, neither one answered their phones to coordinate anything. I found the exact picture that they used on Craig's list on puppyfinder.com.
Some things that seem too good to be true are.
I met the fine ladies at BRAT in Florida on Saturday and what wonderful works they do for these pups… thank you! I know that the stars will align and we will get a new sister for Joker when it's the right time. We had nasty storms here in Florida last night, so Joker and I stayed up and slobbered together, lol
Yes, please stay safe when you meet this individual. Oh dear, what if they are selling a stolen dog? That would break my heart, thinking that someone has lost their beloved friend.
Hi everyone, just to close this mystery- the ladies involved disappeared, so to speak- they don't answer phone calls or emails, and while we were supposed to meet on Saturday, neither one answered their phones to coordinate anything. I found the exact picture that they used on Craig's list on puppyfinder.com.
Some things that seem too good to be true are.
Creepy! Good thing you had your wits about you and that you're safe.
