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Puppy Bought for $7,000 Dies One Day After Purchase in The Woodlands
A devastating situation unfolded in The Woodlands, Texas, after a nine-week-old puppy died less than 24 hours after being purchased from a pet store.
Taylor Rhodes and his girlfriend fell in love with the puppy, whom they named Maverick, at Pet Fair inside The Woodlands Mall. Rhodes purchased the pup on a payment plan totaling nearly $6,500. But only hours after bringing Maverick home, he noticed something was terribly wrong.
Rushed to Blue Pearl Emergency Animal Hospital, Maverick was diagnosed with bladder stones. The veterinarian delivered heartbreaking news: the puppy’s condition was so severe that he would need to be euthanized. “I remember sitting in the lobby bawling my eyes out,” Rhodes said, recalling the overwhelming grief of losing his new companion so soon.

Initially, Pet Fair canceled the payment plan but declined to cover Rhodes’ nearly $2,000 veterinary bill. After local station FOX 26 contacted the store for comment, however, the manager reached out to Rhodes directly. In a change of course, Pet Fair agreed to cover the medical expenses. Rhodes expressed gratitude for the store’s response, saying, “They were generous people. They decided to cancel the payment program. I respect that.” He also praised the staff for being supportive during the ordeal.
Pet Fair, which has been in business for more than 30 years, told FOX 26 that it takes pride in the care of both its animals and its customers. Still, the tragic case highlights the risks of purchasing pets from retail stores and underscores the importance of ensuring animal health.
Animal advocates note that shelters and rescue groups are full of healthy, loving pets waiting for homes. They encourage families to consider adoption, where they can save lives and avoid some of the health challenges associated with retail puppy sales.

For Rhodes, Maverick’s short life will always be remembered with love, even though it ended far too soon.
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.