Helga’s Pampered Pets

Carl L
I bought a Cocker Spaniel from Helga’s on 27 September 1997. Her name was Oreo and was born on 5 August 1997. Oreo passed away, from a stroke, on September 3, 2014. Through out her life, she had ear problems, skin problems, and allergies, all which are very common with this breed of animal. Later in her life she came down with cancer. None of these problems were due to my purchasing this dog from Helga’s. In fact my first Cocker (born in 1963), had these same problems.
I am not sure what prompts peoples complaints, however I am concerned that so many people do not understand that cost and commitment come along with owning an animal. (Her cancer surgery in Nashville was almost $ 7000.00, allergy shots were several hundred every 3 months, ear surgeries were over $ 2400.00 and trust me I worked tons of O/​T to pay the bills.)
Oreo went through Vets in this town like most people go through toilet paper. A few of the local vets even blamed the pet store for her problems. Not until our current vet, Dr Harry Markham, started treating the problems and not the symptoms, did we start getting her problems under control. Again, her problems were associated with the breed and not the pet store.
I am not saying that Helga’s Pet is a perfect store. I am sure that several complaints may honestly be valid but as I read through the many negative complaints, I almost wonder if the problem is not really a result of the owner and not the pet store?

i’m not sure who’s doing the pampering but it’s definitely NOT the older lady who’s constantly here. The animals could use the pampering. She doesn’t seem like the nicest person but that’s besides the point.
The place looks really run down and the dogs where in a raggedy, rusty cage outside the small building. She comes out and hoses the dogs down – her idea of a bath I guess.
My question is, why is Helga still in business?