Davenport couple unknowingly buys dog from ‘Horrible Hundred’ breeder

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KCRG) - Last week, Michael and Sandra Quinn of Davenport brought home the newest member of their family: a soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Bailey.

But just a day later, the Quinns realized they might have made a mistake.

“When I was walking him, he went to lift his leg and he fell over. He couldn’t even stand up. Right then and then there something clicked in my mind.” said Sandra Quinn.

But it wasn’t just the problem with Bailey’s ability to walk. When they started to brush and wash him after picking him up, that was when they say they found mats in his fur.

That lead Sandy to research... leading them to a discovery no dog owner wants to see.

“She said ‘Mike, you’re not going to believe this,’ and I’m like ‘What?’ She says they’re on a puppy mill list. I’m like wait... my just my heart just dropped.” said Mike.

Bailey comes from a breeder in Red Oak, Iowa, called Westwind Wheatens.

It wasn’t until after the Quinns took him home that they discovered that the Humane World for Animals listed them on their “Horrible Hundred” list of breeders.

Westwind Wheatens has citations for limping and matted dogs, failed state inspections, and a “nearly overwhelming odor.”

Which is why Mindi Callison with puppy mill research and education nonprofit Bailing out Benji says others looking for a dog should use their story as a lesson.

“At Bailing out Benji, we always say show me the mommy,” she said. “And when you’re able to go visit the breeder in person, that is the most the easiest way to make sure you’re not supporting a subpar breeding facility.”

The Quinns met the breeders at a secondary location to pick up Bailey, so they didn’t see the conditions nor meet parents.

TV9 reached out to Westwind Wheatens for comment, but as of the time this story was broadcast, have not heard back.