Daniela Huppe (DH): Daniela is a dog broker in Canada, finding potential buyers and pairing them with dogs that closely match their requirements. For a few years, von Hayden had a decent working relationship. Over time, however, a pattern developed. The dogs we received were not what we had requested and/or were completely misrepresented. As a business partner, von Hayden boarded and managed the breeding of several of Daniela's dogs. Most were not what we had requested. In fact, most were dogs we would never have had associated with our program. With no papers or authority over their placement, many of these dogs remained with us for years, at our expense. Repeated requests for them to be removed from our kennel were ignored. We finally had to retain an attorney to help us handle these "abandoned" animals. Normal procedures of sales were not followed; particularly the transfer of paperwork. Evidence of payment was withheld and without SV and/or AKC papers, we "owned" a dog that we could not prove was ours. For those who have puppies without papers, we cannot apologize enough. The working relationship with Daniela had been successful and then suddenly went bad, beginning with the many promises of appropriate papers. Through her sizable sphere of influence, Daniela Huppe has also contacted many von Hayden customers and business associates with accusations and information that are, quite literally, lies.

Breeders and potential buyers, beware. Daniela Huppe has similarly "conned" a frightening number of respectable German shepherd breeders throughout the U.S. Promised papers that never materialize; misrepresentation of dogs received after payment was made; leaving "her" breeding dogs at kennels indefinitely. I am embarrassed to say that I did not see the early warning signs of working with Daniela. She is a phantom. She has no traceable physical address or phone number. She cannot be traced through her email address. With every transaction she requested money to be wired to a different bank account. Very, very few people even know what she looks like.

Since Daniela Huppe has been so successful with her scams, she is wanted by the Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia for fraud and other felony charges. We will not include case numbers here, but if you have been a victim of her scams, feel free to contact us and we will provide any additional information we have that may be helpful.

Anyone who has information as to the whereabouts of Daniela Huppe, or has current phone number, or can provide traceable Identification for her to facilitate her location, is asked to contact the following:

Constable Kevin R. Shaw
RCMP Canada
250-656-3931
Kevin.R.Shaw@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

If you have been scammed by Daniela Huppe in YOUR State,
Please report the fraud to the listed RCMP above,
As well as your own Attorney General's office and BBB for your state.
You may also file charges with the BBB in Daniela's last known place of residence, in BC, Canada.

Please review the following page for another person who has been scammed by Daniela Huppe: << Gesi's Story - Click link>>

Elizabeth (Liz) Gruen/Kamp Kanine: When we met Liz, she was eager to become involved in the "dog world" in as many ways as possible. She told us she was finally ready to see her dreams of becoming a dog trainer through. Through the Foster Program we had run up until that time, Liz acquired Nutz von Hayden. Briefly, the contract allows a person to have one of our breeding females under certain terms and conditions. The foster parent has restricted ownership and must adhere to specific terms and conditions of care. Von Hayden Shepherds has exclusive breeding rights to the dog. Once von Hayden has decided to no longer breed the dog, she must be neutered and the foster parent receives full ownership. Until this time, we had run a very successful program. Most importantly, we were sure that the female was living in a loving and supportive home under the conditions of our contract. In this way, the integrity of our breeding program could be maintained and the foster parents would have a wonderful dog at little or no cost.

After a very friendly and mutually beneficial relationship, we addressed certain terms and conditions that were not being met. When the issues were not resolved after repeated requests, we had no choice except to enforce the contract. This set off an unfortunate chain of events that resulted in lengthy and expensive legal suits. von Hayden Shepherds has been denied access of Nutz for breeding and the contractual issues of her care have not been addressed. Liz contends that the dog is hers with no rights retained by von Hayden. The courts have found that our contract is vague regarding the "purchase" of the dog and therefore has allowed Nutz to remain in Liz's possession until the case is resolved. The courts have also found Liz Gruen in breach of contract.

Breeders, please beware! The "Foster Program" and "Breeding Contract" that we use is fairly standard in the industry. However, if it is legally disputed, it has many "holes" that can prevent the breeder from exercising the rights she thought she retained! von Hayden Shepherds strongly recommends that all breeders re-visit the foster program and have contracts reviewed and approved by an attorney. Breeders who value the integrity of their breeding program will not want one of their breeding females to be out of their control, available to be bred indiscriminately by an uneducated breeder! No matter how many "name changes" are made on your bitch, the lineage will always be traced back to your kennel name!

Potential buyers! We cannot express enough the value we place on the quality of our dogs and on our reputation as breeders of exceptional dogs Our years of experience and study enable us to produce superior dogs. But we can only do so when we can properly and professionally control the breedings We suppoet that if Liz Gruen chooses to breed Nutz, we should be flattered. However, in the case of Liz Gruen and Nutz von Hayden (or Nutz von Gruen!) we cannot be responsible for the type of puppies that will be produced, even if "von Hayden" is in the lineage! This breeding would not be sanctioned by von Hayden Shepherds and may in fact be "illegal" according to the contract between Liz Gruen and von Hayden Shepherds.

Madelyn Graffia/von der Graf: von der Graf kennels and von Hayden German shepherds were partnering kennels for a period of time. This is a common business practice which benefits both kennels and which allows potential buyers to research a larger pool of prospects. Initially the relationship worked well. The standards for maintaining and breeding dogs at von Hayden are extremely high. Over time, we decided that our ideas about running a kennel where no longer in sync with von der Graf. We put an end to our business relationship. We were disappointed to see ourselves mentioned as a business partner on von der Graf's website long after we ended the partnership. And it took a real effort to finally have it removed. We would have no dispute with von der Graf except that Madelyn has been working with Liz Gruen at Kamp Kanine. Madeline has chosen to become involved in the adversarial relationship between us and Liz.

Reepa von Hayden/Reepa von der Graf: Because we want the best for our dogs, even after they leave our care, we do not recommend neutering or spaying before 15 months. When we sell a female pet puppy, the contract requires the dog not to be bred, and to be neutered between 15-18 months. Once again, we should probably be flattered, but Reepa was sold as a pet and not as a breeding female. Unfortunately, she has been bred and the puppies are being sold by von der Graf German Shepherd Dogs. Advertised as Reepa von der Graf X Kobe von der Graf breeding.

As we explained with Nutz, whenever a dog from our kennel is bred against our wishes, we cannot be responsible for the quality of the litter. Buyers must be very careful to do their research. We hope that "von Hayden" is immediately associated with exceptional dogs, but despite our best efforts, not all "von Hayden" puppies come from sanctioned breedings.

Robert & Cheryl Brayton: Starting a breeding kennel can be a daunting task. From time to time I run across someone who is ambitious and determined. vom Brayton Haus, had a facility that they wanted to use to start their own GS kennel. After long conversations and plenty of warnings along with a little advice, I agreed to help them get started. We agreed on a plan for me to provide several dogs for the start-up, and I would receive regular payments over a period of time. Knowing the financial challenges in this business, when things became difficult for Robert & Cheryl Brayton, I gave them extra time. However, after months (well actually years) went by and the payments stopped completely, I had no choice except to demand payment or the return of my dogs. I made several efforts to put together reasonable payment plans, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, I asked for one of the dogs back, willing to take a loss on all but Luna. We even made the transportation arrangements. Our trucker arrived on several occasions to get Luna, and even with prior notification, no one was there to give him the dog. At this point, I am still anxious to have Luna back, but I have again had to involve my attorney.

Timothy Owens & Adrienne Crawford: There are always three sides to a story. We have made a special effort with this page, to provide only facts. But in this case, we can only speculate. Timothy Owens & Adrienne Crawford has been involved in the foster program for near two years. We have never had any problems with this relationship, even though the communication has been minimal. Recently, we contacted Timothy Owens & Adrienne Crawford for an update. What we found was an attitude and comments that were very similar to the situation with Liz Gruen. We are dealing with this through our attorney as our last resort. Liz and Timothy Owens & Adrienne Crawford do not know one another, but Danila Huppe has been involved with both of them. While we are by no means certain, in does appear that Daniela Huppe has been in touch with Timothy Owens & Adrienne Crawford and has encouraged him to respond in the same way Liz has handled her situation.