SHE spent ages searching for the perfect cockapoo puppy.
So when she caught sight of Waffle on a breeder’s website back in 2019, she fell in love, and decided he was the ideal first dog for her.
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But Charlotte Fallowfield, 55, knew that something was a bit shady when the breeder wanted her to pay in cash and wouldn’t show her the dog’s mother.
However, by that point, she’d fallen in love with Waffle, and wasted no time in taking him home.
Due to having joint problems, Charlotte had wanted a small dog that would be easy for her to walk and take out and about.
And she’d settled on the cockapoo breed – cocker spaniel cross poodle – as miniature cockapoos should weigh around 10kg when they’re fully grown.
But when she realised that the puppy was just “growing and growing”, Charlotte organised a DNA test for him.
And the results showed that Waffle was never a cockapoo, despite what the breeder had said.
He’s actually a “sproodle” – a springer spaniel cross poodle – with his make-up comprising 47% toy poodle, 35% springer spaniel, 14% cocker spaniel, 2% standard poodle and 1% field spaniel.
Now, six years on, Waffle weighs a whopping 22kg, and is so big that he can even pull her over.
“I can’t lift him up off the floor,” Charlotte told the Daily Mail of her pet’s size.
“I have to get other people to do that for me.
“He has pulled me over a couple of times where I’ve damaged my hands and my knees.”
While Waffle’s size has been a problem, the main issue that Charlotte has been struggling to deal with is the bucketload of health problems the dog now suffers from.
From ‘doggy IBS’ to multiple allergies and having plates put in his legs due to ligament damage, Waffle now costs Charlotte around £250 a month.
On top of that is the insurance claims she’s had to put in for her pet – £15,000 worth in the past six months alone.
As Charlotte and her partner don’t have any children, they’ve been able to afford to pay for Waffle’s various treatments.
But they have had to make cutbacks on occasion, such as having to pull the plug on expensive holidays “because of his illnesses”.
Britain’s favourite dog breeds
HERE are the top ten dog breeds in the UK….
- Labrador Retriever
- Renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature.
- Popular as both family pets and working dogs.
- French Bulldog
- Known for their distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate temperament.
- Ideal for city living due to their small size.
- Cocker Spaniel
- Beloved for their playful and loyal disposition.
- Excellent companions for active families.
- Pug
- Recognised for their charming wrinkled faces and sociable nature.
- Adaptable to various living environments.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Valued for their courageous and loving character.
- Strong and muscular build, yet gentle with children.
- Dachshund
- Adored for their distinctive long bodies and lively personality.
- Comes in a variety of coat types: smooth, wire, and long-haired.
- Border Collie
- Celebrated for their intelligence and energy.
- Excellent working dogs, especially in herding.
- Golden Retriever
- Known for their friendly and tolerant attitude.
- Great family pets and skilled in various service roles.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cherished for their gentle and affectionate nature.
- Small size makes them perfect for lap dogs.
- German Shepherd
- Admired for their loyalty and versatility.
- Commonly used in police and military roles due to their trainability.
Despite that, Waffle has become a beloved pet for Charlotte, as she gushed: “He’s just such a loyal, loving companion that we’re prepared to to set aside all the other issues”.
Now Charlotte is hoping that opening up about her situation will help others realise how important it is to get pets from reputable, licensed breeders.
“Don’t buy online from generic selling sites, go direct to either a breeder, a breeder’s own website, and check all their credentials,” she said.
“Be prepared to pay a lot more money and to be on a long waiting list.
“If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
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