C F3 Female Savannah Sable-Heather Goerdt

Pics of Sable 2011

3/24/11

July 19, 2011


I also offered a settlement offer through Kristine Alessio, which essentially offered approx $1000 towards vet bills, my apology that something happened to the cat, and the immediate signing over of registration papers.  Lillian did not agree/accept and that was within the last week.

I also have a settlement offer in the public blog posted below.

As I have shown, I have literally been trying to work with Lillian and reach a settlement for the last 3+ months.  It is unfortunate that it has escalated to this point and it is disgusting to read rude and unwarranted comments about my family, cats, home. 
The only "complaint" posted from a previous client doesn't even pertain to me.  The person I sold a cat to (2 years ago) illegally resold her to a third party.  That 3rd party is NOT my client and that is why both comments were made "anonymously." 


July 17 2011

This blog is related to the F3 female Sable and the most recent postings appear at the top. 
For the full story, please scroll down to read from the beginning.  The posting below under this date is in response to Lillian Anderson's slander, blackmail and false accusations posted on her own blog.

Our contract:

Gulf Coast Exotics

Savannah Sale Contract

This contract, entered into on Nov 23, 2010 is between Seller, Heather Goerdt (Gulf Coast Exotics) and Buyer, Lilli Anderson, for the sale of: C F3 Savannah Female Kitten Gulf Sable
The total amount to be paid for cat is $$3500 ($1000 deposit, additional $1800 before shipping and remaining $700 balance when pregnant) and is non-refundable except for the following conditions:











1) Cat dies or develops a life-threatening condition before shipping.Said cat will come with a Health Certificate and will be current on her vaccinations. Health Certificate, vet check, vaccinations and TICA registration are included in the price (shipping additional).
Any additional veterinary work after 11/26/10 will be paid by Buyer.


The health of Sable is guaranteed for 72-hours after shipping. It is the responsibility of Buyer to have kitten examined by an independent veterinarian during this time frame. If Buyer’s Veterinarian does not find cat to be in sound health, Buyer must contact Seller and provide a Veterinary Affidavit detailing such illness. If condition is life threatening and cannot be cured, kitten will be replaced with a different kitten of similar quality. If kitten dies within the 72 hour period from an illness, despite appropriate vet care, replacement will only be provided if an autopsy is performed and results also sent to Seller. It is the right of Seller to ask for deceased kitten to be returned for identification before replacement is provided. All shipping and other related costs are responsibility of Buyer. Kitten has been examined by vet and no congenital defects have been found.
This C F3 female Savannah kitten is fertility guaranteed (able to get pregnant and produce one live offspring). If she is not able to get pregnant within two years after purchase, with sufficient opportunities with multiple studs if required, she is to be returned to Gulf Coast Exotic Felines (Buyers expense) for breeding. If she is not able to get pregnant within 6 months after being sent to Heather Goerdt, a licensed vet shall determine if she is infertile and provide an affidavit as to the reasons. If she is infertile, she is to be replaced with a cat/kitten of similar quality (with balance refunded or due). Kitten is to be used with studs appropriate for a Savannah program.
She and her offspring are not to be used for cloning or scientific research. Kitten is not to be sold to a pet store or other similar circumstances. She is to be treated with loving care and treated with utmost respect so that she may reach her full potential.
If Buyer decides to sell or is no longer able to properly care for Sable, Seller will be given first opportunity to purchase her back at original price. This contract is null and void if sold to a third party. Sable is sold unaltered and with full breeding rights.






Update 7/17/11

Hello Everyone

Lillian has updated her blog and it's unspeakably offensive. She is threatening me to obtain additional thousands (above what I already offered her via settlement) and using blackmail, pure and simple.

Let's begin:

 1)  Regarding the AC, Lillian writes, "As far as Animal control goes, nothing with them is closed.  They have not inspected her or the cats.  Before they could, she fled her Indian Head address and the house is now vacant.  They are looking for her and they do want to see the cats. As of my last conversation with the Cpl in charge of the investigation, the case is not closed and she is "on their radar".  They are sending me a statement of this."


Hmmm, that's very interesting.  AC left a courtesy notice at my home on 5/2/11.  I, Heather, spoke with Corporal Snyder in charge of this case several times and she stated that it was very obvious that the cats are healthy.  Via telephone, I offered to schedule a time for a more thorough followup, but she said, "I don't think that will be necessary.  We have seen enough and are closing the case."

That was the last correspondence with AC and it was very civil and polite.  I can't even begin to wonder why Lillian would say that I "fled my home and it is now vacant." 
  

Now, onto personal stuff.  It goes beyond stating that Lillian is WAY out of line for dragging my poor family into this sorry ordeal.  It is disgusting to see my family's private records splayed across a stupid blog for all the world to see! 
What does previous divorce and my parents' marriage have to do with the cat Sable? 



Regarding the fictitious name filing - that was done in 2005 and expired in 2006.  That does NOT make my mother a co-owner.  I am the sole owner of Gulf Coast Exotic Felines and it is registered solely to me through TICA.  My cattery name is registered to me only, as are all of my cats. All contracts with clients are solely in my name as well.

 *******  And let's talk about truths and settlement offers.


 Lillian wrote, "I'm going to start this by saying that Heather has been given multiple opportunities to resolve this issue.  She has taken none of them.  Multiple people have tried to reason with her and resolve this and Heather wasted a great deal of time with an attorney who tried to settle this issue."

Kristine Allessio was kind enough to offer to help as a mediator.  She recommended that I cancel the large remaining balance which Lillian still owes me, which she can put towards vet bills, and sign over registration papers on the cat.  As I have stated before, I completely agree with that and have offered numerous times through certified letter, my blog and mediators.

 As proof of what I say, the receipt for the certified letter is posted on this blog.  Additionally, below are some of the emails between Kristine Allessio and myself, attempting to work out a resolution.  Evidence in the certified letter sent April 19, and the multiple attempts with Kristine to work out a settlement show proof in the contrary of Lillian's comments.

On Jul 12, 2011, at 8:34 PM, gulfcoastfelines wrote:

Wed Jul 13th, 2011 10:25 PM EDT Kristine Alessio wrote:

Hi Heather,

I emailed Lillian and she is amenable to this resolution as well. I am going to draw up a settlement agreement for both of you to review.

Kristine C. Alessio,Esq.

Gattobello Savannahs

http://www.gattobello.com/

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On Jul 11, 2011, at 9:49 PM, gulfcoastfelines wrote:

Hello

I couldnt agree more and that was outlined in the cert letter sent to her last April. 

 I would like to work out a settlement which cancels her debt owed to me (approx 900) and I then sign over full breeding rights. On both ends, all complaints and cases are dismissed/removed.

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On Tue Jul 12th, 2011 11:20 PM EDT Kristine Alessio wrote:

Hi Heather,

Would you like me to approach her with this idea? You send Sable papers (if you want you can send them to me, so there is no argument about them being recived).

You also agree in writing that vet bills paid by Lillian cancel out any remaining balance owed by Lillian. You also take down your blog.

Lillian agrees not to sue you. She also takes down her blog.  I can actually do a settlement agreement and have you both sign it if this is something you want me to do?

Kristine C. Alessio,Esq.

Gattobello Savannahs

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 I was already offering to pay for 50% of the vet bills.
After the settlement was drawn up, Lillian changed and refused to agree to that settlement.

Our signed contract claims that all vet bills paid by Buyer. 

Fl Pet Lemon Law states that, if parties have a private contract, then Seller is only obligated to provide a replacement cat. 
In my settlement offer, I offered her 1000% more than what our contract and Fl law require.



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July 10, 2011

Thank you for checking my blog and there have been some developments and updates regarding the Sable/Lillian Anderson claims.  I have heard a variety of incorrect information from third parties, so it is time to show the truth and timeline of events.  While we firmly believe that business and client info should be private, there comes a point when it is appropriate to speak up and tell the truth.

In April, a previous kitten of mine became ill and the buyer, Lillian Anderson, has made repeated complaints.  Lillian has continuously claimed that I have behaved in an irresponsible and disgusting manner (as a breeder).  In summary, she has made many complaints and allegations against me, including animal abuse and no communication from me whatsoever, which are completely untrue. 
That fact is that Lillian never contacted me when there was a problem, I heard about it through a third party, and immediately contacted her via certified letter (scanned above for proof) and offered a settlement, apologies, etc. 

Here is a timeline of events.

April 9-10 Sable left via air cargo on Delta

April 9-10  I sent email to Lillian asking for update on Sable

No response at all

Approx mid of following week, I found out that there was a problem with Sable through an outside source.
Still no contact from Lillian whatsoever that there is a problem.

Within days later, Lillian posted her blog and hundreds of nasty disgusting allegations, opinions and comments about me. 

Comments include:

I am evil, vile, disgusting

 bimbo, idiot, illiterate

I should be shut down,

I am an animal abuser,

I neglect my animals,

they receive no vet care ever

it is safe to assume that ALL of the beautiful cats (60+) that have ever left my home have arrived in critical condition.

April 20, I send certified letter to Lillian's home address, with my apologies, settlement offer, etc.

Throughout April and May, almost daily I received threatening emails, letters, and complaints from individual people and major organizations, including FDA, BBB, welfare groups, Animal Control, paypal, etc.  She also has published her same complaints to several online complaint websites, which I can't remove, and can be seen through an internet search.

All of the complaints were immediately addressed by me and evidence in the form of inspections, photos, vet records, letters, etc submitted.  Whenever a complaint was cancelled, Lillian would submit another one. 

The FDA officially investigated and cancelled the case.  There is no evidence to support her claims of abuse, etc and, in full accordance with Fl law,  I had already contacted her to offer a settlement and/or replacement.

Ultimately, after investigation by every single party, all of the official "complaints" were dropped. I was also inspected (not by USDA, but other parties) and my animals are healthy and happy. 

During the last 2 months, Postal Service repeatedly tried to drop off the certified letter from me and left multiple notice slips for Lillian. 
During that 6 week period of repeated attempts by Postal Service, she never signed for letter personally, never signed for it to be dropped off in mailbox and never picked it up.

June:  Approx 10 days ago, the letter was returned to me.  I ordered the entire tracking on it and just received the details within the last week. 

During this 2+ month period, I received NO CONTACT from Lillian directly in any way.  I thought that she had received the letter and was going to respond to me regarding a settlement and end to this terrible circumstance.

A little less than a week ago, I received a nasty threatening letter from Lillian.  I am copying some comments below

"The situation is this.  I will not stop.  This will go on and on and you will have to continue answering more claims until you rectify the situation.

 

You claim that you made an offer to pay the vet bills, I did not receive any offer from you as such

. 

But you did none of those things and I simply point that out and call you out on your last post on your blog where you state you tried to make restitution.  

Despite my public attempts to give you many opportunities to resolve this, you have yet to do so.  You can talk the talk to people but if you don’t do what you say, it will get noted by everyone.

You really had the ability all along to fix this but for whatever reason, you chose to say it wasn’t your problem and you did so long before I ever made any of this public.  You had NO intention of resolving anything . . . .

 No phone calls, no emails to say I’m sorry, no how is she doing, no drop dead.  I’m sorry goes a really long way Heather, you should try it sometime.

Let me tell you something about contracts, most of them are only as good as the paper they are written on. 

I can proceed and the Florida attorney wants to go for far more than the vet bills.  I can assure you that your contract has many holes in it.

 

I plan on posting more documents online along with answers to your latest blog.

  I will also be posting this email online in its entirety proving to your “many” “supporters” that you have been given multiple opportunities to make this right and you do not. 

 

Then I have several other places that I will be filing complaints with that you will have to answer as well.

 

 I am not going away, I will follow you and continue to shout to the world about what you did to me and to Sable so future buyers can make an informed choice about whether or not they want the same mess you have put me though, the choice is really yours as to whether or not it stops."

 

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And that is my first correspondence from Lillian since Sable left my home.  It goes beyond saying that it is vile and threatening.  Repeatedly, she denies any correspondence from me whatsoever, despite proof of my certified letter and emails.

In the last couple of days, Lillian also has tried to get the registration papers on the cat. Lillian claimed that I never contacted her at all and am holding out the papers because I am angry about her comments.  Obviously that is not true since I wrote her 2 1/2 months ago, offering a monetary settlement and for the papers to be signed over immediately with breeding rights.  I am enclosing proof of what I say. As you can see on the envelope, it says UNC - unclaimed.

Originally, in addition to boarding the cat (at no additional fee) for 4 months due to delay in payments from Lillian, I also had offered payment options, with a large remaining amount to be paid at a future date.  The contract specifically states the amount still owed - which was not paid - and that, when paid in full, papers will be signed over with breeding rights.  Typical arrangements for breeders.

In addition, during the last few months Lillian has also opened cases with Paypal and her CC company in attempts to obtain refund, while also keeping the cat. 

It's illegal that she would be trying to get papers when:

1)  she had not answered my email or certified letter

2)  she still owes me money for Sable (approx $1000) per contract (which I offered to dismiss as a settlement offer)

3) didn't contact me for months and then the only email received the other day is threatening and terrible

4) she has open cases with CC company and Paypal, trying to get a refund, while planning on keeping the cat too. The open cases have put some of her original payments for Sable on "hold." In summary, payments made previously are pending, all the while she is holding the cat.

  

If there was a problem with the cat, then Lillian should have contacted me immediately.  I would have worked with her.  She should have read my letter and agreed on a settlement privately.

At this point:

compaints were cancelled,

FDA closed the case,

animals proven healthy 

she did not accept my certified letter/attempts to settle

techhnically she owes money (which I had offered to dismiss),

she has no papers, and has tried to obtain them outside of our contract

and she has behaved in a vile manner.

Now, as I said before, I felt that it is ethical and responsible for me to offer a settlement regarding Sable.  That settlement offer was sent off on April 20, Lillian never signed for it, and it was returned to me approx 1 week ago.

During the time that Lillian was receiving notices about the letter from Post Office, she continually denied any contact from me whatsoever, choosing instead to make numerous additional disgusting complaints on public sites, and is now "claiming" registration papers in a direct breach of our contract.

 

This entire situation has been a travesty.  In addition to a background in Animal Science and Nursing, I have been loving and working with animals professionally for over 23 years.  We have been breeding beautiful loving Savannah cats for over 7 years and we manage an inspected program/cattery (our girls and kittens live inside). 
We are very sad that any previous kitten became so suddenly temporarily ill after leaving here.  In light of everything that happened and the nasty false complaints, we had tried to settle with Lillian almost immediately.  In addition to loving pet homes, many of our cats have gone to top breeders around the country and even represent the Savannah breed internationally at TICA shows.

If anyone needs additional information or has questions, they may contact me privately.

Heather


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Original Blog Posting Day 1 Posted April 2011

There seems to have been a lot of clamor lately about the female C F3 female Savannah Sable and this blog documents her growth/development/care up to one year of age.

Sable was born 4/10 and received kitten vaccinations and regular deworming.  She is solely an indoor cat and, with lots of time, care, and love, she developed a loving and trusting personality. This is evident by the pics posted here and Lillian Anderson's blog comments about her sweet dispostion.

Regarding the sale, there are pieces that I am not legally allowed to share, such as details of the contract.  I have been advised to not share privy information, but to state the facts and back them up as I can.

Sable's first 6 months were pretty uneventful.  In Nov, a client placed a deposit on the cat.  Many many pictures and info was shared about Sable and, based on the description of her personality and the clearly excellent condition of Sable in the pics, the sale went forward.
For several months, Lillian and I went back and forth with advice on breeding, etc etc.  During this time I boarded her and cared for her, providing updates and new pics.

She was originally supposed to leave in Jan, but there was a delay on the Buyers end and I willingly kept Sable for an additional 2-3 months (at no additional charge for food, boarding, etc).  We loved Sable very much and she was a welcome member of our family.

Regarding accusations of "neglect":
During the course of a year, Sable had one URI (very mild) and was treated successfully with antibiotics.  I personally paid for the vet visits, antibiotics, etc (even though contract stated otherwise) and kept Lillian updated regularly. 

After the treatment, she made a recovery and additional pics of her were taken and sent to Lillian, to show that she looked great and was no longer ill.  The pics clearly demonstrate a loving, happy, bouncing, healthy cat.

In no way whatsoever did Lillian have ANY reason to think that the cat was neglected/not given every opportunity to thrive.  The pictures of the thriving cat stand as a testiment to what I say.

We have a mutually signed contract between us and she came with a health guarantee.  If there was anything wrong with her, I would have gladly taken her back and replaced her.

With her seeming to be in very good health, she was taken to a local vet and given a very thorough exam 1 1/2 days prior to shipping. 
Lungs clear
no fleas evident
fecal test negative
coat in impeccable condition
no heart murmer noted
palpation revealed no masses or swelling
teeth appeared of normal development and eyes, ears, mouth clear
no fever
mucous membranes were not white
She was extremely active at the vet and slightly stressed from the visit.  I kept her isolated from other cats so she could recover from tiredness from vaccines.

There was a teeny bit of mucous noted (even though her nose had no drainage of any kind) and, with no other symptoms whatsoever, she was ultimately deemed stable for travel and yearly vaccinations, which she received.
Since the fecal test was negative, worming was deemed unnecessary. 
I wrote Lillian that very night and explained that a little mucous noted, but no other symptoms whatsoever.  She said that was fine and go ahead and send her.  I recommended that she stay in quarantine (I say that to all clients), which Lillian promised she would for 3 weeks (and clearly broke, since Sable is running around with her pets at home).

Fl law is strict about the health of cat to leave and she was once again inspected at the airport.  The inspector played with her in the cage for approx 10 minutes while I filled out paperwork.  Once again, she seemed fine and there was no apparent gasping, etc.  The inspector is an exotic cat lover and said that Sable is "a dream cat." 
If she had major symptoms of a crisis or difficulty breathing etc, she would not have been cleared for travel.
She was also fed and watered in Atlanta, Ga during layover and I did not receive any reports of distress.

Since she left here, I contacted Lillian 2x by email, asking for updates on Sable.  I did NOT get any sort of reply or other news whatsoever.  Four days went by and, still, nothing whatsoever.

My first communciation about anything even remotely irregular was through Paypal.  Lillian had filed a claim stating some fairly wild claims, such as that the cat "was not Sable at all, but an imposter."  Paypal doesn't usually get involved in medical issues, primarily focusing on fraud, and Lillian was clearly making this up. 

After 30+ pics sent to Lillian in the last 5 months, she is without a doubt the same animal.  They became aware that I was never contacted in any way whatsoever about Sable, there is a contract, and I would be willing to work with her to come to a resolution (in private).  They clearly stated to me that Lillian apparently jumped the gun, not giving me any chance to even respond.  I am under the impression that Paypal considered her claims not true and dismissed the claim completely.

Regarding claims of tapeworm infestation, her fecal was negative less than 2 days before, so I don't know how that is possible.  Vet did not notice any fleas and none noted on health certificate.  It is possible that she picked some up at the cargo animal holding facility while on route. 

Sable is not a large cat.  Her mother is full grown and only weighs approx 8 lbs.  Savannahs are late to develop and it is extremely likely that Sable will gain weight and size in the years to come.  She was not considered thin, malnourished, or dehydrated in any way when she left here.  She was eating and drinking/using litter box regularly.


Regarding my cattery:

We run a small program, as many breeders know, but there are many breeders and clients who have experience with me personally.  I have working client relationships with a number of top breeders and their reviews of me have been very good. 

I have been loving and breeding Savannahs for almost 7 years and with over 70 kittens/cats placed in loving homes,  have NEVER experience ANY serious health issues in cats shipped out that had anything to do with my care. 
With the exception of Sable, no animal that left my home had a serious problem and I can back up my claims 100%. 


Without even contacting me at all, Lillian ran to public Savannah lists and has tried to dig up dirt about the quality of the cats I have sold.  Apparently, she found nothing.

My cats have been shown at TICA national level shows with me as examples of the breed.  Anyone who saw my cats (and me with them) would without a shadow of a doubt know how truly loved and cared for they are.  One example of this is exhibiting F1 Azul at the Arizona show.  I also exhibited cats the following year, demonstrating to the public how amazing these cats truly are.
Several of my previous kittens have also gone on to show internationally.  One cat is the first Savannah to receive top prize in a TICA international South American show (two years in a row).

Once again, I firmly stand behind the cats that I sent out  and am in contact with many previous clients (who sometimes returned for a second cat down the road).  Some of my previous kittens are now Foundation Cats in breeding programs in this country.
Anyone who is in the area where I am is welcome to contact me and visit the cattery. I have a background in Animal Science and Nursing and the care/attention that my animals receive daily is evident by no previous serious health issues and wonderful personalities.

In a personal note, I am truly sorry that this occurred to poor Sable and Lillian.  I care very much about her wellbeing and am completely distraught that this occurred. 
However, I was never contacted whatsoever in any way by Lillian and wasn't even aware of a problem until Sable was sent home, apparently now eating fine and playing with her other cats (according to Lillians blog).  According to Lillian, the vet called her, said cat is recovered, and please pick her up.

As experienced breeders know, the stresses of travel can be great and it is obvious that something happened to her.  My only guess is that she was extremely stressed from the travel and somehow a URI infection took hold of her.  She also received vaccines at the vet visit.  Possibly she had a bad reaction and it lowered her immune system. 

With that said, after this situation happened, there has been a tremendous amount of personal attack/slander.  I have tried to always be professional in my business dealings and I wish that this situation could have been handled privately.

I wish Lillian and Sable all the best.