CLEVELAND -- NewsChannel5 heard from a number of people who bought dogs over the holidays, hoping to add a new member to their household, but instead they got disappointment and heartbreak.

NewsChannel5's Angie Lau reported on what rights you have as a pet owner and what you should consider when purchasing a pet.

The Aldermans wanted a dog to take on walks and have as a family pet. They looked online and went to a local breeder, where they fell in love with Roxy.

"We didn't see any other puppies at that time or the parents, we just saw the dog we were going to get," said Emily Alderman.

According to reputable breeders like Jean Clodwick, of AKC Shetland Sheepdogs, that may have been the first sign something was not quite right.

"A lot of breeders won't even show the parents and that becomes a problem because you can't judge the temperamental qualities of the puppies," said Clodwick.

In the case of the Aldermans, the problem was Roxy's health when they went to pick her up.

"She was kind of sad in her cage, she wasn't trying to get out of her carrier on the way home and she had really bad diarrhea," said Alderman.

After several tests, the vet diagnosed Roxy with Parvo and she died within three days.

Not only did they lose a pet, but the Aldermans were out about $500.

The receipt from the breeder indicated they were buying the puppy as is.

"Even though it's a living, breathing something we get attached to, the law treats it like a piece of merchandise," said Sue McConnell, of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau.

But there are some steps you can take before you buy.

"Best thing to do is ask for references ask the breeder for reference and find out who bought puppies from this breeder -- ask for more than one. Go visit those people, go see their dogs; ask what kind of problems they've had," said Clodwick.

She also said to ask the breeder or pet store for a written health guarantee and vet documentation to see what tests have been run, and take the time to research the pet store or breeder.

"Most of your better breeders belong to your AKC parent organizations, your parent breed clubs. They are a member of that club which has specific guidelines for breeding, some have actual codes of ethics," said Clodwick.

If you feel you've been wronged, the BBB said there's the option of taking the breeder or business to small claims court.