PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- Pets can quickly become adored members of our households. That's what happened to six families who purchased bulldogs from one Schuylkill County business. But once they brought the dogs home, they learned their cuddly companions have serious health problems.

Bulldogs are known to have health problems but the I-Team learned people in three states are spending thousands of dollars each just to keep their dogs alive and pain-free. They all bought their pure-bred pups from Bulldog Ravine.

Their wrinkly faces will touch your heart. But the stories of some pups sold from this Schuylkill County business may break your heart. Mattie Rodriguez of Chester County says “I feel so bad for this puppy. Its been sick since the day I got her.” Rodriguez has spent $4,000 to treat Lola's numerous health problems. Lola’s only a year and a half old.

Rodriguez isn’t alone. Alicia Gundrum of Montoursville says her dog also has health problems. “The sockets in her hip were deteriorated before she was a year and a half old." Weezie's now waiting for a second surgery and deals with other sicknesses. Gundrum thought she was getting a quality dog from a quality breeder. Gundrum says "I think they take advantage of everybody that gets a dog there."

Gundrum is talking about Bulldog Ravine outside Pine Grove. The I-Team undercover camera shows a couple litters waiting to be adopted. The kennel passes state inspections without a flaw. But some customers say the dogs they sell are full of flaws.

Rodriguez says "she is a scammer. She I totally was in shock that someone could do this. Sell these sick puppies." Mingo Lincoln of Corning, New York spent $3,000 for Cosmo. She’s now spending thousands of dollars to treat him for a laundry list of health problems. “I was told this is a champion sired dog. He's bred the best to get the best results.” Reporter Jeff Chirico asks “did you get that?” “No. I got the worst," says Lincoln. At eight months old, Cosmo suffers from so many health problems he can't walk for more than a few yards. Stephanie Shain of the Humane Society of the United States says these are not typical problems you see in a puppy. “You're not going to see these problems coming from a reputable breeder," says Shain.

Brenda Moncrieff who owns Bulldog Ravine defends herself. “Puppies get sick. Its a fact of life." She claims to sell healthy, well-socialized pups. “Most of the dogs I breed are champions. These aren't backyard dogs laying around the backyard. They're all vet checked. All adults are vet checked before they're bred," says Moncrieff.

However, in a letter to the I-Team, a veterinarian blames Lola's health problems on poor and irresponsible breeding. During the interview Moncrieff asks "where are the other 200 people you're not interviewing who have healthy puppies?" So we ask for the names of five people who can vouch for her. She replies “No. I'm not going to do that on camera.” She did not turn over the names of references off -camera either.

The American Kennel Club tells WBRE News Brenda and Evan Moncrieff are not breeders in good standing because of record- keeping violations. That means currently, no dog from their business can be registered by AKC.

Part two of our two-month investigation reveals where these dogs come from and what law Brenda Moncrieff may be breaking.