Ringo Woods

Health Disclaimer for Working Breeds
German Shepherds are elite working dogs, but like all large breeds, they are predisposed to specific hereditary conditions. By entering this agreement, the Adopter acknowledges that while Ringo Woods Shepherds follows careful breeding practices, certain risks are inherent to the breed.
Mandatory Disclosure: Adopters specifically acknowledge the risk of Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), Bloat (Gastric Torsion), and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). Per state law, the Adopter is granted a 14-day window to have the dog examined by a licensed veterinarian. This period serves as the final opportunity to identify any pre-existing clinical illnesses. Beyond this 14-day window, or in the case of pre-vaccination purchases, the Adopter accepts full financial and medical responsibility for the animal prior to the signing of this agreement.

Key Summary of Terms
>14-Day Exam: Adopters must vet-check the dog within 14 days.
>Working Purpose: This dog is intended for a working lifestyle; falsifying the dog’s intended use is a breach of contract.
>Return Policy: Beyond the initial 14-day health window, all sales are final, and refunds are at the sole discretion of Ringo Woods Shepherds.
>Recovery: Ringo Woods reserves the right to repossess the animal if welfare standards are not met.
By signing this agreement, you confirm that you are prepared for the physical and financial demands of a working breed and agree to all legal and health disclosures contained herein.

Ringo Woods Shepherds offers the service of breeding and rehoming high-quality German Shepherds and seeks to ensure the lifelong protection and welfare of said animals, HOWEVER, this document is a Contract of Adoption and NOT a Bill of Sale. The transfer of the animal is strictly conditional upon the Adopter’s adherence to the terms herein; WHEREAS, the Adopter acknowledges that Ringo Wood Shepherds commits significant resources to the lineage and health of their dogs, necessitating this comprehensive legal framework to insulate the Seller from all potential liabilities; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1.0 DEPOSIT AND FINANCIAL TERMS
The financial terms outlined below are designed to compensate Ringo Woods Shepherds for the administrative costs, specialized care, and “lost opportunity” costs associated with removing a high-caliber dog from the active market. The Adopter acknowledges that the Breeder incurs significant expenses once a dog is reserved, and that the deposit serves as a “Liquated Damages” provision to cover these expenses should the Adopter fail to complete the transaction. By paying the deposit, the Adopter enters into a binding commitment and waives any claim to a refund except at the sole, written discretion of the Breeder.
1.1 Non-Refundable Deposit:

This fee is considered earned by the Seller for the reservation of the dog and the removal of the dog from the active market. This deposit is strictly non-refundable for any reason or circumstance originating on the buyer’s behalf.
1.2 Seller’s Discretionary Refund: Should the adoption fail to finalize due to circumstances or faults originating from adopter, Ringo Wood Shepherds, reserves the right, at their absolute discretion, to refund the deposit or not. This is assures the administrative costs, lost opportunity, and specialized care are covered. In the event of such a refund, Ringo Wood Shepherds shall be deemed fully released from the transaction and shall retain no further liabilities, legal obligations, or duties to the Adopter thereafter.
1.3 Final Payment: All remaining balances must be paid in full prior to or at the time of physical transfer of the dog.

2.0 REHOMING AND TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
Under both West Virginia and Ohio law, dogs are legally classified as personal property. While this typically allows for the “free alienation” of property, the Adopter acknowledges that the specialized nature of Ringo Woods Shepherds’ working dogs creates a unique “Continuing Welfare Interest” for the Breeder. Therefore, any transfer of the dog is treated as a conditional conveyance. The Adopter agrees that these restrictions on rehoming are reasonable and necessary to prevent the dog from entering shelters or sub-standard environments, which would cause irreparable harm to the Breeder’s professional reputation and the dog’s welfare.
2.1 Mandatory Reporting: Before the dog is rehomed, given away, sold, or transferred in ownership to any third party, the Adopter is required to report to Ringo Wood Shepherds for express written approval.
2.2 Veto Authority: Ringo Wood Shepherds reserves the absolute right to approve or deny the decision to transfer/rehome, as well as the right to approve or deny the specific individual(s) chosen as the new owners.
2.3 New Contractual Obligation: Any potential new owner must be vetted by Ringo Wood Shepherds and must agree to sign a new Adoption Contract at the sole discretion of the Seller.
2.4 Right of First Refusal: Ringo Wood Shepherds maintains a permanent Right of First Refusal to take the dog back directly should the Adopter be unable to maintain care.

3.0 CONDITION OF ANIMAL AND DISCLOSURES
This section establishes the “Safe Harbor” protections for Ringo Woods Shepherds. It provides the Adopter with a clear, time-limited window to verify the dog’s health while capping the Breeder’s financial liability thereafter. By signing this agreement, the Adopter acknowledges that they have been fully informed of all breed-specific risks and have received all relevant medical history. This disclosure is designed to comply with West Virginia Code §19-20-27 and Ohio UCC §1302.29, ensuring that once the 14-day examination window expires, the dog is accepted “As-Is” without further recourse against the Breeder.
3.1 “As-Is” Status & Statutory Waiver:

The dog is transferred “AS-IS.” To the extent permitted by WV Code §19-20-27, Seller disclaims all implied warranties.
3.2 Mandatory Health Disclosure: Seller has disclosed the following breed-specific hereditary risks: [Hip/Elbow Dysplasia, Degenerative Myelopathy, Umbilical Hernias, Bloat]. Seller has also issued all available veterinarian records as indicated and agreed upon prior to sale. (NOT APPLICAPLE IF Purchased before vaccines) By signing the “ANNEX A: MANDATORY HEALTH DISCLOSURE & VETERINARY RECORD Forum” included in this contract , Adopter acknowledges these specific risks and waives the right to seek reimbursement for these disclosed conditions under any “Pet Purchaser Protection” statutes.
3.3 Vet Certification: A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, dated the vaccine schedule discussed upon transfer, is attached. Under state law, Adopter has 14 days to have the dog examined by their own vet. If the dog is found “unfit” due to a pre-existing clinical illness, Adopter’s sole remedy is the return of the dog for a full refund. After this period, all sales are final: Refunds and liability claim is at Ringo Woods Shepherds discretion.
3.4 PREVACCINATION RELEASE: Adopter acknowledges they are taking possession of a dog that has not completed its full vaccination series. ADOPTER EXPRESSLY ASSUMES THE RISK of the dog contracting communicable diseases (e.g., Parvo, Distemper). Adopter hereby waives all ‘implied warranties of merchantability’ and ‘fitness for a particular purpose.’ Failure to keep the dog isolated from public areas or unvaccinated animals until 14 days after the final vaccination booster shall result in a total forfeiture of all health guarantees and a full release of the Breeder’s liability. With dogs purchased before vaccinations: Puppies will still have regular Pyrantel parasitic treatments administered bi-weekly from 4 weeks old on.

1. Breeder’s Affirmation of Health
   Ringo Wood Shepherds certifies that at the time of transfer, to the best of our knowledge, the dog described above is in good health and has no known disease, illness, or contagious condition, except as noted in Section 3 of the “Adoption & Liability Agreement”. This Annex A is incorporated into the Adoption & Liability Agreement. By signing below, Adopter confirms they have received the specific medical records and hereditary risk disclosures for the dog, and that no other verbal health guarantees have been made by Ringo Woods Shepherds.
2. Disclosure of Breed-Specific Hereditary Risks
   By initialing below, the Adopter acknowledges that the German Shepherd breed is predisposed to certain hereditary conditions. Information on these risks was provided, and Adopter accepts the dog with full understanding that these conditions may develop in the future despite careful breeding practices:
   Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: [Initial Here: ] Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): [Initial Here: ]
   Bloat / Gastric Torsion: [Initial Here: ] Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): [Initial Here: ]
3. Record of Known Conditions / Medications/ Vaccination & Deworming
   This information is disclosed inside the Vaccine records book given to us by our veterinary team and transferred to the adopter (if applicable) at the time of transfer along with their emergency contacts to include on the microchip and business card inside. Vaccination and deworming protocols are disclosed to the adopter before and during transfer. Adopter was given a selection of vaccination options and is adopting this working dog in full agreement with the vetting incurred before transfer of ownership.
4. Statutory Notice to Adopter (WV Code §19-20-27)
   Pursuant to West Virginia law, the Adopter has fourteen (14) days from the date of transfer to have the dog examined by a licensed veterinarian. If a veterinarian certifies in writing that the dog was unfit for sale due to illness or a non-disclosed congenital defect at the time of transfer, the Adopter must notify the Seller within two (2) business days of the diagnosis to discuss remedies (Return/Replace/Refund). Failure to provide a veterinary exam within 14 days constitutes a full waiver of any “Lemon Law” claims.

4.0 INDEMNIFICATION AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
This section constitutes a total and permanent transfer of legal and financial risk from Ringo Woods Shepherds (Breeder) to the Adopter. By signing this agreement, the Adopter acknowledges that they are assuming the role of “Owner,” “Keeper,” and “Harborer” as defined by West Virginia and Ohio statutes. The Adopter expressly agrees that the Breeder shall have no further liability for the dog’s actions, health, or temperament once physical possession is transferred. This “Hold Harmless” agreement is intended to be as broad as permitted by law, requiring the Adopter to not only waive their own right to sue but also to pay for the Breeder’s legal defense if a third party (such as a neighbor or bite victim) attempts to name the Breeder in a lawsuit.
4.1 Total Assumption of Risk: Upon physical transfer, the Adopter assumes complete and total responsibility for the health, well-being, care, and total financial liability of the dog. The Adopter acknowledges that upon taking physical possession, they are the ‘owner,’ ‘keeper,’ and ‘harborer’ of the dog as defined by West Virginia and Ohio law. Adopter assumes absolute strict liability for all actions of the dog. Adopter agrees to indemnify Ringo Woods Shepherds against any third-party claims, including those arising in jurisdictions with strict liability statutes, and shall be responsible for all legal defense costs incurred by the Breeder in relation to such claims.
4.2 Absolute Indemnification: The Adopter agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold Ringo Wood Shepherds entirely harmless from any and all claims, losses, or damages. This includes an absolute waiver of any right to seek damages for injury, death, property damage, or temperament issues.
4.3 Legal Fees and Defense: Should the Adopter attempt legal action against the Seller, or should the Seller be named in a third-party lawsuit resulting from the dog’s actions, the Adopter is legally bound to pay all of the Seller’s attorney fees, court costs, and related legal expenses.

5.0 RIGHT OF RECOVERY AND REPOSSESSION
The Adopter acknowledges that while ownership is transferred, Ringo Woods Shepherds (Breeder) retains a permanent “Security and Welfare Interest” in the dog to ensure its lifelong safety and adherence to the “High-Caliber Working Dog” standards. This section outlines the Breeder’s legal authority to reclaim the dog if its well-being is compromised or if the terms of this Agreement are falsified. Because the safety of the animal is of the essence, the Adopter agrees to a streamlined legal process for recovery, waiving standard delays and bonds, and assuming all financial burdens associated with the Breeder’s enforcement of these welfare protections.
5.1 Breach of Welfare: If Seller determines the dog is subject to abuse or neglect (as defined by WV Code §61-8-19), or if the “Working Purpose” is falsified, this contract is breached.
5.2 Surrender Protocol: In the event of a material breach, Adopter agrees to voluntarily surrender the dog to the Seller within 24 hours of written notice. Adopter acknowledges that “Self-Help” repossession is not intended; however, Adopter grants Seller the right to seek an Emergency Injunction for the dog’s return. Adopter agrees to waive any bond requirement for such an injunction.
5.3 Costs of Recovery: If Adopter refuses to surrender the dog following a documented breach, Adopter shall be liable for liquidated damages of $50.00 per day plus all legal fees, court costs, and transport expenses incurred by Seller to recover the animal.

6.0 BREEDING RIGHTS DISCRETION & PROPRIETARY PROTECTIONS
This section governs the proprietary and genetic interests of Ringo Woods Shepherds. The Adopter acknowledges that the dog’s lineage, pedigree, and reproductive potential are the exclusive intellectual and business property of the Breeder. Any transfer of ownership is primarily for the purpose of companionship or specific working roles; it is not a transfer of the right to reproduce the lineage unless expressly granted as indicated by the checked box at the bottom of this contract. The following provisions establish a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding unauthorized breeding to protect the market exclusivity and ethical standing of the Ringo Woods Shepherds brand.
Because the damage to a breeding program’s reputation and genetic integrity is irreparable and difficult to quantify—damages that are difficult to estimate accurately—the Liquidated Damages and Automatic Revocation clauses herein are agreed upon as reasonable pre-estimates of loss. Failure to comply with these standards constitutes a material breach of the entire Agreement, granting the Breeder immediate rights to financial recovery and physical reclamation of the animal.
6.1 Reserved Rights & Registration Tiers: All breeding rights remain the exclusive property of Ringo Woods Shepherds (Seller). The Seller reserves the absolute right to invoke, grant, or revoke these rights at any time. The status of the dog’s breeding potential is defined by the following three tiers:
A. FULL AKC REGISTRATION: Grants the Adopter the privilege to show in all AKC events and register litters produced by the dog. This status is a conditional privilege subject to the strict health and ethical requirements in Section 6.5.
B. LIMITED AKC REGISTRATION: The dog is registered as a purebred companion; however, no breeding rights are transferred. Any offspring produced by a dog with Limited Registration are ineligible for AKC registration. The Adopter understands that the dog may compete in AKC performance events (e.g., Agility, Obedience) but is ineligible for Conformation shows.
C. NON-REGISTERED (NO RIGHTS): The animal is sold strictly as a working dog without any AKC documentation. This status carries a permanent and absolute prohibition on breeding as detailed in Section 6.4.
Unauthorized Breeding Penalty: Regardless of the registration tier, any unauthorized breeding constitutes a material breach of this Agreement. The Adopter agrees to a “Liquidated Damages” fee of $5,000.00 per litter for unauthorized breeding. This fee reflects the irreparable harm to the Breeder’s proprietary lineage and business reputation, as repossessing a dog after it has been bred cannot “undo” the dilution of the bloodline.
6.2 Breach by Breeding: Unauthorized breeding constitutes a material breach and is grounds for immediate repossession under Section 5.1.
6.3 Liquidated Damages for Unauthorized Breeding: The Adopter acknowledges that Ringo Woods Shepherds’ breeding program and lineage represent significant proprietary value. Therefore, if the Adopter breeds the dog in violation of Section 6.1, the Adopter agrees to pay Ringo Woods Shepherds the sum of $5,000.00 as liquidated damages, and not as a penalty. This fee is in addition to the Breeder’s right to immediate repossession of the dog and any offspring produced.
6.4 NON-REGISTERED & NO-RIGHTS DISCLOSURE For animals sold without AKC registration papers (“Non-Registered”), the Adopter acknowledges that they have zero right to breed the dog under any circumstances. The lack of registration does not grant a “right to breed”; rather, it serves as a permanent restriction to ensure the animal remains a companion or working-only animal.
6.4.1 Non-Rights Explicit Prohibition: The Adopter agrees that this animal is being transferred solely for non-breeding purposes. Breeding a non-registered animal from the Ringo Woods lineage is strictly prohibited because:
A. Preservation of Quality: Breeding without professional oversight and registration prevents the proper tracking of health, temperament, and working ability.
B. Ethical Standards: Non-registered breeding often bypasses mandatory health screenings (OFA, DM), leading to the production of high-risk offspring that can suffer from preventable genetic defects.
C. Brand Integrity: Offspring produced from non-registered Ringo Woods dogs create “counterfeit” market competition that devalues the legitimate, health-tested lineage of the Breeder.
6.4.2 Specific Ramifications for Breach: Any attempt to breed a non-registered animal shall trigger the following immediate consequences:
A. Immediate Repossession: The Breeder shall have the right to immediately reclaim the dog under the “Welfare and Purpose” breach protocol in Section 5.1.
B. Liquidated Damages: The Adopter shall pay $5,000.00 per occurrence as a reasonable pre-estimate of the damage caused to the Breeder’s proprietary business interest.
C. Permanent Blacklist: The Adopter’s name will be shared with associated breeder networks as a “Breach of Contract” party to prevent future acquisitions of working-line animals.
6.5 AKC FULL RIGHTS DISCLOSURE & REVOCATION (If applicable) The granting of Full AKC Registration rights is a conditional privilege predicated on the Adopter’s strict adherence to the health, welfare, and ethical standards outlined in this Agreement. The Adopter acknowledges that any material breach grants the Breeder, as well as any associated representatives, the express authority to submit this document to the AKC’s Registration Research and Compliance departments to contest litter registrations and request a freeze on the dog’s status. By signing, the Adopter waives any claim to registration rights once a breach has been determined.
6.5.1 Retention of Rights: The Breeder expressly reserves a proprietary interest in the dog’s breeding potential to protect the Ringo Woods Shepherds bloodline.
6.5.2 Grounds for Revocation and Reclamation: The Breeder reserves the absolute right to revoke breeding rights and/or reclaim the dog immediately, without refund, if any of the following occur:
A. Contractual Breach: Any violation of the terms in this Agreement.
B. Failure of Maintenance: Evidence that the dog is not being maintained in a manner consistent with “High-Caliber Working Dog” standards.
C. Violation of Breeding Ethics: Breeding to a non-AKC mate, breeding before 24 months, or breeding without passing health screenings (OFA Hips/Elbows, DM).
D. Reputational Harm: Practices that bring public disrepute to the Ringo Woods Shepherds name.

6.5.3 Enforcement and Liquidated Damages:

• Automatic Revocation: Upon a determination by the Breeder that a breach has occurred, breeding rights are deemed “Revoked” automatically and the breeder will start the revocation process with the AKC.
  Penalty Fee: If the dog is bred after revocation, the Adopter agrees to pay $5,000.00 as liquidated damages per litter.
  Surrender of Offspring: The Breeder reserves the right to take possession of any unregistered offspring in the Adopter’s care to ensure their proper placement.
  6.5.4 Required Health Clearances for Breeding: Full rights are contingent upon the Adopter providing “Passing” certifications for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (OFA or SV equivalent) prior to the first mating. Breeding without these certifications constitutes an immediate material breach.

7.0 FINAL PROVISIONS
7.1 Integration: This document is the entire agreement. By signing adopter is agreeing to any and all terms and conditions stated within this document. Adopter also agrees to all liabilities with respect to the damages and affects derived from the dog until ownership is approved and transferred. The parties hereby waive their right to a trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of this agreement
7.2 Governing Law & Venue: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of West Virginia as well as any state Ringo Woods Shepherds shall reside in the future; indefinitely. Any legal action must be filed exclusively in the circuit or magistrate court of Ringo Woods Shepherds state and county of residence. The parties hereby waive their right to a trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of this agreement.