A woman has amused thousands online after sharing a photo of the dog she bought from Craigslist and picked up in a Pizza Hut car park.
The Instagram Threads post, shared by Jillian Forsberg (@jillianforsberg), quickly gained traction, earning more than 52,000 views and 3,800 likes since it was posted on April 30.
The image shows a small dog with a fluffy copper coat, accompanied by the caption: “Here’s my ‘purebred’ Craigslist dachshund. Picked up in a Pizza Hut parking lot 15 [years] ago!”
Despite being advertised as a purebred, Forsberg later revealed that her senior dog is anything but. In the comments, she posted a screenshot of the DNA results showing the dog is 42 percent dachshund, 12 percent cocker spaniel, and the remainder a mix of toy poodle, Pekingese, and Shih Tzu.
View on Threads
Forsberg’s story struck a chord with many pet owners who had similar Craigslist experiences.
One commenter wrote: “Back in college, I bought a Jack Russell off Craigslist and it ended up being a dachshund. It just kept getting longer and longer. I accepted my fate when he turned one.”
Another shared a mix‑up of their own: “I went to pick up a gray kitten off Craigslist for my 40th birthday. The woman handed my son a tuxedo kitten instead. One look at his face and we just said… okay. Jax turned out to be the love of my life.”
A third user said: “A purebred wouldn’t be that pretty!”
The Risks of Buying Pets on Craigslist
Forsberg’s post highlights the potential pitfalls of purchasing pets through Craigslist, a platform the American Kennel Club (AKC) advises against. Beyond receiving the wrong breed, buyers may also fall victim to scams.
The AKC states that scammers often create fake litters or impersonate real breeders. Prospective owners may send payment for a puppy and receive nothing in return. Some scammers even steal personal information from legitimate breeders to appear credible.
While fraudulent listings are common online, the AKC notes that there are reliable warning signs buyers can look for. With awareness and by choosing reputable breeders or established dog homes, people can avoid scams and ensure a safer experience.
The AKC’s guidance includes:
- Scammers often rush to discuss payment, while legitimate breeders take time to ensure the dog is a good match.
- Reputable breeders have strong reviews and referrals from previous buyers.
- Buyers should speak with the breeder by phone or video and meet in person when possible.
- Responsible breeders welcome questions about the breed, the parents, and the puppies.
- Proof of health records, screenings, and veterinary visits should be readily available.
- Proper documentation, including clear paper work, must be provided before taking a puppy home.
- Sellers who push for quick payment or fast decisions are often a red flag.
Newsweek reached out to @jillianforsberg for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
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