How much is that doggie (sperm) in the window?

$200,000, according to a Pennsylvania jury.

Linda Blackie and Miriam Thomas, who raise prize winning standard Poodle show dogs, deposited 122 sperm samples from several of their studs at the Mount Nittany Veterinary Hospital to preserve them for future breeding.

But in 2009 the cryogenically-frozen specimens were mistakenly thawed and destroyed.

Because of the dogs' superior lineage the women said they could earn $5000 for every two samples. One of the dogs had taken Best of Show at Westminster in 1991. They sued the hospital for more than $300,000.

Hospital lawyers argued that the quality of the samples ranged from “moderately good to extremely poor” and were not worth that much.

Uh…how can they determine the quality of destroyed Poodle semen, I’m wondering. Doesn't "worth" depend on what someone is willing to pay?

The jury must have wondered too, awarding $124,960 to Thomas and $89,760 to Blackie. According to their lawyer they were pleased with the verdict. The story

Comments

[geogia little pea]

Can you see me shaking my head?

[Sherry in MT]

Honestly I think to be fair, for those that can't believe this, if this were race horse sperm no one would be nearly as surprised and I'm sure the sums would have been much larger.

[Kristine]

As I am not in the breeding world, I can't say anything. I do know people will pay a lot of money for purebred stock. As crazy as it may seem to me, it's pretty normal to others.

[Khyra]

Poodle Drama Fur Sure!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Mom and I were out in The Zen-terra a few weeks ago and saw a license plate on a minivan that she SO wanted to snag fur woo - but khouldn't get the flashie beastie on in time - it was - are you ready??? POODLES
What a skhary plate...just sayin'

[billig ugg]

The Poodle is so cute~

[cube]

I'm not in the breeding world either, but it is common to put much value in the sperm of champions. Me, I think those women made a killing.

[yellowdoggranny]

I'm just going to bite my tongue and go on my way.

[Jen @MyBrownNewfies]

Honestly, I would of sued for more.

[Karen Friesecke]

122 samples? Some Poodles had some really fun times, didn't they :D