Money up front. Friend of a friend or blood or joe blow don't matter. Once the man has ur dog u are playing catch up if u don't have cash in hand. If the dog gets killed u won't get ur money. If the dog is the best to ever take a track chances are u still won't get ur money. U have no signed notarized contract and without it the

ain't gonna do much because it becomes he said she said. They don't want the hassle.
Shotgun
Arkansas