Anonymous
map-marker Kansas City, Missouri

101 Puppy Mills

Tom and Debra Ritter, Cornerstone Farms, Curryville, MO – State inspectors found dogs with open sores, hair loss, raw skin and fly-bitten ears; website claims cornerstone farm is “AAA” rated by inspectors. In January 2014, a Missouri state investigator documented fifteen violations at Cornerstone Farms, including “a strong ammonia [urine] odor,” many dogs without adequate space and a litter of seven golden retriever mix puppies who didn’t have any water. When provided with water, the state report noted that the puppies “were observed lapping the water nonstop” as if very thirsty. At a prior visit in June 2013, a state investigator found numerous dogs with health issues, including two dogs with open sores; numerous dogs with “hair loss, areas of red skin with small bumps, cracked and open areas of skin, and scratching observed;” and several dogs with fly-bitten ears which “can be painful and irritating,” according to the inspection report. The report also noted that several dogs had such long curling toenails that it could cause difficulty walking, many dogs did not have adequate space or protection from the weather, and the kennel’s veterinary records were not up to date, among other problems. However, on their website Cornerstone Farms claims to be “AAA Rated by Inspectors.” Cornerstone Farms has more than 500 dogs and puppies on the premises, according to Missouri state records. It sells nine different varieties of puppies online at cornerstonefarms.net, yet HSUS researchers could find no indication that they are federally licensed to do so. The USDA retail rule, which went into effect in November 2013, requires breeders who sell puppies sight-unseen, such as over the Internet, to obtain a USDA license and be regularly inspected under the federal Animal Welfare Act, yet no federal licenses under the Ritter name nor under Cornerstone Farms were found by HSUS researchers as of 4/18/14. An eyewitness reported C
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4 comments
Guest

Just going through the posts on this site of people who have purchased puppies from them, I have found over ten different breeds if dogs being sold there

Lucile Jiq

I hear you screaming because I got one of those puppies from that puppy mill and he is now 3 years old and I'm about to head that microchips removed they are making him crazy with that and causing him to have seizures he's also sterile and he had Giardia when I got him but he also had paperwork saying he just been to that by licensed veterinarian he was born in a box and raised in a box I received him at 5 months old and he was no bigger than a chihuahua it took him awhile but he finally grew into himself and started looking like a Boston Terrier but he's so tightly bread that I dont think ill ever be able to make babies but that's okay he's safe and sound and I am removing that microchip from my dog and cursing at Cornerstone farms to burn because that's all they are is a puppy mill working for the Queen of England putting microchips in pets to help them driving or pets mad with these microchips and we willingly allow them to do it as far as I'm concerned this dog belongs to me there for that microchip belongs to you but you can't have it I'm going to burn it and as I burn it I will be seeing your house burn down and your kingdom will crumble like Masonic bricks should

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Lucile Jiq

What was the microchip for

?

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Lucile Jiq

WOW dkstorm77 sound like a real problem….on your part. I'm the oldest son and have been involved with dogs my entire life.

I can say with all sincerity because Im not as much of a nice person as my folks, your full of ***. Firstly you NEVER purchased a dog from our kennel and I challenge you to prove me different. All of the dogs are microchipped because if you lose your pet and any officer, vet, or animal shelter finds him or her they can scan it to retrieve your information. NO MICROCHIP HAS EVER caused seizures in animals, ever.

The chips we use are purchased from AKC, the largest pet registration in the history of pet ownership. Your entire post makes you sound deranged and unmedicated.

We work for the Queen of England? Not so, we work for the Martians from the northern hemisphere of Mars…..Bonjour

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Anonymous
map-marker Englewood, Colorado

Great Service, Wonderful Family

We bought our little puppy from Cornerstone farms and she finally arrived couple days ago. We were a bit nervous since we live in Canada and weren't able to meet the pup and Debra prior to the decision. However we were so happy with the whole situation that we decided to write a review and perhaps make the same dicions easier for other potential clients. Our new pup is very healthy, very happy and lively and she even came in a much nicer kennel then she had to and we also got a free gift. Her price was more then fair. Great puppy, no nonsense people. ;-)
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Reason of review:
All of the above!
Anonymous
map-marker Kansas City, Missouri

Dog Review

These people will rip you off, they use there children as slave labors and all the animals are in filth ,i wish i never would of had met them they took my dog back but never replaced it
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Reason of review:
Poor customer service
Tayvon Sdd

I thought it was just my luck..guess not.

I bought a schnoodle a few years back that I just love, so I am really sorry to say this. Just like what a lot of reviewers experienced, I received a sick dog, not only, he got me sick w Giardia too. Yes people can get it from dogs. We were living in an apartment complex with a lot of dogs, and it is highly contagious. It was a nightmare that really threw me back in many ways. I stuck to the pup because thats just who I am, but it was truly a very difficult time. Today someone asked me where I got my dog, so I checked internet for any reviews on Cornerstone and Debra. Its really scary to think about how my very loved pup lived before and what other sicknesses he could have brought with him.
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Loss:
$3000
1 comment
Guest

Well let me start by saying Giardia is a common cause of diarrhea in people, but dog Giardia is not generally considered to spread from animals to humans.  While human Giardia may infect dogs and then be passed on to humans, the majority of human cases are of human origin. You would have to have drank water from your dogs bowl or eaten his *** to get it yourself.

Equally I will say you clearly are not being honest because Schnoodles don’t sell for $3000 or even close and to correct giardia is an oral medication that cost about 25 dollars. So unless your vet visit cost $2000 your story holds no water.

Marc B Ggg
map-marker San Mateo, California

Cornerstone Farms sent us a perfect puppy

We can understand the frustration of some people posting to this site but we completely disagree. Cornerstone Farms returned almost every email and telephone call in a timely manner before and during our puppies arrival. What we did receive was a beautiful, perfectly described Cockapoo puppy, 4 months old and in PERFECT health. Beautiful coat, healthy teeth, updated shots and worming, completely worm free after our vet test, and the most important of all, as described on their web site, filled with love from human handling. Our love for this dog grows by the minute thanks to the caring people within the Ritter family who did love her from birth prior to sending her to our forever home. We cannot thank them enough....what we are planning to do is buy another puppy of a different breed within a couple of years from this same family. They post a very strong religious affiliation with Jesus...I have no doubt that it plays a very important factor in how their animals are raised and loved. Thank you for our beautiful Bailey.
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3 comments
Guest

How then, would you defend the inspectors findings that they have violated federal law, inhumane treatment of animals etc. And with over 10 different breeds how could anyone expect these animals are treated well? They have been documented with over 500 animals at one time!!!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1096240

Clearly you are affiliated with the HSUS because our family has NEVER violated any federal laws.

Im a licensed medic in the state of missouri and a felony would end my career. Lies will never prevail

We are state licensed and inspected and USDA licensed and inspected as well

Guest

I have sat here and read all of your posts and thought about what you have said. I will tell you that I had reached out to Cornerstone Farms last May after having lost my dog to cancer.

Maggie was sent to me after we had agreed to a price and also we had agreed to a flight (I was returning from a business trip). We arranged that we would land at the same time. Maggie came with a few minor issues and Cornerstone was very willing to assist with compensation of those vet bills.

Maggie has just had her first birthday and we are enjoying our new addition to our famly. I have found Cornerstone Farms easy to work with and would recommend them to anyone looking for a new addition to their family.

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Teddiandpatty
map-marker Englewood, Colorado

Teddi and Tyler

Hi Debra, Teddi is a little over 6 months now, he is just shy of 18 pounds, and is a very happy puppy. We have made it through house breaking for the most part, we are still working on shoes are for mommy not Teddi's, but I'm sure this too will pass. He sleeps with me most nights, and starts most nights buried in the covers and curled up behind my knees. He loves being out side playing with his "friends". He never tires of going for walks to the near by park. I included a picture of Teddi and his "best friend" Tyler who lives next door ("big brother" Rex the boxer is in the background). Teddi and Tyler are insepratable, the plant they are laying on is a wild grass plant that appears to be "base" in many of their games. Finally, thank you for providing me with my wonderful friend, he has been a joy since day one. Should you ever need a reference in Pennsylvania I would be happy to talk to any perspective families on your behalf. Best wishes, Patti and Teddi
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Anonymous
map-marker Conesville, Ohio

Whats up with this site?

My family lives in Chicago and ten years ago I adopted a Bichon Frise' puppy from this family. We have loved her every minute of that ten years. I contacted Debra and her family a few weeks ago because my Lacy is getting seasoned and I wanted to get another girl. I picked her out, they sent her on a plane to me, just like last time and she is the new love of my life! What I don't understand is that over those ten years, I have referred my two sisters, my mom, a cousin, two people at our vets office and a neighbor to this breeder. Everyone is happy. Now Debra told me about this site and that some people were on here being ugly. I decided to check it out. NOTHING like this ever happened to any of us. I had a sweet relationship with this family and so did the others I sent there. Thank you, Anton
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Ben G Dkm
map-marker Wapello, Iowa

We love Kansas!

Emma, Thank you for the pictures! Kansas has been doing great... our daughter has been having so much fun with her... Kansas slept most of the road trip home, some in Angélica's lap as she was petting her and singing her lullabies :). And we have a big deck on our house, so we all like to go hang out... last night we were sitting on our lawn chairs and she just wanted to be up on my lap... so you were right, you trained her to be a good lap dog! She is eating well and seems to be adjusting great. Hope all went well with your mom's surgery, we have been praying for her. Thanks again for everything! Blessings, Ben, Olivia and Angélica
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Anonymous
map-marker Newport, Oregon

Cornerstone Farms - Curryville, MO

BEWARE of this breeder. DO NOT buy anything from this breeder. This breeder is a very difficult to work with and very rude. I have never written a review about a place (good or bad) but I just couldn't help but try and warn others about this place. My experience: I inquired about a 6 month old male Miniature Pinscher I found for sale via the internet. In my very first inquisition I had asked the breeder whether she would sell the dog to a family breeder. Quickly I received a response: "Of course we love family breeders we are one. Would you like an invoice?" They sent me the invoice without mention to any kind of contract or other paperwork. I paid the invoice and asked if I could get the puppy to fly in on a weekend or a Wednesday (the days I have off work). After approximately 5 or 6 days of no response I began to feel nervous. I thought I had been scammed. Finally I got a response. It turns out my flight request was ignored and I was sent a specific date and time (Friday pick up) to pick the puppy up from the airport. I brushed this off and took the time off work to drive an hour to the airport. I got the puppy home and started to go through the paperwork that came with him and discovered that in fact there is a contract in which I was not made aware of at the beginning of the sale. Then I noticed that the dog looked nothing like the photos that were provided on the internet. Apparently the photos were of the dog when he was much younger (my guess is 8-10 weeks old). Another detail I noticed was that the dog's jaw was protruding quite a bit. My husband and I looked closer and discovered that the dog had a horrific under ***. I called our veterinarian and did some researched via the internet and found out the under bites are in fact hereditary. Our vet advised us not to breed the dog if we did not want an under *** in our lines. I contacted Cornerstone Farms immediately via e-mail and advised the breeder that I was very disappointed and unsatisfied. I received no indication that there was a contract and no notification of the dog's ***. The breeder responded immediately and advised me that the dog should "grow out of the under ***". I knew that at 6 months of age the dog would never "grow out" of the under *** (I confirmed this with my veterinarian). I asked if I could exchange the puppy for a new one or receive a refund. The breeder agreed to exchange the puppy for another puppy ready in two weeks. She then suggested that since we were 5.5 hours away from each other we would meet half way to make the exchange. I agreed to exchange the puppy. I asked to see photos of the new puppy and I advised her that Crawfordsville, IA should be a sufficient meeting place that it was approximately halfway between us (2 hours and 16 minutes from me) (2 hours and 38 minutes from them). 5 to 7 days passed with no response to repeated e-mails sent and phone calls made to confirm the exchange location and to get photos of the exchange puppy. For two weeks we had the original 6 month old puppy. He was not an aggressive by any means but he thirsted for our attention. He was an extremely high strung dog (way more than our other 3 Miniature Pinschers), which comes with the breed understandably, but it had been obvious that the dog had no training or manners much less potty training. Working with the dog for a few weeks he started to come around and obey somewhat but by the end of the two weeks my husband and I couldn't wait to exchange the dog. The dog was so rambunctious, hard headed, and yippy. To us it was apparent that he never lived inside of a home but possibly outside in a kennel without any interaction with people. When I brought him to our veterinarian she noticed that he did not like her to be anywhere near his head / ears. She said that this is possibly because his ears were cropped when he was too young that it hurt him bad and he can remember the pain associated with it. I don't know how true this may be but its something worth mentioning. Still with no response I decided to send an e-mail advising Cornerstone Farms that I was going to file a complaint with the local attorney general and the BBB if I did not get a response. This is the e-mail I received from Cornerstone Farms: "I responded to your e-mail. You are welcome to file anything you choose. It does amaze me that even after I agreed to replace him, do half of the drive and pay for gas, you are very ignorant. 1) There is nothing wrong with the pup I sent you. He has a perfect health cert from my vet. 2) Our papers say that we guarantee good health. We don't guarantee any breeding traits and are selling our pup as a PET. 3) We also say buyer is responsible for fees for a replacement or return but I offered to drive at my cost. Not sure what the problem is because I offered to take him back and pay for half of the travel. I told you the puppy isn't ready yet. He won't be ready until after the first of July. You said Crawfordsville is half way and you can meet on the 2nd. OK. I understand. What now? We will meet you in Crawfordsville on July 2nd. When it is closer to the date, I will email about what time to meet. You need to have Billy vet checked a few days before we meet as a current health certificate to cross state lines. I will have one for the puppy I am bringing. You may also choose to ship him back and then I will ship out the other guy when he is ready. It is your choice." In response to this e-mail I said that I didn't appreciate being called ignorant as I was just looking for a confirmation of a meeting place and photos of the replacement puppy and that I was NEVER made aware of any contract at the time of sale and I NEVER received a e-mail response. The breeder finds out that Crawfordsville, IA is not EXACTLLY halfway in between the both of us. (She was not willing to drive an extra 22 minutes) So I agreed to meet her in Mount Pleasant, IA which was an extra 19 minute drive for us if you wanted to get technical with it. The breeder herself did not show up in Mount Pleasant, IA on July 2nd 2011 but her son was in her place (45 minutes late). He stated that he knew nothing about the situation that he was "˜just the deliverer'. We made the exchange and went through the new puppies' paperwork. I quickly noticed that the puppy did not have an AKC registration application. The son called his mother and she told him that she didn't have the paperwork yet from AKC that she would mail it to us. Again something I was not made aware of before the transaction took place. I brought the new puppy home. He seemed to be in ok health (his eyes had had some mat in them). I took the puppy to the vet to be checked out. The vet found ear mites and gave me a prescription cream to put in the puppy's eyes to help clear them up. The puppy is very happy living with us he is learning where to use the restroom and what "˜come' and "˜stay' mean. Three weeks after we made the exchange (over one month after our original correspondence) I still have not gotten AKC paperwork. I have sent several e-mails asking about the paperwork and shockingly once again have not gotten any response about it. It is extremely frustrating working with Cornerstone Farms. You are ignored constantly yet when you inquire about purchasing a puppy from them they seem to have a lightening fast response. In the end I did not do my research about this place. If I had I would have discovered that this isn't the first time the breeder was rude and ignored their customers. I have also found that they have been known to sell sick puppies. This place has puppy mill written all over it with their "˜designer breeds' and selling sick puppies. I was sucked in by their innocent puppy ad and misleading photos of the dog. I learned my lesson. I believe Cornerstone Farms has too much on their plate- with all of their children and other farm activities (information via their website). I wish I could say more but morally I will not. Buyer Beware.
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40 comments
Guest

Cornerstone is a puppy mill. Plain and simple.

They see $$$$ for puppies and dogs. According to their websites they have 8 dog breeds, horses and goats. How many responsible breeders offer that? The answer is they don't.

Always do your research a animal is a life long commitment. Lastly, read the health guarantee....

What they say they are NOT responsible for is very important and indicates their level of breeding.

Any good breeder would be be responsible for passing along good genes....not just producing puppies.

Guest

They'll get what they deserve on me ;) the tables are already turning

Guest

Cornerstone Farms is an evil, disgusting Puppy mill that must be shut down asap!

Guest

This farm is not only a puppy mill. It's a child mill.

They adopted over 14 kids with disabilities. And they all get gov checks ...

And they work at the farm. Sound a little crazy???

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1012108

First let me start by saying you’re a ***. I'm their oldest son and have been a part of the family the longest.

NONE of us have ever even been eligible for government checks because we were adopted, not foster children. Just shows how shallow minded you are. Secondly our family all made the decision together each time a new child was adopted who had a disability and we always agreed it was good to do the right thing. People like you disgust me.

You complain when they are wards of the state and your tax dollars are paying their way. Then you want to complain on places like this when good people step up and give kids WHO NO ONE ELSE WANTED a chance at a normal life. We all work the farm and all learned a valuable lesson about working hard for thing you want. Not being little lazy brats who think the world owes us something like your children I'm positive.

Our parents don’t deserve your lies. We don’t claim were perfect, we only claim to be Christians. Which is to say we're aware we're not perfect. Then you’re a coward and make the comment anonymously.

I'm Jason the oldest and if you have any other dumb comments you'd like to make feel free to contact me directly. jbrown@***.net. To everyone else on this site, I am 41 and have children of my own, work the farm and have been a medic for over 10 years. No one in our family has ever mistreated another human being or animal and no one have any proof to prove different.

They have rumors and hear say trumped up by the HSUS who almost hates everyone accept those who donate. Oh go ahead and claim the 101 worst kennels list by the HSUS which has ZERO reliability

Because the list is composed merely on someone's personal opinion and reports from the state of Missouri which the HSUS only prints what they want from the list so you don’t get the entire story, merely the portion that will give the appearance of abuse so more people will donate money. I can prove it easily. Get a free copy of the inspection from the state of Missouri and compare it to the information the HSUS printed.

It’s a vastly different read. Want to know the truth, ask us.

We have nothing to hide.

Guest

I got a video of my dog from deb. A cute fluffy black and brown puppy. When he came he was a scrounge scruffy gray and white puppy.they never returned my email

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-896989

We have never sold you a puppy and have no idea who you are but posting lies in order to attack our business is against the law. If you were truly a dissatisfied customer, you would not have to post something anonymously.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-899441

A puppy mill is not a business you waste. You exploit helpless animals.

I can't wait until you get shut down.

Guest

I'm only anonymous cause I don't have an account. I was looking up Cornerstone Farms because I had such a wonderful experience buying my beautiful Bubba who is a Cockalier and I want a friend for him.

My view of Debra is that she is a professional who cares about her dogs. She worked with me when I could not get the full deposit for my boy right away, she was very kind and patient and answered all my questions about the flight details. My boy looked exactly like his pictures and when I took him to my vet the afternoon of his flight he was slightly dehydrated but in perfect health. He is very cuddly, even a bit clingy but hello, that's part of his breed.

I don't want to buy from any other breeder for a cockalier, the Ritters are a great family that I respect and appreciate. I think these negative comments are hokum, and the original post is just pissed off and ignorant.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-754756

Funny how you use the same language the people of this puppy mill use with their customers. It seems to me like you work for them or did this comment as a favor.

This place is horrendous and not only will this place shut down but everyone involved will face prosecution. They are vile beings that care for money instead of the well being of the animals.

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AA H Htk
map-marker California, Maryland

Rude and ***

I contacted this *** place. I sent 300 as a deposit and I was i gnored. When I tried to call them they hung up. Worestest place on earth. They need to get lives and stop breeding dogs as slaves. *** these people and they are dumb and not christan. *** u coner stone. I thought that i would get a puppy and i didn't. What a buch of *** Y are you scuch a discrase. you need to get a real *** job and a *** lufe. ****you and have A nice day ***. Rude bunch of *** *** head. *** you and u r *** and dumb.
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Loss:
$300
2 comments
Guest

I think this review is self explanatory with the expressions and anger. Probably angry about everything. If you called me and talked to me like your review, I would never send you a puppy.

Guest

WOW.... I want to point out something as Im searching for a dog today and googled this family.

This person who posted this CLEARLY is fabricating this post. If they paid the $300 they say they did, they would have had to spoken to someone. No one pays for a family member without talking to someone. Besides the fact that it looks like it was written by a 6 year old who uses curse words because his parents cant hear him.

I feel sorry for the Ritters that they would be under such attack by people who fail to see the forest for the trees.

I WILL be purchasing my newest family member from them as the process thus far has been an enjoyable one.

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Dawn b Vpm
map-marker Greensboro, North Carolina

Cornerstone farms lied to me! Kept my money

I found a pup on puppyfind and inquired about it. Was sent an invoice and paid in full that am. I went home that evening realizing I made a decision too quickly because I would be having major surgery in 1 week. I sent cornerstone farms an email that evening and asked for a refund and explained. They told me, my husband and my sister they would refund my payment in full. They partially refunded me, have been sarcastic, spiteful and have ignored recent emails and phone calls begging for my money. These are bad sellers, sorry customer service. DO NOT buy a puppy from Cornerstone Farms!!!!
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Loss:
$95
5 comments
Guest

I had a pretty good time with cornerstone farms. They may not get back to you when you want but thats LIFE.

They are very nice people, and only get firm because they want to assure you that you will get your puppy and if it makes you feel better, they are NOT in it for the money.

I only payed 500.00 for a 7lbs Yorkie, with only an underbite, which I was aware of and her contract is right on the site. What is up with you people on this site?

Guest

I recently purchased a Standard Poodle puppy from Cornerstone Farms. I found them very pleasant to deal with and they did everything they had promised.

My puppy arrived on time, with all his paper work in order, including his AKC registration form. He had been appropriately vaccinated and wormed and treated with parasite (giardia, coccidia) preventative. He is an absolutely gorgeous puppy with good teeth and bone structure. He passed his well puppy exam at my vets with flying colors.

He is sweet natured and well socialized. He came to us almost completely crate trained and used to the harness and leash. His color is rich and his eyes will melt you.

He wants nothing but to love and be loved. I could not have asked for a better Standard Poodle and I intend (after his hips are certified) to use him in my breeding program.

Guest

Everyone who reads the newspapers knows that the state of Missouri and ALL of Missouri's agriculture has been hard hit by animal rights activists over the last 3 years. They are attacking from all angles but we have over come!

Missouri's legislature has seen through the tactics of these people and our government has corrected the tyranny of the whole thing. Anyone who would like to contact our vet or personally contact any families who have purchased puppies, feel free to contact us. These families have actully purchased a puppy and it lives in their family.

Unlike this unhappy lady who has never met us nor purchased a companion from us. Blessings

Guest

Ummmm this comment was posted 5 months after mine! Yes they did refund my money after we begged for it.

They were awful to deal with. I suggest anyone do your homework before buying a dog from these people!

Guest

This lady isn't telling the truth. We did tell her we would hold her puppy and start housetraining and crate training until after she had her surgery just in case she changed her mind and decide to take her because she was sure she wanted her at first.

She agreed that was a good idea. Her husband called a few days later and said they didn't want the puppy.

THEY RECEIVED A FULL REFUND! She did find the perfect family and now lives in South America.

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