desperately need your advice!

[_jenn]

Tons of posts lately, I’m so sorry! I wanted to post this last night, but my internet was out, so please if anyone has any advice, respond before 5pm Pacific Time. I have class all day but will check my email before I make a final decision.

Okay so here goes … everyone on YT has seen my posts introducing myself and looking for Yorkie purchasing options in CA. I was thinking about buying one at the pet store (which I did walk away from) and also thinking about fostering one for 3 months. Well, I decided not to foster that Yorkie after the replies I got. I didn’t want to deal with any legal issues if the Yorkie were to get sick/hurt and also felt it would have been hard to get attached to the Yorkie and give it away after 3 months. Plus, I didn’t want to get locked into this deal if something were to happen in which I could not go through with it for 3 months. So I also asked about breeders in CA and browsed some other posts on YT that were very helpful.

But … I found another option. A man who posted an ad had a male Yorkie for $900 – a steal in CA. I was very suspicious, but when my boyfriend and I met him, he was very legitimate. He had the AKC registration and the pedigree for the parents. He had bought the parents from breeders in CA (one from Nor Cal and one from So Cal). I didn’t catch the breeders’ names, but I think one of them may have been “white house” or something with a W and a House. He has had the parents for 2 years and they had one litter last year and one litter this year (3 pups each litter). I saw the parents, and they are not exactly show quality pups or pups that I would purchase, but I also have a certain type of preference for Yorkies, so I would never say that they were not cute or unacceptable. The parents appeared healthy and were very active/friendly. They greeted me and my boyfriend and my boyfriend fell in love with the mother who licked his face and begged for him to rub her tummy.

So when I met this man, my concerns were eased and I let my guard down. He said he didn’t know that Yorkies (even males) were in high demand and could have gotten more than $900, but will stick to his ad’s asking price. He was a friendly man and had 2 adopted cats as well (that he rescued from a shelter apparently). He lived alone in a decent sized apartment, appears to have a well-paying job, and loves his pets. He advocated against shopping at pet stores (as we all do!) and talked about how loyal shelter pets are. He also had a whole backyard set up for his pets.

The only thing I was really worried about was that the Yorkie I wanted to buy was very shy and whimpering. He was crying so I put him back in his carrier. I played with one of the girls and the man asked me if I wanted the female instead (she is $600 more at $1500). I would love the female, but can’t afford it right now. The female was so friendly and hopped around but the boy appeared sad and when I held him, he was shivering. This was a big concern for me and when I asked him, he held the dog but the dog stopped shaking with him. Can dogs sense strangers? I know they sense danger, but I promise I am not dangerous at all!! It made me so sad that this pup I wanted to purchase seemed sad with me. Why do you think he was sad and shivering? Could he be sick? His sisters seemed fine …

Anyhow, I have to put down a $300 deposit by 6:00pm today if I want to hold the puppy. I was going to type out a contract with things the man told me he was including … and this is what I wrote so far. Does anyone have any suggestions for anything to add or ask before I put down $300?

PROOF OF SALE

This signed contract is to verify that (MY NAME) paid a deposit of $300 towards the purchase of one purebred male Yorkshire Terrier puppy from (HIS NAME).

With this deposit, the seller agrees to hold the puppy until November 1, when the remaining $600 shall be paid in full.

The seller, (HIS NAME), has agreed to the following:
• Provide AKC registration and pedigree
• Have the dog up to date on all shots
• Have the dog examined by a licensed veterinarian before the final purchase date
• Assume full financial responsibility for the dog’s health for the first 4 months (i.e., if the dog becomes ill, the seller is responsible for all medical costs)

What else should I add? What else is important and reasonable to put in?

I’m sorry this is such a long post … but I don’t think I will be able to keep the pup at my apartment, so I was going to keep it at my boyfriend’s house. He has 3 cats that I’m afraid might hurt the pup, so we were going to keep the dog in his room most of the day (in a large caged area with mats down for “accidents”) and then take him out at night for walks and let him run around the room while we were home. This is actually a big room, and probably safer and bigger than my bathroom. My boyfriend is home Mondays – Wednesdays by himself and I come to stay with him on Thursdays – Sundays. So I am confident I will be a great mommy the days that I am there, but I don’t know about my boyfriend … he works all day and then visits me on Mondays/Tuesdays for dinner so I know he goes home tired. My concerns are … what if the pup barks a lot at night (do they tend to do this?) … my boyfriend will not be able to go to work the next day if he was up all night with the pup  What about training the puppy? I think it would be fun, but I also know it is really hard? What about marking/humping, etc.? Is it super overwhelming?

Another huge concern is the amount of money spent on the pup … besides the price of the pup, I am willing to drop down a fair amount for the cage, toys, and carrier (since they will last a long time and this is the funnest part). But how much are medical visits (after 4 months since the guy said he would include them)? What about food? How much would you say you spend monthly on items for your Yorkie? We can definitely afford him, but we also don’t want to be living paycheck by paycheck if we don’t have to. And we’d like to know before hand if we aren’t financially ready for a Yorkie.

I just wanted to thank you for reading this long post and thank you for any replies. Everyone on these forums has been so incredibly friendly and supportive and I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope I keep up the Yorkie Talk tradition by being a great mom to my pup someday …

[tmatherly]

I'm going to try my best to reply! I noticed you had a big fat zero by replies, so here goes....one little disclaimer...I'm not an expert in anything, so most of this is my opinion only!! It sounds like you have put tons of thought into getting a puppy so you are ahead of the game. The little male Yorkie does sound like he's a bit shy. My little boy yorkie did shake when he was nervous in the car, etc..when he was little. He rarely does this now (at 4 months). If you look at sites for tips on picking out puppies (which I'm sure you have) it does say to pick the friendly puppy, not feel sorry for the runt, etc and get a pity pick. You are better off health wise with a robust puppy. So, I know that doesn't really answer your question. Most likely, he's just nervous/scared, not very socialized yet. He would probably be fine once he got used to things.
I do have some concern about the amount of time little one will spend alone. Mine stay about 4 hours alone now, but when Scout was a little puppy my teenaged daughter was home with him full time. I wonder if anyone could help you out with puppy sitting? And he WILL cry the first few nights away from mom.
As for how much we spend a month on our Yorkies. That's hard to answer depending on health, etc....be prepared for the Vet check and shots right after getting him, and a good quality food is about $10.00/mo for mine (2)-small dogs don't take alot to feed. I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do, and keep us posted!!

[Julz]

I just read your post. I love how you are thinking of almost everything. I hear the urgency in your words. I don't necessarily think the pup would be a bad choice for someone since he did stop the shivering when the man picked him up. Though I would say he is going to require a lot more TLC and time than an outgoing pup might. He is probably going to be a bit babified and probably will be a cryer. Possibly screaming at night or during the day. I honestly feel you will be a very responsible owner....but I'm not sure the timing is right for you at this time. I am afraid that it would be too much on a pup right now in a split home sort of situation. Sorry if that sounds corny. I am concerned that you are concerned about some of his time with your boyfriend. I am also concerned that you can't have him at your place. Do you feel like you could possibly find a place that allows pets and get a new puppy then? I hope I am sounding gentle, because that is how I am meaning this.

[Julz]

In my opinion, cats are very dangerous around tiny Yorkie pups if provoked. My Mom had to watch her cat VERY closely around her litter of pups when they were little. The cat would get curious, the pups would get brave, and WHAM, the cat wanted to bat them, pin them down, or sratch with her back feet. Not to be mean, but just a cat being a cat that got aggravated by a pup being a pup.

[vainchick5]

I think it's great that you're thinking everything through (unlike I did..hehe). So here's what I would do if I were in your position (by no means am I an expert, just learned from my own example). I would hold off. Not only does the pup need a stable home, but time and money. Puppies already have a hard time adjusting, and they cry A LOT at night. I was up with Coco every hour and a half (like a real baby) for a month. It just depends on how much you and your boyfriend are willing to sacrifice. I am just being honest, not in any way trying to dissuade you. It's a huge responsibility. One way to think about it: If you are ready for a human baby, you are ready for a yorkie. Monthly it doesn't cost a lot to care for them, but as puppies, initially it does cost. You have to get them their routine shots and checkups every couple of weeks which adds up in the hundreds within a couple of months. Figure that until he has all of his shots you will be spending at least $70 every couple of weeks for shots and worming, and about $20 a month for food, and maybe about $100 the first initial week for necessities (nutrical, toys, bowls, blankets, puppy pads, ect.). If you get that particular little boy, he will PROBABLY (not sure) be a crier since he's already timid. Coco was super playful and happy and loved strangers but still cried terribly at night. I, personally, would prefer a lively and rubust puppy that can hold his own. However, health wise I'm sure he's ok, especially since you're getting him vet checked by the breeder. I work full time and Coco is at home by herself for the 8-9 hours I'm gone. She does great! No crying when I leave or anything. I put a baby gate in the kitchen with puppy pads, toys, food and crate. It's all about what they are used to. But when I get home, I am allllll hers. I've basically given up my social life for her. If I go ANYWHERE, she comes with me. Like I said, if you're ready for a human baby, you're ready for a yorkie. If you don't think your B/F would make a good daddy to the yorkie, or wouldn't know how to take good care of him, I would recommend you teach him all the essentials before you get one. Hope this helps and goodluck.

[golfwidow14]

Just thought I'd add in my opinion on your situation. I didn't plan on getting a dog but when I saw one of these adorable little puppies in person my heart was won over and I got one. I wasn't aware at just how much work goes into caring for a puppy. I knew it was work but, and I think maybe more so with yorkies, I never imagined that it would be so incredibly time consuming. I don't have kids but I honestly feel like this is very similar to that. By my own choice I rarely ever take time out for myself anymore because I want to make sure Samson is cared for and happy. My husband and I both work so when I am home I try to spend all of my time with Samson. My only concern for your situation is the fact that the puppy would be staying with your boyfried. I don't know everything about your personal life but what would happen if you and your boyfriend were not together anymore.....would you be able to take the puppy to live with you and continue to care for him both timewise and financially. I'm not trying to talk you out of getting a puppy because they are very rewarding to have in your life but I just wanted to help you look at all of the possible issues that could arise down the road. As far as the money issue you never know what could come up. Samson ended up breaking his elbow because he jumped off of the second step on the stairs and we took him to a specialist for surgery. It was not cheap but we were in the position where we had the money to pay for what he needed. If you do get a puppy I wish you all the luck because they truly are like angels from heaven!!

[golfwidow14]

Hey, just curious, who is the little pup in the picture by your name????

[txshopper73]

Sounds like you've gotten some good advice here. However one speculation with your contract...It should state genetic sicknesses/illnesses. I don't think it would be fair to the breeder if one of the cats scratched the yorkie and it turned into an infection that the breeder should have to pay for meds and a vet visit. Or, if the yorkie gets into something and it makes it sick...the breeder shouldn't have to pay for that at all. Normally, the new owner takes care of all the vet bills but if it is proven that it is a genetic illness then the breeder is liable. JMHO

I too am concerned about the time the yorkie must stay alone and caged. That seems very unfair. What about time for training and socializing?

[txshopper73]

now, after reading a little more, the breeder has agreed to paying for vet bills go for it...but does he know that the pup will not be in your home but someone elses that has cats?

[yorkieusa]

I don't believe this is a good situation for a tiny puppy at all. Sorry.

[YorkieShadow]

I was just reading all this. Im glad everyone gave you some real good advise. and Im glad you are asking lots of questions before you get your puppy.

[stinky]

When I went to put a deposit on my baby, she was frisky and friendly with her brother and sister around, but when I went the second time, to take her home, she acted just like that pup you want to buy, shaking and whimpering. She was fine though, after a while in the car.

I was really nervous too when I bought Ginger, analyzing every detail. It’s a lot of money and a big commitment. But you have obviously done your homework and it sounds like you really want this puppy. He will make you so happy if you’re ready for him.

The only thing I might reconsider is the living arrangement. It might start to get old for you and your boyfriend after a while. That’s just the way I see it though; it may be perfect for you guys.

Good luck!

[_jenn]

Thank you for all your comments, advice, personal stories, and suggestions. After thinking it over and talking to my boyfriend ... we decided to get the pup. He won't be left alone all day long ... my boyfriend lives with his family, so I'm sure my boyfriend's mom will be anxious to play with him. My boyfriend comes home around 8pm and can take care of him then. I will talk to my roommate at my apartment and see if I can keep him with me for the first few weeks so he can get used to me. We will bend over backwards to make sure he has taken care of.

As for the cats, this is a legitimate concern, but we are trying to keep him with us in a few rooms (with no cat access) so he doesn't get hurt by them!

I also spoke with Kathy of Yorkie Pals and she provided me with so much information. I would definitely recommend her as a knowledgeable and caring breeder in CA. I would have bought a pup from her myself but the money was a huge issue.

Again, thank you for all the advice. I will post pictures and stories when I get him in 2 weeks!

[_jenn]

Originally Posted by golfwidow14

Hey, just curious, who is the little pup in the picture by your name????

Haha good question. I don't know! A man was selling him in San Francisco and I wanted him so badly, but I couldn't afford him and didn't want to get him shipped. It's someone's dog now I would assume! But I thought he was so precious, so I used him as my avatar ...

... is he yours by any chance?! That would be a small world.

[Bella Bear]

Hey Jenn, I see that we live in the same zip code, please dont hesitate to ask if you have any questions about vets, groomers, etc. And when he's old enough, lets do play dates!