Heartbroken

[erinlee]

This is my second thread, so I'm very new here... but I don't know where else I can share this dissappointment right now.


My search for a Yorkie has just started, and I've already made my mind up that I will rescue or take one in that needs to be re-homed. I had a really promising lead, there was an ad on Hoobly for a 4 yr old Female AKC Registered, $200, Spayed, UTD, house broken, you name it! Sounds too good to be true, huh?

Well I inquired about her, and a few days passed so I kinda thought nothing would come of it. Then they wrote me back and said to call. So I called and got this dogs life story, I'll try to shorten it up a bit.

She belonged to the posters b/f's sister. At one time the sister had invested lots of $$ into this dog since the AKC papers & spaying. Then she got a new puppy, and the Yorkie wasn't her "favorite" anymore, and so she brought it to get brother's house and dumperd her off saying they couldn't take care of her anymore. So, it's my understanding that there was several people and several dogs of all different breeds living here.

The girl who had her posted told me all about her, and she honestly sounded like she would be perfect for us. It seems that she's just being neglected in the midst of everything going on at that house.

So, at this point I want her. BUT, she's 4 hours away and IMO this girl who's re-homing her hasn't invested $200 into this dog, right? I told her that I was willing to drive most of the way, if she could meet me somewhere, but that I wasn't willing to pay the full $200. I think that's just plain greed, asking that for a 4 year old dog. So, she told me that I sounded like a great home for her and to make an offer. I politely declined and told her to tell me what HER terms were, what is the least she would take for the dog. At that point she said "Well I'd even take $75 or $50 for her" and I said that would be fine.

I have been making arrangements all day to go get this little girl on Monday, I've been SO excited! Even my Husband was warming up to the idea of a little dog after hearing about her! My heart was set to say the least. I talked to the girl today and we discussed it further, even agreeing on a general area to meet, and she asked if I'd give her the $75 since she was meeting me about 45 minutes out. I gladly agreed, because I think that's fair.

She said she'd be calling me back tonight after speaking with her b/f's sister, so she could get the dog's vet work for me. Well, no call ever came.

I sat down to look at her ad so I could show my Husband pictures and it was deleted. At first I was excited about that because I thought she took her off for me. Then I looked at her other ad's and only 27 minutes prior to me checking, she (under the same user!) re-listed the dog for $200 again, with the EXACT same description but no pictures!

So, I take it that finding a good home is not really important to them. It's sickening. I sent a message asking what the deal was, but I doubt I will be hearing back from them.

I was willing to drive that far to get a dog that I have no guarantees on. She could have heartworms, LP, Liver Shunt, or a terrible dental situation... and all of these things played a part in the fact that I don't think they really have any business asking for ANY money for her. (Oh, and she's also eating Purina Dog Chow! )

It didn't matter to me, I wanted to save her. I was ready to love her and make her life better, which is more then what they are doing, but apparently that wasn't enough.

[Lizzie07]

If you really want this dog, you could call them back and offer them $200. I'm sure they can get that for her.

They may believe she is worth that in spite of the fact that you don't.

[BusyMominAL]

The dog has AKC papers, is spayed and UTD on shots and you weren't willing to pay $200? Have you looked at any of the reputable rescues? They get at least $200 for adult rescues none of whom come with any guarantees either?

Yorkies are a wonderful breed and very popular and the law of economics sets their prices fairly high. You can want what you want, but there is fair market value and to refuse to pay $200 for what sounded like a nice dog is silly, imo.

[Rhetts_mama]

I'll be brutal- these kind of adds pop up all over the place, and they are generally scams. Usually, they end up asking you to send them the money first and they will provide a transport. You send the money but no dog ever appears.

I'm sorry this happened to you. Since your heart is in the right place for improving the life of a dog, you may have a better experience looking in to a dog from a reputable rescue group. Fees vary from place to place.

FYI- it's not unheard of to have rehome fees in the 200 dollar range, even from an individual.

[maddieadoptedme]

I adopted Maddie from a rescue on petfinder @ the sum of 125.00 without papers a STEAL imo.

she was 13 months old, spayed, utd on shots, and clean bill of health from the vet.
i couldnt even begin to get all those things done for her at that price, not to mention the cost of a yorkie alone.

sometimes people get yorks for free---and thats awesome. but seriously--what would it run you to take her to the vet to get shots and spayed? probably more than 200.00------if this is a true add and not a scam and you really want her--you should do it. but thats just me

[erinlee]

Originally Posted by Lizzie07

If you really want this dog, you could call them back and offer them $200. I'm sure they can get that for her.

They may believe she is worth that in spite of the fact that you don't.

I'ts not about believing she's woth that or not, but I don't think dogs are possessions to be passed around for whatever amount of money.

Originally Posted by BusyMominAL

The dog has AKC papers, is spayed and UTD on shots and you weren't willing to pay $200? Have you looked at any of the reputable rescues? They get at least $200 for adult rescues none of whom come with any guarantees either?


Yorkies are a wonderful breed and very popular and the law of economics sets their prices fairly high. You can want what you want, but there is fair market value and to refuse to pay $200 for what sounded like a nice dog is silly, imo.

I've adopted from a rescue before, and have no problem paying their fees, but I will not pay someone who hasn't put any money into a dog that much.

They didn't have her spayed, or her shots, or anything aside from feeding her some crappy dog chow. She was dumped off on their door step, and they haven't taken her to the Vet at all.

I do not feel they deserve money for her, and obviously they want money because they didn't want to see pics of my other pets or anything else.

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

I'll be brutal- these kind of adds pop up all over the place, and they are generally scams. Usually, they end up asking you to send them the money first and they will provide a transport. You send the money but no dog ever appears.

I'm sorry this happened to you. Since your heart is in the right place for improving the life of a dog, you may have a better experience looking in to a dog from a reputable rescue group. Fees vary from place to place.

FYI- it's not unheard of to have rehome fees in the 200 dollar range, even from an individual.

When it's justified and I know where that money is going, I have no problem with it. But I just feel bad for this dog because she's being totally neglected and will continue to be in that situation until someone pays what they want. To me, it's the same principal of supporting BYB's and puppymills, just 'cause you feel bad doesn't mean you should buy a dog... because all you're doing is encouraging people to look at these precious animals as means of financial gain.

[erinlee]

Originally Posted by maddieadoptedme

I adopted Maddie from a rescue on petfinder @ the sum of 125.00 without papers a STEAL imo.

she was 13 months old, spayed, utd on shots, and clean bill of health from the vet.
i couldnt even begin to get all those things done for her at that price, not to mention the cost of a yorkie alone.

sometimes people get yorks for free---and thats awesome. but seriously--what would it run you to take her to the vet to get shots and spayed? probably more than 200.00------if this is a true add and not a scam and you really want her--you should do it. but thats just me

I am in agreement with you 100%, one of my dogs was $150 from a Rescue. I'm looking all over petfinder right now and even considering adoption fees up to $250.

I just don't think these people are doing right by this dog, they have other ads listed for boxer puppies and they girl said there's also 2 Husky's there. It just doesn't feel right, so I will not pay the $200 for this dog. I feel bad, but I refuse to encourage what they are doing.

[maddieadoptedme]

Originally Posted by erinlee

I am in agreement with you 100%, one of my dogs was $150 from a Rescue. I'm looking all over petfinder right now and even considering adoption fees up to $250.

I just don't think these people are doing right by this dog, they have other ads listed for boxer puppies and they girl said there's also 2 Husky's there. It just doesn't feel right, so I will not pay the $200 for this dog. I feel bad, but I refuse to encourage what they are doing.

sounds like a BYB if theres other ads----your probably better off to keep searching----Good luck

[chachi]

Originally Posted by erinlee

I am in agreement with you 100%, one of my dogs was $150 from a Rescue. I'm looking all over petfinder right now and even considering adoption fees up to $250.

I just don't think these people are doing right by this dog, they have other ads listed for boxer puppies and they girl said there's also 2 Husky's there. It just doesn't feel right, so I will not pay the $200 for this dog. I feel bad, but I refuse to encourage what they are doing.

If it doesnt feel right or they seem shady then you are right for not adopting the dog. There will be other opportunities

[Rhetts_mama]

Since the seller seems to have gotten the dog under less than ideal circumstances and was willing to negotiate a price with you, have you considered the possibility that the sob story she put forth was a cover and the dog could actually be stolen?

[erinlee]

Originally Posted by maddieadoptedme

sounds like a BYB if theres other ads----your probably better off to keep searching----Good luck

That was really my main point, is that something shady is going on with these people. But it seems like people here were quick to judge me for not just buying the dog for $200. I know Yorkies can be very expensive, and many people on here have probably dropped ALOT of money on acquiring their pets.

From a rescue standpoint, paying $200 for a dog from an individual who isn't even said dog's real owner, is just not appropriate IMO. I couldn't care less about papers, papers don't affect a dog's ability to be a loving pet. For me, and the reasons I want a dog, papers don't mean anything.

[erinlee]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

Since the seller seems to have gotten the dog under less than ideal circumstances and was willing to negotiate a price with you, have you considered the possibility that the sob story she put forth was a cover and the dog could actually be stolen?

Nope, didn't think of that because I made it very clear that I was only willing to pay her for the dog if should could provide Vet records since she said the dog was UTD. I also said that I'd like to sign an adoption contract with her, and she agreed to all these things. Then I never heard back, so I personally think that she called former dog's owner and the person may have refused to give paperwork once she found out it was being re-homed.

And SHE is the one who said she'd take $75 or $50, I didn't even say that! I would have given her a $100 or so if everything had checked out with the dog.

[maddieadoptedme]

Originally Posted by erinlee

That was really my main point, is that something shady is going on with these people. But it seems like people here were quick to judge me for not just buying the dog for $200. I know Yorkies can be very expensive, and many people on here have probably dropped ALOT of money on acquiring their pets.

From a rescue standpoint, paying $200 for a dog from an individual who isn't even said dog's real owner, is just not appropriate IMO. I couldn't care less about papers, papers don't affect a dog's ability to be a loving pet. For me, and the reasons I want a dog, papers don't mean anything.

not so quick to judge, just reading what was said--maybe taken the wrong way---but like i said good luck and im sure you will find a furbutt soon.

[Lizzie07]

Originally Posted by erinlee

Nope, didn't think of that because I made it very clear that I was only willing to pay her for the dog if should could provide Vet records since she said the dog was UTD. I also said that I'd like to sign an adoption contract with her, and she agreed to all these things. Then I never heard back, so I personally think that she called former dog's owner and the person may have refused to give paperwork once she found out it was being re-homed.

And SHE is the one who said she'd take $75 or $50, I didn't even say that! I would have given her a $100 or so if everything had checked out with the dog.

I don't understand why you think it is okay to pay $100, $75, or $50 from someone who is shady but not $200?

I got my yorkie for free, she came from a friend of a friend who had hurt herself and couldn't keep her. I had every intention of placing her as my breed has always been Italian Greyhounds.

Within a week of getting her, at nine months old, I had Lizzy at the vet having baby teeth removed and that alone cost me more than $200. I hadn't even decided to keep her at that point. Even if it were liver shunt surgery instead of baby teeth, Lizzy is worth every dime I have or could have spent on her. I got lucky and I am blessed to have her, I realize that.

Sometimes things are just meant to be, so maybe you weren't meant for this girl. I'm convinced Lizzy was meant to be with me. I needed a nine month old puppy who wasn't housetrained, would chew the wood around the window by my front door and the corner of my coffee table, and bark at any little noise. Oh, and I forgot to add, terrorize my other dogs!

[Rhetts_mama]

Sometimes things are just meant to be, so maybe you weren't meant for this girl. I'm convinced Lizzy was meant to be with me. I needed a nine month old puppy who wasn't housetrained, would chew the wood around the window by my front door and the corner of my coffee table, and bark at any little noise. Oh, and I forgot to add, terrorize my other dogs!

LOL- we really need to introduce Lizzie to Scarlett. They sound like they are two peas in a pod.