The nightmare of owning a "tiny": - YorkieTalk.com Forums

JiggityJig · 08-03-2006, 07:47 PM

I'm posting this because another member was writing, frustrated, because every person who calls about her available puppies is looking for a "teacup".

Besides all the stories of poor breeding practices and potential health problems, I just don't think that people realize just how dangerous DAY TO DAY LIFE is for these little ones, and how fragile their little bodies are.

I own a very tiny yorkie....she is almost a year old, and has yet to break 2.5 lbs. I ended up with her because her owners were no longer able to care for her.

She is incredibly attached to me, and my husband adores her, and she has just been a dear and funny addition to the zoo we have around here. But we ALWAYS have to "worry" about her. Whether it's someone going in and out of the door....or the kids tossing around a ball...or just walking across the kitchen....we are constantly having to caution: "Look out for Mazie!!!!"

Well, we had a really bad accident take place here a week or so ago. It's taken me awhile to feel like posting about it, and maybe as you read you'll see why.

My six year old and I were up late one night, just talking and cuddling, and off and on petting Mazie, who was in our laps. We were messing around with a calculator of all things, just quietly passing it back and forth while we talked. Well, at some point it slipped from our hands, fell MAYBE four inches, right on Mazie's head.

Let me repeat that....a CALCULATOR fell FOUR INCHES.

We started laughing and apologizing to her, and Elijah sd., "It didn't even wake her up!" I shook her a bit, and felt unsettled when she seemed to be a little TOO sound asleep, so I picked her up. I was initially relieved to see that her eyes were open, but then her mouth fell open, and her tongue hung out, and obviously I realized something was wrong.

I told my son, "Wake up Daddy and tell him that Mazie's unconscious!" I quickly realized she wasn't breathing, and started doing CPR. When my husband got there he took over. She wasn't breathing and her heart wasn't beating for I don't know how long. Seemed like forever, of course, but I'm sure it wasn't.

Finally, a twitch of an ear let us know she was "back" again, but it was like she was totally paralyzed otherwise. She was laying out stiff as a board, and we couldn't even FORCE her legs to bend. Then slowly over the next hour or so, with her heart beating very slowly, her body came back to "life". It was so sad because one whole side of her body stayed numb longer than the other, and for awhile, her head was twisted to the side, and all she could do was scramble in circles.

But the vet said that all this was standard when their blood stops moving through their veins so suddenly like that, and then starts again. He likened it to our foot "falling asleep", and then taking awhile to get all the mobility back once the blood starts circulating again.

She was a little shaky and tired easily for several days (concussion?), and I was very paranoid about her. The vet brought up an additional concern, which I wasn't even aware of: he sd. that often a blow to the head like that can dislodge a cornea (retina?) and lead to glaucoma (but luckily she checked out all right).

Honestly, after this happened, I felt so MAD. Mad that people are deliberately breeding (and looking to buy) babies this small. It is so unfair to them, and their quality of life.

I have something I want to say, and I want to try to word it as diplomatically as possible. I certainly don't judge ANYone for the size of their dog, however little or big. Mazie is what I think of as an "accidental tiny"---not deliberately bred for that size--and of course, that happens, and these special little babies deserve loving homes too.

But I have to admit, it has bothered me at times to see YTers here, as much information as we have been exposed to, say that they are PLANNING for their "next yorkie to be a tiny". Indulge me please in cautioning you to PLEASE THINK TWICE before taking this step, and definitely PLEASE do not express interest to breeders who are deliberately breeding for these smaller sizes.

A four or five pound dog is a VERY SMALL DOG. I really don't personally think that there is any justifiable reason for breeding them any smaller, when it is so detrimental to their health and safety, on so many levels.

So, this is my story, and my caution, and my plea. I hope I haven't offended anyone with it, but maybe our nightmare experience will justify me speaking out at this time.

God bless all the 'cups, 'pots, and in-betweens, and keep them safe!!!

txshopper73 · 08-03-2006, 07:59 PM

Poor Mazie! I'm so sorry that you guys had to go through this. I understand your frustration toward unethical breeders that purposely breed for tinies. Hugs to Mazie. That was too close of a call. Your story is a hard one to post but thank you for doing it.

Tiger's Mom · 08-03-2006, 08:10 PM

Thank you for posting this . . I hope it will enlighten everyone on the dangers and heartbreak for those who have way too tiny furbabies.

Lola LaRue · 08-03-2006, 08:10 PM

I thank you for finally posting your experience. I am so glad that Mazie appears to be alright. As a owner of a tiny one, I know exactly what you mean. I want to caution others too. Lola broke her leg twice in a matter of a couple months. She did not do anything drastic the second time, we just don't think she had enough time to heal. As our orthopedic surgeon mentioned to us, "the tiny ones are more fragile." We have to be extra careful with Lola. I certainly would not go out looking for a small one again. My boyfriend and I get excited over every ounce she gains. We want her to be as healthy as possible, and sometimes that means, "the bigger the better."

ButterflyYorkie · 08-03-2006, 08:12 PM

Thank you for posting about Mazie. I don't think you've offended anyone. If you have they are no better than the people that are purposely breeding them down to these extremely tiny sizes. We all have our preferences and I am the first to admit that I think tiny yorkies are really adorable, but realistically people who breed for that need to open their eyes. I've seen a few "tiny" litters posted here and there lately. I hope that these breeders aren't doing it purposely. Of course I wish for world peace every day but don't seem to get that either. I wish you and little Mazie the best. And I commend you for being so sensitive with her in knowing it isn't her fault she is so fragile.

Zoey's Momma · 08-03-2006, 08:12 PM

Thank you so much for posting this.

lksdolls · 08-03-2006, 08:14 PM

As a breeder of small yorkies, like in the 4-5 pound range, I get very frustrated with all the inquires for the teeny tiny ones. Your story is a very convincing argument as to why they should not be breed to be that small. Accidentally small happens but to intentionally breed for that size is insane. My 8.5 pound Reggie, R.I.P., her little brother was 2.5 pounds full grown and had the misfortune of coming across a poisonous frog, was bitten and didn't survive but his 4.5 pound sister did. To this day the owner, and my dear friend, can't talk about Boomer without tears coming to her eyes. Your story should be plastered on every breeders website in hopes of getting those wanting the teeny-tiny's to think twice.

I'll say an extra prayer for your little one.

ButterflyYorkie · 08-03-2006, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lksdolls

As a breeder of small yorkies, like in the 4-5 pound range, I get very frustrated with all the inquires for the teeny tiny ones. Your story is a very convincing argument as to why they should not be breed to be that small. Accidentally small happens but to intentionally breed for that size is insane. My 8.5 pound Reggie, R.I.P., her little brother was 2.5 pounds full grown and had the misfortune of coming across a poisonous frog, was bitten and didn't survive but his 4.5 pound sister did. To this day the owner, and my dear friend, can't talk about Boomer without tears coming to her eyes. Your story should be plastered on every breeders website in hopes of getting those wanting the teeny-tiny's to think twice.

I'll say an extra prayer for your little one.

I agree. You have some very beautiful babies btw.

ehunney · 08-03-2006, 08:18 PM

great posting! Thanks for the info, I've taken it to heart, and I hope everyone else does too!

SJK1113 · 08-03-2006, 08:23 PM

That's a good post. I hope that Mazie will be okay.

SnowWa · 08-03-2006, 08:25 PM

Jiggity - Thank you so much for your story and your experiences.

My vet told me that he has almost given up trying to educate people about how many health problems and accidents these tiny little dogs experience.

He said, "I'm a vet -- I see it all........no one sees as much as I do. I see the sick ones."

Again - thank you. I can tell that you took a long time to write what you posted. It was well done - and ooooooooooooh so true!

Carol Jean

yorkieusa · 08-03-2006, 08:29 PM

Thank you for sharing this story. It makes me physically ill to see the requests for the itsy-bitsy, teeny-tiny yorkies. I've had little pups all of my life from the time I was little myself.

Some were so dainty and we had to be careful when we brought them home. I remember one little tiny chi was so tiny at six weeks (this was about 30 years ago) that when she stepped off the patio onto the ground - a sum total of about two inches - that she was limping for awhile. Well, these things stick in your mind and you remember them, because you do constantly worry and it is stressful. It's bad enough when a bigger one is sickly or has a disease. Why add to it?

I'm so glad little Mazie is OK.

chattiesmom · 08-03-2006, 08:31 PM

Wow! What a horrible experience. Had you not been so alert, you might well have lost sweet little Mazie. I am so glad that you had a happy ending

I do thank you for gathering up the courage to bear your soul and post your story. Sounds like you have a very special family, skin and fur alike.

I, agree with you 100%. I cannot imagine how anyone can look at a 5 or 6 pound dog and see "big". A five pound dog is TINY! A 3 pound dog is seriously tiny, and a 2.5 lb. dog lives life on the edge.

It is seriously looking like Izzabella will be very small. At 13 weeks she was slightly over 2 lbs. and now at 16 weeks she is 2.25 lbs. I am assuming that she has pretty much quit growing (she is a little playful chunk who is a complete piglett at mealtime). Doc says that she is extremely healthy and sound, she is just small. Izzabella will stay with me. I don't think I would/could ever trust her with anyone else.

I keep hoping that she will have a growth spurt -- LOL maybe that's why I weigh her twice a day

MyTrixie143 · 08-03-2006, 08:37 PM

I am glad Mazie is alright, I am sure she gave you all a scare.
To be honest, I have never wanted a "tiny" yorkie. Scampers is 5 pounds, he looks more like 3, but that is plenty small enough for me. I like yorkies in the 5to 7 pound range. Their are just too many risks owning a tiny. It upsets me that some people request tinies which encourages some breeders to breed tinies, if this keeps up, you will see yorkies the size of a guinea pig or hamster. What upsets me even more is those breeders who breed 3 pound females or 2.5 pound females.

Look at how many little accidents can happen that could severly hurt them or kill them. I never would have thought that a calculater of all things could do any harm. It just goes to show how fragile they are. Thanks for posting this, everyone should be aware of the dangers and difficulties of having a tiny dog.

ginnysanchez · 08-03-2006, 08:53 PM

Thank you for posting this. I hope it is an eye-opener for a lot of people on just how delicate these little ones are, and how fragile their very lives are.

08-03-2006, 07:47 PM	#1
JiggityJig YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: TX Posts: 1,226	The nightmare of owning a "tiny": I'm posting this because another member was writing, frustrated, because every person who calls about her available puppies is looking for a "teacup". Besides all the stories of poor breeding practices and potential health problems, I just don't think that people realize just how dangerous DAY TO DAY LIFE is for these little ones, and how fragile their little bodies are. I own a very tiny yorkie....she is almost a year old, and has yet to break 2.5 lbs. I ended up with her because her owners were no longer able to care for her. She is incredibly attached to me, and my husband adores her, and she has just been a dear and funny addition to the zoo we have around here. But we ALWAYS have to "worry" about her. Whether it's someone going in and out of the door....or the kids tossing around a ball...or just walking across the kitchen....we are constantly having to caution: "Look out for Mazie!!!!" Well, we had a really bad accident take place here a week or so ago. It's taken me awhile to feel like posting about it, and maybe as you read you'll see why. My six year old and I were up late one night, just talking and cuddling, and off and on petting Mazie, who was in our laps. We were messing around with a calculator of all things, just quietly passing it back and forth while we talked. Well, at some point it slipped from our hands, fell MAYBE four inches, right on Mazie's head. Let me repeat that....a CALCULATOR fell FOUR INCHES. We started laughing and apologizing to her, and Elijah sd., "It didn't even wake her up!" I shook her a bit, and felt unsettled when she seemed to be a little TOO sound asleep, so I picked her up. I was initially relieved to see that her eyes were open, but then her mouth fell open, and her tongue hung out, and obviously I realized something was wrong. I told my son, "Wake up Daddy and tell him that Mazie's unconscious!" I quickly realized she wasn't breathing, and started doing CPR. When my husband got there he took over. She wasn't breathing and her heart wasn't beating for I don't know how long. Seemed like forever, of course, but I'm sure it wasn't. Finally, a twitch of an ear let us know she was "back" again, but it was like she was totally paralyzed otherwise. She was laying out stiff as a board, and we couldn't even FORCE her legs to bend. Then slowly over the next hour or so, with her heart beating very slowly, her body came back to "life". It was so sad because one whole side of her body stayed numb longer than the other, and for awhile, her head was twisted to the side, and all she could do was scramble in circles. But the vet said that all this was standard when their blood stops moving through their veins so suddenly like that, and then starts again. He likened it to our foot "falling asleep", and then taking awhile to get all the mobility back once the blood starts circulating again. She was a little shaky and tired easily for several days (concussion?), and I was very paranoid about her. The vet brought up an additional concern, which I wasn't even aware of: he sd. that often a blow to the head like that can dislodge a cornea (retina?) and lead to glaucoma (but luckily she checked out all right). Honestly, after this happened, I felt so MAD. Mad that people are deliberately breeding (and looking to buy) babies this small. It is so unfair to them, and their quality of life. I have something I want to say, and I want to try to word it as diplomatically as possible. I certainly don't judge ANYone for the size of their dog, however little or big. Mazie is what I think of as an "accidental tiny"---not deliberately bred for that size--and of course, that happens, and these special little babies deserve loving homes too. But I have to admit, it has bothered me at times to see YTers here, as much information as we have been exposed to, say that they are PLANNING for their "next yorkie to be a tiny". Indulge me please in cautioning you to PLEASE THINK TWICE before taking this step, and definitely PLEASE do not express interest to breeders who are deliberately breeding for these smaller sizes. A four or five pound dog is a VERY SMALL DOG. I really don't personally think that there is any justifiable reason for breeding them any smaller, when it is so detrimental to their health and safety, on so many levels. So, this is my story, and my caution, and my plea. I hope I haven't offended anyone with it, but maybe our nightmare experience will justify me speaking out at this time. God bless all the 'cups, 'pots, and in-betweens, and keep them safe!!! __________________ OUR HEARTS KIKI MAZIE JIMBOB ELFIE OUR JOYS

08-03-2006, 07:59 PM	#2
txshopper73 Donating YT 14K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 14,226 Blog Entries: 1	Poor Mazie! I'm so sorry that you guys had to go through this. I understand your frustration toward unethical breeders that purposely breed for tinies. Hugs to Mazie. That was too close of a call. Your story is a hard one to post but thank you for doing it. __________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley

08-03-2006, 08:10 PM	#4
Lola LaRue Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Ramon, CA Posts: 710	I thank you for finally posting your experience. I am so glad that Mazie appears to be alright. As a owner of a tiny one, I know exactly what you mean. I want to caution others too. Lola broke her leg twice in a matter of a couple months. She did not do anything drastic the second time, we just don't think she had enough time to heal. As our orthopedic surgeon mentioned to us, "the tiny ones are more fragile." We have to be extra careful with Lola. I certainly would not go out looking for a small one again. My boyfriend and I get excited over every ounce she gains. We want her to be as healthy as possible, and sometimes that means, "the bigger the better." __________________ Shannon, Lola Larue, Chewbacca Joseph(aka Chewy)

08-03-2006, 08:14 PM	#7
lksdolls YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 1,105	As a breeder of small yorkies, like in the 4-5 pound range, I get very frustrated with all the inquires for the teeny tiny ones. Your story is a very convincing argument as to why they should not be breed to be that small. Accidentally small happens but to intentionally breed for that size is insane. My 8.5 pound Reggie, R.I.P., her little brother was 2.5 pounds full grown and had the misfortune of coming across a poisonous frog, was bitten and didn't survive but his 4.5 pound sister did. To this day the owner, and my dear friend, can't talk about Boomer without tears coming to her eyes. Your story should be plastered on every breeders website in hopes of getting those wanting the teeny-tiny's to think twice. I'll say an extra prayer for your little one. __________________ Linda and her Baker's Dozen, RIP my angels Reggie & Bo

08-03-2006, 08:18 PM	#9
ehunney Princess Bella Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: virginia Posts: 2,186	great posting! Thanks for the info, I've taken it to heart, and I hope everyone else does too! __________________ I miss you two more then words can express, but I still have hope that I'll find you and hold you again! Tucker and Teddy always say: "If I want it, it's mine and if I put it in my mouth, it's food."

08-03-2006, 08:10 PM	#3
Tiger's Mom Donating YT 8000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 9,339	Thank you for posting this . . I hope it will enlighten everyone on the dangers and heartbreak for those who have way too tiny furbabies.

08-03-2006, 08:12 PM	#5
ButterflyYorkie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NC Posts: 743	Thank you for posting about Mazie. I don't think you've offended anyone. If you have they are no better than the people that are purposely breeding them down to these extremely tiny sizes. We all have our preferences and I am the first to admit that I think tiny yorkies are really adorable, but realistically people who breed for that need to open their eyes. I've seen a few "tiny" litters posted here and there lately. I hope that these breeders aren't doing it purposely. Of course I wish for world peace every day but don't seem to get that either. I wish you and little Mazie the best. And I commend you for being so sensitive with her in knowing it isn't her fault she is so fragile.

08-03-2006, 08:12 PM	#6
Zoey's Momma Luv My Butterflies Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: The Big Easy Posts: 2,083	Thank you so much for posting this.

08-03-2006, 08:23 PM	#10
SJK1113 No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: usa Posts: 2,150	That's a good post. I hope that Mazie will be okay.

08-03-2006, 08:25 PM	#11
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Jiggity - Thank you so much for your story and your experiences. My vet told me that he has almost given up trying to educate people about how many health problems and accidents these tiny little dogs experience. He said, "I'm a vet -- I see it all........no one sees as much as I do. I see the sick ones." Again - thank you. I can tell that you took a long time to write what you posted. It was well done - and ooooooooooooh so true! Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

08-03-2006, 08:29 PM	#12
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	Thank you for sharing this story. It makes me physically ill to see the requests for the itsy-bitsy, teeny-tiny yorkies. I've had little pups all of my life from the time I was little myself. Some were so dainty and we had to be careful when we brought them home. I remember one little tiny chi was so tiny at six weeks (this was about 30 years ago) that when she stepped off the patio onto the ground - a sum total of about two inches - that she was limping for awhile. Well, these things stick in your mind and you remember them, because you do constantly worry and it is stressful. It's bad enough when a bigger one is sickly or has a disease. Why add to it? I'm so glad little Mazie is OK. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

08-03-2006, 08:31 PM	#13
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	Wow! What a horrible experience. Had you not been so alert, you might well have lost sweet little Mazie. I am so glad that you had a happy ending I do thank you for gathering up the courage to bear your soul and post your story. Sounds like you have a very special family, skin and fur alike. I, agree with you 100%. I cannot imagine how anyone can look at a 5 or 6 pound dog and see "big". A five pound dog is TINY! A 3 pound dog is seriously tiny, and a 2.5 lb. dog lives life on the edge. It is seriously looking like Izzabella will be very small. At 13 weeks she was slightly over 2 lbs. and now at 16 weeks she is 2.25 lbs. I am assuming that she has pretty much quit growing (she is a little playful chunk who is a complete piglett at mealtime). Doc says that she is extremely healthy and sound, she is just small. Izzabella will stay with me. I don't think I would/could ever trust her with anyone else. I keep hoping that she will have a growth spurt -- LOL maybe that's why I weigh her twice a day __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

08-03-2006, 08:37 PM	#14
MyTrixie143 Mom to 6 Beautiful Furkids Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,409	I am glad Mazie is alright, I am sure she gave you all a scare. To be honest, I have never wanted a "tiny" yorkie. Scampers is 5 pounds, he looks more like 3, but that is plenty small enough for me. I like yorkies in the 5to 7 pound range. Their are just too many risks owning a tiny. It upsets me that some people request tinies which encourages some breeders to breed tinies, if this keeps up, you will see yorkies the size of a guinea pig or hamster. What upsets me even more is those breeders who breed 3 pound females or 2.5 pound females. Look at how many little accidents can happen that could severly hurt them or kill them. I never would have thought that a calculater of all things could do any harm. It just goes to show how fragile they are. Thanks for posting this, everyone should be aware of the dangers and difficulties of having a tiny dog. __________________ A dog is a furry person! http://www.dogster.com/?300866 Tracey and the gang DestinyHarmonyScamperGracieLillieKiwi Hershey Peppi

08-03-2006, 08:53 PM	#15
ginnysanchez No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northern NJ / NYC Posts: 175	Thank you for posting this. I hope it is an eye-opener for a lot of people on just how delicate these little ones are, and how fragile their very lives are.