New Yorkie Owner IN DESPERATE need of advice-

[tat2mommyg]

Hi, I am very thankful to find this board. Reading some of the posts actually answered some questions.
HERE is a the problem.
Last Wed i bought my yorkie from Shake A Paw, I have learned after buying from there that is NOT the place to purchase a pet. I've learned this the hard way after I am home.
Anyway back to my story, Saturday I set up my puppies appt. From the day I bought my puppy is was always CALM, matter of fact that was his name for a 2 days until we agreed on Buddy. Ok, so now its Saturday I bring him to the vet hes all clear and checked out. I told the Dr. that the puppy puked 2 times, that i thought he was mad at me. He said no not possible, dogs dont get mad at there owner. I said maybe he is depressed he said I highly doubt it. I said he is kind of blah. He said he is just perfect.
Sunday comes around still mopey pup, puked 3 times. I figure maybe it was just getting used to our family. Monday my puppy again mopey, no puking so I thought ok getting better. Tuesday AM I woke up and boom 6 puke up spots so I immediately rushed him to a local vet. He told me that he seems a TAD hypoglycemic. Vet said I should admit him. They gave him nutrical while I was there 4 times he seemed to perk up. I said let me take him home. he looks a little better now it was about an hour later. I left at 1130-by 4pm I ran back to the VET and admitted him. He was completely lethargic at that time. He also puked again that's what made me go.
I had told the vet I did what the girl int he pet store told me to do. But the karo syrup in the bowl of water also the vet said the same on Saturday, put the karo in the water. Also same w. the nurtical. I said I feel awful because I didn't have the puppy long enough to train myself and do my own homework. It was just 2 days before Is aw a new vet and he told me to put the karo int he water and when explained he puked and ect, he just brushed it off. So now bottom line he is in the hospital since yesterday. Today I stopped in first thing at 9 am, they didn't let me see him I didn't push or ask really, but they said that he is doing much better on an IV he is responding, he doesn't have parvo. I said ok, they told met o call back at 2-3pm, I did so they called me back at about 7 there call back hours. I spoke to a new vet and he said he is still not eating but he is responding. He said that he must have been sick w. a stomach virus, I said wasn't he hypoglycemic? he said its hard to tell. I said what about the blood work, he said bc as soon as he was admitted that they gave him medication so they cant tell from the blood work they do. I said what about the X ray, he said they found bones. I said bones? I said im sorry there are no bones in my yard, my puppy was not to of my site for than 3 minutes, I don't cook with bones. I am not sure what you are talking about. Then he mentioned SAND I said sand? I don't have sand more sand in my yard. He said it has to pass well test and call back tomorrow.
now, what do I do? I am unsure about this VET, I don't think my puppy is well enough to take him. should Ic all other vets for advice, i already called the store up and told them they said the dog can only be returned if deemed un fit for sale. I said he's less than a week old, I am at the vet 3 times. I said what is going on here. I am very sad.
I used there vet on Saturday, on Tues when I stopped in the NEW vet to seek care they said they would use the contract from puppy paws like the other vet did. I'm scared with the vets and I feel this is a hoax, well I don't feel the sickness of my puppy is a hoax. I feel that they aren't being maybe honest with me? What do I do? what do you think could be wrong with the puppy. I really thought hypoglycemic because I wasn't giving him the nurtical the way I was supposed to nor the karo syrup.
In my contract it says if there is a defect of the puppy made my be I am responsible for the vet bill. I feel the bone was a set up for me to pay for the bill. Bottom line is that I really want to find out what do I do with this situation.
Thanks so much
BTW, My AOL screen name is Tat2MommyG feel free to contact me. thanks so much

[Little Bit]

I am so sorry that your puppy is sick! Poor little thing. Wish I knew what to tell you. We'll keep him in our thoughts

[Yorkiedaze]

If you are not a bit interested in returning the puppy then I strongly suggest you take that little thing to a reliable Vet. ASAP. If he does find a problem with the puppy that stemmed from when you purchased him, then get it in writing and go after the store for payment, but take care of the puppy first. I'm so sorry this is happening to that little baby, but this is what happens with mill puppies.

[tat2mommyg]

You know. I have heard of course AFTER I purchased my puppy that that could be the case with my situation. I of course can not prove anything.

I woke up this morning. I called my vet becasue they are 24 hours. I explaind to them that I did NOT understand what the vet said last night. He explained something about sand or a bone, and maybe possible stomach virus and ? the hypo and he said no.

I asked to see my dog. They said I have to call and set up an appt. I said I would be in by 9AM. They said NO bc I will have to wait the DR needs to see the appts. I said I want a phone call with a better detail ( I was going to write down word for word) anyway they said the Dr. would call at 930.
Meantime I called several other vets for advice. All of them at 8AM was closed.
I did get one open at the time who did offer me advice on the phone.
First NEVER AGAIN buy a puppy from a pet store any pet store. OK I made certain that this vet had no association with the shake a paw store. Then I asked what should I do what should I ask for. I said I would pay out of pocket I just want to make sure I have a place to bring my puppy if I do ask for him to be released.

First she did tell me that it was OK for them to have set visit times for the puppy. That some owners do not like it but it helps keep things in order. That its like a REAL hospital that sets up office visits.
Second she told me that I should sit tight and ask for a better explanation of what is going on with the puppy and see if it makes sense. I asked what should I do if they tell me ABC She said that I should ask for him to be released if I am that uncomfy with the vet and leave. I asked if they hand me a bill should I pay it. She said she could not answer HOWEVER no vet is allowed to hold my dog for money. It is not legal. That I can take my dog at anytime but i may have to sign release forms.
I asked the vet if I should get all the paperwork and ect, she said that they MAY NOT release me any medical history even though I am the OWNER of the puppy becasue its paid for by SHAKE A PAW and thats THERE medical records. She said they may or not may not give them to me.
She also said the same with the X ray. Ask if they are telling me a bone is in the stomach to go there and see it for myself. She said that if there is something in the stomach they should show me the X RAY. She just offered after I got in touch with the vet office that the puppy is currently in if I am still not at EASE that I can get him and bring the puppy to her office but not to go without care for my puppy so if I do get him released to go alone with out my childrend directly to her office just to call first.

The dr prompty called me back from the VET my puppy is currently in. She called exactly at 930. This was another women on the phone. Not to friendly but it doesnt matter as long as she answered my questions. She told me that the BONE was probably from the food. It was sand like. That it is in his colon. I said thats not possible. She totally didnt want to hear my story. She said, listen i had a puppy in last week that got into rat poison, the owner swearig up and down that she watched him the entire time, when I made the dog puke a nickle and a hari clip came out. I said my dog has been in the playpen since Sunday I got him Wed sure enough tiem for him to get into something but bottom line you did take X ray you saw bone. I dont know what you mean by this. she said it could be from table scraps. I said I dotn cool with bones Matter of fact not to sound lazy but I made huge pot of sauce and we had chicken parm one night ravoli the next english muffin pizza and sketty.
I said that can not be possible for him to eat table scraps.
I then said im not going to fight with this women.
She said listne bottom line is that the X ray is showing some type of bone meal, he is suffering from gastro enteritis and they will release him when he has been watched so they go forward and not back. She said also he did not have hypoglycemia. His sugar level was fine.
i personally think this dog came like this. Again like i said he was the CALM one of the group. I namd him calm. This puppy came this way.
I am not looking for a replacement puppy and FOR SURE not from there. I honestly would love to keep my puppy. I have to say I did forma bond with him for the 2 days we where together but you know. This is a horrible thing to happen to that poor puppy. I can not even say me. This is about him.
I have read (thank you to another reader who PM me thank u) that this store with there complaints and how they handle things should, really be investigated. I can not see how this chain can stay home. I personally think there are to many cases and these are live animals with hearts and feelings. I will take responsiblity on my part for not doing a better job of doing my homework and going to a breeder but bottom line if i have experienced this with this puppy another owner would have and its just not fair to this poor puppy.

They told me to call back between 2-3 so hey can update me on his condition and they will make my appt to see him after hours at about 930 tongiht. The late appt is probably to discourage people from going in to see there puppies.

Thank you so much for reading and if anyone ask any advice for me please let me know.

[Amber_lv]

so are you going to return the puppy? Is the store going to pay for the bills?
Sorry yopu are going through this and if the vet is associated with the store i would remove him asap it sounds like a scam to get more money out of you. I would request a copy of the x-ray and s copy of the vet records now before you do anything and then i would take him to a new vet If you are going to keep him. This sounds to fishy. I hope it works out for you good luck

[diggy4]

Is money an issue here? If it isnt, and you can afford to go get him, pay the bill, and ask for his records and take to a reputable vet. Thats what I would do. I feel so bad for that lil guy...

[SevenGirl]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

If you are not a bit interested in returning the puppy then I strongly suggest you take that little thing to a reliable Vet. ASAP. If he does find a problem with the puppy that stemmed from when you purchased him, then get it in writing and go after the store for payment, but take care of the puppy first. I'm so sorry this is happening to that little baby, but this is what happens with mill puppies.

I totally agree that you need to find a reliable vet. Things definitely sound a little fishy and you need to find someone that is honestly looking out for your sweet puppy. We just picked up our Bella last Wednesday so I totally understand the bond you already have with your furbaby. This must be so hard for you and your puppy. I am so sorry!

[celstu1]

Wow... id be whipping my puppy out of there and taking him somewhere else. If a vet does not sit down and explain everything to you in a way you can understand it (not medical talk that makes no sense) then there is something wrong. Either they are making things up to keep him for days cuz they need $$ or whatever other reason, but not bc of the pup itself. If this is the vet that works in conjunction with the pet store, shame on them for trying to blame it on you, but also just typical behavior on their part to cover the store's A$$!!

I think like a hospital for people, a person should be able to walk into a animal hospital where their pet is admitted and sick at any time during the day and be able to sit with their pet for however long they want to! I bet there is nothing more healing to your little guy than to be held by you while hes so sick!

Do yourself a favor and after this fiasco get yourself a new vet that you are comfortable with and that you trust and like a lot. This vet sounds fishy & suspicious!!! I hate that!


I hope your puppy is doing better!!

[ARCHIE]

It sounds like the vet knows what he is doing because the same thing
was done for Buddy when he was vomiting continuiously. I took him
to the ER at 10mos. He was there on IV for four days and continued
vomiting for three of them. The fourth day he was better.
They found, in the lower intestine, some kind of grit! It was either
from the Nyla bone or pestisides he may have eaten in the grass outside.
They had put down the pestiside when I was at work and being a puppy
I though maybe he picked some up when I was walking him.
Vet was pretty sure it was the Nyla bone fragments.
Did you puppy chew on a Nyla bone? As long as he gets better it
sounds like they are doing all they can. Buddy had a barriam enema,
lower and upper track x-rays and a scan of his stomach.
They could not find out what the problem was for awhile. Belive me
I thought the samething you are thinking but they made him well again
and I am very grateful.
I hope you baby will be ok. Please keep us posted.

[TLC]

Oh Hun, I feel so bad for this poor baby. I completely understand your bond and your feelings with him being so sick. I would really hate for him to be returned to that hell hole. Do you want to keep him??? (I hope so)

It sounds like you got some really GREAT advice from the 'Other' Vet office that you called. So that would be the place to bring him to, but, like she said, if you at any point feel very uncomfortable with the "Current" Vet - then please get him released and over to the other place.

It definitely sounds like he came from the Pet Shop with this problem. I can't see how they will 'win' this one, they are going to have to pay the Vet bill and I certainly would be fighting that! - BUT - First and foremost this Pup needs to be taken care of, he needs to get better first and then you can fight with the Pet Shop.

Just trying to understand something...The Vet he is at now, are they related to the Pet Shop? If so, then please don't let them think they are going to get stiffed with the bill, I'd hate to think the Vet place was corrupt too and not take care of pup if they think they won't get paid. (Sorry, I hated to say that, but you never know).

I guess just keep on top of the Vet today and get your butt over there tonight to see him. And then decide if you feel comfortable for him to stay there or if you need to get him out ASAP.

Please keep us posted.

I am also on Long Island. I don't know of any General Vets in your area to recommend, but there is a Specialist Hospital in Westbury, although you do need a referral, but it does sound like that 'Other' Vet you called would be the place to go - if you need to take him out of there.

Let me know if you need any help???

-Nicole

[tat2mommyg]

Money is SOMEWHAT of an issue here.
I bought my puppy last week for 1400.00 and another 200 was spent on food an supplies and a playpen for him.

I am so up in arms about everything with this situation. I am trying to NOT take him from the place so everything is under contract. I just hate for something horrible to happen and I am not covered.

I am supposed to call back between 2-3 they told me closer to 3 so they can be a little more informative bc they feel I am ANXIOUS. Doy who isnt when you have sick puppy after owning him for less than a week. As of now I cant say for SURE this is a hoax my gutt I do feel it is.
I am going to sit tight until 3pm and see if i can more information they said I can see him tonight at 930. I in NO WAY want to return my puppy ALSO NAMED BUDDY. I in NO WAY WOULD DREAM about taking another puppy from this store! At the very least. I would just have to let it go.
The situation I am in is THIS: I can run take my dog out and they are not permitted or obligated to release any testing to me or to the NEXT VET I bring him to since as of NOW Shake a PAW will be paying the bills FROM WHAT I GATHER. So if I take my puppy out and start from scratch I am responsible for EVERYTHING. I am not sure if it is a HOAX. So I have to sit tight for now. IF by tonight I am not convinced Buddy is getting better and that the Shake a PAw anyway is NOT picking up the bill i am taking my puppy to the "OTHER VET" that gave me the wonderful advice over the phone and is in no way related to Shake A Paw.

They said that he has bone like things in his colon.
I have no way to proof that he did not. See maybe I am to paranoid. BUT after doing a lot of networking going to the BBB, seeing the hundreds of complaints and finding out this Shake a Paw supports puppy mills, I have no choice but to be totally freaked out and paranoid and feel that this is just a revolving door you scratch my back I scratch yours. SOOOO in my mind I feel they are pushign the TABLE SCRAP thing or MUST HAVE GOT THE BONES someplace Even though i can take a lie detector test and say he was in my site and pass with flying colors about everything I am disagreeing with. I just feel they are having me tap my toes until the agreement w. puppy paws is not valid anymore. Also I have a feeling they maybe pushing this bone and again I am not SURE, I will find out later I think bc if they find something from ME and the dog in my possession that the dog got sick from ME I am responsible for the ENTIRE bill. So I have a feeling I dont know why again like I said I dont know for sure if I have to pay anything but I do feel that they are waiting forh im to poop and then tell me whatever came out and bc it happened in my care its for me to pay the vet bill.

If I do find this out tomorrow then I can ask for the X ray all the blood work all the information about the dog they MUST release me bc at this point Shake a Paw would not be responsible for the bill its my bill therefor my medical history so then I will take my dog pay nothing tell them I am going to ask for 2nd opinion and have to eat the bills on both ends.
I have to face it also I can not have a puppy go untreat, I will def not do that to my lil buddy, it is about m money but the same token I am a responsible adult and will forsure hold up my end of being a puppy owner I just am sad about a hoax about puppies and drs and vets.
I really hope this is not the case and i am just over reacting. Again, I just feel this way after reading all the horror stories about this place online.

[Yorkiekids]

WELCOME TO YT. I would definetly take him out of there, and get to a new vet. Sounds like you're being scammed.

[tat2mommyg]

Thanks for all who read and replied to my post.

After getting the run around that my puppy would be coming home on Friday when I called they told me he is depressed. I called today Saturday the said he has turned around.
I asked a vet even though I did not want to if they can say the dog is not fit for sale. I had to. The dog is not healthy if I took it to another fit, I have a feeling since he is only 2 months old it would be bill after bill and dissapointed 2 little girsl ( ages 4 and 5 ) with out hesitation the vet totally agreed with me. I was suprised bc this was a dog undert contract from "shake a paw" he said not a problem to call MARK the manager or owner there and let him know. I said ok. I called the store and MARK answered the phone and he said no problem he stands by his puppies 100% and to come in w. my paperwork on Tuesday and he will issue me a refund.

Thanks for everyones help here.

[Yorkieluv]

I'm so glad that you're being issues a refund, and please never buy from a petstore again. I feel terrible for that puppy though and I pray that he finds a good loving home.
I know the "puppy in the window" is irresistible, but the places where these dogs come from is absolutely awful. I'm sure if you knew about puppymills, you wouldn't want to give them any money or keep them in business.

Take your money and find a reputable breeder. Check out the featured yorkies for sale section on here. Try to find someone who actually cares about where their dogs go and ask lots of questions.
Make sure to get a health guarantee that not only states to take the dog within 72 hours, but also at least a 1 yr guarantee against congenital defects/diseases. That if the dog is found to have liver shunt/MVD, legg-perthes, etc. they will refund part or all of the purchase price to help pay for the expenses and that you get to keep the dog. I don't think it's fair of breeders to ask for the dog back especially if you've had the dog for a yr...

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by Yorkieluv

I'm so glad that you're being issues a refund, and please never buy from a petstore again. I feel terrible for that puppy though and I pray that he finds a good loving home.
I know the "puppy in the window" is irresistible, but the places where these dogs come from is absolutely awful. I'm sure if you knew about puppymills, you wouldn't want to give them any money or keep them in business.

Take your money and find a reputable breeder. Check out the featured yorkies for sale section on here. Try to find someone who actually cares about where their dogs go and ask lots of questions.
Make sure to get a health guarantee that not only states to take the dog within 72 hours, but also at least a 1 yr guarantee against congenital defects/diseases. That if the dog is found to have liver shunt/MVD, legg-perthes, etc. they will refund part or all of the purchase price to help pay for the expenses and that you get to keep the dog. I don't think it's fair of breeders to ask for the dog back especially if you've had the dog for a yr...

Fantastic advice. The only thing I would add, is since you were so frustrated by your initial experience with the vets, shop around for a vet in your area before you buy a new puppy.

Look around here on YT, ask friends, neighbors, co-workers and then go meet the vets in your area in person. Having a good vet is worth as much as having a great pet!

I have 2 vets I love - one I've had forever & stood by me through breeding litters of Bichon Frises pups & Siamese kittens. The other is an accupuncture & holistic vet that I found when one of my Bichons had a stroke. I love them both & its so hard to choose where to go - lol