On the news last night, they did this "Shame on You" report about a local pet-store. It wasn't Petland but the story is just the same. The owner swore up and down that all his dogs come from breeders and that he's "never had a problem." Then along comes the woman who made the complaint. She had "mercy purchased" a Schnauzer puppy from the guy for something like $1300! because the dog was lying at the bottom of the cage, practically motionless. When she asked the owner what was wrong with the dog he told her that that was just its personality! Fortunately, she has several dogs of her own and knew better. She asked if the vet bills for this dog would be refunded and she got something in writing from the owner in that regard. She took the dog to the vet and learned that the dog had pneumonia! When she contacted the owner of the pet shop for reimbursement, guess what? He never responded to her letter! She then got a small claims decision against him, and guess what? He never paid! Of course, when the news channel interviewed him, he sent payment the next day - more than a year later! The moral of the story? STAY FAR FAR FAR AWAY FROM PET SHOPS!
Courtney, as I've mentioned to you privately, looking for that "right" puppy is hard work. You have to actively seek out a good breeder and convince that breeder that you are serious, have done your homework and you will give her puppy the best home possible. I can't tell you how often I see posts on general message boards:" DESPERATELY SEEKING PUPPY TO GOOD HOME - LOTS OF LOVE." Well . . . thanks, but lots of love aint' enough kid! Impulse buying is sadly, a big cause of the overcrowding shelters in this county. Good breeders want assurances that their dogs are not going to wind up being a statistic.
Once thing I wanted to mention to you in my private message: it is really advisable to go to a number of local dog shows in the area and talk to the breeders (once they're finished showing that is). Once they begin to recognize who you are (“oh there’s that woman whose gone to three shows in the area and is watching the ring and asking lots of questions!”) and they know your not just an annoying spectator but someone is REALLY trying to learn more about Yorkies, they will open up to you. Even if they don't have puppies, they know other breeders (good breeders) that might. Go to
http://www.akc.org and click on "events." You can also go to
http://www.infodog.com and select by state to find dog shows in your area. Even going to agility and obedience trials may lend you some good leads. But again, stay away from pet shops!
Don’t know how far away you are from New York. But if you can get to New York in February, that’s a FANTASTIC place to meet great breeders. Some of the very best will be at the New York Specialty, the Progressive Dog Show and of course, Westminster. Another option is the AKC Nationals in Orlando Florida coming up later in the year. But even local shows will prove fruitful and well worth the effort of attendance!
Good luck!