I bought my precious Saffron at a family run pet shop that I'd been going to for a few years. They had been dealing with her breeder for a number of years & have lots of communication with him. (He's in Iowa, they're in Massachusetts) They've been a terrific support system for me as this was my very first dog I'd ever owned. I bring her in to see them every time she gets groomed next door & I find I'm not the only customer that returns regularly with their dog to visit. They love each & every dog that passes thru their doors & are thrilled to be updated on their individual progress. The dogs they sell (they only have a few at a time...maybe 10 or less) are clean & healthy & well cared for. I didn't really try too hard to find a breeder when I was looking for a yorkie as I knew these people & trusted them to find me a healthy baby. I was not disappointed! Saffie is healthy, gorgeous, intelligent & has a beautiful temperment. She's become my whole world!
I hate having to always defend "my shop" when people talk about pet stores having puppy mill puppies. I know puppy mills are horrible & hate the thought of those poor little creatures suffering, but I sure find it hard to imagine that EVERY pet store ONLY buys from puppy mills. I'm sure there are certain (probaly a large majority) of pet stores that do, but I really feel that some do buy right from caring breeders. Saffron is not AKC but is APRI (which I know some consider less desirable but I had no intension of breeding or showing, so it didn't matter to me...just wanted a loving pet) & although her parents were not champions, her grandparents & further back were. It doesn't seem like a puppy mill would put time & money into showing their dogs & having them become registered champions.
Anyone else have a "pet shop" puppy & feel the same way?
