[roxies_mom]

Not everyone is educated on the puppy store thing. Before coming to YT I really knew nothing of mills, puppystores or byb's. I had gotten Roxie from a pet store and dealt with kennal cough and getting her healthy. I had made an emotional connection with Roxie at first glance. I had to have her. We had went back to the store after a few days to see her again and she wasn't in site. I was crushed thinking and worrying that someone had already bought her. I worried that she would end up in a bad home etc. So I called the store to inquire what happened to her. They still had her but she was in the back being bathed when we were there. We went back and held her some more and put our deposit down on her. I had no idea how sick she was getting at the time. We got her home and she was coughing and lethargic by the next morning. I rushed her to the vet and got her started on good health care. Yes I could have taken her back but it was too late there was no way I'd put her back in their care. She was mine to love and take care of now. I did learn to stay away from those places and I just want to tear up everytime I see a puppy in one of those places. My heart just melts out of pitty for them. It's a live and learn world and you can't live beating yourself up for things you had no idea about. If this is bothering you that badly then you should just put it out there to your cousin. Starting out letting her know that your surprised how much she's changed since you saw her as a puppy. If you can take a pic of her, I'm curious to know what she looks like now.
Be thankful the puppy didn't turn out to have major health issues and that she still brings them joy.