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DavePSU · 04-05-2009, 11:35 AM

I thought I'd introduced myself and tell you a little bit about myself before discussing a puppy I'd be interested in.

I'm currently 22 years old (23 in May) and attend Richland College in hopes of obtaining my degree in English with a minor in Journalism. I also work full-time as a Journalist for PlayStation Universe. This job allows me to work from home where I spend 80% of my time during the week. I believe that this time spent at home allows me adequate time to give a puppy both love and affection as well as the chance to properly care for it consistently. I've had 2 dogs in my life and 1 kitten. I had Misty when I was 13 years old. Misty was a golden retriever but unfortunately came down with a bad temperamental disorder that caused her to turn angry and violent. Having to put her down was very hard on myself and my family. Our second puppy was a Golden Doodle, which we named Dexter. Dexter is current 16 months old and beyond healthy. He's got a lot of energy and is a very good dog. He lives with my mom and stepdad about 10 minutes away.

My kitten was named Roo. He was a great kitten and actually went through my 6 months of chemotherapy with me. He slept by my side every night and was like my shining light through one of the hardest parts of my life. Sadly, right before I was deemed a full cancer survivor, Roo came down with a disease that created stones in his bladder which didn't allow him to relieve himself. The procedure to fix him was very expensive and the vet explained to me that there was a high risk it could happen again even if we had the surgery. In order to prevent him from going through future pain, I had him put to sleep despite the sadness and depression it caused for me on a mass level. It's been 3 years since I've had to do this and it still bothers me greatly. I honestly feel like I would have never survived cancer if I didn't have him to help me through it.

However, after the three year hiatus of owning a pet myself (Dexter is my stepdads), I'm finally ready emotionally and mentally to once again adopt a pet. I've looked into places like PetLand, but I refuse to support Puppy Mills because of how poorly the mother is treated and as is her litter. I've spent the last 2-3 months looking at different breeders and reading what they're about and what they promise. However, most resort in being Puppy Mills like YourPup.com.

Being a college kid, as you can imagine, means that I'm not exactly rolling in the dough. I pay my own bills, my own tuition, and I'm trying to turn myself into a responsible adult. I have a budget of $350-$500 that I can rightfully afford to pay for a Yorkie. However, as this is a big purchase for me, much larger than I'm used to... I'm only willing to make this purchase so long as it feels right to me and that I know I'll be happy with the end result. After all, this is a decision that will effect the next 14-16 years of
my life, not just the next year.

I live in an Apartment that is roughly 650-750 sq. feet. However, it's very spacious to the point where a smaller breed such as a Yorkie would have a lot of room to maneuver in.

I'm mainly looking for a Yorkie that would potentially stay within the 5-10 lbs range. I know these are often referred to as a "Toy" Yorkie, but that breed doesn't exist and I understand that. However, that's roughly the size I'd prefer to own.

I don't want to be "forced" to have to buy from a Puppy Mill because it's cruel how dogs are raised and treated within those walls, but from what I've been looking at... it's almost impossible to find a Yorkie from $350-$500. The prices I've come across have all ran from $800+ which is something I just can't afford. I've always been a fan of this breed and a Lahso Apso or Cocker Spaniel, but I feel the Yorkie is a better fit for me.

If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm located in Dallas, TX and would be willing to drive 1-2 hours for pick-up as well. Thanks.

04-05-2009, 11:35 AM	#1
DavePSU YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 4	WTA: Yorkie I thought I'd introduced myself and tell you a little bit about myself before discussing a puppy I'd be interested in. I'm currently 22 years old (23 in May) and attend Richland College in hopes of obtaining my degree in English with a minor in Journalism. I also work full-time as a Journalist for PlayStation Universe. This job allows me to work from home where I spend 80% of my time during the week. I believe that this time spent at home allows me adequate time to give a puppy both love and affection as well as the chance to properly care for it consistently. I've had 2 dogs in my life and 1 kitten. I had Misty when I was 13 years old. Misty was a golden retriever but unfortunately came down with a bad temperamental disorder that caused her to turn angry and violent. Having to put her down was very hard on myself and my family. Our second puppy was a Golden Doodle, which we named Dexter. Dexter is current 16 months old and beyond healthy. He's got a lot of energy and is a very good dog. He lives with my mom and stepdad about 10 minutes away. My kitten was named Roo. He was a great kitten and actually went through my 6 months of chemotherapy with me. He slept by my side every night and was like my shining light through one of the hardest parts of my life. Sadly, right before I was deemed a full cancer survivor, Roo came down with a disease that created stones in his bladder which didn't allow him to relieve himself. The procedure to fix him was very expensive and the vet explained to me that there was a high risk it could happen again even if we had the surgery. In order to prevent him from going through future pain, I had him put to sleep despite the sadness and depression it caused for me on a mass level. It's been 3 years since I've had to do this and it still bothers me greatly. I honestly feel like I would have never survived cancer if I didn't have him to help me through it. However, after the three year hiatus of owning a pet myself (Dexter is my stepdads), I'm finally ready emotionally and mentally to once again adopt a pet. I've looked into places like PetLand, but I refuse to support Puppy Mills because of how poorly the mother is treated and as is her litter. I've spent the last 2-3 months looking at different breeders and reading what they're about and what they promise. However, most resort in being Puppy Mills like YourPup.com. Being a college kid, as you can imagine, means that I'm not exactly rolling in the dough. I pay my own bills, my own tuition, and I'm trying to turn myself into a responsible adult. I have a budget of $350-$500 that I can rightfully afford to pay for a Yorkie. However, as this is a big purchase for me, much larger than I'm used to... I'm only willing to make this purchase so long as it feels right to me and that I know I'll be happy with the end result. After all, this is a decision that will effect the next 14-16 years of my life, not just the next year. I live in an Apartment that is roughly 650-750 sq. feet. However, it's very spacious to the point where a smaller breed such as a Yorkie would have a lot of room to maneuver in. I'm mainly looking for a Yorkie that would potentially stay within the 5-10 lbs range. I know these are often referred to as a "Toy" Yorkie, but that breed doesn't exist and I understand that. However, that's roughly the size I'd prefer to own. I don't want to be "forced" to have to buy from a Puppy Mill because it's cruel how dogs are raised and treated within those walls, but from what I've been looking at... it's almost impossible to find a Yorkie from $350-$500. The prices I've come across have all ran from $800+ which is something I just can't afford. I've always been a fan of this breed and a Lahso Apso or Cocker Spaniel, but I feel the Yorkie is a better fit for me. If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm located in Dallas, TX and would be willing to drive 1-2 hours for pick-up as well. Thanks.