[FlDebra]

TOY -- I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Your love for your little girl is so obvious, it's a joy to read. I so hope I find owners just like you to adopt my puppies. I know you posted with problems and I will make a couple of suggestions. But first I wanted to rave a little about the way you talk about your puppy.

For treats -- those little baby carrots are great. The tiniest ones are tender enough for them to munch so they don't choke. Mine like them cooked, probably because that is how I started them. Have you tried the Yogurt drops? Lots of people use kibble for treats when starting out. Cheerios are also a big favorite. I also used the Gerber toddler treats already mentioned. Tiny bits of cheese (but not too much -- it will stop them up) and small bites of bananas have been favorites of my pups too. Don't worry, most puppies are leery about new things. As they get a little older they will start being more adventuresome with their eating. Within a few months you may find her wanting to snack on pine cones and other unwanted things.

Food -- My first Yorkie was fed nothing but homemade chicken and rice before I got her. While I still do that for all of mine occasionally, I felt a quality dog food would be better for every day. So, I just kept trying diferent ones. I went to a local pet store and got samples as well as sending off for some. Eventually, they all will eat. Mine liked Chicken Soup for Puppy Lovers Soul and Canidae best. I stayed with the Canidae after they were a few months old. Oh, one more thing, for the one started on homecooked chicken and rice. I gradually mixed the dog food with the chicken and rice, increasing the dog food and reducing the amount of chicken & rice, until little by little there was no chicken and rice left. At first, she would eat all around the dog food and leave it in the dish. But gradually she started eating a little here and there and it wasn't long that she was getting her whole meal from the dog food.