I would not let my puppies go for too little because (1) I want people to know and understand they are valuable, (2) if they can't afford a fair price, they probably can't afford good medical care, quality food, and the type of care a Yorkie needs (3) If some people do not have enough invested, I think it is too easy to think of them as disposable and wind up dropping them at a shelter the first time they are inconvenient.
I too, had the worst time letting mine go. My first litter all went to family and a friend. I was deeply in the hole on that one. The next litter, I actually sold two of them to people I did not previously know. I was very nervous, felt like I was treating them like merchandise, and cried like a baby. With family and friends, you get to see them from time to time and it is not so bad. But when they go to strangers, you just cannot be sure! I have talked with both of them recently and they are doing really well, spoiling them as they deserve. I knew they would by meeting them. The one lady had already bought everything a puppy could need or want before she got to pick him up. I delivered one after her last shots so I got to see she was going to a beautiful home. But still, you feel sort of guilty for selling them. I wound up keeping the last boy, mostly because I just did not want to go through it again. He's a character and I am not sorry. He was the biggest of the bunch, although not huge or anything. But being a little sturdier has worked well so he could dive right in rough-housing with my male Yorkie Ben and our Jack Russell.
I know what you mean about your little one. I had to hand raise all five of mine as my sweet girl was lost the third day after their birth. That creates such a bond, it is hard to part with any of them. I wish I could have kept all five, but that would just not have worked well for any of us. Better that they get more individualized treatment in new homes.
I have made no money with the two litters combined. After losing my girl, I don't know if I will ever do it again. But I think people who lean so far as to say no one should breed and we should all get shelter dogs are too one way for me. I wanted Yorkies -- not dogs that sort of looked like a yorkie but real, honest to goodness, meet the standard yorkies. To get those, you need to go to a breeder. I may not ever breed again, but I want someone to do it! I always want at least two of them myself. Maybe more! |