[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by SassyAnn101

When I got my first Yorkie a few years ago I felt much as you do. I did not understand why having papers mattered, or what the harm in letting my Gizmo father a litter of puppies would be. I by chance purchased him locally from two very sweet ladies who had a house full of Yorkies, and sometimes breed them. He was AKC registered, but I did not even send in his papers. I Loved him with all my heart. He became my life. There had been a couple of people ask me if I would stud him out to their little girls for a fee. I had considered allowing this when he was older, but I did not like the thought of letting him stay with strangers. He was so cute, why not share that little face with others? but shortly after bringing him home he began getting sick. He would shake, and not be able to stand up at times. I would rush him to the vet, and after IV fluids he snapped out of it and was fine. My wallet on the other hand took a hard hit. Aprox. $200.00 each visit. Sometimes more depending on how long he stayed and what meds he was to take. This went on for almost four years before I learned that he had a liver shunt and would need surgery if he were to have any chance to live. Before I purchased Gizmo I had no ideal what a Liver Shunt was, but I learned that it is a defect that is inherited. I lost Gizmo in Feb of 2008 after complications from having livershunt surgery. I spent well over $20,000.00 in his short life trying to save him. He is just one example of what happens when people breed their babies without knowing their background. Yes you could share a part of your pet with someone, but you could be setting someone up for a huge heart break, and put a innocent puppy through alot of pain.

Great point, thanks for sharing yoiur story. Sorry for what you had to go through.