[PartPixie]

I consider myself a rather tolerant person. But enough is enough. I blame myself really. I know that when you purchase a dog through forums like these you are taking a risk. I do not expect a show quality dog. But I do expect healthy dogs!

Some of you might remember my heartbreak when I purchased adorable little Diva (who I renamed Cricket) from a member of this site. She was SO adorable and sweet. I loved her to pieces from the moment I got her. But from the start she had seizures on a regular basis. She also had earmites so badly that it had caused a yeast infection and an intestinal infection. She died within a few months of my purchasing her. I was heart broken.

Then I bought Cricket (coincidence) from a local ad in a paper. She is adorable and I quickly loved her too. She has anxiety issues and is tiny, but no major health issues thank goodness! But when I took a job with the government, I moved to DC. Cricket could no longer go to daily daycare (which she loved!) so I thought she should have a companion so she wasn't alone all day.

Soooo, next came Bailey. Again from a YT member. He was older, not neutered or housetrained. But I am pretty good with Crate training and a trip to the vet is not a problem. He was close in size to Cricket, which was important to me so she would not feel intimidated and they could play.

From the moment Bailey came home we have had issues. I am hoping some of these issues will calm down once he gets more settled. However... and here is the clincher. I noticed right away something was wrong with his hind legs. He looked bowlegged or something. And he seemed to circle gingerly when he would lay down. A friend said, "Hmmm looks like LP to me." So I called the owner... and she said. "Well they told me awhile back that his knees could pop in and out and to be careful. But it isn't a big deal."

<Sigh> Next time... I will pay the top dollar my dogs deserve to get a QUALITY dog. I spoil my babies like you couldn't believe. And I will love Bailey. But I paid a lot of money for him. And now... I get to take him to the vet and find out what this is going to set me back.

I understand people are busy. But I can LOOK at him and see his legs arn't right. How can this come as a surprise???

Thanks for letting me vent. But again. This is MY fault. From now on I will only buy from a show breeder who has a reputation to protect, or from someone local.

-- Lesson Learned --