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Originally Posted by WickedWitch  YorkieRose - Thank you so much...to you and the others that have generously stuck by my side.
I will say one last thing about the breeder. I realize that she has produced hundreds of healthy puppies which are now living their healthy lives with their families. My point is, she's letting these puppies go home too early. I think there is a far less chance of these little babies dying if they were cared for longer by someone that is absolutely experienced in every way with this. Afterall, it's the career path they've chosen. Yes, I should have insisted she stay longer. Yes, I do take some responsibility.
I have to say that after this net "mauling" I've received on this forum from some of you, I would never continue to use it. Everytime I've read a reply on this thread that is a negative one, it's like my London is dying all over again. Don't worry, I won't be arguing my side of the story any longer so say what you wish. I would now just like to move on and heal from loosing my little one. Thank you to all for listening. |
WW -- I think your feelings are just extra raw and sensitive right now as mine would be. No one is mauling you or trying to put all the blame on you. I think it is good that you did accept some responsibility. As pet owners, we have to become informed -- but I understand that we usually trust the breeder. That is where I received most of my education on yorkies. Thankfully, I had a good, ethical breeder. After all they have all these great success stories & seem to know what they are doing. It is horrible when one gives poor information and then pushes you to take a tiny pup before it is ready.
I hope you did take your little one straight to the vet as I suggested. I have to wonder if she has some sickness in her kennel too. Losing 2 pups in a row like that is unusual even when you consider her selling them a little young and muchtoo small.
Florida does have a great Lemon LAw and it would cover your replacement as well, even without a contract.......
but only if sold in Florida. If she sold it from her home in Alabama and you went there to get it, the FLorida Lemon Law won't apply. If she brought the dog to Florida to sell it to you, then Florida law does apply. But it sounded to me like you were explaining going to her home to get her. You could consult a lawyer to see if the phone calls telling you to come pick it up would constitute doing business in Florida....I am not sure, I kind of doubt it. Alabama has no Puppy Lemon Law and is very lenient on selling age. If you ever got the contract on the first puppy, it should cover the replacement too. If you didn't get the paper, you may still have a case, because of the word of mouth agreement. I think she should give your money back. Depending on how much she charged, you may want to seek law help. I would not let it go -- if you don't feel up to dealing with her emotionally, maybe someone else in your family could handle the actual phone contact? Then you coudl follow up with a letter.
I am so sorry you have gone through this. It has to be horribly heartbreaking. I know you have learned some valuable lessons. Unfortunately one of those is not to trust every breeder, even when they seem to have happy customers. Another is to research a LOT before you buy and then stand firm on what you know to be right. I am not trying to make you feel bad, because if I was totally inexperienced with yorkies, I probably would have caved and accepted the pup too early even though I had read differently too. You get excited looking at that precious ball of fur so full of life. Then you have a breeder saying she does this all the time and the puppy will be fine....and I see how it happens. I know it is not right, and I know you do too now -- but I see how easily it would happen. I know you will stand your guns the next time if you ever run into someone like that again. Not sure what plans you have for another pup, but if you decide to stay with yorkies, I would ensure an older and larger pup, maybe even an adult. You might also want to consider another breed that has a little larger pups to start out with. Yorkies do require a lot of care and attention in those early weeks, even when you get them at 12 weeks and @ 2 pounds.