[Jennxling]

Originally Posted by jaypain

Last week, my 2 dogs and I went to the elevator to go on our morning walk. My 10 yr. old dog, Poochi, began to poop in front of the elevator (I usually carry him out) and while I was picking his poop up, the elevator doors opened. My other dog, Max, went towards the open elevator doors and the person who was inside the elevator lost control of her large dog (who lunged towards Max) and ended up on the floor, holding her dog, trying to control him. The impact of the large dog and his owner trampling Max killed him. He died as soon as I touched him to try to soothe him. The owner of the large dog drove me to the animal hospital, where the vet told me the impact caused internal injuries that killed him. He was a 3 yr. old teacup yorkie who had been abused for the first 2 years of his life and I miss him dearly. In the little time we were together, he gained 2 lbs and underwent a complete personality transformation, no longer fearful of people petting him.

While driving back to the apartment building, the dog owner confessed she had trampled Max.

I would like to add another yorkshire terrier to my family next month.

Max was a CKC registered dog and weighed 3 lbs as a 3 yr. old. While researching yorkies in the midwest area, I noticed dogs his age, weight and color range from $1,500-2,500 in price. I know this is because the buyer is guaranteed a small dog. I am not interested that, but it brings up the financial loss standpoint. Objectively, Max was not only a beloved family member, he was worth a lot of money and had significant future income potential as a breeder.

My 10 yr. old dog weighs 4 lbs and has arthritis, so the size of a new dog has to be taken into account. I am not looking for another yorkie to replace Max, but because I like having the yorkie personalities, having a young dog at home and the thought of Poochi having a playmate during the day. Yorkshire Terriers of the same age and weight as Max are over $1,000 and puppies range from $800-900.

Would it be acceptable to ask the owner of the large dog who caused Max's death for damages money?

First of all, sorry for your loss! Didn't you say he's a rescue?? Why would you breed him? "Significant income potential"? That just sounds like you would breed him to make money. Why not rescue another yorkie in need?

Originally Posted by FlDebra

If it was me and I had rescued a yorkie that had been abused for 2 years, I would just be very grateful for the opportunity to participate in his transformation and mourn his loss by ACCIDENT. If she had done something to intentionally harm your dog, it would be different. But it sound as if you lost control of your dog, she did too and it just resulted in a horrible accident. I think trying to ask for new puppy price at the high end for a replacement is out of bounds. If you do ask, then you should show receipts for what you paid the rescue. I really would NOT ask the woman for money. On the other hand, if I was this woman, I would probably at least offer some recompense. Sounds like it was a 50/50 responsibility situation. So, if you do ask, I would not ask for more than half of what you paid (not what top dogs are selling for as puppies). Also remember no one can really guarantee adult size unless they are selling an adult dog. That is usually a sales ploy. Some of the ones that advertise teacup/tiny/etc make sure to say size is not guaranteed in their actal sales contract that you normally don't see untill after you have picked a pup and laid down your $$$.

I am very sorry for yor loss. That had to be horrible to see your own baby crushed like that.

Well said!