I got my Roxi from a 3-generation-owned family pet store. They use the same breeder for their dogs (puppy mill??? I researched breeder and only found one mark against her). The mother and her children run the store--the dogs are only for sale during puppy play time (3 to 4 hours a day) so as not to stress the dogs out. The other times they are spending with the dogs grooming and potty training and playing (and yes, you are able to see the dogs in their sleeping quarters. The owners get quite upset when little children start banging on the glass trying to get the dogs to wake up. These people love their dogs and do not sell to just anyone. If they see that the dog does not like you, they will not sell that dog to you. Yes, my Roxi is small (but she was not bred to be small--her parents are both standard-sized Yorkies). They would not sell her to anyone who had children under the age of 14 because of her size. FYI...we didn't get her because of her size but because of her personality
. They also gave me an after-hours phone number to call if I have any trouble w/Roxi. They will meet me at the store at any hour if she is having any problems with hypoglycemia (the mother lives onsite). They are always available for questions. Now, when we visit the store, they are so excited to see her...we are now a part of the family. I do agree that most pet stores (Petland) are not the way to go, but there are some exceptions (just my opinion).