[DBlain]

First off I am so sorry for your loss I am assuming you have and are still having a rough time, so take a breath and do what you are doing seek advice and think about it for a while. I don't believe small claims court cost that much, just perhaps filing fees, I believe it is set up for situations like this where the attorney fees would outweigh the fees awarded. Regardless if you want to pursue it, I would still explore it because you might be able to use it as a negotiation tool later on.

If the sister is healthy the big decision to me would be if you want a puppy that will weigh 3 lbs or less. If your lifestyle and homelife fits with a three pound dog then you could consider that option but if it does not I would look to a breeder that breeds to standard. I am wondering why she has not sold the sister, do you know.

Since she is willing to give you the sister or the June puppy I would make a suggestion to the breeder and say Look I don't want the sister and I can imagine you can understand all the reasons why that would be hard for me to deal with. I also don't think I am ready for the demands of a puppy, but since you would lose the sale money by giving me the puppy instead of to the buyer I would prefer you sell the puppy and give me that money." By doing this it's really a wash for the breeder. You also might find it easier to have someone else do the negotiations for you. I know what it is like when you are emotionally invested and have probably gotten to know the breeder so it much harder to be strong and forceful with her. Also it is sometime easier to do this in writing, this way you can get your point across before she butts in with her point and before you know it you are off the track of what you were going to say.

2. Ask her to sell the sister and give you the money from that sale or
3. Ask her to sell one of the June puppies and give you