Hello all! This is my first post, and my nephew recommended visiting here, because of my love for Yorkies, and my desire to purchase/adopt another one. I thought I would just leave an introductory message here, for my first post, and explain to you why I am posting.
In 1998 I travelled from Bethalto, IL to Bonn Terre, MO, as a friend had shown me the Yorkie pup that she was puppy sitting, and I just had to have one! So, I found an ad in the St. Louis Post Dispatch and traveled about 70 miles by automobile, to Bonn Terre, MO to meet the lady who had a litter of 4 cute little Yorkie pups.
I had originally decided to buy a small male Yorkie, as my sister had had a small male Yorkie named Dudley Do Right, and I liked that Yorkie soooo much, that I decided I would buy a male Yorkie, and name him Dudley Do Right the 2nd. Plus, the males were $25 to $50 cheaper...I don't remember that part now, I think it was $25 cheaper.
Well, when I got there, my plans quickly changed. The lady brought 4 little Yorkie puppies into the room (I can remember it almost like it was yesterday, though it has been nearly 14 years), and I fell in love with a beautiful little female Yorkie adopted/purchased her, and brought her home. She weight 1.5 pounds I think.
I named her Duchess, partly because I was going to name the male Yorkie Dudley, are partly because my sister already had a Schnauzer named Princess. So, I went with Duchess as kind of a mixture of the two. Though in the years since then, I kind of wish I had named her Precious, because that is what she was.
I'm sorry, I can hardly see as there are tears in my eyes.
Anyway, on July 6th, after over 13.5 years of having the most intelligent, devoted, loving, well behaved dog that I've ever had, I had to have her euthanized due to massive kidney failure.
What a great dog she was. I had a bond with her, that I had never had with another animal. I've often told friends and family that I don't know if it is possible to have a doggy soul mate. But, if it is possible, then Duchess was my doggy soul mate.
I hated to leave her. She would cry when I'd put my shoes on, and sometimes I feel her nuzzle up to my feet when I was walking, to see if I had my shoes on. If she would have had her way, I would have never been able to leave the house. And, don't think I minded this. It was so nice being loved. When I was home, she was either in my lap or laying right next to me, always having to be in contact with me.
Keep in mind, my Dad lived with me the whole time, so I wasn't the only person around, and she wasn't lonely. She just loved me, and I loved her (and still do) sooooooooooooooooo much!!!! And don't think I minded that attention that she gave me. I loved it. I was crazy about her and she was crazy about me.
You know, I knew that I had lost a lot, when she passed back on July 6th. But, I really didn't realize how much until now.
I got her an adopted brother, a beautiful little white Maltese back in 2003, when she was about 4.5 years old. I had seen a Maltese on TV, and thought they were soooo cute, so I got one. And, he is a handsome little boy! But, he seems to be closer to my dad than he is to me. Don't get me wrong, I love him every much as bit as Duchess, but our relationship is just not the same. And, he loves me. The bond just isn't the same. Perhaps it is because he is a male, perhaps it is because he is a Maltese and they aren't as devoted a breed as Yorkies, or perhaps it is because he spends all day with my dad. But, Duchess spent all day with my dad, but I still think she was my little girl, and not his...and I think she knew that too, and felt that way.
So anyway, I wasn't really planning on getting another dog, because quite frankly, it is expensive to own two dogs nowadays. The vet bills have reallly gone up since 1998, the grooming of two dogs and so on.
But, I know now, that I want another Yorkie sooooooo bad! I know I cannot replace her. But, it sure would be worth trying to, as I just love Yorkshire Terriers.
I spent $300 for her back in 1998, and I often told people, and still do, that it was the best $300 investment made, or best $300 I ever spent.
I've learned a lot during my nearly 14 years with Duchess, and 9 plus with my Maltese Frosty, about raising dogs. I'm now what the vet calls a "super" owner, because I take such good care of my dogs. I brush their teeth daily, clean their ears weekly, etc...
I could go on and on about Duchess, and our relationship, but I think you understand what I'm saying. She was the finest dog I've ever had. Frosty is a sweetheart, and like I said before I love him bunches and bunches. But, I just need another Yorkshire Terrier.
So, my nephew suggested I join this forum, and that perhaps there are some people out there who could direct me to a real good Yorkshire Terrier breeder in the St. Louis, MO area. Also, I'm not against having the puppy shipped to me, if the shipping charges are reasonable, and safe for the puppy of course.
And, I just love puppies! If I were retired (and I will be in a few years), I probably would have a house full of them
So, it is going to be a really enjoyable experience looking for a new Yorkie puppy.
So, I was just wondering, can any of you fine people help me to find a real good breeder in the St. Louis, Missouri area? I actually live about 25 miles NE of St. Louis.
Gosh, I sure would appreciate it. You know, it is funny, I didn't even know that this forum existed while Duchess was alive. But, I'm glad I found it now, and will regularly be a part of it.
But can anyone out there help me find another great companion similar to my little Duchess! My new Yorkie girl will be named Precious, in honor of my precious Duchess! Thanks so much in advance!