A little more info... I posted this original message in the "Breeder Talk" thread as well. It has come to my attention that maybe the way I worded my message gives people the wrong ideas. So I would like to quote my response to their concerns.
From the other thread... I am not broke. I have plenty of savings and also credit cards for emergency purposes. I simply thought it would be better for me to trade so that I am not going into my savings. This way, I DO have funds in the event of a medical emergency. I have been building my savings back up since the death of my last dog in April. He had a life-long history (from birth) of medical conditions to which I was always giving medication. I had to treat him for a skin condition that never went away and hip displaysia. He was 145lbs so medication was not cheap. In the end he collapsed from a spinal injury. I paid $4,000 just for the spinal injury by itself just to find out that it was best to put him down anyway. It was the most horrifying, stressful time of my life and the worst decision I have EVER had to make. I would have sold my house if it would have kept him alive. So please, do not think that I am unaware of the expenses that may arise.
I also took the time to research this breed before making the decision to get one. I am aware of the associated medical conditions such as liver shunt and joint problems, among others. I also took the time to learn the symptoms and what to watch for.
I have always been a dog lover. I was the dispatcher for the animal cruelty investigation unit at the Capital Area Humane Society in Ohio and a dog groomer at a local kennel. I know how to care for animals.
As for the comment about the $150 web site, there is a big difference between your basic cheap HTML web site and the fully animated Flash web sites that I create. My sites do not have "pages", they are Flash "movies". Web sites of that calibur range anywhere from $700 to $2,000 based on complexity. If you look at my profile on my site, my prices for those sites range from $600 to $1,000. They are nothing like your typical web site! I am using the latest technology in web site animation and it doesn't get any better then that. Believe me, if I were to make a site for a breeder, it would stand apart from the rest. If there is someone out there that wants a basic HTML site instead, then I do those for $200 and would be glad to pay the difference for a Yorkie.
I understand the concern that a lot of people have for the welfare of dogs and I do not blame anyone for being suspicious of my request. It's a scary world out there and I have seen first hand what misery incompetant owners can cause. I am not that person. All of my dogs have led great lives as indoor dogs with all the necessary love and medical attention. I simply was curious if someone would want to trade or not. If I do not find someone interested in my offer, then yes, I am going to pay to buy a Yorkie.
Thank you for your input,
Jessica |