[gracielove]

Originally Posted by AZ Trailblazer

I had a Yorkie with skin allergies. First we had her to a dermatologist for allergy testing. The results showed that she was allergic to.everything in & out of the house. We put a small pen on the cement patio for her duties. When she would have an attack I would, at onset, bath her in Collidoial Oatmeal , it comes on packages at the pharmacy. We also got her on a regular dosage of Atopica, special Royal Canin Hypoallergenic diet and she lived as a pretty happy little girl.

It us important that people realize that running out and purchasing a Yorkie or any dog from a pet store or newspaper will result in the dog most likely be susceptible to have health issues. If you have the money, heart and soul to rescue these little guys fine, but once they are yours, it is your responsibility to care for them as any other member of the family.

We love Yorkies and our last three purchased via newspapers, cost most of our savings. When it was time to get another pup, we went to the OFFA.org website to purchase from a Breeder of Merit, meaning that the kennel had tested their dogs against genetic defects. After I found out what the tests that should be run were, I looked up the names of dogs having testing done for all of the defects. Some breeders were only doing a couple of the tests, my breeder was running a panel of all the tests. I had to go to FL but it was worth not having a dog that was suffering and costing all of our savings. After purchasing 2 healthy puppies, we still took put insurance for accident, disease and genetic defects on them. I never want to be in the position of trying to get the best care for my pet without resources. So... The new pups came at 3& 4 months, housebroken (knew to go outside & on wee-wee pads indoors, they were socialized, had been chipped, registered, had beautiful coats, they are mellow and very friendly! I called the breeder to say I have never had such great pups! and she said" Good then I did my job!" Each puppy cost about $700 more than if I purchased through the pet shop or the paper. IF WE WANT ANOTHER IT WILL BE PURCHASED USING THIS METHOD AND MOST LIKELY OUR BREEDER OF MERIT - NEVER AGAIN WILL WE PURCHASE A PUPPY WITHOUT GOING THRU OFFA.org!!! WE NEED TO PUT THE PUPPY MILLS OUT OF BUSINESS BY NOT PURCHASING THEIR PUPS!

I was just looking at this site. It does have some great information. I hope more people are able to get information like this. Most folks have no idea what risks they are taking when they buy a purebred animal.