This is a sad situation. The first Yorkie I purchased was from a puppy mill but I was barely 20 so had no idea until someone educated me.
My second Yorkie was from a reputable breeder and my current Yorkie is from a reputable breeder who, although reputable, could still improve her ethics in my opinion. For example, she did not put into her contract that she would take my puppy back if I could not care for him for any reason, among other things.
However, regardless of the breeders, it was up to me to choose to not take my puppy before 12 weeks or even consider a breeder who would consider releasing a puppy before then.
It was up to me to not encourage puppy mills by refusing to buy from them and BYB.
I agree there are no guarantees but I think it is up to us to be responsible to ensure we can at least say we gave the puppy the best start and taking a 6 week old puppy (of any breed) isn't the best start.
This breeder is selfish and manipulative and I'm sorry that you've been put in this situation.
If anyone is telling you to walk away, it is simply because your kind heart is being abused by someone who does not respect the gift of life but merely appreciates the funding it creates. A manipulator, scam artist..
I would recommend you walk away. Save for a puppy who is released at the appropriate times, with the appropriate vaccinations under the appropriate rules and guidelines set forth by the state and breeder ethics. Try to see that in assuaging your guilt regarding this puppy, you are missing the bigger picture by encouraging unethical behaviour for a 'bargain'. I, too, had to learn this lesson. Unfortunately, I had to learn it on my own without the assistance of the people here.
However, if you don't walk away, the best we can do is wish you and your puppy good luck and remain sickened at this, sadly, typical situation. |