[Verbena]

I have a little story. . .

I get stopped all the time when people see Galen. . . I want a dog just like him . . This is what it takes to have one this small. . . ( Galen comes from a reputable show breeder. He was just small. )

I am home so I monitor him all the time. I have to make sure he eats. He is a finicky eater. Sometimes It comes down to hand feeding him. Even my Mom knows and sits on the floor and hand feeds him. I have Nurtical on hand all the time. Also I have to make sure he doesn't eat something shouldn't, Lick the floor, get into anything . . .You basically have a child for 13 - 16 years.

He is not allowed to jump down on the floor from the couch. He is not even allowed to climb up and down the stairs in my house. When I do leave the house and I can't take him with me. He is in an x pen to keep him safe. When he comes with me, I have a bag full of items food, water, Nurtical etc.

He only wears a harness, no collar, when he is on a leash. Most of his collars are breakaway with little bells on him so you know when he is underfoot. He is potty pad and outside trained . He is never allowed outside by himself or without a harness and leash. A hawk can pick him up and take him away. In cold weather he doesn't go out. He has sweaters and winter coats to keep him warm.

Since Galen is not afraid of anything. He thinks he is the size of a Wolfhound and he plays like he is one. I watch every dog around him. He can be stepped on or picked up in a NY minute.


The reason for the story. . .

I have seen way too many sick pups. Pups brought home to early or just not knowing the breed. Bringing them home because they are so cute or I want a pocket dog. . .Then there is a problem and the puppy owner wants help.

The Yorkie and Biewer are toy breeds. Not a teacup, micro mini, a tiny micro mini or any other inventive name given . . . They are one size. Doesn't matter the weight.

With the Internet so excessible , there should be no reason why people should not be researching about a dog breeds. Go to the AKC or the breed club websites. Their will be a lot of information about the breed. And if you don't have access to the Internet go to the library. There are many books on the subject.

Did you bring them to the vet for a wellness exam ? Do you know what is required for this breed ? What are their standards. . . What age to get them at? Yes, different breeds leave at different times. A Large breed can leave a 8 weeks but a toy breed needs to stay longer, 12 weeks or more. . .What medical issues they have? . . Where to purchase a healthy one. A reputable breeder not a pet store, Craig's List or the newspaper. Yes pet store advertise AKC but the are from puppy mills. Don't believe if they say different.

Please research the breed before you purchase one. It could be the life of your little one.