I got my very healthy little 7-month old boy from a pet store (and he was not a puppy mill pup). I have since met and corresponded with the woman who bred him....
Anyway - If you revisit this little guy - and feel he appears to be happy, friendly, and healthy - and is a puppy that you would truly like to have (not a rescue sob purchase) -- I'd get him.
Five months is still a very young little guy. Just being with him in the store for a while should help you recognize any real problems he might have (I'm talking about personality). And, at five months, you'll certainly be better able to assess his health - more so than you could with a very little pup.
Don't get this little puppy only because you feel sorry for him. Get him if you really like him and want him to become part of your family.
Sounds to me like he is sitting there waiting for someone to take him home.
I hate puppymills, and I'm sure you do too. --- But, I would take that little guy home in a jack minute if I felt he was a dog that I wanted to have.
I don't think it's a hard decision to make. First - don't get any pup - only to rescue it because you feel sorry for it; and second, spend more time with him and see if you feel that he really is a pup that you want to have. If he is, I would take him home. I'm sure he'd be one lucky dog if you did.
**** Always hate to go into this, but they should at least give you a day or two to take him to your vet for a well puppy check up. At his age, any serious problem should show up. And, you already know that he eats well and has gained weight well. And, you can assess his sense of well being at the store, his friendliness, playfulness, activity level, etc.
Good luck!
Carol Jean
PS: It's easy to say you wouldn't buy a puppy from a pet store - until you meet one that you want to take home. Especially, if you don't get him just because you feel sorry for him, but rather because you like him and had intended to get another little Yorkie anyway............ |