I need some advice...I am a bit scared...
 

I recently left a deposit on a puppy that was only a few weeks old. I went to the breeders house, picked out two puppies, a male and female from 2 litters with the hopes of some day possibly breeding. I haven't decided for sure whether I would, but I wanted the possibility. After I left the deposit, I tried for weeks to go back to the breeders house to visit the puppies and they were never home/available. Then 3 days prior to me picking up the puppies, I was told that she lost both litters to a terrible virus. She refunded my deposit, and left me heartbroken. I then started searching. After waiting over a month for these puppies to come home only to find out they passed I didn't want to wait much longer. My Mom and I (we live on the same property but in different houses) went looking. She was getting the female, and I, the male. We found a breeder that was about 2 hours away in an area we used to live, and she had two litters born 2 days apart, and she had a male and female. The only problem was that they were smaller than we really wanted. The male she said was a teacup and would be about 3.5 to 4 lbs. and the female she said was a toy and would be about 4 to 4.5 lbs. We fell in love and bought the puppies. We came home and I was as happy as can be. They played that night, my children were excited, and everything was great. Then it came time to feed them, and my Mickey, wouldn't eat. I tried putting the food in my hand and he would turn away. He also had some diareah. I took him to her vet, 2 hrs away for a well check, and the vet said that he was probably just too excited and to try to moisten the food. That night he still would not eat. I gave him the Nutrical every couple of hours, but no interest in food. That night he started vomiting and the diareah got worse. I took the dog at 6 a.m., back to the vet, and they said to give him some pepto bismol and robitussin for his cough and something for the diareah. I took him home and he started having blood in his stools. I turned around and drove another 2 hours back to the vet and they kept him over night. They gave him fluid in his back, and the next morning they said he was diagnosed with Giardia, put on medication, and that I could pick him up. I did, and that night he CRASHED!!! He couldn't open his eyes, lethargic, shaking, etc. I was told by my vet to give him puppy milk, baby food, canned food anything I could get in him. I got him to eat the puppy milk and I was up with him all night feeding him every hour out of a bottle. The next morning I went back to the vet. They kept him over night, and the doctor took him home with him. Saturday morning I called and they said they wanted to keep him until Monday. I called Monday and I was told that my Mickey had passed away in the night at the Vet's house. The Vet said he did everything he could. He had him on heating pads, fluids through his back, force feeding him, etc. He said that he was beginning to get sores around his mouth, and told me that it may have been from the medication Flagyl that he was on for the Giardia, and that he suspected these sores were internal as well. He said we did all we could, but despite our efforts he just wasn't strong enough to pull through.

I called the breeder and she had a Guarantee on the Puppy that states that she will replace the puppy if anything happened to mine. Now she is telling me that she has a litter that will be ready to go in about two weeks. I am absolutely terrified now. I have two children, 3 and 5. We also have a Sheltie, a Golden Retriever, and a Cat. My children are great with animals and are VERY gentle, but now I have my children being treated with Giardia as they have had diareah about 20 times a day for the past week. They were petting the puppy and holding him in his bag in the car and I think they may have touched him and then food in the car and caught it that way. I have been more stressed out in the past week then ever before. I am afraid when I get the new puppy of what to do. I am terrified that I will get him home and he will not eat. I am not sure if I should introduce the puppy to the family, or should I wait to see if he eats and give him a few days by himself to get used to his surroundings before introducing. I do not want it to be too much for him and then he stops eating. I can not sleep, eat, or think straight. This has had more of an impact on me than I ever could have imagined. I feel horrible that my children are going through this, and the possibility of this all happening again with a new puppy is overwhelming.

My mom's puppy is doing great. She loves my other dogs, does great playing with the children. Eats, Drinks, and is even pretty much house broken in just a week. That was what I wanted a happy healthy puppy. Does anyone have any advice for me as to how to achieve it? Should I let the puppy get used to everyone in time? Should I wait until he is on a schedule before playing with him too much? Any advice???? :confused:

Oh my goodness, it sure sounds like you have been through a lot, I'm so sorry!

I'm glad to hear that the puppy your mom got has been ok though, at least one healthy puppy from that breeder. Do you still even feel comfortable going back to that breeder? I would be a little worried. But at least you know that healthy puppies can come from there. But how do you know the next pup you get won't be infected also? Has the breeder done anything to disinfect the house, or whatever needs to be done? Can you get your deposit back?

If you do decide to get another puppy from the same breeder, it might be a good idea to get it checked out at the vet before you take it home and allow it be around your family. Especially so your kids don't get sick again.

Maybe check for another breeder in the area.

Again, I'm so very sorry for you and your family. I know how quickly you can get attached to these guys, they are just so loveable. I'm sure with time you will find the perfect little puppy, good luck. Be sure to keep us posted as to what ends up happening.

Brandi & Hercules

well i am a bit new to this whole puppy thing i recently got a new yorkie this is my first yorkie and first puppy on my own i was not planning on having a pupy but when i seen him i feel in love and did everything i had to to get him when i got him home he was fine ate drank played everything normal then i took him to the vet like i was informed to do they told me that he had a cold and the soft spot but that was normal they said that b/c he was so small they suggested giving him children's benadryl in a very small dose they also told me to clear up the congestion in his chest to pu him in the bathroom and leave hot water running almost like a sauna to help him brath better i did everything and anything i could to make him feel better then the next week after no improvement i woke up and he was almost dead i rushed him to the vet then then rushed him to the place where i had purchased him they then wanted to keep him for a week and then blamed him getting worse b/c of childrens benadryl i was a wreck i though i made him like this he would not eat he had to be force fed and he finally starting showing signs of improvement when i was finally able to take him home he was still not eating properly but they told me to feed him whatever he would eat ANYTHING that was shocking to me i thought that certain foods are hard for a puppy to digest especially him he was only 2.2 lbs at the time i did though he ate all table food no puppy food that took about 2 weeks and alot of time now he is doind extremely better but still does not want to eat puppy food until he gets severly hungry my vet told me that he will eat his food. but i have tried everything they even suggested cat food he will only eat if hand fed and only what i am eating so believe me you are the only one but my personal suggestion to you is even through the tough times i never regret coming home to him wagging his little tail and licking me all over and biting the bottoms of my pants i love him to death but dont ever give of hope of having a happy healthy puppy it is wonderful everday of it is a learning experience just like a kid

I really don't have a choice but to buy from the same breeder or lose all the money I invested. If I had more money to invest in another puppy or if she was willing to give me back my money, I would invest it in a puppy else where, but since her guarantee is a replacement puppy, I either take another of her puppies, or I lose my investment and my chance at having a Yorkie Puppy. Since my mom and I did this together and she now has hers, I feel like the right thing is to get another one and not give up. I just hope this doesn't end in heartbreak.

I know how you feel. The day after I started with the puppy milk I was told to try and feed the puppy Baby Food. I went and got Beef Baby Food and he ate the entire jar in about 2 minutes. I then tried baby food the next morning and he wouldn't touch it. I tried getting a different flavor, chicken, and he wouldn't eat that either. That is when I took him back to the vet. I wonder if I would have continued with different types of baby food, if that would have made a difference. If just didn't feel right. I didn't know if he was getting what he needed to get by, and since he was still having the diareah, I figured the Dr. would know best. Now after reading your post, I wonder if my course of action would have been better for him. Keep trying different foods everyday until he ate something.

If you get a new puppy, go to a different vet! That is ridiculous that you had to bring him in that many times before they determined that something was wrong. The vet wasted valueable time that perhaps would have made a difference with a different vet. Follow your instincts, if it doesn't seem right, get a second opinion. and definatly take the puppy for a wellness checkup before you take him home. Alot of places like Banfield pet hospital will do free adoption visits so you can ensure your puppy is in good health.

As far as your breeder goes, I would never buy from someone classifying puppies as teacup or toy. A yorkie is a yorkie 2 pounds or 20 pounds. Some are just smaller than others. If they want to advertise small yorkies, fine but there is no such thing as a teacup yorkie. How old were these puppies when you purchased them? How much did she charge you?

One was born November 2 and the other November 4th, and I picked them both up on January 9th, so they were about 10 weeks old. I paid her $1,700.00 for both puppies. It was $900 for the female and $800 for the male. Also they were 1 1/4 lbs when I took them for the first Vet appointment.

Well that seems about normal. How soon after you brought them home did you go to the vet? I would just recommend being cautious. See how the puppies are behaving before you choose one. If it is not very active or lethargic that is a bad sign. Definately take the puppy to the vet directly from the breeder to get a good bill of health. That is great that the breeder is standing behind her puppies and offering you a new one. Although I don't agree with her terminology, she may just be uninformed as opposed to deceptive. I have heard many stories of people buying puppies that are sick only to find that their breeder has changed phone numbers.

I brought them home on Sunday, I called Monday morning for an appointment and brought them there at 5:00 pm. Yes, I guess I am very lucky that she is standing behind her word. Just a question, just because a breeder changes her number, can't you still sew them? You have there address and you know where they live. It just doesn't seem that easy for them to disappear. I have read that most breeders do not cover for Giardia, just for congenital problems. Is that true? Or is that just unethical breeders. I can't imagine selling someone a puppy with Giardia and then not standing behind the puppy.

Any advice as to whether I should introduce the puppy to the other dogs in the family or should I wait in order to not over stress the puppy?!? I just don't want to do too much to soon and have him afraid of his new environment and not eat.

myjordash - I would probably wait to introduce the new puppy to others when you get another one. Like you said, it might ease the stress.

I understand having to get another puppy from that breeder. I think there's some hope in the situation since your mom's puppy has been ok! When are you supposed to get your next pup?

She told me 2 to 2 1/2 weeks this past Monday when I spoke to her. I was planning on calling again on this coming Monday. I asked if I can come to see them, and she said she does not like people coming to see the puppies until they have had their shots. I was OK with that because I do not want other people handling my puppy that can possibly give it something, so I guess that sounds normal, doesn't it?

Well I would think it would be ok to see the puppies, as long as you don't handle them. But I don't know. At least it's only about 2 more weeks of waiting! I'm sure you're nervous and excited at the same time.

Yes, I am! Especially after seeing my mom's puppy so excited and vibrant! I just pray that everything is Ok this time, cuz I don't no if I can stand another heart break!

I would keep the new pup seperate for 7 to 10 days to be on the safe side.
Good hand washing before and after you handle the pup.

Also depending on where you live there are puppy lemon laws. Some give 7-10 days that the breeder would have to refund your money no matter what the contract says. But it depends on your state.

I would also start to call around for a vet qualified to treat toy dogs. I don't think yours knows enough about how quickly they can be lost from simple belly aches, let alone giardia.

How does that work, when she says that I need to take the puppy to her Dr. within the first 48 hours and if there is a problem I MUST have the puppy treated by her VET? I guess I could go to my VET after her vet and get another opinion. I think that you are right. With as many times as they sent me home with him, he probably would have been OK if they treated him correctly. I liked the fact that the VET took him home with him and gave him 24 hour care, but obviously it didn't help because he died at the Vet's house. The other thing is that I was at least getting him to eat. I got him to eat the puppy milk willingly, and some baby food. I wonder if they would have tried different foods instead of forcing him to eat what they wanted him to eat if that would have helped. I guess it all depends what he actually died of. He was done with his Giardia Medicine on Saturday and he passed on Sunday Night. The doctor said he had developed sores around his mouth. Any idea what that could have been from? The doctor said it may have been caused by the Giardia Medicine, Flagyl. And that the sores could have been internal as well. Does that sound right?

Also should I not introduce at all to the other dogs for 7 -10 days? Is that so that I do not overwhelm the puppy? My other dogs are pretty big and have all their shots, so I am not too concerned with other dogs, I just want the puppy to be comfortable so that he eats and sleeps and I wanted to know if you thought introduction to the other dogs may over excite him and/or prevent him from eating properly.

I'd say you don't want to overwhelm the puppy and frighten him in his new home. You can introduce him to your other dogs, but you've just go to be careful that they play well with each other. There's quite a few members with a Yorkie and a larger dog that get along just fine! :)

A good toy dog breeder does not release her puppies before they are 12 weeks, and if they happen to be tiny she will keep them even longer. One reason is that sometimes the stress on a tiny dog being taken from their mother causes health problems, and another is so that they are well socialized and the breeder is sure that they are healthy. They were pretty good sized, but still yorkies are tiny dogs. Why did you take this pup to her vet instead of one of your chosing? Sounds to me like her vet was not very knowledgeable in the toy breeds. That is something you have to check for when you do find a vet, make sure they know about toy breeds, because a toy breed can dehydrate in just a few hours where larger dogs can last much longer before becoming critical.

I agree with everyone else on getting a new puppy elsewhere, but I whole heartily understand the predictiment. I definately wouldn't introduce the new puppy to other animals or the children. I would keep him quarrantined for a while (maybe use a large kennel like the size used for labrador retrievers, and check with the vet for how long you should keep him/her quarrantined). Use extensive care when cleaning or handling the new puppy. I used to work for a vet, but it has been about two years ago. You might want to check to see if there is a test that can be run for giardia. I know there is one that can be run for parvo and I want to say there may be one for giardia. But I am slightly outdated and my memory is failing me. I didn't like the fact that you have to take the puppy to her vet first. You may want to ask that even if her vet gives the puppy a "clean bill of health" and your vet doesn't, will she recognize what your veterinarian says? I hope that this has been of some help to you. Keep us posted.

Thank You, I will. I know there is a test for Giardia, because after the bloody stools they showed me the test where he was Positive for Giardia. I asked why they didn't test him for that earlier, and he said it is not a routine test they run. He said if he sees 100 puppies only two may be positive for Giardia and therefore it is not a routine test. I was going to ask during the Well Check for the new puppy if he can please test the puppy for Giardia, even if there are no signs of it yet. I do feel a bit bad that I didn't take the puppy else where for an opinion on the puppies condition. I am going to start looking for another Vet. I wish I would have taken him for another opinion. I just don't understand why he couldn't be saved.

I did call the Breeder yesterday, but she wasn't available to talk to me. I am going to try again tomorrow and ask her if I can please come and see the new puppies. I just want to take a good look at them, even if I do not handle them. I will be checking to see if the stools in the cage or hard or soft. Another big sign to me should have been that the puppy had poop matted and glued to his bottom. I couldn't even get it off when I got home, and the Vet had to shave off some of the hair back there to get it removed. I will make sure that the new puppies are very clean of that, because now I know that that is a sign.

I do want to add that I did go to Bansfield at PetsMart as a walk in, when I thought the puppy was VERY bad and they said they were too busy to see me. The receiptionist told me it was not an emergency, and that he was fine. She said I didn't know what I was talking about, he was just tired, not lethargic. She said he had enough meat on his bones to last him. They pinched his skin a few times and said he was fine. She said that lots of dogs have Giardia. It is not a big deal. I took him from there back to the other Vet. I am not sure of others opinion of Bansfield, but I have never had a good experience there.

New here, so Hi first!!! This is a great forum and I enjoy it very much
 

MyJorDash,

I was thinking about something you might could do this time around if you don't mind my imput here. Of course I'm not aware of your financial picture and realize that you have quite a lot already invested between the 2 dogs and the driving back and forth so many times.
If your finances could afford it, as well as if you are working you could get a day off, maybe you could plan to make your pick up for the replacement pup on a Friday. Perhaps your mom who lives next door would be willing to give you a weekend off and keep the kids for you and you or you and DH could make a little weekend out of it 2 hours away where the pup and the breeders vet are located. If this is possible, you could arrange to pick up the new furbaby on Friday afternoon, early? and check into a motel in that town and just put your feet up and eat out and spend some quiet time not only to relax your nerves, but give yourself some observation time without the back and forth long distance travel in case something goes wrong. Bring a crate and woowbie for the crate as well as a small feeding dish like what is used for cats. The small very shallow one which could be placed in the crate with the new pup. I would suggest a supply list such as, heating pad to be placed under the crate on the underside set to med, then a blankie to seperate the baby from the pad a little more. I would also bring some nutracal, baby food (my choice, plain old rice ceral mixed with puppy milk) as an initial diet. It is so bland that it shouldn't irritate the puppys bowels regardless of what might or might not be brewing on his insides. I would take the baby to the breeders vet the next day (Saturday) and get his thoughts in writing asking him to write ledgibly so that you can read his comments, temp, diagnosis, concerns, treatments etc. Again, finances permitting, Stay over again Sunday, just relax cuddle with the pup some in a room which will obviously quiet and semi dark and just observe with a notebook times, events, puppy behavior, feeding success or failure etc.
On monday morning if everything is looking good I would get up early if you work and make the trip home so that you only missed Friday. Keep him crated and ask your mom if possible to keep up with your observations in your little notebook on Monday and then Monday evening or whatever your work schedule is bring the new furbaby to your own vet with the copies of the vetting done by the breeders vet in hand.
By now you should have been able to rule out the first pups affliction given the time frame involved. The pup would have made the transition in the least possible chaos or commotion, and the children could be introduced to the new baby all the while keeping him in the crate and avoiding any extra handling. This will not only build up your confidence that what happened last time won't happen again, dispelling any fears that you might be harboring in regard to self blame. It will also protect your children to exposure in the event it happens again, but spare them the sadness of losing yet another little furbaby.
Also, if on Monday am you find that something is wrong with this baby as well. I would go directly back to the breeder with the pup, with whom nobody has done any lasting bonding with up to this point and ask for a refund.

OHHHH I forgot to mention the most important part of this weekend trip. Pack some candles, some great bath oil, a snuggly robe and a good book on everything you wanted to know about yorkies but were afraid to ask and settle into a much needed recoup that at this point you well deserve. :rolleyes:

Thank you for ALL your advice and for everyone's advice. I think I should update my situation. You all gave excellent advice. The Breeder ended up being a no good con artist that was having 8 wk old puppies shipped in from Argentina. The ones that survived were sold. The breeder showed me to dogs and said these were the parents. She also advertised them to be AKC, however they are not. My mom's dog has come down with Ringworm, and the Breeder never made good on her promise to give me a replacement puppy. I went down there 4 times (2 hrs up and back each time, with the kids in tow) only to find out one day after waiting there for over 2 1/2 hours, that would give me some excuse why I could not have my puppy that day. After the last promise and looking at my children's faces after she broke her promise AGAIN to them, I lost it. I told her she was a dishonest person, that cannot play with people's lives in this manner. That she cannot make and break promises for no reason and I was not going to allow her to do this to my family anymore! I told her I wanted a refund, or my replacement puppy that day. She refused to give me either. I contacted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and they guessed her name when I told them the city. They had a long list of complaints on this woman and she has done this several times to several people. She is the one that told me that the reason she keeps giving me the run around and promising me a dog and then breaking the promise is because the puppy probably did not survive the trip from Argentina. She told me that according to FL Law if my puppy has a parasite or is considered unfit to be sold within 14 days of purchase, the CONSUMER has a right to choose between a FULL refund OR a Replacement Puppy!!! I CHOOSE a REFUND! Since she is not giving it to me, I need to now take her to court. I hired an attorney and that is what I am doing. The only problem is that the VET is not giving me a death certificate on my puppy which I need to show my puppy was unfit to be sold due to the Giardia. They are HER Vet, and they are refusing to give me anything. I do not understand how they can do this. They took my puppy, called and told me my puppy passed away, and they are refusing to give me anything in writing. I did everything right by going to her Vet for the diagnosis, and now because they are in her pocket, they are not cooperating with me. I am going to call my attorney on Monday and I guess bring them in to lawsuit as welll. I am not sure, any ideas???

On a better note, I did find another puppy. I drove about 6 hours to get him from another breeder, he is AKC, Healthy, and he is beautiful. He looks just like my old Mickey! He is Mickey Jr. (my children had their hearts set on that name.) He eats, sleeps, goes potty, and is extremely healthy. He gets along with my other dogs, and the children great!

Thank you so much for all your help, support, and guidance through all of this. If anyone has any ideas about getting my money back I would love to hear it. I am confident that with the law on my side, that I will win. The question is when I do, will she pay?

I don't have any legal advise but I am happy you and your family now have healthy, happy Mickey Jr. :p

Good luck with the lawsuit towards that breeder, keep us posted on the progress with it. It's such a shame she has hurt so many other people not to mention putting animals in such grave danger.

"The only problem is that the VET is not giving me a death certificate on my puppy which I need to show my puppy was unfit to be sold due to the Giardia. They are HER Vet, and they are refusing to give me anything. I do not understand how they can do this. "

I would definitely add them to the lawsuit. No telling how much money they are making off this "breeder" :(

HI myjordash
I'm very sorry to hear about everything you went thru, I hope evrything works out for you, I would also keep the puppy away until vet visit and maybe a few xtra days to be inthe safe side. I myself just went thru a little trama my self with my new puppy. Sunday he started caughing really bad, then yesterday he stop eating ,this morning he was having problems breathing , I was so scared I though I was goign to loose my baby, I din't even bother to call breeder because , she said they will only replace puppy if is a hereditary problem, and that I would have to get him tested, so I already now it was going to be a lot of $$ in vet visit alone, so I hope you stand your ground with this breeder, ( I'm not practicing what I preach :confused: ) I would demand my money back and get a puppy from a different breeder, specially if you are planning to bread, I myself would feel a little uncomfortable to breed dogs that came from same breeder, I know there is great breeders out there, who work so hard and spend there money time and effort in tryint to better the breed, but you never know if this 2 are related regardless what the papers say, I know they could still be related even if its a different breeder, but I would talk to her first and explain to her , how you feel regarding the 1st puppy you got that was sick, I would try all I could to get money back, just for peace of mind,beside the worst she can say is no :
you can always continue to see how other puppies are doing maybe get references from other people who purchase puppies from her, I also know sometimes things happen, no matter how good a breeder is sometimes ,like us humans some puppies don't do so well, I'm sorry to go on and on . I hope everything goes wells no matter what you do. Take care & God Bless

Thank you so much! I posted an update yesterday it is a few threads up. I did end up getting a new puppy from a different breeder. He is beautiful, healthy, fun, playful, everything I thought a puppy would be. I am very happy with our new puppy. I am going to have to take legal action against the other breeder. She is dishonest, discusting person who doesn't care about the animals, just her wallet. I found out that by law in my state that if a puppy gets sick within 14 days of the consumer purchasing the puppy, the breeder is responsible for vet bills, refund, and/or replacement puppies, regardless of the warranty she gives to you. Here is the website that lists the laws for each state. www.malteseonly.com/lemon.html That is where I found what the law is for my state, and that I actually could have gone to my own Vet, she would have had to pay the bills, and who knows maybe my puppy would still be here today.

Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for your support and kind thoughts, and let you know that I do have a happy healthy new puppy! I hope your puppy is feeling better soon, and check out the website to see if maybe your breeder can reimburse you for some of the Vet bills if she sold you a sick puppy.

audrey