Tammy Willmann

[addrills dad]

Originally Posted by kwillmann

For those of you who don’t know Tammy Willmann or for those of you who have some warped view about her business, let me shed some light on this for you. My parents are up every morning at the crack of dawn and are out working their butts off in their kennels. The dogs are fed, the pins cleaned out, the concrete washed out, the puppies exercised, and so many other things that pop up unexpectedly, such as a damaged pin that needs to be fixed. All I know is that my dad is out there, come rain or shine, every day from 7am-5pm. This is a 7 day a week job that doesn’t allow for holidays or sick leave. In fact, not too long ago, I was sick and in the hospital. Did I get to have both my parents there by my side? NO! They had to alternate coming up at night because someone had to be there to take care of the dogs. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this to sound bitter, I’m just saying it so that people will see just how dedicated my parents are to the dogs and to their business. My parents miss out on the chance to ever take a vacation, let alone spend one night away from home. My parents have sacrificed so much in order to run their business properly and they are very proud of what they have accomplished, and so am I. It’s very hurtful to see ignorant people get on here and call my parents “puppy mill” owners or to say that they are being cruel to animals.
Have you ever heard of kennel owners taking the time to get down in the floor and play with their dogs? Well now you have. That’s exactly what my dad does. He calls it “exercising” the dogs, but don’t be fooled. He gets right down in the floor and plays and laughs with them! That's how we ended up with our first house dog. It's hard not to get attached to them when you are with them everyday. Seldom does my mom ever leave Wal-Mart without getting the puppies a new toy to play with, not to mention the specialized dog food the picky eaters will only eat! These are the kind of people you should feel comfortable buying a puppy from. The puppies come from a CLEAN place where they are loved and cared for.
Hopefully this has cleared things up for those of you who had questions or doubts about my parents’ business. For those of you who aren’t convinced, that’s fine. You have a right to your opinion, but until you’ve actually seen the kennels and the dogs, you don’t have any business labeling my parents as “puppy mill” owners. (And no, that's not an open invitation for you to come see the kennels) In fact, I promise you that their business is not the horror story you picture it to be. All kennels DO NOT have cages upon cages stacked to the ceiling with ten puppies to a cage. The dogs ARE NOT covered in filth and the kennel DOES NOT reek of odor. Most of you criticizers probably haven’t even set foot inside a kennel! So fine, keep your warped view on reality.
If anyone has any further reservations about buying a puppy from my mother, all you will need to do is talk with her for five minutes and you will see just how much she cares for the dogs and loves them and just wants them to go to a happy home.

they sell to petland clean or not they are a puupy mill was in petland today they had a biewer that is 11 weeks old to young to be away from its mom and the puppy wa sick care to answer ? kay

[eboughey]

Originally Posted by Reese1

The fact they are USDA licensed is reason enough to not buy from them, IMO.
I'm not sure what you mean by not being the stereotypical facility, here is what they have in an ad for their puppies:

"Our dogs are kept in clean, climate controled facilities with free access to
outside gravel runs, for plenty of fresh air and exercise. We socialize our pups
so they will be well adapted to their new enviornment."

WOW, access to outside gravel runs, lucky dogs!
OH and the misspellings are in their ad!

Well I was looking up info to Map D&S Kennel because I'm getting another puppy from them and came across this thread. I have to tell you that I have been in touch with Doug and Sharon for years. I researched them before I bought my yorkie 4 years ago and have kept them updated with photos and I even have photos of my dog's dam & sire and grandfather as well.

They do breed yorkies and chihuahas but the dogs pretty much have free run of that house and are outside playing a lot. It's a beautiful place and the nursery has a rocking chair with a television set in there too. Sharon also keeps meticulous records and we've been trying to see how I can get another puppy with my dog's disposition. I wouldn't buy from a puppy mill but I do want a yorkie pup that I can raise and there certainly are not quality ones in my area and the ones they do have are off the chart expensive as well.. Chocolates and parti yorkies are all i see here these days and it's ridiculous.

[normarae63]

Originally Posted by eboughey

Well I was looking up info to Map D&S Kennel because I'm getting another puppy from them and came across this thread. I have to tell you that I have been in touch with Doug and Sharon for years. I researched them before I bought my yorkie 4 years ago and have kept them updated with photos and I even have photos of my dog's dam & sire and grandfather as well.

They do breed yorkies and chihuahas but the dogs pretty much have free run of that house and are outside playing a lot. It's a beautiful place and the nursery has a rocking chair with a television set in there too. Sharon also keeps meticulous records and we've been trying to see how I can get another puppy with my dog's disposition. I wouldn't buy from a puppy mill but I do want a yorkie pup that I can raise and there certainly are not quality ones in my area and the ones they do have are off the chart expensive as well.. Chocolates and parti yorkies are all i see here these days and it's ridiculous.

Hmm, you've been a member of this site a very long time yet your first post is to support a breeder that others have done research on and found they wouldn't support?

May I ask what kinds of health testing is done on the sire & dam prior to breeding? I'm not talking about the cursory once over given by a local vet but true testing to ensure the health of offspring.

[eboughey]

Originally Posted by normarae63

Hmm, you've been a member of this site a very long time yet your first post is to support a breeder that others have done research on and found they wouldn't support?

May I ask what kinds of health testing is done on the sire & dam prior to breeding? I'm not talking about the cursory once over given by a local vet but true testing to ensure the health of offspring.

I guess that's because I think that Doug and Sharon are nice people and I've kept up with them via phone and email for years. They are normal everyday people and just because they have a usda license this forum classifies them as a puppy mill. Not fair in my opinion. They are breeders but then aren't people who sell show dogs breeders too (and many are selling online as well)? Why aren't they classified puppy mills when they whip out litter after litter and sell them online for $2500 or more each. What, showdogs can't be abused?

Nicky's sire and that entire line has dna testing if that's what you are talking about though it means nothing to me. He was healthy, playful and full of life and love when we got him. That's what is important to me.

There are plenty of places I would NEVER buy from including a pet store. I researched and every person looking to purchase a dog should do the same. I think at the time I asked for pictures of mom and dad which they sent me. I have pics they've sent over the years as well and don't believe one bit that they are fake.

Bottom Line:
1. I hate puppy mills and wish they would be wiped off the face of the earth.
2. There is a supply and demand for particular breeds. Doug and Sharon have chosen to fill that need.
3. Not everyone can afford to pay the outrageous price for a show dog bloodline and again Doug and Sharon fill that need as well.

Speaking of show dogs. How many of them are at the very least mentally abused? Do you truly think they all enjoy constant training, competitions, and continual grooming in addition to travelling so much? Maybe they just want to be cuddled and allowed to go outside in the back and run around, get dirty and enjoy a life without all the fuss....

[eboughey]

re-reading that post I don't think I really explained what people who are looking to buy a dog should be most diligent about.

Someone that has a usda license isn't necessarily a puppy mill. There are also people who breed their 'pets' over and over again to sell for profit and that's what they do full time.

Regardless of where you buy your companion, please please make sure to do a thorough research of that person or kennel. Someone with a usda license may have done so thinking it was a good thing and they were doing things by the book and reassuring buyers. They probably never imagined they would have people take that list and lump everyone on it as a bad person and puppy mill.

I've also attached a picture that pretty much told me what to think of Doug and Sharon. Does Doug look like a puppy mill guy to you in this pic which is on his website?

I believe these are the main things you look for. Some connection between the breeder and the dogs they are breeding.

* look for something personal about the breeder on the site
* look up inspection reports if they have a usda license
* Talk to the breeder on the phone
* Since you can't see the kennel, look up satellite pics of the area
* Ask the breeder for pics of mom and dad
* ask the breeder to upload videos of puppies in action
* ask for health info to be emailed or faxed
* ask for AKC info of family tree

All of the above will give you a good idea about who you are buying your longtime companion from. As I said I don't believe a usda license automatically give us a reason to say that that person or kennel is a puppy mill. It's just not fair to the people who got those licenses for the express purpose of doing the right thing and avoiding backlash like they are getting because of it. There are too many puppy mills in homes and unlicensed. Saying people on this list are bad might lead people to unlicensed breeder who have more chance of being puppy mills, eh?

Do your research and you will find a great loving dog to be by your side for many happy years...

[normarae63]

uhm, no,tests that determine IF the dam & sire are even good examples of the breed as well as tests that help discover problems that would be passed along to offspring. A DNA test is of course just one of these tests.

I know you've had your pups awhile but PLEASE, do yourself a favor & take a look at our YT Library. There you'll find a virtual book of information on how to tell if a breeder is ethical as well as many articles about true health tests needed prior to breeding. Here's the link to get you started: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...e-breeder.html

Glad to see you using Yorkietalk & hope you'll stay around this time to learn from us!

[normarae63]

Here are the major Health tests that a reputable breeder would do:


Brucellosis (STD)

BAT (Bile Acid Test)
(test for shunt but cannot indicate if sire/dam is a carrier of the disease)

OFA – Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

-Patella
-Legg-Calve Perthes
-Autoimmune Thyroiditis
-Hip Dysplasia

Additionally, although new, it's a great idea to ask a breeder if they've CHIC certified their dogs. If not certified with CHIC, ask why not.

The Canine Health Information Center, also known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The CHIC, working with participating parent clubs, provides a resource for breeders and owners of purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds.

CERF – Canine Eye Registration Foundation

*ALL of this information came from the YT library & since it was apparent that all you really want to do is argue about how great these people are, I did the legwork for you. I'd still encourage every prospective parent to educate themselves on what makes a GOOD breeder a GOOD BREEDER.

[eboughey]

You are right. I do want to defend these people and it was a little bit of a snarky remark you made saying that as if I am clueless which I'm not.

I think it is horribly unfair to lump everyone who has a usda license into a group and say every single one of them has a puppy mill mentality.

Even worse, I think that by doing that people will use that list as their 'puppy mill bible' and seek out someone not on the list and inadvertently purchase from an unlicensed breeder that may very well be the people you are trying to ward off.

I think it would be a perfect world if breeders did every one of those tests on the dogs they breed. If it's so important then it should be a requirement.

[normarae63]

uhm, if educating people is what you call being snarky, by all means, please use the little triangle in the corner under your name on every post to report me. I don't see anywhere that I used the words clueless, those are your own words, not mine.

[eboughey]

Originally Posted by normarae63

uhm, if educating people is what you call being snarky, by all means, please use the little triangle in the corner under your name on every post to report me. I don't see anywhere that I used the words clueless, those are your own words, not mine.

huh? why would i report you? You just said it was apparent that I wanted to argue in one of your posts to me (at the bottom) and I was referring to that as being snarky. I don't want to argue, I just think my opinion should be respected as I respect yours and never did I say anything about you personally as you did me.

Education is great and I do go through the library which is why I've been on here for so many years, however I don't post for just this reason.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by kwillmann

For those of you who don’t know Tammy Willmann or for those of you who have some warped view about her business, let me shed some light on this for you. My parents are up every morning at the crack of dawn and are out working their butts off in their kennels. The dogs are fed, the pins cleaned out, the concrete washed out, the puppies exercised, and so many other things that pop up unexpectedly, such as a damaged pin that needs to be fixed. All I know is that my dad is out there, come rain or shine, every day from 7am-5pm. This is a 7 day a week job that doesn’t allow for holidays or sick leave. In fact, not too long ago, I was sick and in the hospital. Did I get to have both my parents there by my side? NO! They had to alternate coming up at night because someone had to be there to take care of the dogs. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this to sound bitter, I’m just saying it so that people will see just how dedicated my parents are to the dogs and to their business. My parents miss out on the chance to ever take a vacation, let alone spend one night away from home. My parents have sacrificed so much in order to run their business properly and they are very proud of what they have accomplished, and so am I. It’s very hurtful to see ignorant people get on here and call my parents “puppy mill” owners or to say that they are being cruel to animals.
Have you ever heard of kennel owners taking the time to get down in the floor and play with their dogs? Well now you have. That’s exactly what my dad does. He calls it “exercising” the dogs, but don’t be fooled. He gets right down in the floor and plays and laughs with them! That's how we ended up with our first house dog. It's hard not to get attached to them when you are with them everyday. Seldom does my mom ever leave Wal-Mart without getting the puppies a new toy to play with, not to mention the specialized dog food the picky eaters will only eat! These are the kind of people you should feel comfortable buying a puppy from. The puppies come from a CLEAN place where they are loved and cared for.
Hopefully this has cleared things up for those of you who had questions or doubts about my parents’ business. For those of you who aren’t convinced, that’s fine. You have a right to your opinion, but until you’ve actually seen the kennels and the dogs, you don’t have any business labeling my parents as “puppy mill” owners. (And no, that's not an open invitation for you to come see the kennels) In fact, I promise you that their business is not the horror story you picture it to be. All kennels DO NOT have cages upon cages stacked to the ceiling with ten puppies to a cage. The dogs ARE NOT covered in filth and the kennel DOES NOT reek of odor. Most of you criticizers probably haven’t even set foot inside a kennel! So fine, keep your warped view on reality.
If anyone has any further reservations about buying a puppy from my mother, all you will need to do is talk with her for five minutes and you will see just how much she cares for the dogs and loves them and just wants them to go to a happy home.

I know this is an old thread and the poster I'm commenting on is probably long gone and can't defend his- or herself but I have to respond for current readers, now that I have seen this.

I take it none of these poor dogs' living quarters is in a real home, living as a beloved pet in the home by the fire at the end of the day, going on car trips, following their person to the bathroom every trip, playing fetch in the backyard, taking nice, long daily walks with their beloved person, sleeping right beside them at naps or night or at least in a little bed beside momma's, feted at birthdays like any family member and specially shopped for for Christmas gifts, lovingly wrapped and placed under the tree. Wonder how many of these dogs go on picnics with the family or watch TV with them, barking at loud when they see another dog or something that excites them and so eager to tell their people what they think about it. How many are actually really living? Or are they just existing.

These dogs don't have the joyful, free and fun care-free life of a beloved family member. They are property, obviously quartered most of their day in a cage or pen and spend long, lonely hours waiting between humans that deign to come out to clean, feed, work and "play" with them. Can you imagine the life these poor dogs live? Where is the enrichment in their lives, daily challenges and honest work learning new things every day, doing a little home agility course and getting/giving frequent daily kisses and snuggle sessions all during the day. When does the running, chasing squirrels, birds and cats from the yard and fetching balls and lying in the sun as mommie or daddy work in the yard come in? Are they ever made to feel proud of their accomplishments? Does anyone brag over them, tell them how wonderful they are every day? Have they ever gone to visit a family member at another house - which is like a vacation to a dog? Do they ever do anything a normal dog loves to do?

These dogs described in the above post sound just like prisoners who just live their lives in cages or kennels - cells of some kind - and all for the purpose to breed, get and undergo pregnancy, whelp and nurse/nurture puppies only to have them whisked away at an early age and then back to more of the same all over again - day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. It sounds so tragic and lonely and awful a life as to fill me with despair. It's happening all over our country. Good people probably in every other aspect of life making vast kennels of dogs live this life. But it's not a life - not really.

It is shocking and awful and no amount of justification can ever make a doglover who cares about the actual quality of life of breeding dogs come to think these breeders are so wonderful and kind to their dogs! And the breeders mentioned above are no different than probably thousands of others who keep and trade in dogs for money with very little thought as to all that it is costing the dogs in their kennels.

Is it fair to dogs living like that? Aren't we overbreeding to the point that the shelters and rescues are overcrowded to the point of refusing new entrants and summarily killing those thousands weekly that never get another chance? Is this the best we can do? Must we have so many breeders with kennels full of dogs living a loveless life of sameness, shut out and cuff off from the rest of the world, just basically waiting there in a cage until they breathe their last?

[gemy]

Originally Posted by eboughey

You are right. I do want to defend these people and it was a little bit of a snarky remark you made saying that as if I am clueless which I'm not.

I think it is horribly unfair to lump everyone who has a usda license into a group and say every single one of them has a puppy mill mentality.

Even worse, I think that by doing that people will use that list as their 'puppy mill bible' and seek out someone not on the list and inadvertently purchase from an unlicensed breeder that may very well be the people you are trying to ward off.

I think it would be a perfect world if breeders did every one of those tests on the dogs they breed. If it's so important then it should be a requirement.

CHIC is a Requirement of all National Clubs from their breeder members. That is a mandatory health testing as set out by the Health Committee of the National Club. For my club, no club awards unless you CHIC your dogs.

You also have side-stepped the question of what exact health testing was done. A DNA sample is not a health test, it is a means of identification of each specific dog. Maybe at some point way in a future I won't be alive in a simple DNA test will show, some following conditions, PRA, cataracts, LP, HD, Leggs Perthes, CT, hyperuricosuria, allergies, AAI, Chiari, Elbow Dysplasia, Blueborn Puppy, Cardiomyopathy, Deafness, epilepsy, Von Willenbrands disease, and the list goes on!

[eboughey]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Is it fair to dogs living like that? Aren't we overbreeding to the point that the shelters and rescues are overcrowded to the point of refusing new entrants and summarily killing those thousands weekly that never get another chance? Is this the best we can do? Must we have so many breeders with kennels full of dogs living a loveless life of sameness, shut out and cuff off from the rest of the world, just basically waiting there in a cage until they breathe their last?

No it's not fair. It's horrible that nobody can't stop this, but the reality is that they can't. People want what they want and they will buy the puppy that they want even with all of the rescues out there that need us. I have a purchased and a rescue yorkie. Their personalities are like night and day due to abuse of my sweet little girl Maggie mae. She has that survival street sense and Nicky has his naieve baby personality. I prefer a yorkie puppy that I can raise and train and love even if that seems selfish.

I think that overbreeding goes to ALL breeders, not just puppy mills. The only way to stop it will be to make it illegal for anyone to sell dogs. Of course then all of the lines would be extinct because who would give away their puppies and make sure they are spayed/neutered before they go home? They would only be able to make money off the shots and spay/neuter.

The only answer right now for those who want a purebred is to research the people we buy from. I may choose Doug and Sharon, but personally I trust them. I trust them much more than the lady who lives 2 miles away and sells chocolate and parti yorkies which although they are in her home, I feel it's an abuse in and of itself.

[eboughey]

Originally Posted by gemy

CHIC is a Requirement of all National Clubs from their breeder members. That is a mandatory health testing as set out by the Health Committee of the National Club. For my club, no club awards unless you CHIC your dogs.

You also have side-stepped the question of what exact health testing was done. A DNA sample is not a health test, it is a means of identification of each specific dog. Maybe at some point way in a future I won't be alive in a simple DNA test will show, some following conditions, PRA, cataracts, LP, HD, Leggs Perthes, CT, hyperuricosuria, allergies, AAI, Chiari, Elbow Dysplasia, Blueborn Puppy, Cardiomyopathy, Deafness, epilepsy, Von Willenbrands disease, and the list goes on!

I'm getting a new puppy and Sharon has been going through her breeding records because we're trying to match Nicky's disposition. The dam is retired and we think since dad and grandad have that disposition she will look for calm mom. hmmmm, I still trust her. Yes this is a lifestyle for them as it is for hobby breeders and showdog breeders but I don't see you bashing them. They all sell dogs and if they truly cared they would only have you pay for the shots/spay-neuter/ and health tests right?

I never side-stepped anything. I told you all I knew he had was DNA testing. I didn't find out anything more from his original papers from when I got him. Why are you so up and in my face about this anyway?

[OwnedByJezebel]

Originally Posted by Sunshine364

Also- according to recent USDA inspections she had over 100 adult dogs in her "inventory" and more than 60 puppies.

Whoa -- that is a HUGE amount of dogs and has puppy mill written all over it. Pump 'em out, then it's off to Petland where there is no telling what will happen to them.