Emotionally Draining - You help birth em... raise em... & now... JUST CAN'T LET GO! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

sarabiNcucuy · 06-15-2009, 07:24 PM

Hi YT members!

I would like to ask what other breeders go through when having to let a litter of puppies go.
I feel bad that I have not yet been able to assist & respond to other posts & here I am already asking for advice...
So, please bare with me... I don't want to be selfish but I have to admit that this is HEAVY on my mind & heart right now.
Let me try to put this into a sea shell. ;-) I let my dogs breed early this year after doing much research & getting advice from multiple vets. The only reason I decided to do it was because my late husband's mother wanted one & my grandmother wanted one. A few different vets said that she probably wouldn't have more than 2 or 3 because of her size... so I thought it would all work out. Well, those two situations didn't work out afterall & I was left to find all 5 boys their homes.
I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be a "backyard breeder" so I poured thousands of dollars into vet appointments, supplies, books, dvds, etc. Around the same time, I had just started school again online (for business) & also started some network marketing.
I got the idea that I could have a Yorkie Video Contest on Youtube... let locals submit videos on why they should be able to buy a pup of their choice for $150. The video received a lot of traffic and we got some good video responses. It was a nice experience & because of it, 3 other pups found their homes as well. Now, the runt on the other hand... was just way too small and fragile to leave when his brothers left. My girl, Sarabi, had disowned him from day one... she actually tried to kill him by hanging him upside down in her mouth while he was crying & leaving him far away from her & the litter, on top of the puppy pad. Of course the emergency vet educated us on this - that she was probably trying to get rid of the "weakest link" because it's instinctual to do so before any other animal does. So, this little guy has needed extra care over the weeks. We bottle fed him, kept him warm, etc. I knew this was going to get hard because I cried (pretty bad) when the first puppy left... After that, I knew I would never let my dogs breed again because it's just emotionally draining for me. That & during the video contest a few people harassed me for it which opened my eyes to a few things. The ones that accused me of just "pimping out" my dogs and "killing" dogs in shelters... well there wasn't much room to talk to them. One, was productive in their criticism... They let me ask questions as to why a few individuals were attacking me. They said, there's an over population of dogs crisis out there & that people should really encourage adopting shelter dogs. Now I don't actually agree to the extent these individuals were taking things but I got their point & realized that 1. I wasn't even going to break even w/everything I paid 2. I would like to "Be The Change I Wish To See In The World" by encouraging people to adopt dogs that are already alive instead of breeding again and 3. It was sooo much work!!! Emotionally, mentally... feeding Sarabi special food when she stopped eating, delivering the pups, worrying, the time... everything(!) it was just A LOT. So, we're getting them fixed asap.

Forgive me for getting so off topic - I know I'm venting...

So, here's the deal. After all that... the runt has managed to fatten up a bit to a whopping 30oz & is ready to find his forever home. I've posted him numerous places and just can't find the good family that he deserves. I don't know if it's the economy or what but I decided to just ask for people's best offer & I'm getting messages for $50 and $100!! Now to be frank, I don't actually need the money or anything so I know it's not about me getting a pretty check but I just genuinely believe he is worth more than this & can't bare to let him go for less than $400.
I would keep him myself but with school full time, building a couple businesses, and being a new home owner... I'm afraid I would not be able to give them all the time and affection they all need & deserve. IF I cannot find a good loving home, that does not have "rough" children, that will make time for him... a family that is not struggling financially to the point that just getting him will turn him into a financial burden... I will keep him. I don't care if I have to step down w/one of my businesses to make it all work.
But I just don't understand why it's so hard now to find him a good home. I don't want to judge people but when you only have 50 bucks to spare... that is not good enough to me. That doesn't show me that you'll be able to take him to the vet when it's time for a checkup or when he gets sick.

I want to know if I'm being too picky... I wonder if I should just keep him because I'm so attached to him. I don't even want to let him go to anyone that isn't willing to keep in touch on some level like email photos from time to time...
I wonder if most breeders have had this issue... where you have a wonderful, precious puppy that you just know is worth everything & you cannot find a suitable home... & what do you do when this happens???
I apologize for my story being "all over the place" but as you can tell... I'm pretty distraught and would just like to know which direction to take this so that Runtly... that's the lil guy's name we've been calling him since he was born 14 weeks ago... so that he is loved and cared for & I be at peace with it. Any insight, advice, similar stories, or ideas are welcomed.

Thanks in advance to anyone that may be of some assistance.

sarabiNcucuy · 06-15-2009, 07:28 PM

I'm new to forums so again forgive me for not being structured...
I was going to retype this & shorten it because I understand it's super long. But it just came out this way & I'm hoping it's sufficient enough for at least a few people to read it... (Next time I'll do my best to keep it simple, keep it grammatically correct, and check for spelling errors!)

xxmxaxrxyxx · 06-15-2009, 07:30 PM

no you are not...be careful on who you adopt him out too...for there are a lot of broker who will try to get their hands on him and then sell him out for thousand.....you sound as if you have done your part in the testing and researching before breeding and really cautious of who they go too....and i don't think you are being picky at all for you have the best interested in where you baby ends up.

to those who offer the $50-100 tell them that owning a yorkie cost a lot of money and if they can't afford the low cost that you are charging then a yorkie may not be the right breed for them. case close.

erickajm · 06-15-2009, 07:32 PM

You sound heartbroken! It is hard to let the little ones go! I always feel a bit sad to see them go especially not knowing if the new homes will keep in contact or not.

I don't think your being too picky at all. I wouldn't let him go for $50 or $100 (unless it was to me!

) at all! He is too small to just go to anyone. You need to be very picky as to who he goes to or if he goes at all!

Do you have any pictures of the little guy that you can post for all to see? Good luck on your decision! I know it is a hard one!

sarabiNcucuy · 06-15-2009, 07:39 PM

Thanks, 2 replies already!
This is awesome. I feel better already hehe.
I mean, I know it's going to work itself out.
I just have a lot to weigh in this big decision. & it doesn't help that I'm emotional right now lol.

I will attach a few photos after resizing them.

Thanks again already for the responses!

xxmxaxrxyxx · 06-15-2009, 07:40 PM

can't wait to see the pictures~ breeding isn't easy...and i tell you it doesn't get easier as the years go by when it comes to letting them go....hehe.....have you thought about keeping him since you won't be breeding anymore if i read your post correctly...or keep him and get him neuter?

sarabiNcucuy · 06-15-2009, 07:50 PM

Here he is.

xxmxaxrxyxx · 06-15-2009, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarabiNcucuy

Here he is.

oh what a cutie!

sarabiNcucuy · 06-15-2009, 07:55 PM

At this point, I just can't see me letting him go.

Here's a lil slideshow too. ^_^
Runtly.flv

suda · 06-15-2009, 08:08 PM

He's beautiful and I wish i could have him, definitly don't let him go cheap even $400 is too little a a price on something so precious. I'm not a breeder, I don't think I'd be able to sell any of them either, even the lady i got my baby from nearly backed out on the deal, she had to take him to airport and said she nearly turned for home and refunded me, so glad she didn't, but we do keep in touch and I send her heaps of up date pictures, Best of luck on whatever you decide.

sarabiNcucuy · 06-15-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suda

He's beautiful and I wish i could have him, definitly don't let him go cheap even $400 is too little a a price on something so precious. I'm not a breeder, I don't think I'd be able to sell any of them either, even the lady i got my baby from nearly backed out on the deal, she had to take him to airport and said she nearly turned for home and refunded me, so glad she didn't, but we do keep in touch and I send her heaps of up date pictures, Best of luck on whatever you decide.

Thanks! If I do let him go, I HOPE I HOPE I HOPE for someone like you who keeps their word on keeping in touch & sending photos!

xxmxaxrxyxx · 06-15-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarabiNcucuy

Thanks! If I do let him go, I HOPE I HOPE I HOPE for someone like you who keeps their word on keeping in touch & sending photos!

well if you sell to most YT members you will be able to see them grow up...as we are pretty much active on this forum....i still talk to all my breeder and send updated pictures...hehe...and i am know to overdo picture posting on all my forums hehe...

btw welcome to YT...glad to have you here!

bella_mia_hairy · 06-15-2009, 08:31 PM

I agree it is verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry hard to let them go, when the time comes.

It is even harder when you have invested so much in one specific puppy. My 1st litter I had to do the same thing, His mom didn't reject him is was because he was the weakest one he weighed in at less than 2oz when he was born and the 5 other pups were double his size and would just push him out of the way, when feeding.

I stayed up the first 2 weeks of their lives and made sure he ate every 2hrs from his mom and feed him by bottle in between those 2hrs.

when it came time for them to leave. I could not part with him. He was the runt of the litter and now this sept. he will turn 2yrs old. and I could never imagine my life without him. On my page he is listed as Prince Lorenzo (papas) to all who love him............

I agree with the above poster If you chose not to keep him I would not let him go for 400.

But ultimately the decision is upto you and who you feel will love and cherish this pup and pups as you would have.....

Good luck and welcome to YT.

msjagg · 06-15-2009, 10:43 PM

Runtly is a beautiful Little boy!!! I wish I lived closer to you!! You have every right to be picky who your baby goes too! $400.00 is not enough for that gorgeous puppy. Put it in writing that whoever adopts him has to send pics and updated news about him. I could'nt part with him though!!! He's really got a face that just draws you in... Good-Luck with your decision...

And Welcome to Yorkie Talk...

blancla · 06-16-2009, 03:10 AM

I had a situation where everyone took the smaller Yorkies and left the bigger one behind. I thought that I was being picky too. Everyone wants a Yorkie, but they don't want to pay the price for one. I know the economy is bad, but I didn't want my little guy to go to a home that wouldn't be able to afford him after a couple of months. My son, Jason, had helped me so much in the process and wanted the bigger puppy since he had been born. Well, with that said, he got his wish because I just couldn't give him up. He's going to be 7lbs. full grown, and if you ask me, that's not too big at all. He's the sweetest and has already been potty trained. He's now 4mo old. My son has him sleep in his room, is paying me back for all the vet bills, is having him neutered, etc. He's learned tricks already.

$400 is a steal, and if you can't find someone willing to pay the price for him (which I think should be more), I would suggest that he stay with another family member if possible. You had mentioned other family members wanting Yorkies, did you ask any of them if they would take him and hold him until you get things under control?

Here's a picture of my son's little guy. He named him Gucci Gucci Goo.

06-15-2009, 07:24 PM	#1
sarabiNcucuy No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lake Elsinore, CA, USA Posts: 17	Emotionally Draining - You help birth em... raise em... & now... JUST CAN'T LET GO! Hi YT members! I would like to ask what other breeders go through when having to let a litter of puppies go. I feel bad that I have not yet been able to assist & respond to other posts & here I am already asking for advice... So, please bare with me... I don't want to be selfish but I have to admit that this is HEAVY on my mind & heart right now. Let me try to put this into a sea shell. ;-) I let my dogs breed early this year after doing much research & getting advice from multiple vets. The only reason I decided to do it was because my late husband's mother wanted one & my grandmother wanted one. A few different vets said that she probably wouldn't have more than 2 or 3 because of her size... so I thought it would all work out. Well, those two situations didn't work out afterall & I was left to find all 5 boys their homes. I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be a "backyard breeder" so I poured thousands of dollars into vet appointments, supplies, books, dvds, etc. Around the same time, I had just started school again online (for business) & also started some network marketing. I got the idea that I could have a Yorkie Video Contest on Youtube... let locals submit videos on why they should be able to buy a pup of their choice for $150. The video received a lot of traffic and we got some good video responses. It was a nice experience & because of it, 3 other pups found their homes as well. Now, the runt on the other hand... was just way too small and fragile to leave when his brothers left. My girl, Sarabi, had disowned him from day one... she actually tried to kill him by hanging him upside down in her mouth while he was crying & leaving him far away from her & the litter, on top of the puppy pad. Of course the emergency vet educated us on this - that she was probably trying to get rid of the "weakest link" because it's instinctual to do so before any other animal does. So, this little guy has needed extra care over the weeks. We bottle fed him, kept him warm, etc. I knew this was going to get hard because I cried (pretty bad) when the first puppy left... After that, I knew I would never let my dogs breed again because it's just emotionally draining for me. That & during the video contest a few people harassed me for it which opened my eyes to a few things. The ones that accused me of just "pimping out" my dogs and "killing" dogs in shelters... well there wasn't much room to talk to them. One, was productive in their criticism... They let me ask questions as to why a few individuals were attacking me. They said, there's an over population of dogs crisis out there & that people should really encourage adopting shelter dogs. Now I don't actually agree to the extent these individuals were taking things but I got their point & realized that 1. I wasn't even going to break even w/everything I paid 2. I would like to "Be The Change I Wish To See In The World" by encouraging people to adopt dogs that are already alive instead of breeding again and 3. It was sooo much work!!! Emotionally, mentally... feeding Sarabi special food when she stopped eating, delivering the pups, worrying, the time... everything(!) it was just A LOT. So, we're getting them fixed asap. Forgive me for getting so off topic - I know I'm venting... So, here's the deal. After all that... the runt has managed to fatten up a bit to a whopping 30oz & is ready to find his forever home. I've posted him numerous places and just can't find the good family that he deserves. I don't know if it's the economy or what but I decided to just ask for people's best offer & I'm getting messages for $50 and $100!! Now to be frank, I don't actually need the money or anything so I know it's not about me getting a pretty check but I just genuinely believe he is worth more than this & can't bare to let him go for less than $400. I would keep him myself but with school full time, building a couple businesses, and being a new home owner... I'm afraid I would not be able to give them all the time and affection they all need & deserve. IF I cannot find a good loving home, that does not have "rough" children, that will make time for him... a family that is not struggling financially to the point that just getting him will turn him into a financial burden... I will keep him. I don't care if I have to step down w/one of my businesses to make it all work. But I just don't understand why it's so hard now to find him a good home. I don't want to judge people but when you only have 50 bucks to spare... that is not good enough to me. That doesn't show me that you'll be able to take him to the vet when it's time for a checkup or when he gets sick. I want to know if I'm being too picky... I wonder if I should just keep him because I'm so attached to him. I don't even want to let him go to anyone that isn't willing to keep in touch on some level like email photos from time to time... I wonder if most breeders have had this issue... where you have a wonderful, precious puppy that you just know is worth everything & you cannot find a suitable home... & what do you do when this happens??? I apologize for my story being "all over the place" but as you can tell... I'm pretty distraught and would just like to know which direction to take this so that Runtly... that's the lil guy's name we've been calling him since he was born 14 weeks ago... so that he is loved and cared for & I be at peace with it. Any insight, advice, similar stories, or ideas are welcomed. Thanks in advance to anyone that may be of some assistance.

06-15-2009, 07:28 PM	#2
sarabiNcucuy No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lake Elsinore, CA, USA Posts: 17	New at this I'm new to forums so again forgive me for not being structured... I was going to retype this & shorten it because I understand it's super long. But it just came out this way & I'm hoping it's sufficient enough for at least a few people to read it... (Next time I'll do my best to keep it simple, keep it grammatically correct, and check for spelling errors!)

06-15-2009, 07:30 PM	#3
xxmxaxrxyxx Missing Yoshi Everyday! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 15,110 Blog Entries: 3	no you are not...be careful on who you adopt him out too...for there are a lot of broker who will try to get their hands on him and then sell him out for thousand.....you sound as if you have done your part in the testing and researching before breeding and really cautious of who they go too....and i don't think you are being picky at all for you have the best interested in where you baby ends up. to those who offer the $50-100 tell them that owning a yorkie cost a lot of money and if they can't afford the low cost that you are charging then a yorkie may not be the right breed for them. case close. __________________ Yoshi Mei Ling Ting Ting Ting Ki Sun Hye Yukio Kioshi

06-15-2009, 07:32 PM	#4
erickajm Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central Pennsylvania Posts: 3,200	You sound heartbroken! It is hard to let the little ones go! I always feel a bit sad to see them go especially not knowing if the new homes will keep in contact or not. I don't think your being too picky at all. I wouldn't let him go for $50 or $100 (unless it was to me! ) at all! He is too small to just go to anyone. You need to be very picky as to who he goes to or if he goes at all! Do you have any pictures of the little guy that you can post for all to see? Good luck on your decision! I know it is a hard one! __________________ Zoe Peppee Brady EARL!

06-15-2009, 07:39 PM	#5
sarabiNcucuy No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lake Elsinore, CA, USA Posts: 17	Wow Thanks, 2 replies already! This is awesome. I feel better already hehe. I mean, I know it's going to work itself out. I just have a lot to weigh in this big decision. & it doesn't help that I'm emotional right now lol. I will attach a few photos after resizing them. Thanks again already for the responses!

06-15-2009, 07:40 PM	#6
xxmxaxrxyxx Missing Yoshi Everyday! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 15,110 Blog Entries: 3	can't wait to see the pictures~ breeding isn't easy...and i tell you it doesn't get easier as the years go by when it comes to letting them go....hehe.....have you thought about keeping him since you won't be breeding anymore if i read your post correctly...or keep him and get him neuter? __________________ Yoshi Mei Ling Ting Ting Ting Ki Sun Hye Yukio Kioshi

06-15-2009, 07:55 PM	#9
sarabiNcucuy No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lake Elsinore, CA, USA Posts: 17	Yup (to keeping him) At this point, I just can't see me letting him go. Here's a lil slideshow too. ^_^ Runtly.flv

06-15-2009, 08:08 PM	#10
suda YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: new zealand Posts: 1,039	He's beautiful and I wish i could have him, definitly don't let him go cheap even $400 is too little a a price on something so precious. I'm not a breeder, I don't think I'd be able to sell any of them either, even the lady i got my baby from nearly backed out on the deal, she had to take him to airport and said she nearly turned for home and refunded me, so glad she didn't, but we do keep in touch and I send her heaps of up date pictures, Best of luck on whatever you decide. __________________ I'm so in love with my little boy George

06-15-2009, 08:31 PM	#13
bella_mia_hairy YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: IN Posts: 507	I agree it is verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry hard to let them go, when the time comes. It is even harder when you have invested so much in one specific puppy. My 1st litter I had to do the same thing, His mom didn't reject him is was because he was the weakest one he weighed in at less than 2oz when he was born and the 5 other pups were double his size and would just push him out of the way, when feeding. I stayed up the first 2 weeks of their lives and made sure he ate every 2hrs from his mom and feed him by bottle in between those 2hrs. when it came time for them to leave. I could not part with him. He was the runt of the litter and now this sept. he will turn 2yrs old. and I could never imagine my life without him. On my page he is listed as Prince Lorenzo (papas) to all who love him............ I agree with the above poster If you chose not to keep him I would not let him go for 400. But ultimately the decision is upto you and who you feel will love and cherish this pup and pups as you would have..... Good luck and welcome to YT. __________________ *Proud Momma* to Isabella: Mia Francesca Hairy Winston Prince Lorenzo Chloe Poopette Sheik Rudolfo Valentino

06-15-2009, 10:43 PM	#14
msjagg YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lancaster, PA. U.S.A. Posts: 1,449	Runtly is a beautiful Little boy!!! I wish I lived closer to you!! You have every right to be picky who your baby goes too! $400.00 is not enough for that gorgeous puppy. Put it in writing that whoever adopts him has to send pics and updated news about him. I could'nt part with him though!!! He's really got a face that just draws you in... Good-Luck with your decision... And Welcome to Yorkie Talk... __________________ Jodi G. Mum to : -Sammy,:-Baron Georg, :-Sophie Kennedy, and Carys Bella...