Great advice, one of the reasons I really like Joey's vet was that that he told me that he learned about the particulars on a specific breed from the best breeders he could find. This told me that he understood the true experts on any breed were the breeders. Unfortunately there are breeders and there are breeders, just as there are vets and there are vets, and some more than others care more about "where" they learn the proper techniques.

I guess I'm pretty lucky, as my mentor's vet became my vet. He was working for her original vet when he graduated vet school. But, she took a litter to have dew claws and tails docked. Her original vet wasn't there, so our now vet did the procedure (mind you his procedure is perfect, he knows the ins and outs on causing minimal stress and fuss). But, he docked the tails too short. My mentor complained to her original vet. His words: Now we didn't go to vet school to learn how to dock tails on each breed. So, if your going to B**** about it it's time to teach you how. When I came along a few years later, she and our now vet both instructed me. Assisted in 5 or 6 litters, before they allowed me to do it.

You are so right there are vets and there are vets. I miss my Dallas vet terribly.

I remember when I was whelping my first litter with my mentor really doing the work. We ran into a small road block. She turned to me and said go call the vet, tell him we're bringing her in. I ran down the hall way and I was dialing she said, here comes one. So, call wasn't made. But, the next morning I called to give him the update on my girl and her pups. Told him we just about brought her to you last night. He laughed and said Mrs. G knows more about whelping and has delivered more puppies than I have, so I think you were in expert's hands already.

I'm so sorry you couldn't take him with you ;). I relate to your former vet more than you can imagine. I'd be lost w/o mine! He'd be sane w/o me. lol

That's what I tried to say yesterday when you breed. But even if you don't breed, Just having these little ones, you need someone that you know you can count on. You have really know this is just as important to them. This is hard to find.

Or maybe it's much easier than people are saying. Without pointing fingers.

Maybe the real bottleneck is indicative to what I've seen here in this thread and many other breeding questions. The goal has to be mutual or it's a mute point. Even though newbies experience things. They should always be about safety, protect the pup/dog follow proper call as instructed.

This thread was a painful train wreck. We tried to stop it. People didn't listen. The fact that OP feels it "safe" and sounded grateful from her post that sounded to me that mamadog1 (Karla) walked her though online. I say this b/c why didn't she use her name that we already know? I don't understand this way of thinking at all. I know that I never will when it comes to these little ones. Mommadog1 gave advice that she doesn't follow herself but withheld that part. I don't understand this. Then when it's all said and done, the dogs are not cared for properly. STILL. So what will happen to the puppies dew claws??????????
The "poor excuse for a mentor" that should have said don't do it take them to the vet leaves a post saying that they need the front ones. So are you going to continue to listen to her and keep them? Are you going to subject the puppies to more pain and harm by keeping them?

I sent a post yesterday. I will repeat it for anyone that is faced with a situation like this. Whenever you have puppies at home, call your vet right away and let him know what is happening. They have room set aside for things like this. But you cannot call them the day that you want them done and expect to bring them in.

This is a sad story all the way through. I hate to see dogs in pain needlessly. They deserve better!

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Elle,

You feeling as I did yesterday, and I really understand.

This is so true! I like my vet fine, but I don't love her. I think the perfect vet is as elusive as the perfect breeder. They exist and we know they're out there, but to actually find one you must hold on tight!
This thread is quite scary. To think that any kind of amputation can be taught online, over the phone, or in any other method that is not face to face with an absolute expert is beyond my understanding. If these babies were on the verge of death and the breeder was caught in the middle of a tornado/snow storm/(fill in disaster scenario here) and there was absolutely no other way to save them other than over the phone instruction, then that situation, and that situation alone is the exception. This is why a mentor is so important. A top notch breeder that learned from another top notch breeder knows the ins and outs of all things yorkie, and I mean ALL things. For advice on breeding and raising a litter, a vet isn't the only option. It is extremely saddening to see people looking for their "mentors" and answers after the fact.