Advice needed on "used" Yorkie

[MyFairLacy]

Is this woman selling these dogs or giving them away? If selling, is it a small adoption fee or is she making money from these dogs?

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

I know you want to protect Max, but at the same time you want a play mate for him.

I adopted 2 yorkies when they were almost 1 1/2 yrs old -- I was a nervous wreck about bringing in older dogs, because even though I used to breed Bichons & Siamese -- I had never brought an adult pet into my house. But it has worked out so well, I would do it again easily.

Yes, they are adorable as puppies, but with older dogs you miss the chewing everything up stage & often times they will be housebroken.

If these 2 came from a puppymill that is really sad, but you could provide them a forever home & they would be so grateful for the love. Are you thinking of taking them both in?

In the long run - does it really matter where they came from or which story is the truth? I know you want to know the real story -- but that doesn't change their need for a loving forever home

Spaying soon will be important. It may take time with Max -it could be a few days of adjustment or it could be a couple of mths. I really believe a lot of that comes down to how you handle the adjustment.

Praying you can make the best decision for all.

Hi~ I have no qualms about bringing in an adult dog at all! In fact, I really want one who is about the same age as Max....and if it were just ME and Max, I'd be happy to take in just about anything, but I have a husband to consider and he can make the most awful noise when something he doesn't like occurs . And I don't care if it's from a puppy mill per se....in my opinion, it's an animal who needs a home and love and care.....my only question about that is from some things I've read that some of those may have really bad genetic illnesses. Which, if I were in a better financial position, I would be happy to take on. And I'm not saying that if something happened that was unforseen that we wouldn't or couldn't deal with it, but I have to say, I know what we can deal with without my husband screaming at me for huge vet bills and having strife between us, and the animals being upset when all I want is for a happy and nice life for them. And on that subject, I don't feel like it's fair to take in any animal especially if you are AWARE that it's got health issues and then realize "oh gee....I can't afford this"....it's not fair to the dog who could have found a better, more suitable home and had a better chance. That's all I'm wondering...is there any way to just make the best decision in those cases? I don't expect a puppy or instant perfection; but I don't want to take on something that is going to put my dh over the edge (and please, work with me here....I have to live with him...you don't!), or just not be the right fit for the dog either. Of course, if I brought the dog home.....there's just no way I'd be finding another home for it regardless of the issues, but I'd like to avoid as much heartache as possible. I just lost my two parrots that were my LIFE for the last 18 and 20 yrs within a year of each other and I'm just not emotionally up for KNOWN heartache, which is why I posted this.

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

Is this woman selling these dogs or giving them away? If selling, is it a small adoption fee or is she making money from these dogs?

From what I understand, she's giving them away. I'm not sure if this sounds super weird, but I KNOW this goes on here a lot....since I don't know much about the woman first hand, the more I say the weirder it sounds, LOL. But it's not like she just will give them to "anybody".....she knows my friend, who my best friend is a personal assistant to, so I guess I got a "green light" or something and she told me that she'd let me see the dogs before she let anyone else see them....it's beginning to sound like some sort of underground operation, LOL...but I'm sure it isn't.

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by greyacresmom

Having worked with GH for the last 6 years, I can tell you that there is not many "habits" that can not be worked thru with training, and love. All animals need and deserve a good loving family in which to live and if you are the home for these two little girls, then God Bless.

I am not too sure what the real question is? Breeder pups? Probably. But that does not make anything insurmountable.

Good luck in your decision.

Actually, I think my only question about that would be if there might be any physical issues after having a C-section...I know NOTHING about dogs other than my Max, who's been neutered sincehe was a puppy. And the only other thing was if they (or at least one of them) were only (sorry...I have no idea at what age dogs are bred) around 3 yrs old as the lady told me, does that sound logical that they may have had a couple of litters? From the sounds of it, if the original owner was horrified by paying so much for a C-section, maybe she really didn't breed them more than once?

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by nvnvgirl

Hi~ I have no qualms about bringing in an adult dog at all! In fact, I really want one who is about the same age as Max....and if it were just ME and Max, I'd be happy to take in just about anything, but I have a husband to consider and he can make the most awful noise when something he doesn't like occurs . And I don't care if it's from a puppy mill per se....in my opinion, it's an animal who needs a home and love and care.....my only question about that is from some things I've read that some of those may have really bad genetic illnesses. Which, if I were in a better financial position, I would be happy to take on. And I'm not saying that if something happened that was unforseen that we wouldn't or couldn't deal with it, but I have to say, I know what we can deal with without my husband screaming at me for huge vet bills and having strife between us, and the animals being upset when all I want is for a happy and nice life for them. And on that subject, I don't feel like it's fair to take in any animal especially if you are AWARE that it's got health issues and then realize "oh gee....I can't afford this"....it's not fair to the dog who could have found a better, more suitable home and had a better chance. That's all I'm wondering...is there any way to just make the best decision in those cases? I don't expect a puppy or instant perfection; but I don't want to take on something that is going to put my dh over the edge (and please, work with me here....I have to live with him...you don't!), or just not be the right fit for the dog either. Of course, if I brought the dog home.....there's just no way I'd be finding another home for it regardless of the issues, but I'd like to avoid as much heartache as possible. I just lost my two parrots that were my LIFE for the last 18 and 20 yrs within a year of each other and I'm just not emotionally up for KNOWN heartache, which is why I posted this.

It sounds like it's your hubby you need to be discussing this with. Because you do need to take him into consideration. He sounds like your bottom line.

Glad to hear that you are wise about taking on an animal with illnesses, and knowing your limits.

As I said before, praying you can make the best decision for all involved - 2-legged & 4-legged.

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by sweetr72

I am kind of as confused as you are at this point...but my advise to you would be is to see if you do find a dog you like and would like to add to your family, why not take it to a vet FIRST and have it checked over before you purchase the dog?? Make sure it is healthy at this point in time and also he will be able to tell you the true age of the dog. If this woman is against you doing that first then there is truely something wrong with this picture and I wouldnt buy from her...if she is ok with that and you get a clean bill of health then go for it!! An older dog has just as much love to give as a younger dog does!! If its been a "breeder" dog or puppy mill dog it will love you even more for bringing it to your pet home where it can finally rest and be a dog!!! Good luck and keep us posted!

Dawn

Thank you! I'm not actually BUYING the dog, I don't think....from what I understand she's just trying to find good homes for them and is basically giving them away..which seems just unbelievable to me. But of course...I haven't seen them yet. But I'm pretty sure that the woman would be agreeable to me taking the dog to my vet and at least having a routine exam done and I never thought of the vet being able to tell me around how old it might be...duhh.....and there's nothing I would love better than to find a rescue dog to fit in with my family. As much as I adore puppies and all, there's SO many homeless animals out there, so this is why I am even entertaining this idea at all. I honestly believe I can work with any animal and at least give it a good life or as good as it could have, but I do have to keep in mind that I'm not just on my own here, so I try to take that guy who supports me feelings into account every now and then, LOL. And I'm not taking TWO dogs (at least not that I Know of....you never know what's going to happen til you get there, right?). I asked if the lady wanted her "two yorkies to be homed together" and either my friend or the lady who's getting them told me that wasn't ever mentioned, which I think, is what kind of made me question the story about a woman who had two yorkies and had to give them up b/c she was moving in with her family. I don't think I'd ever separate my animals who'd been pals for awhile. But then again....I was told one was only 2 1/2-3 yrs. I don't know....like you say....very confusing!

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

It sounds like it's your hubby you need to be discussing this with. Because you do need to take him into consideration. He sounds like your bottom line.

Glad to hear that you are wise about taking on an animal with illnesses, and knowing your limits.

As I said before, praying you can make the best decision for all involved - 2-legged & 4-legged.

I HAVE discussed it with him. He has absolutely NO idea other than if I want to get the dog and it seems like it's going to be a good fit (even though he's afraid that Max will feel left out if we get another dog b/c I pretty much spend every waking (and sleeping minute) with him and only him ..broken up by cat time and bird time....he'll accept it. I'm asking for informed opinions on what might be things to look for when I go to meet this, or these Yorkies, so that I can make hopefully the best decision for everyone. My husband is out of town all week every week and cannot go see the dogs. He'd be happy with just Max as I've pointed out, but he's not the one who is here all the time and when he IS here, he plays with Max for about a minute or two (the rest of the time, he wants Max to either sit on the sofa with him, or lie in the bed while he naps, which is nice for HIM, and I'm not blaming him)....which is one reason I think it would be good for Max to have a companion, in addition to the fact that I've had a lot of animals and I just have always felt like everything should have at least one other of the same species. And if I know my dh like I am pretty sure I do, he'll wind up loving the dog as much as he does Max, he's just not good at any change whatsoever.....you just have to do it and then he'll get used to it and love it .

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

I Agree with Sweetr72. if you find them to be friendly and affectionate, then I would ask if I could take her to the vet before making a decision. If they are from a puppy mill chances are they will be shy and nervous. If they were well taken care of they should be friendly and outgoing.

As for Max, how is he around other dogs? If he is well socialized and submissive, there shouldn't be a problem.

Thank you for such good advice. I'm really hoping they'll be friendly at least! Max LOVES other dogs; the only dog he's ever gotten annoyed with was another little boy yorkie who kept smelling his butt constantly....Max was ok at first and then finally said "ENOUGH"! But I really think he'll be find with any dog who doesn't try to attack him or anything. He plays with my two cats all the time and they love him.

If a dog is shy and nervous, is it possible that you can help them get over it with love and attention? I know Max's little sister is much shyer than he is and doesn't really like being around strangers much (and she's exposed to a LOT of people on a pretty frequent basis)....can you give them enough love and feeling of security to overcome that?

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by grayxie

Unfortunately some major health issues can't be seen by the naked eye like, liver shunt, possibly luxating patellas, etc. From what it sounds they were probably back yard breeder females, and if they had to have c-sections they most likely had decent veterinary care. The acquaintence will probably clean up the dogs before you get there so they look cute, and adoptable. If you can, try to handle the dog, kind of like how a vet examines an animal so if the dog will yelps it can possibly be a tender or sore spot. For Max's sake make sure his shots including bortadella is up to date, if you do bring in another.

Thank you very much! I guess those are the things I'm concerned about. When I read about some of the things that have happened to other people's Yorkies here, I'm in tears thinking of how awful I'd feel if it were MY dog, and how scared I'd be. And I know you're very right about the dogs being cleaned up to look good, LOL...she already told me that they were cut in a "Westie" cut "but they're hair will grow out fast"....I don't care about that, b/c we keep Max cut in a sort of Westie cut anyway...he's always very short. I love both looks but I am not sure I'd have the patience to keep them long..Max, no way .....he's such a little boy and is into everything outside and he isn't too wild about baths....so he gets to stay short.
I'll have to check on the Bordatella~ I don't think Max has had that b/c he's rarely around other dogs and the vet told me he didn't need it, but thank you for mentioning that!

[nvnvgirl]

Originally Posted by grayxie

I don't think she meant any offense to it, "used" is just the same as saying "previously owned" but just sounds less attractive.

You're probably right...my response was rude and I apologize. Suffice it to say and anyone who knows me will attest to: I would DIE trying to save any of my animals, or any other animal if needed. And I happened to have been in a HUGE hurry to do some things today when I finally could post and YT was DOWN for hours so "used" may not have been the PC word....in addition, I don't really know the correct term for these dogs who have been brought to my attention other than they aren't mine and they apparently WERE someone elses who don't want them for whatever reason anymore.