Should I adopt another Yorkie?? I need advice badly!! She is from a puppymill...

[cheryl19]

Originally Posted by ketters12

Now its almost 10pm on our first day home... Sophie just keeps laying on her little bed. I breifly went to the store and was gone about 15 minutes and when I came back, she had peed on the living room floor- no big deal because I have all hardwood floors, but I was bummed that she didn't go to the potty pads since I took up all my rugs in the apartment. So, the pads that are out for Tobey were in the kitchen so I taped down a potty pad in the living room not far from where her little bed is and not far from where she peed on the floor.... maybe since it is closer she will use it??? I have no clue how to potty train her since I crate trained Tobey and he always goes on his potty pads in the kitchen. I know crate training won't work for her since she lived in a puppymill. Marty, the lady I got her from just let her pee wherever because she figured she couldn't be trained. I am fine with cleaning up after sophie, but I guess I just figured maybe she would chose peeing on a potty pad versus the hardwood floor?? Do they make doggie diapers?? not that I would have her wear them here, I was more thinking if I go visit my parents, they won't want her peeing in their house.

Just remember she only lived in a cage and the housebreaking will take time. Don't get upset if she poops and walks in it and she gets covered in it. Ivy did this for a time but now she would never do this. It all will take time just don't get to upset if you think things are not going fast enough. Their are alot of good people on this site to help you. with some that do rescues so just ask we will be happy to help. When you get time we would love to see photos!

[vbayne]

I think anyone who takes in a rescue is a blessing from God

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by vbayne

I think anyone who takes in a rescue is a blessing from God

I agree. They are truly angels rescuing angels...

[jenn1381]

How is little Sophie doing today? The first few days are tough, she's got to have a lot running through her little mind, wondering where she is and why. Hoping she starts coming around soon!

[ketters12]

So today I worked from 1-9 and when I got home everything seemed fine. She had pottied on the pad in the living room once and then pottied not on it in one other place. No big deal... cuz luckily yorkies are little so when they piddle it is no biggie. Last night she slept on her bed and Tobey and I slept together like usual. I heard her up a few times trotting around. She is so funny! She makes these big circles, almost like she is scared to go into the kitchen where the food and water is, but then tonight she went in there and took a drink- at least I think she did because she came trotting back to her bed licking her lips a little She is currently just curled up on her bed. I talked to my parents tonight who are a little worried about my decision to take in another pup but I figure my only major expense will be her yearly shots. i figure when I visit them, I will just have her wear a diaper so she doesn't pee in their house. I appreciate all the continued support and advice. the stories of others who have had rescues helps and keeps me hopefull..... I will keep you updated and will post pics when I can get my camera working and capture a few shots.

[IWAY]

Get ready,her little light's gonna flip on soon! People laugh but remember the song"This Little Light Of Mine"? I've been known to hum it while sitting with a scared baby.
Thanks again for giving her a chance!

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by ketters12

I talked to my parents tonight who are a little worried about my decision to take in another pup but I figure my only major expense will be her yearly shots.

Puppymill dogs can rack up some big vet bills as they get older. Many carry genetic time bombs because they are so poorly bred. Please set up an account for vet bills immediately and add to it monthly. If you can set up an automatic deduction, that's even better.

It sounds like Sophie is settling in nicely. Keep the stories coming!

[cheryl19]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Puppymill dogs can rack up some big vet bills as they get older. Many carry genetic time bombs because they are so poorly bred. Please set up an account for vet bills immediately and add to it monthly. If you can set up an automatic deduction, that's even better.

It sounds like Sophie is settling in nicely. Keep the stories coming!

Good post

Soon after I got Ivy she had to go to the vets to have her teeth done, $500.00 and 10 teeth later my pocketbook was a little lighter. My vet said because she was a puppymill and they don't care about them she lost most all of her teeth because of all the puppies she had.

[ketters12]

Originally Posted by cheryl19

Good post

Soon after I got Ivy she had to go to the vets to have her teeth done, $500.00 and 10 teeth later my pocketbook was a little lighter. My vet said because she was a puppymill and they don't care about them she lost most all of her teeth because of all the puppies she had.

Yikes! Well, I am starting to get a bit worried because I decided to take off her dress and really give her a good looking over. she has TONS of tiny mats. Actually her pads on her paws were almost matted over. I clipped her nails and started working at slowing snipping away the mats covering the pads on her feet. I just feel like it is a job bigger than I can do alone but I don't have the money to get her groomed right now. I groom Tobey by myself which is usually not a big deal since I cut people hair for a living

I really want to get her checked out by a vet. In the two years Marty owned her, I don't think she took her to the vet. However, I can't afford much at all. Does anyone know if vets or the Human Society are ever willing to help out in a situation like this and reduce their costs? Any advice on a way to tackle the grooming on my own?

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by ketters12

Yikes! Well, I am starting to get a bit worried because I decided to take off her dress and really give her a good looking over. she has TONS of tiny mats. Actually her pads on her paws were almost matted over. I clipped her nails and started working at slowing snipping away the mats covering the pads on her feet. I just feel like it is a job bigger than I can do alone but I don't have the money to get her groomed right now. I groom Tobey by myself which is usually not a big deal since I cut people hair for a living

I really want to get her checked out by a vet. In the two years Marty owned her, I don't think she took her to the vet. However, I can't afford much at all. Does anyone know if vets or the Human Society are ever willing to help out in a situation like this and reduce their costs? Any advice on a way to tackle the grooming on my own?

Leaving her clothes on will cause mats. If you put a dress on her make sure you take it off at the end of the day and brush her out really well. You might be able to use a detangler to get out most of the mats. The ones that you cannot comb through I could just clip out. You can always even her out later.

As for a discount vet I'm sure you could find someplace in your area. We have a low cost clinic near me that does low cost spay/neuter and vaccines. There is also Petco that offers vaccine clinics but she really needs to be seen by the vet sooner than later.

[HollyandMommy]

Good luck with your girl. You are a caring person so you will do fine.

[ketters12]

So I gave her a bath and bought a de-matting comb thingy... will work on those Thursday when I have my next day off. Tomorrow at work I will see Marty and might ask her to help me pay for a vet check-up...at least maybe pay half?? I did a search for vets in my area and found one that does a package for most of the yearly routine vaccines plus a general check up for $60- that sounded pretty reasonable. I can't afford it, but could maybe afford $30 if Marty (her previous owner) would pay the other half.

My biggest concern is her being so skinny. I knew when I got her that she was skinny but today after I took off her little dress and gave her a bath, seeing her wet made me realize that she is REALLY REALLY thin. kinda like a person who is anorexic. I just want her to live. I am sure she is going through a lot. She lost her fur friend, Pepper, last Friday, then moved to my house Sunday. I have her food and water moved very close to her bed now so she doesn't have to go far to get it (even though my apartment is tiny so the kitchen wasn't far to begin with). She just seems so weak... I wish I could force her to eat but that doesnt seem possible. I DID get her to take a tiny tortilla chip piece from my hand a couple times tonight!!! Obviously I don't want her to just eat chips but I was just thrilled she took something from my hand and ate it thanks again everyone.

[pancakepat]

Well, I don't proclaim to be an expert by any means. If she is that weak maybe you should be using the neutical couple times a day. If it were me (just to get her started eating), I'd scramble an egg. You can always seperate the yolk & only give her the white. If she eats that, then mix a little of canned food next time. Sounds like she needs to have 3-4 small meals a day. At least until she starts gaining some weight. And....I'd hold her "alot".
I was a little disturbed about letting her have the run of your apartment the first night there. Think I would of let her sleep w/me. She needs to learn that she's not alone now. Holding/touching helps her trust & bond.

I hate to be the first to say this, but....maybe you might want to reconsider putting her in a rescue shelter. She'll receive any medical attention she needs. And possibly be adopted by a stay at home mom/dad. Which it sounds like this little girl needs. I know your intentions are good & I praise you for that. Than again, this is just my opinion.
Good Luck

[Ivy Lucille]

If she hasn't been to the vet in 2 years or so, I would imagine she needs wormed as well.

[Ladymom]

She really needs to get to the vet for a complete physical, bloodwork, probably a dental, etc. Adopting a dog outright rather than through rescue can be pretty costly. I spent close to $1,000 on Lady ten years ago when I adopted her - dental, physical, bloodwork, etc.

I have to echo what pancakepat said. Are you really financially able to take care of Molly? Most likely she will have health issues as she ages, most puppymill dogs do, and her vet bills could get quite costly. I know your intentions are good, but have you looked at the big picture?