Kijiji, Puppymills and Puppy Brokers......my search for a puppy

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Jellybears

To Sweet Girls. Your assumption that I need to be in a 'better financial position' is rude and offensive. Posting this on a public site, without any knowledge of who I am, or my finances is totally beyond my comprehension. I raised my Toffee for fifteen and a half years, with every aspect of her medical and dental fully attended, and flew down to Florida, every year, with her in-cabin with me. I also have kept all Mr. Darcy's veterinary visits, also flown him to Florida.....not that I need to explain anything to you. I only hope the rest of YT take your comment with a grain of salt. I love this website, and you have totally shocked me with your cutting and unfounded opinion.

Sweet girls wasn't judging you she said:

Originally Posted by Sweet Girls

Price is also a concern in the sense that if you cannot afford to buy the dog, how will you afford to care for it. My little girl came to me through a rescue...now she originated with a "so-so" breeder (I've got the papers), but before I got her, she had broken her leg and had it repaired. $1700.00 For me, if you cannot afford $1500 for the puppy...what will you do if they break a leg? That is a concern with these small toy dogs...they are fragile. Luckily, my girl's first owner was able to afford the surgery...And I know that I will can afford to do what is necessary to keep her healthy...but my question is....ask yourself...Can you? If not right now...then maybe you need to wait until you are in a better financial position...everyone deserves to have a dog to love...but every dog deserves to live in a family who can afford to care for it properly. JMO

She told you to ask yourself that, and related her experiences on what could happen, she didn't tell you what you should do, but only said MAYBE you need to wait, and you were the one who brought up the subject of money and said, "but I just can't pay $1200 to $2000", and asked us what we thought you should do. Please don't blame us now, for telling you what we think you should think about.

[Sweet Girls]

Originally Posted by Jellybears

To Sweet Girls. Your assumption that I need to be in a 'better financial position' is rude and offensive. Posting this on a public site, without any knowledge of who I am, or my finances is totally beyond my comprehension. I raised my Toffee for fifteen and a half years, with every aspect of her medical and dental fully attended, and flew down to Florida, every year, with her in-cabin with me. I also have kept all Mr. Darcy's veterinary visits, also flown him to Florida.....not that I need to explain anything to you. I only hope the rest of YT take your comment with a grain of salt. I love this website, and you have totally shocked me with your cutting and unfounded opinion.

I appologize if you were offended. I meant only that some people do not consider the cost of owning and vetting a dog...look only at the cost of the puppy. When looking for a good quality dog, cost really shouldn't be the deciding factor. I did not mean to make judgements based on your financial situation...I don't know it, nor do I really need to.

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Sweet Girls

I appologize if you were offended. I meant only that some people do not consider the cost of owning and vetting a dog...look only at the cost of the puppy. When looking for a good quality dog, cost really shouldn't be the deciding factor. I did not mean to make judgements based on your financial situation...I don't know it, nor do I really need to.

I too did not read it as an attack. In fact sweet girls quoted me, which led me to think that she was just adding on to what i was saying, which was adding on to what Nancy was saying.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I too did not read it as an attack. In fact sweet girls quoted me, which led me to think that she was just adding on to what i was saying, which was adding on to what Nancy was saying.

Which was adding on to what I was saying

[capt_noonie]

I'm just sayin, ya know what i'm sayin?

[Jellybears]

In stating 'I couldn't pay $1200-$2000' - I actually meant I thought it a lot to pay - but I guess it came across the wrong way, and I misinterperated your response - so, if it's OK with you - enough said and lets move on from here

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Jellybears

In stating 'I couldn't pay $1200-$2000' - I actually meant I thought it a lot to pay - but I guess it came across the wrong way, and I misinterperated your response - so, if it's OK with you - enough said and lets move on from here

Ok, no problem, I do think it's a lot of money to spend too. I'm on a budget, and have to spend my money carefully, and that's why I wanted to find the right breeder first, and go from there. You don't always get what you pay for; some breeders are just great "marketers." Great breeders also have been know to be flexible with their prices, if they think that someone will provide a great home for their offspring.

[Mardelin]

[QUOTE=Jellybears;3079417] That is why I have been looking on line - QUOTE]


I've deleted most of your post and only left this part. This is the part that concerns me the most.

I have calls all the time for my puppies and since I don't breed often and have a waiting list, I usually don't have puppies readily available. But, I do take time to educate my callers. And I'll offer a bit of what I tell my potential families:

1. Never buy from the internet or classifieds. Meet your breeder, a good breeder wants to meet you face to face, because they have concern on where their puppies go.

2. You buy your breeder first, then your puppy.

3. All puppies are cute, so don't let your heart get in the way of this major decision.

4. If you are uncomfortable with the breeder, walk away. After all if a good breeder is uncomfortable with you, she won't allow you to have one of her puppies.

5. Don't think that on that first meeting with your breeder that you are going to walk away with a puppy.

6. You are buying a relationship, the deal isn't over when you walk out the door with your puppy. It should/will last for the rest of the puppy's life. Your breeder should be available to you 7x24.

[maryeverett1]

Thanks for this list! I plan on writing this out for any friend who is looking for a puppy! I love my breeder (not advocating anyone else use her just my experience) and she met all of the qualifications below. She has made herself available to me 24/7 and I have called her twice in the middle of the night with a question I felt couldn't wait. She not only gave me (after 3 interviews) Louis and Paris but has educated me every step of the way on how to be a good yorkie owner! I loved what you said about buying the breeder first and then the puppy! So true! Thanks for taking the time to write this out for us!


[quote=Mardelin;3080687]

Originally Posted by Jellybears

That is why I have been looking on line - QUOTE]


I've deleted most of your post and only left this part. This is the part that concerns me the most.

I have calls all the time for my puppies and since I don't breed often and have a waiting list, I usually don't have puppies readily available. But, I do take time to educate my callers. And I'll offer a bit of what I tell my potential families:

1. Never buy from the internet or classifieds. Meet your breeder, a good breeder wants to meet you face to face, because they have concern on where their puppies go.

2. You buy your breeder first, then your puppy.

3. All puppies are cute, so don't let your heart get in the way of this major decision.

4. If you are uncomfortable with the breeder, walk away. After all if a good breeder is uncomfortable with you, she won't allow you to have one of her puppies.

5. Don't think that on that first meeting with your breeder that you are going to walk away with a puppy.

6. You are buying a relationship, the deal isn't over when you walk out the door with your puppy. It should/will last for the rest of the puppy's life. Your breeder should be available to you 7x24.

[Mardelin]

Let me say one more thing. You live in Canada, Check your Canadian Yorkshire Terrier Club. They have list of breeders that you can contact. That doesn't mean you have to pick one of these people as your breeder, but they do have contacts of other good breeders that aren't in the Club. So, they could be instrumental in leading you to a breeder in your area.\

Sorry,

One more thing....if you happen to come across a breeder that will sell you your pup on open registration.....run. These breeders have no concern for their pups....

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Ashley V

It's funny because when we were looking for Chip, we had set out saying that we were going to get him from a reputable breeder. We had anywhere for $750 to $950 to spend, but most of them in our area were about $1500. We looked and looked. I finally found and ad in the washington post online classifieds (I know, I know, bad place) that advertised "Teacup Yorkies" (Red flag #1) that were in our price range. At the time I had no idea there was no such thing as teacups. Hubby gives them a call and they said that they were actually in PA at the moment and all the puppies were sold but one and they would be back with him around noon the next day (Red flag #2). We went up there that day with the intentions of bringing home our first dog together. I was 19 and Adam had just turned 21. We had only been married for 5 months at that point and Chip was Adam's 21st birthday gift. We got up there, knocked on the door, rang the doorbell, and no answer. We put a note on the door and left. We got a call about an hour later apologizing that they were in the basement and they had sold the last puppy in PA the night before. We were really bummed and I was frustrated to tears. We were so desperate for a dog we ALMOST went to Petland!!! We were actually on our way when we get a call from the people again saying they forgot they had a puppy (BIG Red flag #3) and were willing to take $200 off the price for our inconvenience (Red flag #4) if we wanted to take a look at him. Of course we said yes and drove as fast as we could in rush hour traffic to get there. As soon as we walked in the door we saw this adorable little puppy in an ex-pen in the front foyer. He had a cute little blue bow in his hair and was as cute as could be. Adam went to pick him up and Chip scooted backwards from the sitting position and whined. He was petrified. When we were holding him, he just shook all over and wouldn't take any treats from us (Red flag #5). They told us he was going to be able 5 lbs, even though he was 2.6 lbs at "8" weeks old (he was actually only 7 weeks, red flag #6). They told us he was eating Purina Pro Plan for puppies. They gave us a large Ziploc bag full, took our check, and off we went. They never asked us any questions about us or did any background checking, nothing (Red flag #7). We spent I think maybe 30 minutes there before we were out the door with our new puppy. He threw up on the way home (Red flag #8), but I figured he was just stressed. We got him home and he wouldn't eat, barely drank, and would just sit on the other side of the room from us, shaking. When he did explore some, he acted like a scared cat in a new environment. The only person he did warm up to immediately was my friend's 3 month old baby and that's cause she was ignoring him completely. I don't know a whole lot about breeding, but I'm pretty sure a young puppy should not be that scared if it is raised in a proper environment with lots of socialization and love. We left food and water out for him and he seemed only slightly interested. In hindsight I did notice him pick up some of the food, but it would fall out of his mouth (Red flag #9). I didn't realize it then, but he didn't know how to eat solid hard dog food. He threw up once again before the night was over. By this point, he trusted us enough to know we weren't going to hurt him and wouldn't leave our side. We felt bad for him after all he had been threw throughout the day and decided to let him sleep with us, just this one time but were too scared to have him up in the bed, so we put blankets and pillows down and let him sleep between us on the floor. He actually laid there all night long and didn't move but a couple times to potty. I got up, went to work, and was there for a few hours when Adam called me and said he had thrown up about 5 more times, still wasn't eating, and looked very weak. I told him to take Chip to the vet, which we were going to do anyways for his first check up. He took him to the vet and called me again... he said the vet had told him she wanted to do all kinds of tests and mentioned a bunch of illnesses that it could be, all of which were life threatening and would cost a lot of money to treat and care for. We talked and it killed me, but I told Adam there would be no way we could afford a sick puppy and that we should bring him back to the "breeders". We had a 7 day health guarantee (Red flag #10). He agreed and we were both sad. He drove back to the "breeders", which was about an hour away. Adam said that Chip was laying on the passenger seat with his tongue sticking out and mouth open. He gets to this person's house and they immediately give him some wet food and an antibiotic of some sort. Adam said about 5 minutes later, Chip was acting like a completely normal puppy and was playing with their Chihuahua. During this entire time, I had decided that it didn't matter that Chip was "sick" and we would find a way to take care of him. I think I called Adam's phone about a hundred times, bawling my eyes out. He had left his phone in the car, of course. I finally figured after about 2 hours straight of trying to call my husband that it was too late and Chip was probably already signed back over to them. I cried until I couldn't cry any more, when my phone finally rang - it was my husband. I answer the phone and he responds back with a "HIIIIIII!!!!" I asked him how in the world he could be so happy when we just gave Chip back. He then told me that Chip was fine and he was on his way home WITH Chip in the car. Of course, our story doesn't end there - Chip has severe allergies, a "mildly loose knee", and temperament problems. After looking at his papers later and reading a lot on YT, I did a google search for his breeder's name. I didn't find much out other than he was on that USDA list or whatever it's called and that he was an Amish puppymiller from Lancaster, which would explain why the people we got him from were in PA. They were brokers and the man, I learned, after doing some research on him, had spent some time in jail. I did read that someone in the puppymiller's family, who lived next door to Chip's "breeder" had shot almost everyone of his dogs (which was about 100, I believe) because an inspector came by and told him that all his dogs needed to see a vet immediately. My theory is that the family owned this mill and they were all in it together. Chip's mother very well could have been one of those dogs that were shot.

All in all, we both learned a lot from our experience in this and from being on YT. I wouldn't trade Chip for a hundred show quality yorkies and I love him to pieces, but I'll never buy a dog like that again... not without doing my homework and not without doing a lot more research. I could chaulk it up to being young and naive, but I don't think that's the case, because it happens to a lot of people of any age. Since getting Chip and adding Smokey (as a rescue, from a puppymill), I've been doing a lot of learning and educating others about puppymills and brokers. I've helped friends research breeders and point them in the RIGHT direction and gotten involved with rescue adoptions. I've tried turning what was a crappy, horrible situation for both of my dogs into a positive one that is educating for all and next time I get a dog, I'll know better or I'll get a rescue. I think everyone who's had a bad situation should share at some point or another to educate others to avoid the same situation. I think the only way we're ever going to get rid of puppy mills or at least minimize them is for all of us who've had experiences to be active, get involved, and make the public aware of what is really going on. People will listen if enough people talk.

Wow, I really didn't mean to make such a large post.

Wow, what a story. It is amazing how sellers can make you feel like there's is the last puppy on earth and you absolutely have to buy him cause there are a line of people waiting for him.

Thanks for sharing your story.

[Roemchen]

Oh my good, it makes my stomach turn around...
This bloody greedy Monsters.
Our Maltese is from a puppy mill, she has lot's of allergies and the first 3 years we spend thousands of $ in vet bills.

But we got so lucky with our Yorkie Romeo. I got him from a former Boss. He was already 4 month old. I grew up with different dogs, but he was the best dog I ever had in my entire life. He was so special, every body loved him. What a wonderful sunny personality our little Teddy Bear had. Unfortunately he got very ill and died with 11 years on pancreatitis/ inflammatory bowl disease. We spend almost $10 000 in vet costs and still could not save him. He left behind is long live companion a little Maltese girl. She is now 12 1/2 and very lonely. We desided after 18 month of morning we gone have another Yorkie boy for our girl.
Of course like you did all before me, I started my research. I found this Yorkie rescue sides, watching them for weeks to find the perfect match.
And one day there he was, right in Las Vegas, 3 yrs old, looked almost like our Romeo...we fell in love just from a picture. We went through all the paper work and getting screened, like adopting a baby. Finally we got the contact information from the foster mom. We were so exited, until we met the foster mom. What a horrible grumpy women that was, we were so shocked. We felt right away she did not like us and we will not get this dog. She saw that the dog bonded right away with us. He was running around all over the place and playing. The dog was very happy. She told us she is fostering also a Westie, she would like to give us that dog ?? I could not believe it. After that visit we waited for over a week until she sends a very cold email saying we will not get the dog. She doesn't feel our place is save enough for Auggie. Even we told her from the beginning, we have our landscaping redone and we are putting a special doggy area in for our dog.
I wonder how my dogs could survive and getting that old. ..
I found out, this women is working in the local no kill shelter. She takes pure breed dogs home, fosters them, put's them on the web site and sells them for a adoption fee for over $500. What kind of business is that, you tell me. I'm very confused about that.
I'm sure not all foster moms are like that, but this is what happened.
May husband wrote a letter to the Director of Yorkie rescue with a report.
We got an answer back, saying it is basically up to the foster mum who she gives the dog to. That was in November. We saw Auggie still available for adoption beginning of March. How hard breaking is that. Poor Baby!
My husband was from the beginning against the idea contacting the rescue sides. He was sure it does not work out...well he was so right.
After that we decided to find the breeder where our Romeo was originally from. We found the name and address and googled it and here comes the next surprise...After his death we find out, that our little boy came from one of the best breeders - Raymond Antonucci (from the Yorkshire of Parquins family) . That's the guy who got murdered in Florida. All his dogs
went to somebody...who knows.
Now you can guess...yes that's my next research. I would like to find a Yorkie boy from the Yorkshire of Parquins line.
If you have any information if this line still exists and who breeds them, please chair your information with me.
Unfortunately we can not go through another bad adoption experience again. We are Animal lovers and very sensitive in our feelings. Our dogs are our children, our little fury people!
Good Bless you all your real Animal Lovers!

Dear Romeo,
wherever you are, one day we gone meet again. I know you will wait at the Rainbow Bridge. Then we will be together forever till the end of all times Love Mummy, Daddy & Shaolinchen

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Roemchen

Oh my good, it makes my stomach turn around...
This bloody greedy Monsters.
Our Maltese is from a puppy mill, she has lot's of allergies and the first 3 years we spend thousands of $ in vet bills.

But we got so lucky with our Yorkie Romeo. I got him from a former Boss. He was already 4 month old. I grew up with different dogs, but he was the best dog I ever had in my entire life. He was so special, every body loved him. What a wonderful sunny personality our little Teddy Bear had. Unfortunately he got very ill and died with 11 years on pancreatitis/ inflammatory bowl disease. We spend almost $10 000 in vet costs and still could not save him. He left behind is long live companion a little Maltese girl. She is now 12 1/2 and very lonely. We desided after 18 month of morning we gone have another Yorkie boy for our girl.
Of course like you did all before me, I started my research. I found this Yorkie rescue sides, watching them for weeks to find the perfect match.
And one day there he was, right in Las Vegas, 3 yrs old, looked almost like our Romeo...we fell in love just from a picture. We went through all the paper work and getting screened, like adopting a baby. Finally we got the contact information from the foster mom. We were so exited, until we met the foster mom. What a horrible grumpy women that was, we were so shocked. We felt right away she did not like us and we will not get this dog. She saw that the dog bonded right away with us. He was running around all over the place and playing. The dog was very happy. She told us she is fostering also a Westie, she would like to give us that dog ?? I could not believe it. After that visit we waited for over a week until she sends a very cold email saying we will not get the dog. She doesn't feel our place is save enough for Auggie. Even we told her from the beginning, we have our landscaping redone and we are putting a special doggy area in for our dog.
I wonder how my dogs could survive and getting that old. ..
I found out, this women is working in the local no kill shelter. She takes pure breed dogs home, fosters them, put's them on the web site and sells them for a adoption fee for over $500. What kind of business is that, you tell me. I'm very confused about that.
I'm sure not all foster moms are like that, but this is what happened.
May husband wrote a letter to the Director of Yorkie rescue with a report.
We got an answer back, saying it is basically up to the foster mum who she gives the dog to. That was in November. We saw Auggie still available for adoption beginning of March. How hard breaking is that. Poor Baby!
My husband was from the beginning against the idea contacting the rescue sides. He was sure it does not work out...well he was so right.
After that we decided to find the breeder where our Romeo was originally from. We found the name and address and googled it and here comes the next surprise...After his death we find out, that our little boy came from one of the best breeders - Raymond Antonucci (from the Yorkshire of Parquins family) . That's the guy who got murdered in Florida. All his dogs
went to somebody...who knows.
Now you can guess...yes that's my next research. I would like to find a Yorkie boy from the Yorkshire of Parquins line.
If you have any information if this line still exists and who breeds them, please chair your information with me.
Unfortunately we can not go through another bad adoption experience again. We are Animal lovers and very sensitive in our feelings. Our dogs are our children, our little fury people!
Good Bless you all your real Animal Lovers!

Dear Romeo,
wherever you are, one day we gone meet again. I know you will wait at the Rainbow Bridge. Then we will be together forever till the end of all times Love Mummy, Daddy & Shaolinchen

The Parquins line was spayed/nuetered and placed. However, if memory serves me correctly, Marie Kaufman Cordona/Parkside Yorkshire Terriers carries some of the Parquin line in her pedigrees

[GoodLifeLilly]

I have a blog that speaks of my Lilly's story, and the fact that the home she has with me and her baby brother, would be considered her second chance at a good life, one that she has secured. It is heart-wrenching to hear stories like this, but I actually knew the woman personally that allowed the abuse of Lilly to go on, and the greedy breeder that originally sold her to a family with young children. Your cause is a crucial one, and opening people's eyes to the fact that this actually goes on is commendable, my friend!!!! Blessings...Lisa, Lilly and Jesse

[Jellybears]

I just can't read anymore sad accounts.....I keep thinking of them in the day, and it makes me think of other terrible things that happen to animals, any animals...and when I think of this - I think "it's going on, right now, at this very minute".....