Ugly Duckling Syndrome or Issues of Past Neglect??
 

We purchased our second yorkie on Christmas Eve in Louisville, KY. (Along with her sister because we felt sorry for her). Juliette is now 17 weeks old and weighs only 2.43 lbs. She was 2.2 when last to the vet two weeks ago.

When we received her she looked absolutely pitiful and although the woman we purchased her from seemed very loving and caring, (wondered if she was simply overwhelmed from her lifestyle or running a mill), we decided she needed a better home and we were it. Juliette was very tiny, lacking fur, you know, the furry bushiness of a tiny baby yorkie. You can still prominently feel her bones. Her eyes were constantly tearing up and she had a very sickly pungent odor coming from her. Her sister on the other hand, was a normal puppy who just needed a bath. The breeder claimed that all the other puppies were picking on Juliette and the mother had begun to do so as well. The breeder was pumping Karo syrup into both of them. She didn't allow us to come to her home, but met us roadside. Her car was a filthy mess. A review of her on the internet afterwards revealed she was selling not only yorkies, but Brussels Griffon, Poodles, Yorkiepoos and more. I breed wolf hybrids and once a year is more than enough for me, although I guess some people may do this for a living.

Juliette finally lost her smell after a few baths. I immediately tossed the Karo Syrup in the trash and deemed it totally unnecessary. Her sister did not pick on her once the whole last week that they were together. I changed her diet from the holistic food the breeder was giving her and she seems to finally be gaining some weight. Her fur, well, that's an ongoing issue that I would love to hear ways of dealing with. It's very thin and sparse and needs help desperately. Otherwise, the lil' girl has perked right up and bounces and plays like there's no tomorrow.

It sounds like she needs some vitamins and minerals. She may benefit from boiled chicken to go with her kibble. I hope she does well, but she apparently came from a puppy mill. I hope she doesn't have any serious health issues.

If the breeder didnt have something to hide she would have had you meet her at her house. It sounds like your little one just had a rough start and with some TLC her coat could come in beautifully. I wish you the best and bless you for picking her since she needed you so badly

It sounds like things are going in the right direction. I'm sure her hair will start to grow in more. Maybe she was too stressed living at the breeders. Stress effects everyone differently, dogs too. Good luck to you!!

Bless you for having a big kind heart and looking past her physical appearance because she would have surely been left in that mess with no happy life...and now she is in a lovely place being able to run, and play with someone to look out for her....You made me so happy with your story.... I am sure with time and proper nutrition her coat will improve...I had a rescue that had coat issues and though it never grew long, the texture improved greatly..

:thumbup::thumbup::goodpost:

I think you are wonderful for caring for both new furbabies.
This lady was a front for a puppy mill... my vet told me stories of people saying they were local breeders but selling for puppymills. Did she say they were from the same littler?
What has the vet said about her health?
My wishes is all turns out well...I got a sickly puppy once and he is now healthy and doing well.. 10 years latter:)

Sounds like with good food, Good lovin she will gain some weight and get healthier, I think it will grow proper in time. Thankyou for saving her to

If this breeder would not allow you to come to her home, you can be certain she is operating a mill or brokering for one.

Has Juliette been thoroughly checked by your vet? Worms sap the nutrients from food and can make them thin and their coat dull and sparse. She also needs a bile acids test to make sure her liver is healthy. All Yorkies should have one at 16 weeks so she is old enough now.

Which may -- or may not -- have been nothing more than a messy house.
Don't read more into things. Though due to other issues stated would be the red flag.
They not wanting to meet you someplace is not the biggest red flag. Which I've always said, "hey stranger, you "say" you're interested in buying a pup, why don't you come on over to my house see what I have and wait until I leave (remember you told me you're going to 'think' about the pup and 'get back to me') and come back and steal my dogs, my tv, etc"
Sorry, it's a dangerous world out there these days, desperate times for desperate people. Do NOT bring just anyone claiming to be looking for a dog into your house --- especially if it's obvious it's just you and the dogs there. Be a smart seller, not a dead one. It's not like it's not obvious that so many single women sell pups. Just needs to be confirmed by the so called "buyer"!

Your story made me smile. Thank you for getting this little one. She now has a great pack leader who WILL look out for her and she has a familiar play buddy as well. Her life is great now.

This is #1 on the list in our "Buying a Yorkie? Read This First" stickie:

Do's and Don'ts

- Do not buy from a breeder who will not let you in their house. If a breeder wants to "meet" somewhere, like a parking lot to show you your potential yorkie, no matter how "good" their excuse for doing this is, it is a red flag- they are probably hiding something

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ead-first.html

Reputable breeders do not operate their homes like Walmart. All potential buyers are screened, references checked, etc. before they are allowed to see the puppies.

Not allowing us into her home was definitely not the first red flag. There were really no first's, just many wow's. I can understand one being leary of allowing a stranger into their home. But one cannot ignore the pungent odor, poor hygiene, listless demeanor, scrawny body frame, sparse fur, etc.

I'm not the one who has the right to judge this woman. I am the one that chose to save these pups and give them the best life possible for them.

BTW, they have both been vet checked, Juliette has been twice now. No parasites or any other negative observations were made other than the bony structure and weight. Her hair is just something we have to focus on as she's doing well with her current diet. I did come across the "Grow Hair on a Doorknob" recipe and thought of giving it a try.

By vet checked, do you mean fecal checks, blood tests, and also recommended is bile acid testing?

I give Buster some salmon oil with his meals and that has really helped with his coat. I also have him on vitamins and supplements including doggie acidophilus as he was also from a puppy mill and on a lot of antibiotics when I first got him. I really wanted to build up his immunity and try to undo the damage of his early start. I am so glad to hear you opened your home and your heart to both these dogs.:thumbup: