Originally Posted by EsmeeKimme (Post 3465176)

Hi I have been lurking and making an occasional post on the board for about a week now and just need to get my situation off my chest. I have been afraid to post because I don't want to be one of those people to all of you and I do want so much to fit in with this community and forum. Out of concern for Riley and myself though I have to post.

I want you to know I did research the breed itself but I seriously did not know about the 12 wks until home thing until I came to this site. I found this site after I had already met him, fallen in love with him and put down my deposit.

In my welcome thread I was told he will be to young to home because he will be about 8 wks so I did contact the breeder and voiced the information and concerns I heard here. She didn't understand my issue because she has been breeding for quite a few years and she says she always makes sure they have the vets ok to come home before she releases them. That is why she gave me an estimate of the 25th not a firm date.

I have looked further and I do not think she is invovled in the show world or whatever either though she tells me she is, I did meet both the parents and they seemed very sociable, happy and healthy. She does not keep them outside in cages but in her home. I did know enough from having dogs before to look at the conditions they were in.

I know from enhaling this forum for days now she is probably not what you would consider a top notch breeder because she isn't doing the titles stuff and because of the letting him go before 12 wks.

I can't walk away from him now though and I just don't know what to do. I fell for him and feel like I have already promised him he is going to be with us. I am not a wealthy woman but it isn't even the non-refundable deposit that has got me all messed up inside, I honestly want him and feel like I love him at this point.

Hubby can't understand my issue, he thought she seemed nice and the parents are great so why am I having problems even though I have shown him where you guys say 12 wks and the person should be "improving the breed".

I am so torn and it hurts to think that if I do what I know I probably will, then I will have to find another forum for us to go to where they won't know I got him to young. That seems deciteful though, and feels wrong to me. Not to mention the fact that I like you people already. I have read so many posts and threads that I feel I have a sense of who some of you are already.

So there it is. I am not a breeder by the way nor would I ever consider it even if I wanted to with him just because of the uncertainly I feel now about the whole thing but I can't promise you I won't pick him up at 8 wks. if I can't resolve that with her, all she says is how well he is eating puppy food now and how they need to go home when the vet says they are safe to do so.

Originally Posted by dawn27 (Post 3465633)

You should never be afraid to post here on TY no madder how hard you think people might be on you. (and beleive me / they will) Hope for the best response and just look past the negativity and those who insite drama. Because if you don't "ask" you may just miss out on some really good and informative input from those of us on here who really do care and want to help.

It sounds to me that she may be misleading is some aspects but as far as keeping a puppy for 8 instead of recommended 12 weeks she is actually keeping the pup one week more than the law says that she has to. VA law states that a puppy can be released at only 7 week of age. (which I think is too young) every state is different, as well is every breeder practice of how long they choose to keep the puppies before turning them over the their forever homes. Even here in Ohio the law states that we must keep our puppy together with its mother for at least 8 week of age. I keep my pups longer if needed depending on their individual progress and of course size is a big factor as well.

I say go for it...... Follow your heart ! But be prepared for anything.

Overview of Puppy Age Sale Laws


Virginia mandates that a puppy be at least seven weeks old. Other states focus on the separation of the puppy or kitten from its mother in addition to specifying a minimum age.

Here is a link for more on the laws in VA on the requirement of the breeder before releasing a puppy.

Virginia Consolidated Dog Laws



Originally Posted by EsmeeKimme (Post 3465536)

Thank you all so much for the love and advice here. So many of you posted and took the time to read and try to help me through your extensive experience and knowledge.

I know I will be a better fur momma because of knowing all of you and just thank you from the bottom of my heart for your reactions.

I am currently putting together the emergency pack that a few of you suggested along with planning to give the Nutrical everyday.

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Originally Posted by FlDebra (Post 3465766)

Please do not give Nutrical everyday as a matter of routine. It is for when the pup needs it. You can actually contribute to blood sugar management problems -- even diabetes, when you give too much. You can give it if you know the puppy has not eaten, when you know the puppy is undergoing excess physical exertion, or stressful situations (like riding in car or going to the vet) but mainly just when you see symptoms that he needs it. One good way to check is looking at the gums -- if they are pale & cold (not pink and flush) then rub a little Nutrical on them 3 times a day.

Originally Posted by JMuedog (Post 3465858)

Welcome to YT! I hope you'll not hesitate to post in the future, as you can see everyone is more than willing to help :)

You're already way ahead of where I was when I got Finnigan. You've already found YT and have the wealth of knowledge in these threads at your fingertips and plenty of supportive members to answer any other questions you may have.

I don't know if you've answered this question already or not, but is the breeder willing to keep the pup a couple extra weeks for you?

Originally Posted by yorkie_mama22 (Post 3465855)

If the puppy is too tiny at 8 weeks I don't think I would take the puppy, I'd at least ask if the pup could stay til 10 weeks if its very small. Thats just my personal opinion though. It may be worth it in the long run to loose the deposit then have to spend hundreds or thousands just to save 200 bucks or whatever you paid. Sometimes being selfish backfires.
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Originally Posted by BonBon (Post 3465199)

I am so sorry you were afraid to post this. You sound like the type of caring, thoughtful person YT needs more of. If you ever decide on another puppy hopefully you'll use all you've learned here to make a more informed decision.

Many, many members have been in your situation. We always advise them against bringing home puppies so young because that's what's best for the puppies. Once the puppy is in their new home however, we still want what's best for them - and that means being here to support you, to share experiences and offer advice.

I am not advocating that you bring this puppy home so young, but if you choose to do so then I will be happy offer all the help I can. :)

Bonny