Afraid to post but need to...
 

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.

Go with your heart. I got Rocco at 8 weeks from a neighbor down the road from me. She was not a breeder just someone who's female go pregnant with her male dog. I took him not knowing about the 8 week thing. but i feel i was better off taking him because the girl I don't think was not doing the right thing with the pups.
It may take a little more patience and training but I am sure the pup will be fine. Just make sure you ask alot of questions here on YT. This is where I learned so much about taking care of my special little guy.Rocco is now 8 1/2 months old and he is a really good boy. Healthy, Potty trained, well behaved and oh sooo lovable.

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

Awww don't feel like you have to go to another forum, you're welcome here with open arms!! I got my Oliver before I found this site and had NO experience with yorkies and he was my first dog. With that said, I got him at around 9 weeks and didn't realize that he should have stayed with his mom and litter mates until 12 weeks. Oliver is a happy, healthy pup and, although my breeder gave him to me earlier and isn't involved in showing her dogs, I still stand by her as she is an exceptional breeder and really cares for her dogs. She's been breeding for over 20 years and all her yorkies are very healthy and well taken care of. Thank you for sharing your story and I can't wait to see pictures of your little one! Welcome to YT!!! :)

Don't feel bad, I got my pup at 8 weeks too for lack of better knowledge. Today, that pup is a healthy 6 years old happy dog. :D

Well first please don't be afaird to post. I was one of the posters that mentioned to you about the eight weeks old versus 12 weeks old.
Other larger breeds do go home at eight weeks, but for the Yorkies, the Yorkshire Terrier club of America does recommend 12wks old; further it is best if the pup is 3lbs or more.

One approach you can try with your breeder is to explain that the National Club for Yorkshire terriers does recommend the 12 wk minimum for Yorkies, and simply ask her why she is releasing her pups a lot earlier than that?

Also before I got my Yorkie I was and am a large breed owner, and I can tell you, when I got my Razz at 12 wks and just 3lbs, I was in a state of panic that he would get hurt. To my eyes he was just so little! I can't imagine what I would have felt if he was a whole month earlier and only about 2lbs or so. If my concern mirrors yours, simply share that with your breeder.

There are articles on here about how to select a reputable breeder, and mayhap if you have not read them, please do so, and see how this breeder measures up.

If you can share this breeders name and kennel name, we have excellent researchers here, that can confirm if she actually does show, etc.

It concerns me that "she says she is involved in the show world" and yet you can't seem to find evidence of that. If she has lied about this, I guess I would ask myself what else is untrue?

Each of us will weigh all the criteria that makes up a good breeder, as individuals we might consider one aspect more important to us than another.

For me, one very important criteria, is how commited is this breeder to the health of our breed? What pre-breeding tests does she do?

Did you know for example, many breeders are deciding to keep the pups until 16wks old when the first BAT test is done to test for Liver Shunt?

What is her health guarantee like? Is it meaningful? Does it cover genetic conditions? Will she be there for you over the life of this puppy?

Other posters here will respond to this important question, and you should get various opinions, that you can weigh when making your decision.

Truly when purchasing a dog, it is buyer beware, just make yourself aware of what you need to be concerned about. Go into this with your eyes wide open.

If you need some help in locating threads let me know, and I can post some links for you.

Please do not feel bad and think you have to go to another forum. The people on here are supportive and kind. We all have our pet peeves but that is part of being human. We truely want what is best for the dogs.

In my research I have found that there is a great deal of debate of the best age for a puppy to go home. As a breeder you have more work to do, so to speak, once they wean from Mommy. However if you are breeding for the right reasons then you treasure that time as much as the beginning.

The litter mates and mommy teach each puppy a lot during those last 4 weeks. Now you will have to step up and do that teaching.
It really sounds like you are trying to be a great mom. Just relax, follow your heart and research on here. There are some suggestion threads from other members post on how to teach them what they would have learned those last 4 weeks. Dont forget to be patient with him too.

Best wishes and remember we LOVE pictures on here so please show off your little one when you get him. ;)

Knowing the possibility of the problems, only you can make the decision on whether to get this puppy or not.
Whether you get this little one, or another one from a different breeder, you will always be welcome on this forum.

Go with your heart:) Are you getting a health guarantee??

I agree but PLEASE be ready for emergencies. Know the symptoms of hypoglycemia and have an emergency vet's phone number next to your phone. It wouldn't hurt to have a couple thousand dollars available for emergencies.

I brought Adie home at 7 weeks (like you I didn't know about the 12 weeks thing) and she got sick the very next day. By the time it was over I had spent close to $3000.00 in vet bills. Would I do it again? Probably. Adie and I bonded tightly during that first week - I was her only comfort and she had turned out to be a remarkable pretty (Just check out her photo album) and bright dog but doesn't care for other dogs that much. She tolerates them but doesn't need anyone but me. Adie also started alerting me to low blood sugar all on her own and I am sure it is that bond that made that happen.

If you are shy to post questions, try sending PM's to Bonny or me or any other member you think would understand and help.
Hugs and good luck
L

Awww don't feel like you have to leave. We try to ward buyers off of bringing pups home at 8 weeks because it is better for the pup to stay with the litter/mom until 12 weeks. However, that doesn't mean we are going to run you off with pitchforks and torches if you end up with a pup that is 8 weeks.

Another reason to ward off people from buying them so young is that, after some more digging, sending them home so young is often accompanied by other "red flags." They tend to indicate a "greeder" or in worse cases mills. Often, selling young is an early sign that it is not somewhere you should purchase from. Note: I said OFTEN not ALWAYS. However, it is extremely often.

Ideally, you want someone that adheres to all the reputable standards as a breeder and that includes someone who waits until at least 12 weeks to send them home for the well being of the pup.

I would encourage your breeder to keep him if you can, but if she refuses... If I'm being honest and I were personally in your situation, I would probably take the pup anyway and cut my losses. I would NEVER purchase from that breeder again, but I don't think I'd have the heart to leave the pup either.

You'll have to put in extra time and energy to make sure your pup grows up happy, healthy, and socialized. As long as you are up to the challenge though, it isn't insurmountable. You'll have to take extra care teaching your pup things like bite inhibition, and he'll be extra tiny and more susceptible to certain things. Just do your research and become aware of the problems you could run into and prep for them.

We'll be here to help the pup if we need to be. It isn't like we're going to shun you both. :p

Don't feel bad about posting.

Yes, the average age to transition a pup to it's new home is 12 weeks of age and at least 2 pounds of age. Although many are holding on till 16 weeks because of the bile acid protocol and to insure the pup has it's full complimet of innoculations.

There are several reasons for this:

1. The pup has a minimum of 2 innoculations prior to going home.

2. Pups are just being weaned at 8 weeks of age and have not had enough time to make the full transition to food.

3. A breeder should be the one to insure that this will be an easy transition for the new family.

4. Mother's do the biggest part of training with the new pups between the ages of 8 weeks and 12 weeks.

5. Fear factor time frames......never introduce a pup to a new situation at the ages of 8, 12, 16, 24 weeks...these are known as Fear Factor Time Frames

6. When transitioning a yorkie pup to a new home it is not uncommon for a pup to go off food for 24 hours. You want the pup to be large enough and eating well to be able to withstand this.

7. Hyperglycemia can be brought on by stress as well as over activity. Stress can be caused by taking the pup from it's mother and litter mates too soon.

I've only touched on a few reasons. Now this being said....speak to your breeder and inform her of these things. If she is not willing to listen and you take this pup ( I know this will happen because your heart is set on the pup).....we'll assit you in preparing to take over being mommie to this pup. Oh! if you work, you might want to take a couple of weeks off to be with this pup.

I, like many of the others, got my Maggie at 8 weeks. It was waay before I knew about Yorkietalk. That being said, she has been healthy. She actually was a mother (at a later date). Because I researched here religously, her puppy was not sold until he was 12 weeks old. The major difference I have noted is that Maggie is VERY attached to me. Doesn't bother me a bit! ;)
Go with your heart. Be very prepared for emergencies. Try to be home as much as possible.

Well said. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

To the OP - your heart sounds committed to this baby, and that is very special.

Like others have said - be prepared for puppy emergencies, have a kit ready for this, don't be afraid to ask questions, and ENJOY puppyhood :).

As for whether this breeder is being dishonest about being a show breeder - if this is important to you, you could always PM a show breeder here at YT, and they may be able to help you.

CONGRATS on your new family member!!!

Welcome to YT please dont EVER be afriad to post! we are all here to help each other!
I know it is hard to let go once you are attached, I brought my Poppy home at 6 weeks old (thought she was 8 weeks) and at the time I didnt know it was too young. It is your decision to make and we will help you though it every step of the way whatever you decide!

Oh and ANYTHING Mardelin says is GOLDEN! She helped me over the phone any time I called her during Maggie's birthing experience.:D

It's sad that you were afraid to post on here. While there are many strong minded people on here, at the end of the day, I'd be happy to help you if you get this little guy, as I'm sure many others will.

There are a few positives with the whole situation: (1) you're not purchasing from a pet store which I would agree with the many who believe this is an absolute no no. (2) 8 weeks is the norm for many other breeds, if you said the pup was coming earlier than that, then I'd agree with the huge red flags. If the vet is okaying them to come home that early, then I recommend that you personally find another vet, don't use him because they probably do not specialized in small breeds. My boy came home at 9 weeks and he was fine. NOW not that I completely condone the whole pups coming early thing, I just happened to have a breeder who worked hard to assure the pups were ready. So I recommend you get some books and start researching how you can prepare yourself to deal with your little guy. He will be fragile and will likely start to bite you if you are not prepared to teach him what his mom should have. Also ask your breeder what she does to prepare the pups to come home, maybe it's not as bad as it sounds.

My breeder allows each pup to have some quality one-on-one time each day in the livingroom with momma (one the pups are old enough to play) this way they learn in a group and individual setting. She started potty training them and starts desensitizing them to various things. They've had their first shots, have been bathed and groomed several times up to this point (now of course you can only do so much, but essentially getting them used to their ears and paws and teeth being handled. I would ask your breeder if she does any of these things so that you know exactly what needs to be done when you get your guy home. Any things she doesn't do, you should be prepared to start slowly but immediately so that your little guy gets used to them. (careful when bathing, you don't want to over bathe, or use too strong of products, etc, also watch you don't get waters in their ears it can cause an infection)

When you get your little guy home remember that he's tiny and very fragile. BUT he's not stupid. He's actually going to be REALLY smart, so it's your job to educate him immediately, before he outsmarts you.

At the end of the day, remember these two pieces of advise. (1) now you know the proper information and can be prepared when you get this little guy a sibling some day, you'll know how and where to find a good breeder, and honestly I've heard of much worse breeders out there. (2) Take any and all information on here with a grain of salt. Some people genuinely know what they're talking about, some are know it alls who don't and some are here to support and aid you on your journey. IT IS YOUR DECISION WHAT TYPE OF DOG OWNER YOU WANT TO BE so long as you are loving and not ignorant (which your general concern shows you're not) you fit the bill in my books.

Good luck with your baby. Please keep us posted.

Awww, honey, don't be so hard on yourself! You seem like such a good person, so there is no need to feel so bad or be afraid to post! This site is all about support and advice... We're not here to judge you (although there is plenty of that, but you know how we women can be, hehehe)

But as to your dilemma... I would speak again with your breeder and let her know that it's not so much for the HEALTH of the puppy that you would like for him to stay a little longer... but for the socialization skills that he learns from the mama pup and his littermates. Sure, as far as the health goes, it def can't hurt to stay a little longer, but as long as he is weened and big enough, that's not really the issue with going home too early. It's more to learn things like bite inhibition and other vital socilization skills.

I brought my youngest home at 6 weeks (got her from a shelter, so it couldn't be helped) so I know first hand how difficult it can be to properly socialize one of these young ones. It is alot more work! That's not to say it can't be done... just that it's unnecessary!

So, I would just speak to your breeder again, and if she is still unwiling to work with you... I would have to say that you are making the right decision in leaving this pup behind. I know that it has to be an extremely difficult decision to make. It's so hard once you've fallen in love with one, AND you've already laid down the deposit... But look at it this way: losing the deposit, however much money it may be, is worth it to eventually buy the best possible breeder you can. Yes, I said buy the best BREEDER, because she's the one crafting this wonderful little companion you'll have with you for years and years to come. And if she is unwilling to listen and learn now... just think of how many corners she may have cut in her breeding program that you DON'T know about! Being a good breeder is more than just having two healthy dogs and throwing them together. Does she do genetic testing? She says she shows... does she have proof of this???

Think about it this way: Many people say that having a yorkie is like having a small child, and I agree. You take these babies into your heart just the way you would a child. Now if you had any doubts about the person you'd choosen to "engineer" your baby, (aka your husband!) would you go through with it? I know I wouldn't! You don't make babies with a guy just because he's cute and you happened to spend alot of money on his Christmas present, and you don't buy a yorkie from a breeder who is throwing up red flags just because the pups are adorable and you put down a deposit! :)

*Steps off soapbox*

But seriously, I think you know what you need to do, and you seem like such a sweet person. So whatever you decide, please don't leave the community. We need people on here who have big hearts and the desire to do what's right :)

Best of luck to you!:D

Sounds like you are making a real effort to buy wisely...
I'm not entirely into the whole show thing-but I see why it is important here's my deal on it as an enthusiast not a breeder or show person...

If she lied about that what else is she lying about?
Health is my foremost concern as it seems you are strictly looking for a pets as I was before...does she do genetic testing, health screenings? Did she show you proof of it? Liver shunt, Luxating patellas, etc ?

Furthermore is the pup AKC registered> limited registration or full registration...did she show you the parents pedigrees?

What is your health guarantee sales contract? Do you understand it and agree to it completely? GET A COPY...of everything, don't take the pup without it or in writing you will get it by a specified date (not the health guarantee sales contact you get those prior or at the time of pick up-period, but pedigree copies, AKC registration etc. can be later-I'd not wait but some ppl do.

When in doubt walk away...loosing a deposit stinks (but if she lied about claims seems you should get it back but may need to seek legal advice or go to court-drama) but that may be the most cost effecting on you finances and your emotions in the long term...

While 12 weeks is ideal, there are many of us who have brought home puppies before that time for a variety of reasons. You are going to be in for some more work with things like socialization and bite inhibition, so start your research now to help you avoid some frustration. Potty training is going to seem to take f-o-r-e-v-e-r, too, just because he's too young to hold it for more than about an hour at this point.

Remember, too, that because he's going to be younger that he will tire more easily and be more prone to developing hypoglycemia. Short play sessions, food available at all times will help you avoid that, but know the symptoms and have some nutrical/nutristat (ultra mega high calorie booster from Petsmart) handy.

His immune system isn't completely developed yet, so hold off on taking him out in public where he could be potentially exposed to all kinds of dog germs until he's at least 2 weeks out of his last round of puppy shots (those usually finish up at around 16 weeks). I know that one is hard, everyone wants to show them off while they are so small and cute :) )

Oh, and I have to heartily second the poster who said to ask Mardelin if you run in to problems. Her knowledge is gold! She helped me immensely when I got a rescue puppy who was too young and didn't even have any teeth yet!

I brought both my yorkies home at 8 weeks not knowing any better. I purposely avoided the older ones I have seen, as I wanted the puppy factor. I was very lucky in the fact that my dachshund is a natural mom, & took over for their mom, both times...6 months apart. She still treats them like her pups, & the oldest is over 2. She is the last one in the door on potty breaks, cuz she still has to go around the yard & pee on all their potty spots to cover up their scent.

I didn't have YT back then, and would do it all differently if I had the chance, but I was very lucky. Button's breeder told me to pick up "Puppy-Cal" & give her some a few times a day, but didn't tell me why. It wasn't till my Button's was almost 2, that I found YT, & know why now. You are in the right place and already have way more Yorkie info than I did when I brought mine home.

I would not back out now...
The reason I say 12 weeks is..most of mine are quite small...a 1 1/2 to 2 pounder at 8 or 9 weeks will as rule do just fine...it is these little 11 or 12 oz things that I read about here on YT that scare me so much...breeders have no concern for the pet owner and the heartache they can face with tiny one...

I do not start vaccines until 9 weeks..most vets are agreeing it is the best age..so I want several shots in mine and to get them over any bumps in the road....
Best wishes....

I sure hope that you can see everyone here are welcoming you. You sound like a very caring person who will take care of your new little one with all the knowledge our group can support you with.

Oh, and welcome to YT!!:)

You sound like you are going to be a very conscientious puppy momma! I would ask her if she would please let your puppy stay a few more weeks with its momma but if she will not do it, then don't think you are going to be shunned here just for bringing him home sooner than recommended. I wish all breeders would understand that toy puppies do so much better if they can stay with mom & siblings until 12 weeks of age. But -- I have hand raised a litter with no momma around and they did extremely well. I did keep the puppies together until after 12 weeks and kept 2 of them even longer as they were so small. You just do what you have to do to try to help them when they don't get long enough with mom.

I have a Jack Russell that we bought way too early. She is a WONDERFUL pet but she is very nervous! She is afraid of everything but once you get her fears soothed, she is a dynamite dog. Some problems you may also see from bringing them home too early are biting too hard. Momma dogs train them not to bear down when they play bite by nipping at their neck and sharp barks if she needs to. You can imitiate a momma dog by gently pinching some skin at the neckline with your fingers. Don't hurt, just accompany the pinch with a sharp NO and the tone will get across your message better than anything. The ones leaving mom too early are often less confident and more needy than the ones who get plenty of time. To help alleviate that, show them lots of attention but also encourage them to have some alone time so they can build a little self-confidence. Play tug-of-war and let them win at least half the time. This keeps them trying harder (from the losses) but gives them a sense of accomplishment (from the wins). I know it sounds silly but these are the little games momma would play if she had more time with the puppy. You want to help build their confidence.

Since the puppy will also be smaller and less developed, you will need to be extra vigilant and take the utmost care for their health & safety. Make an appointment to take the puppy straight to a vet on your way home from picking him up if you can. Tell the vet of your concern with him being younger than this breed should be when they come home and ask that he give a thorough evaluation/exam. Don't let him jump off furniture. I would immediately invest in some puppy steps. Don't take him in public until he can get all of his immunizations. I would even be careful about taking him out to potty. I did not let my puppies go outside on the ground before they were 12 weeks old and had their first shots.

I would also try to get one of the Snuggle Puppies Brown Mutt Snuggle Puppy - Prices, Reviews, & Product Specs | 208285380 -- They have a little battery operated heart beat that the puppy can feel when he lays on it. They also come with a rice bag you heat in the microwave & it keeps the puppy extra warm since he will miss cuddling in a puppy pile. I actually had a cat one for my puppies as that was what I found at Petsmart. It won't matter what -- just the heart beat & warmth factor helps.

Depending on how young the puppy is, I might even get some goat's milk to supplement the kibble. If they were allowed to stay with momma, most continue to nurse as much as the mom will allow. So, giving a little goat's milk (dilute 1/2 & 1/2 with water) helps too.

Be especially vigilant to signs of a cough, fever, or low blood sugar. The last is a big danger to these little ones taken too soon from mom. I recommend free-feeding (food out 24/7) so they can nibble a little all day. Keep some Nutrical on hand to rub on his gums if you ever notice signs of low sugar. (Acting really tired, sometimes can't hold head up or even stand, disorientation, can even have a seizure -- if a seizure, also get to vet asap while rubbing Nutrical on gums). Too much exercise can trigger low blood sugar too so watch them when they have really played hard. Don't want to keep them from it, just watch and make sure they also eat well.

Ask as many questions as you need. There will be someone with the answer! I would definately still ask the breeder to keep the puppy with mom for a couple more weeks at least. You might tell her you read on ytca.org that breeders should keep them with their mom & siblings until 12 weeks old. ytca is the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America -- the breed's parent club. She really should appreciate it as a valid reference. But if she will not, no one is going to turn you away if you follow through on the deal you have already made. I know how you bond with these little ones as soon as you see them! Sometimes you just know that is your dog!

Dont be afraid to post. I got both of mine before 12 weeks but I know better now and you know for any yorkies you get later in the future

Welcome to YT. Many of us have made mistakes before we started learning from the members of YT. You sound like a loving and caring person who is willing to make the effort on research and to ponder those hard questions. If you have fallen in love and the breeder is unwilling to keep the puppy longer then I say bring it home and be prepared to work harder to teach your puppy socialization skills. I suggest reading the YT archives and getting a trainer to help teach your puppy. Since your puppy will be so young it will not be wise to take him out in public. I would avoid pet stores, grass areas where a lot of dogs frequent, as they can pick up Parvo and other issues easily. I had a trainer come to my house to help me learn and socialize Buster. I worked with him on fear issues as well as basic training. I would also suggest getting pet insurance early before any condition could be considered preexisting. I went with Petplan and they covered Buster's LP (luxating patella common in Yorkies) surgery. Also remember to have extra cash on hand for emergencies because insurance will reimburse you but you have to pay up front. Best wishes to you and your new Yorkie! And just remember the people here respond emotionally because of their love and concern for the breed and for animals. They bark but they don't bite.;)

Well I'm just going to rave over the advise you have been given by some amazing people.
unfortunately when we fall in love we often don't know all the pitfalls, but at least you can get some amazing advise. I was very lucky when I got Teegy because I had discovered this site before I got him and my best friends are seasoned Yorkie owners. Perhaps there is a YT member in your area that you can meet up with and get some pointers.
I recently joined a little Yorkie meetup group and the information that flows back and forth is amazing.
If your heart is set on the little monkey and you prepare yourself and get in touch with the bonbon or mardelin, they will give you some great help.
There was a post on here the other day about an emergency puppy pack. You may want to stock up on those supplies too before bringing anyone home.
I do home the breeder sees and respects your concerns and keeps the pup for a few more weeks.
All the best

don't ever be afraid to say ANYTHING you need to on here. you might catch some flack for it, but in the long run most of us are kind hearted and can tell when you are a genuine and kind new person or someone that doesn't seem to care about the wellbeing of the dogs and makes quick decisions without any thought.

you seem very sweet and like you are trying the best to make the right choices for you. this breeder may not be the best you can find, but i understand that fallen in love feeling. i did that with Sadie. i then came back here and took a LOT of heat for it, but i was also defensive and hateful right back about the whole situation. you are coming at this knowning it's not an ideal choice, but knowing your heart is already lost on that little puppy face. lots and lots of us have done that exact same thing and totally know and understand your feelings. sure it's not prob. the best situation, but it's your situation and you sound like you will make an excellent doggie mama reguardless of how your pup comes to you.

be ready for some biting issues. start right away not allowing him to nip or play bite your fingers and hands.

be ready for just about anything health wise. you just never really know unless you have the health testing to prove things are going to be fine. just be prepared financially and emotionally that it might be a rocky road. doesn't mean it will be and not trying to scare you at all, just be kinda ready in case you do have a health issue come up. with our Sadie we were not expecting anything and we got a LP issue at 10 months that the breeder did not cover or help with.

good luck. God Bless...and if you just can't leave that pup there then by all means just go get that little boy and love him to pieces!!

If you love this dog then go for it. The people on the forum are great and you don't have to go to another forum no matter what you decide to do. I have 5 dogs and being impulsive I never really did any research on any of them even though only one of my dogs is a yorkie. Anyway the point is these people are here to help you and even though you might find some strong willed people here when you need them they are here for you.

Go for it!!!

This forum has great info but realize that much of the great knowledge is based on ideal conditions.

You will be presented with ideas about what is considered the "best", "highest quality" foods out there? Does that mean that the cheap grocery store foods are going o kill your dog? probably not but most people ask "what is the best food for my dog"...obviously nobody would recommend the walmart food.

So when responding to when is the best time for a new puppy to leave it's mates? probably 12 weeks. Would 8 weeks be okay? Sure but 12 is generally the better answer.

In any case, the real question is...can you commit the time and attention demands of these animals. You will quickly find out (maybe you are know) that these little ones become you kids. You will talk, scold, play, and most importantly love them like a kid.

I began my search for a dog, and in the end got a little furbaby.

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.

Also, I am a stay at home mom whose kids are 16, 14 and 10 so I will be able to watch him and be with him 24/7.

I am currently going through some early menopausal (only 35) issues and have an overwhelming need to be a momma again. The cat only lets me do it for so long lol. So please be assured he will get that intensive supervision of things like his blood sugar and such. I am lucky to be in a situation that allows me to stay home with him.

As far as the health testing, I was told it was all done but I will ask to see it now that I know what it is and as far as her show dog thing is concerned I will pm the forum person that pmed me back to give them her information to see if they can help me find out if that was a lie.

I have still got a lot of learning to do and I will continue to pour over the wealth of knowledge on this site to get ready for him and be what he needs me to be. I am thrilled that I have all of you to laugh, cry and learn with along the way.

Thank you all so much.