Originally Posted by KendraE (Post 3485844)

Wow...so many mixed opinions..just how I feel..."mixed up"!

Answer to couple of your questions:

1st off, My daughter is 15 years old. She is a terrific kid. She does well in school, involved in many extra-curriclular activities, a cheerleader, helps me with a non-profit for needy children I head, respectful, etc. Shes just a good kid. We own a t-shirt business and she works for us. We treat her as any other employee and she works hard for her "spending" money. She has already bought food, a playpen, clothes, toys, etc for her future girl. Of course, she was really hoping Macs litter was going to give her that girl. She is mature and we have discussed finding a good breeder and taking our time. Although, she really wants a baby now, she was more than willing to wait for the right one. Of course, now she really has her hopes up of getting this pup.

2nd...I feel as some of you do. If we take this baby, I know it will be in a good, loving home never to be bred. I am also aware that she may have behavioral issues and possibly medical as well. Honestly, that doesnt scare me. Ive mentioned before that both of my children were never expected to make it and they did. Fortunatley, we are in the financial position to care for her if God forbid she does have problems. But at the same time....little Mac may have serious problems too....Do I want 2??

3rd...the breeder. Her and I were just aquaintances in the beginning, and arent friends per say now, but we have obviously kept in touch because Macs mother is here at my home until he is weaned. I have now been to her home to see where she has her yorkies. Most are crated and she lets them have backyard time in the day. By no means, is it a good operation. You will be happy to hear that I have had numerous conversations with her over breeding, telling her all I have learned here. I really think Ive made a breakthough. She was letting pups go at 6-8 weeks. She now knows the importance of 12. I have talked with her about breeding smaller females and she now knows it is very unsafe and has promised not to do it again. She also has promised to have Macs mother spayed. She is wanting me to help her learn to breed "right", but I still feel it will be back yard breeding. The female yesterday was the 1st dog she has had sonogramed. I told her this was important to know how many in case of delivery problems, and she listened. I feel good knowing that maybe I am making a small difference by sharing the knowledge you all have taught me.

With all that being said...I still have this blanket of guilt towering over me for considering to take this puppy. At least I have quite a while to decide. I dont know why I feel this way. I just want to do the RIGHT thing.

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama (Post 3485992)

ArmaniMan already mentioned health and behavioral issues, so I won't bring it up again other than to say that you really should be concerned that she hasn't taken steps before this litter to improve her breeding stock. But something I haven't seen here is the mention that there won't necessarily BE a female in the litter. Will you be disappointed if there isn't and would you take another male?.

Originally Posted by gemy (Post 3486012)

Caring for one "special needs pup/dog" is difficult, caring for potentially two? There is the financial wherewithall of course, which if you have it is a moot point. But the emotional rollercoasters, the watching the pain in your dog's eyes and movement, the tearing at your heart as you struggle to provide the best care for the best quality of life. That payment in your heart's blood can only be decided by you.

And for me, just because I jumped off a cliff once, doesn't mean I have to do it again. So the fact that you bred to her once, doesn't mean you have to support her now, or feel obligated to take a "free" pup.

So let me ask you this, what apart from the sonogram has this breeder done differently when she bred? What were her pre breeding tests, and screenings? Does she now know the health of her lines? Why did she select this pair to breed?

If you want to go into this with your eyes wide open, then ask many questions.

One way you can continue to help this breeder is to encourage her to join a local breed club, preferably toy or a local Yorkshire terrier breed club. Encourage her to join YT and to read and read and read. Encourage her to attend shows. Buy her a book on the Yorkshire Terrier, it's history etc.

Work through that blanket of guilt you have. Try to define "why" you feel guilty. Questions of ethics or morals, are often times murky, but with time and self inquiry you may lift that blanket, and see your way to a clear decision that supports your own values/ethics.

Originally Posted by Dixies Mom (Post 3486159)

This breeder you are referring to, used your male to sire another litter which produced a "blue baby"? (correct?) What is in the linage of your male and the female who produced the 'Blue Pup'?
The concerns you are posting now on a potential pup that may be given to you, are concerns that should have been addressed when you allowed this breeder to use your male to begin with... right?
From what I am understanding from this thread, you have more than supported this BYB by allowing her to use your male to produce babies.
I'm not judging, I just don't understand why you are asking if it is ok to accept this pup.

Originally Posted by Dixies Mom (Post 3486159)

This breeder you are referring to, used your male to sire another litter which produced a "blue baby"? (correct?) What is in the linage of your male and the female who produced the 'Blue Pup'?
The concerns you are posting now on a potential pup that may be given to you, are concerns that should have been addressed when you allowed this breeder to use your male to begin with... right?
From what I am understanding from this thread, you have more than supported this BYB by allowing her to use your male to produce babies.
I'm not judging, I just don't understand why you are asking if it is ok to accept this pup.

Originally Posted by KendraE (Post 3486171)

If you go back and read my previous threads, you will better understand. I was ignorant and made a mistake.

Originally Posted by Dixies Mom (Post 3486186)

What further mistake would you be making if you took a pup from this litter? Did your male sire these as well? I guess I don't understand why you are asking for advice on accepting a 'free pup' when if this person is the BYB you say she is, she will just sell it anyway furthering the lining of her pockets at the expence of the breed.

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama (Post 3486211)

You taking the dog is not the only way of ending the line of breeding. You could coax her to sell only on spay/neuter contracts.

You've also said that you wouldn't take a male, just a female. Well, those males can reproduce, too. Or, conversely, what if they are all female? You won't be able to stop her from letting those ones breed, either.

I know some will disagree with me here, but there really is no such thing as "rescuing" from a BYB. Whether you pay for the pup, get the pup in exchange for something or get the pup for free, you are in a way condoning the practices of that person. All that you are doing is freeing up a space for a new pup to fill.