What's Your Story?

[AF pups]

Husband and I ended up falling in love when we fostered our friends' yorkie Honey. I had only ever grown up with cockers and schnauzers before this and my husband had only ever had cats before. He loved my schnauzers in the states and we really wanted to get our own schnauzers. Our friend was getting sent on a deployment and his wife had to go home to take care of family and they asked if we could watch their pup Honey for 6 months. I agreed since she would be a nice distraction while my husband was on a different deployment. That wee one helped me make it through living in a strange old house in a foreign country without my husband of family close by. Husband got home before our friends did and he got used to having Honey around and we were both super sad when she went back to her family.

When we started searching for a pup of our own my husband immediately wanted to get a yorkie since he still really missed Honey. One of my friends Patty had a friend who owned and worked with breeders here in Germany. Patty introduced me to Lynn and within a week a puppy became available. One of the breeders had a single male left who needed a home and asked if we wanted to meet him. Lynn drove over 2 hours just to pick him up from the breeder so we could meet him. As soon as Lynn set the pup down he immediately crawled in my lap and in my purse. We knew he was meant for us and that is how we got Teddy.

When we started looking for a companion for Teddy, Lynn came through for us again. She was fostering a little girl that a breeder got rid of. Chloe had anxiety and bad genetics. Lynn had just gotten short notice orders out of Germany and found out Chloe couldn't come back to the states with her because she was too young. When Patty told Lynn we would be interested in a 2nd pup she asked if we could give Chloe a good home and take care of her. After letting her and Teddy meet they immediately became fast friends so I knew we had to take Chloe home with us. We got Chloe the day before my husband deployed a 2nd time. Taking care of her and Teddy kept me incredibly busy and helped the time fly by.

They have not only helped me with deployments they have also helped one of our friends who just got back from a deployment. He lived at our house for a bit because he couldn't stand being home alone and instead of our guest bed he wanted to sleep on the couch with my pups. They worked wonders to help calm him and help him transition back into a "normal" life. They even got to stay with him when we went on vacation. From what he said they slept in bed with him and it was one of the few nights where he got a full nights sleep and felt rested. I truly believe that these lil pups are amazing and I can see being a yorkie mom for many many more years to come.

[My Ladybug]

I really enjoy reading how you all became yorkie parents, keep the stories coming please

[Carlea]

I have always admired Yorkie but since we lived on a farm and I worked full time we always had "outdoor" dogs. When my DH and I got married 14 years ago he had two dogs and I had two cats. My DH is an animal magnet. It wasn't long before he would sit down on the couch and he would have a dog on either side and a cat on each shoulder. I complained enough that one day he came home with a carrier that held a 6 lb pure bred Chihuahua. (I know not a Yorkie but hang in there). Mighty Mo bonded with me and for the next 8 years he was by my side. I have several major illness which caused me to be come disabled in 2005. Mo was thrilled more time with Mommy. Over the years we lost all our dogs and cats to old age until only MO was left. For the past two years I have been dealing with a problem with my left foot and was required to stay off my feet completely. A true couch potato.
Depression was a problem but every time I got sad Mo was by my side. When I couldn't sleep because of the pain Mo was there to help me get through it, In November of this year my wonderful MO got very sick very fast. The entire month of November was blood test and x-rays trying to figure out what was wrong. He went blind overnight. Blind I could handle Big Red was Blind and Deaf for 2 years before he died at 19. When Mo started walking the house and crying out in pain I knew what we had to do. We figure he had a brain tumor. I was devastated. My best friend was gone. I told my DH I never wanted another dog because it hurt to bad to lose them. My heart was broke. After a week my DH dragged me to the local Humane Shelter to get another dog. We went to see another Chi and a Min Pin because this was the last two dogs we owned. In the Meet and Greet room neither of those dogs liked us. We wanted an older dog because we were retired now and didn't think we could handle a puppy. Just by chance while walking to the room I saw Gizmo a young Yorkie. Here is when my world changed. Gizmo choose us. The minute he was turned loose in the room he immediately jumped up in my lap, then jumped down and jumped up in my husband's lap sitting there just as happy as he could be saying "I found my forever family". My husband would never have a long hair dog but Gizmo stole our hearts. We have had him one month, our vet figures he is approx. 11 months. He divides his time between us but always seems to know when I need a little encouragement. He has repaired my heart and although I will always miss and love MO I am smiling again. At the vets he weighted 9 lbs 9 oz and in the month we have had him he has never had an accident in the house. He will ask to go out. He has the run of the house during the day and night when we are home. When we have to go out to my doctors he stays in our bedroom with no problems so far. The one thing he will not do is go out the doggie door to our fenced in back yard. We have showed him how and even tempted him with treats. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Sorry this was so long.

[My Ladybug]

Carlea, I'm so glad to hear you have the love from your little fur baby again. They are truly amazing breeds aren't they?!

[SophieKatesMom]

I don't really have a story but I love reading all of yours.

Sophie Kate was given to me at 3 months of age by a girl who worked with me. I received a call on a Saturday morning from the girl (who had Sophie Kate for 1 week) asking if I could babysit her for a couple of weeks. From what I was told "Sophie was not trainable" and her husband kept yelling because she had accidents on the floor.

When I picked up Sophie Kate they did not have a collar, harness, leash or a crate - just an adorable puppy. My first stop was my Vets office who agreed to examine her while I made a quick trip to PetSmart.

Two weeks later...I agreed to board Sophie Kate with my Vet since we had to travel over the weekend when my co-workers was suppose to take her back (note, training was going okay and we fell in LOVE with Sophie Kate). My co-worker was suppose to pick her up from my Vet on Saturday morning, everything was arranged so I thought. Well the following Monday morning at 8:00 am the Vets office called my cell phone and told me Sophie Kate was still there and if her owner did not want her one of the Vet Techs would gladly take her. Needless to say, I told them Thank you but I would come get her, which I did.

Now three years later Sophie Kate is our dog still. I made arrangements with my co workers to that I would keep Sophie Kate. She is such a joy to us, it is impossible for me to imagine life without her.

Sophie Kate still goes to the same Vet, they love her....when we walk in the door it is like Norm from Cheers, they all yell her name.

We are all blessed that my co-worker made a bad choice and some how we benefitted.

[CrimsonLuvsLola]

Well, my Yorkie story goes like this:
My mom had gone out to do some important errand with her best friend, so I babysat her friends grandkids. (She is raising them). They were gone pretty much the whole day and I was exhausted by the time they came back. It threw me off when they got back though, when Susan came in through the garage instead of the front door like usual. My mom also wasn't with her. She very secretly told me that mom needed me in my room and it was very important and didn't want the kids (then 6 and 3) to know about it, as it would upset them. Her face was very grave and I immediately was upset. My mom knew I wanted a Yorkie but we couldn't afford one and couldn't find anything about rescues in my area. I went back to my room and saw a blanket piled on my bed and for some reason thought my mom had hit a dog. She had been hiding behind my door. I started looking under the blanket and saw nothing there. Mom told me to turn around and there was Lola, only 6 weeks old, in her arms. She had a little yellow bow in her hair and she was tiny. I burst into tears and took her into my arms immediately. We bonded on sight. We've only been apart once, and that was exceptionally painful. Mom passed away from cancer a little over 2 years later. I took care of her alone and arranged everything on my own. My dogs (I had 6 at the time) were my only company. They got me through everything. I now live over 2000 miles away, with Lola and Sammy my Labrador. My other 4 dogs were split up. My poodle went to a good home for someone who preferred elderly dogs, my sister took her dog (who is actually living with me now), and I left my beloved German Shepherd and Maltese in the care of my sister. She left them with the people who were to rent out my old house (which I couldn't afford). They never paid a cent, my sister lost the house to the bank (she never paid a cent or took the house out of my name after I signed it to her) and the dogs, my precious babies, suffered and died horrible deaths. They were left to starve in the back yard, no food or water. Both vanished and no one knows exactly what happened, only that they are both presumed dead. I know they will be waiting for me with my mom and all my other lost pets on the other side of the rainbow bridge, but it hurts that they're gone. My furkids are my strength and so is my DH.

[Taryn0405]

My husband lived up in Flint (before we were married) and I lived in the metro Detroit area, well anyway I went up to visit him one weekend and we went to the mall. Well there was a pet shop at the mall, and I didn't even want to walk anywhere near it. Well, we were walking past it and I glanced in and saw Gizmo's little face in a 2x2 locked cage and my heart broke.
I ran into the pet shop and got him out of the crate and just help him, giving him kisses, and cuddling with him. He wanted attention so bad. He was taken from his Momma at 6 weeks
I know I sound like a hypocrit but never, never get a pup from a puppy store, you don't know their lines, they're taken from their momma so early, can't develop social skills, and usually are just a completely different type of training mindset.
Well I cried in the store telling my husband that i hate myself and that I cannot leave him here (especially since we were in Flint and just to think of the type of person that may get him scared the crap out of me). So I did the worst thing (and here's where I'm the biggest hypocrit of all) I bought him from the puppy store.

The day after I took him immediately to my vet, had blood work done, complete health once over, and he was clear...

Then the sleepless and frustrating challenge of training a puppystore puppy began..

I love Gizmo, but he was alot of work, alot of heartbreak, and alot of money. But I wouldn't have changed a darn thing!

[Beabble]

Aweee, I loved reading your story, and I'm sorry you got taken by the lady who took your money and never contacted you back, but, look at it this way, had she contacted you back, you more than likely wouldn't have your precious Ladybug. God works in such mysterious ways doesn't He?!

[Britster]

Great stories everyone!

Mine, too, also sort of stemmed from a loss. My little 5 year old brother died in 2006. He drowned a country club pool, I was out of town at the time. I was, obviously, beyond devastated. No words can put how our family felt during the next few years, and still feel today.

Since I was starting my junior year in high school after this happened, it was really really hard for me to care about things that my friends and other teenagers my age cared about (i.e. dances, the prom, football games, parties). I just did not care. I kept a picture of my brother on my desk with me at all times and would just look at his face. I don't really know how I got through that junior year. Senior year was a bit better because I was only there until 10:20 in the morning and got let out early for work release.

Anyways I graduated high school, my closest friends went off to school a bit farther away, and I opted to stay and go to the community college, unsure of what I was going to do, etc. So about six months after HS graduation, I don't really know what came over me but I wanted my own dog. I did not have a ton of people to hang out with anymore, I knew I had the time, etc. Initially, I think my parents thought it was just a phase and they would end up with the dog, which they were both okay with if that were to have happened.

So anyways my dad and I went to a horrible part of Baltimore to go pick him up from this lady's house. Her dog had a litter of puppies and she advertised them in an online super ads thing. I saw Jackson's picture and immediately fell in love. I had looked around at a few other dogs - all I knew was that I needed a non shedding dog due to my stepdads allergies. Did not really research the breed at ALL. I had looked at a little girl, but it just did not feel right. I wanted a boy and kept going back to his picture.

So, went to her house. She had two puppies left and I was holding one, then picked up Jackson, and ended up leaving with him. He was "#1" (the lady did not ever name them, BYB through and through, although I will say she cried when we left, and she kissed them goodbye, said she'd miss them - so even though I feel guilty that I unknowingly supported someone like that ... at least he was raised in a decent, some what loving home).

I guess it was love at first sight, lol. I never thought I could be so in love with a dog. I am just so glad he is in my life. He's made me a better person. I think I needed the responsibility and that unconditional love that he brings to me at that time in my life.

[My Ladybug]

Britster, I am so very sorry for your loss. My neice was 16 when she died of a rare form of cancer. And although we knew the end was coming for her, it doesn't make it any easier to lose a young one. I am glad you found Jackson. I believe the dogs become part of our life at just the right time to give us just what we need. From your You Tube Video (that me and my girls and husband has watched many times) I can see that you and Jackson are perfect for each other! Thank you so much for sharing.

[My Ladybug]

CrimsonLuvsLola,
My heart is sad for you. I'm sorry that you have had to deal with so many losses. I'm glad to hear that you still have Lola who was a gift from your beloved mother. Hold on to her.

[R_Z]

Very nice stories. My love affair with Yorkies started several years ago. We had adopted a Lhaso when he was three and had him 9 years. Afterwards it was a bit tramatic so we went petless for 8 years. About 3 years ago, I was in a place called the Pampour Parlor. They did maicures, pedicures, spa packages etc. I always go there to get my wife surprise packages. There's always a holiday, anniversary, birthday, etc. I had been going there a while and knew the ower pretty well. So this particular day I walked in and the owner had this cute ball of fur with her. I said, "What in the world is that?" She said, "It's a Yorkie. A friend of mine just gave her to me." Well, I couldn't leave the shop. I must have stayed there an extra 20 minutes playing with that precious dog!!!

Finally the holiday, etc came rolling by and I can't wait! Not because I'm giving my wife the gift. I've been bustin a gut to tell her about this Yorkie and I couldn't cuz it would spoil the surprise!! So I proceeded to tell her the story about the Yorkie and how great I thought it would be. My wife wasn't ready for another dog so we chilled on it a while.

Then one day last year she says we should look. She found a small dog rescue place and they put us on the list for a Yorkie. We got a call. Someone had taken a yorkie and dropped him off at the pound. They brought him over and told us to keep him a few days to see if it was a good fit. It started off ok, but after a time, he became aggressive. He barked non stop. If my wife came near me he growled and barked until she moved away. If we did anything that wasn't to his liking, he barked and barked and wouldn't stop. We were at our wits end. Finally we called the lady to come get him. Natalie cried for a week. We almost gave up. Then I noticed an ad on Craigslist. These people were leaving the country and couldn't take their Yorkie with them. When we got there he was so happy and totally opposite of the other dog. He was jumping up and down and just a happy boy. This time it wasn't a trial. This was the real deal. And how lucky have we been? Unbelieveable. We have to have the greatest Yorkie in all the world. ;-)

It's almost been 3 months and the time has flown. We are one happy family. We're heading down to Birmingham in the morning to visit family and it will be his first trip out of town. It's just cool!

[Sweeti]

I was away from home,lonely & in alot of back pain.So I tried a chiro.In the office was a adult yorkie,so sweet.I have allergys to dogs & cats plus others. I noticed that her dog didn't bother me & no hair all over, She explained about yorkies.I said how I wish I could afford one but I simply could not. Then a few weeks later a man was in the office with a tiny 8 week old male yorkie.So darling,he handed him to me & ask what I was going to name him.I said I wish I could but I couldnot afford him. He smiled and said he's paid for.DR. Sean and wife Holly had gotten him for me. He is my heart.I don't know what I did without him. It was love at first site.He was the alfa of the litter & you can tell it He has a mind of his own but sooo loving. MY Sweeti is now 5 months old,a handfull of mischief & an arm full of love. By the way, I called him my sweeti then I brought him home,when I decieded on a name he wouldn't answer to anything but sweeti.I get alot of kidding about namimg a male Sweeti. That's my story of my first Yorkie.

[Teresa Ford]

I have enjoyed this thread. Here is my story about a Yorkie named Willbe.
Willbe the Big Yorkie
I just finished changing the news paper in the litter box. I was putting the six week old Lab puppies back. They chased each other and sniffed the clean paper. I was enjoying their tiny yips, rolls, and pounce antics, when the phone rang. It was my Vets office. (Name is fictitious for privacy reasons) He ask about the pups, and Mama dog. I said, "Fine, you just saw them yesterday, what is up ?" He kind of cleared his throat and said, "I have a healthy pup here that is too young to wean, I was wondering if you would be willing to let your Mama dog nurse it ?" I smiled and nodded like he could see me and said, "Well we can sure give it a try." Dr. Smith answered, "Good, I will have Carol bring him over." I could hear the smile in his voice. My Lab Mama, was right now weaning another Labs litter.
Carol handed me the box and shook her head no, when I ask if she had time for a cup of tea. I moved the towel and there was a small little pup, and no way was he a Lab. I stoked his little side and he blinked newly opened eyes, looking for me. What is he ? I asked. Carol chuckled and using an exasperated Southern Belle voice said, 'Why my gaud, he is huge, a real brute, I just don't understand how my Precious and Sir Clyde could make this.. this Ugly thing.I can't love it and I don't want it. Put it to sleep." I shuttered and said OMG she said that ? Carol nodded "Yes and you know the Doc, he can't put down a perfectly healthy pup." I sighed and said, "I know, we will see if Mama will feed him." Carol and I watched Mama nudge the little fellow to a swollen milky nipple. He latched on and she licked him with her huge pink tongue. His little feet pumped away. We laughed out loud. I stroked Mama and she sighed in a contented way. I fell in love with this sweet little guy. He is loved and always will be. My first Yorkie Willbe. There is more to the story but your eyes need a rest.

[SophieKatesMom]

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

I have enjoyed this thread. Here is my story about a Yorkie named Willbe.
Willbe the Big Yorkie
I just finished changing the news paper in the litter box. I was putting the six week old Lab puppies back. They chased each other and sniffed the clean paper. I was enjoying their tiny yips, rolls, and pounce antics, when the phone rang. It was my Vets office. (Name is fictitious for privacy reasons) He ask about the pups, and Mama dog. I said, "Fine, you just saw them yesterday, what is up ?" He kind of cleared his throat and said, "I have a healthy pup here that is too young to wean, I was wondering if you would be willing to let your Mama dog nurse it ?" I smiled and nodded like he could see me and said, "Well we can sure give it a try." Dr. Smith answered, "Good, I will have Carol bring him over." I could hear the smile in his voice. My Lab Mama, was right now weaning another Labs litter.
Carol handed me the box and shook her head no, when I ask if she had time for a cup of tea. I moved the towel and there was a small little pup, and no way was he a Lab. I stoked his little side and he blinked newly opened eyes, looking for me. What is he ? I asked. Carol chuckled and using an exasperated Southern Belle voice said, 'Why my gaud, he is huge, a real brute, I just don't understand how my Precious and Sir Clyde could make this.. this Ugly thing.I can't love it and I don't want it. Put it to sleep." I shuttered and said OMG she said that ? Carol nodded "Yes and you know the Doc, he can't put down a perfectly healthy pup." I sighed and said, "I know, we will see if Mama will feed him." Carol and I watched Mama nudge the little fellow to a swollen milky nipple. He latched on and she licked him with her huge pink tongue. His little feet pumped away. We laughed out loud. I stroked Mama and she sighed in a contented way. I fell in love with this sweet little guy. He is loved and always will be. My first Yorkie Willbe. There is more to the story but your eyes need a rest.

Oh my GOODNESS, I have loved all the stories but I really want to know what happened to Willbe. Great story, confirms my love for dogs (and good Vets and kind people).