Has anyone bought a puppy without seeing it in person? - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

lovelilly · 01-24-2006, 09:41 PM

I am buying a yorkie from out of state. However, the breeder would not put the puppy on a plane alone...nor did I want them to. Since, my husband and my son want to see the puppy we decided it would be cheaper to drive. So, we are driving 13 hours one way to get her. This site made me have a lot of questions if I was doing the right thing. But, the family seems extremely sweet and I have had numerous references I have spoken with. Everyone thinks the world about them. I know it can be a risk...and I did have to put down a deposit...but if I think the conditions are poor when I get there I am out my deposit and really sad...but I don't have to take the puppy ( I can't see that happening) The breeder gave references freely and as far back as five years ago. She also gave us her Vets name and number. She is USDA, but she only breeds yorkies and has over three mommies. She is sending pictures of the puppy as she grows and is giving us all the vet records for the puppy. The grandparents are still within her family and is well aware of their wellness. I think the risk is worth it if you have done all you can at researching it. All you can do is pray for the best. I think of it this way if one of my children were born with a defect we found out later...I wouldn't be marching over to my OBGYN demanding money back. Once they are your children it doesn't matter. I am a pretty good judge of character and no one has said a single bad thing about her. I hope for the best!

Latuya · 01-24-2006, 10:01 PM

Although it has worked out for some members on here. I would never do it. It's taking a big gamble. Just my opinion

Stormy · 01-25-2006, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovelilly

I am buying a yorkie from out of state. However, the breeder would not put the puppy on a plane alone...nor did I want them to. Since, my husband and my son want to see the puppy we decided it would be cheaper to drive. So, we are driving 13 hours one way to get her. This site made me have a lot of questions if I was doing the right thing. But, the family seems extremely sweet and I have had numerous references I have spoken with. Everyone thinks the world about them. I know it can be a risk...and I did have to put down a deposit...but if I think the conditions are poor when I get there I am out my deposit and really sad...but I don't have to take the puppy ( I can't see that happening) The breeder gave references freely and as far back as five years ago. She also gave us her Vets name and number. She is USDA, but she only breeds yorkies and has over three mommies. She is sending pictures of the puppy as she grows and is giving us all the vet records for the puppy. The grandparents are still within her family and is well aware of their wellness. I think the risk is worth it if you have done all you can at researching it. All you can do is pray for the best. I think of it this way if one of my children were born with a defect we found out later...I wouldn't be marching over to my OBGYN demanding money back. Once they are your children it doesn't matter.

Very well stated my dear....You are going to make a wonderful Mom to that little baby. I would feel safe buying a puppy from this breeder just by the fact that she refused to fly him home to you alone. !
Keep us posted and good luck to you !

yorkieskater · 01-25-2006, 05:45 AM

I'm nervous too. I'm in the same boat and have had nightmares about it. The breeder I'm looking at is about 5 hours away one way. I've researched her and she seems to come out clean. Also, she has a good show reputation and seems to have a good reputation with how her dogs are. We have talked extensively and she doesn't hesitate to answer my long emails. I researched SO many breeders looking for specific things I wanted and she was the only one who came close. I even worked with an animal communicator. I'm going to make two trips. One is to visit her house and take a look at the puppies and the other to pick up the puppy. Both days will be 5 hr trip one way. See the house and turn around and come back. People think I am crazy...but I am too nervous bout handing money to someone when I have never seen where they live and how the puppies are raised.
suzie

jenstals · 01-25-2006, 05:48 AM

When I bought Deb I had no idea that this site even existed. I did not know anything about what I should look for or ask of a breeder. I got very lucky! Deb is a dream. I purchased her from an out of state breeder and only saw pictures. I had several lengthy discussions on the phone prior to her arrival and felt that it was a good thing. I got lucky! I got Maya the same way, but had by this time developed a relationship with the breeder and knew I could trust her. I would do it again with my breeder, but would think twice before doing it with any other breeder. Like I said, I got lucky and just didnt realize the risk I was taking!

KZinck · 01-25-2006, 05:57 AM

Although it was very nerve wracking and against everything I intended or was advised to do, it worked out great. I found her on the internet and e-mailed numerous times over a year and had several phone conversations. When the litter was finally born she sent me pictures every week until 4 weeks when it was time to pick one. It was very hard picking by just pictures. The one we initially fell in love with was a boy but I had paid a deposit for a girl so I picked another one. As it came closer to the time I was to fly and get her at 11 weeks, she advised that the girl I had picked was really tiny and timid and was unsure of how she would react to the flight. She advised the boy was still unclaimed and he was a bit heavier and was very playful and outgoing. Since we initially fell for the boy I felt it must be fate and I agreed to take "Buddy" and we have been in love ever since. I have kept in contact with the Breeder. It would be hard to recommend this way to adopt to someone else but thankfully my story had a happy ending.

magnolia · 01-25-2006, 06:16 AM

I bought Gabby without seeing her but I personally knew the breeder. Katie, my first Yorkie, I did go to the breeders house on several occasions after we picked her just to visit before bringing her home. As for Gage, we got him "sight unseen"...the guy who had him called and said if you want him, come get him. Naturally, I wanted him and knew he was probably not in the best of living conditions with this guy (boy, was I ever right!) so it didn't matter what he looked like, I just knew he needed "rescueing" and fast!!

diva pup · 01-25-2006, 06:33 AM

I bought both of mine sight unseen. they both came from show breeders, one i had spoken with on many occasions on the phone and trusted.(it helps if you know their reputation as a breeder). the other from a smaller show home but she was very upfront about his physical faults to the best of her knowledge (which didnt really matter since he was to be a pet). the only thing i would like to add is make sure that you are offered and get a health contract, this protects you and the breeder.
and I don't think i would buy a pet from someone that didnt insist on a spay/neuter clause.JMO

Sorry my shift button isnt working

sshaw · 01-25-2006, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAS

Hi. I am considering buying a puppy from a breeder that lives in a different state. I was wondering if anyone else had done this and what your experience was like? How can I ensure the breeder is legitmate and safely exchange payment for the puppy?

A very good breeder friend of mine purchased a Yorkie from a Web site called “Natalie’s Wee Little Yorkies” and has named him “Owen” because this breeder allowed her to pay him off a little each month and she still owes quite a bit!. He is a little doll baby! He is exactly as advertised and she is very pleased with him.

I almost purchased a little girl named “Gracy” from her as well, but I really feel I need to see the pup as well as meet with the breeder. So at any rate, this worked out for my friend, but I would be much too afraid. A puppy is a life time commitment and I want it to be right for us both! I know exactly what I want, and when I see her she will be mine.

Sue

LAS · 01-25-2006, 07:43 AM

I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences on this topic. I just found out from the breeder that someone else from YT got the puppy I was considering. So, I will keep looking. If anyone knows of a good breeder in Central Florida please let me know. Thanks!

Carinhosamulher · 01-25-2006, 08:34 AM

Yep, I did. And he is the best most beautiful little boy!! There was a lot of correspondance before hand, and my sister picked him up for me (since it was a 7 hour drive and she was already in the area).

Get references if you are nervous about it.

suz · 01-25-2006, 09:04 AM

On the flip side, I had a lady call me and say that she wanted a puppy, preferrably female. Wasn't concerned about the price, wasn't worried about contracts, health guarentees, none of the obvious questions. Just that she HAD to have one before she left for vacation. (She was taking the puppy to see her mother in Accupulco (sp). She said she'd be at my house by 8:00 pm. We'll I waited and waited. By 10:00. I finally gave up waiting and decided to go to bed. Just about that time, I got a "ding-dong" on my door bell. I went to the door and the man standing there said he'd come for the puppy. I asked him where the lady was and he said that it had gotten too late for her. (She goes to bed by 9:00!) So, here I am, with the puppy, not knowing this guy from Adam. He came in, gave me the cash for the pup, asked me if I wanted to see the "puppy's car".

I went out to the car, and here was a limo with the backseat taken out. In it, was a playpen, toys up the gazoo, pee pad all secure, a harness tethered to the floor of the car with just enough room for the pup to get to all areas of the playpen, a little dvd player (no remote control!!LOL) bracketed to the back of the front seat. God, I can't remember what all else there was!! I asked him if I could leave the puppy here and send ME!! Was I worried about this person buying my puppy at first??.....yes. Was I worried after I saw the conditions the puppy was going to be subject to?....NO!!
It still scares me if I sell a pup to someone I haven't personally met. Sometimes it happens. Most of the time, I meet the people and have a chance to get to know them before I sell one to them. I can usually tell by talking to them if they've got any idea what they are expecting.
Good luck with your search.
Suz

lilfoot · 01-25-2006, 09:09 AM

Yes I bought Zoe unseen from another state....I started calling kennels and breeders looking for a Yorkie and one led to another and I finally found one and bought her sight unseen and sent her a deposit and picked her up 2 weeks later and she is absolutely wonderful....3 years later!!! But that was befor i found YT and befor I had so much more Knowledge....don't know if I would do it again...

JCV · 01-25-2006, 10:02 AM

I did, and i absoulty love my dog...

Sidney · 01-25-2006, 11:42 AM

Yes , I've bought several. We do not have many breeders in our area. I was ripped off with one.... He doesn't take after the parents i was shown..

He is a very sweet dog just not what she knew I wanted and not what she described to me. I'm not sure if I would do it again .

01-24-2006, 10:01 PM	#32
Latuya YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Rialto CA Posts: 3,243	Although it has worked out for some members on here. I would never do it. It's taking a big gamble. Just my opinion __________________ Monica, Proud mom of Gus who is forever missed! And new mom to Leiloni Gus's Dogster page

01-25-2006, 05:45 AM	#34
yorkieskater No Longer a Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NY Posts: 342	I'm nervous too I'm nervous too. I'm in the same boat and have had nightmares about it. The breeder I'm looking at is about 5 hours away one way. I've researched her and she seems to come out clean. Also, she has a good show reputation and seems to have a good reputation with how her dogs are. We have talked extensively and she doesn't hesitate to answer my long emails. I researched SO many breeders looking for specific things I wanted and she was the only one who came close. I even worked with an animal communicator. I'm going to make two trips. One is to visit her house and take a look at the puppies and the other to pick up the puppy. Both days will be 5 hr trip one way. See the house and turn around and come back. People think I am crazy...but I am too nervous bout handing money to someone when I have never seen where they live and how the puppies are raised. suzie

01-25-2006, 05:48 AM	#35
jenstals YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 397	When I bought Deb I had no idea that this site even existed. I did not know anything about what I should look for or ask of a breeder. I got very lucky! Deb is a dream. I purchased her from an out of state breeder and only saw pictures. I had several lengthy discussions on the phone prior to her arrival and felt that it was a good thing. I got lucky! I got Maya the same way, but had by this time developed a relationship with the breeder and knew I could trust her. I would do it again with my breeder, but would think twice before doing it with any other breeder. Like I said, I got lucky and just didnt realize the risk I was taking! __________________ Jen Deb and Maya

01-25-2006, 05:57 AM	#36
KZinck Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Posts: 44	Puppy purchase Although it was very nerve wracking and against everything I intended or was advised to do, it worked out great. I found her on the internet and e-mailed numerous times over a year and had several phone conversations. When the litter was finally born she sent me pictures every week until 4 weeks when it was time to pick one. It was very hard picking by just pictures. The one we initially fell in love with was a boy but I had paid a deposit for a girl so I picked another one. As it came closer to the time I was to fly and get her at 11 weeks, she advised that the girl I had picked was really tiny and timid and was unsure of how she would react to the flight. She advised the boy was still unclaimed and he was a bit heavier and was very playful and outgoing. Since we initially fell for the boy I felt it must be fate and I agreed to take "Buddy" and we have been in love ever since. I have kept in contact with the Breeder. It would be hard to recommend this way to adopt to someone else but thankfully my story had a happy ending.

01-25-2006, 07:43 AM	#40
LAS YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 7	Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences on this topic. I just found out from the breeder that someone else from YT got the puppy I was considering. So, I will keep looking. If anyone knows of a good breeder in Central Florida please let me know. Thanks! __________________ LAS

01-24-2006, 09:41 PM	#31
lovelilly Donating YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Henderson CO Posts: 640	I am buying a yorkie from out of state. However, the breeder would not put the puppy on a plane alone...nor did I want them to. Since, my husband and my son want to see the puppy we decided it would be cheaper to drive. So, we are driving 13 hours one way to get her. This site made me have a lot of questions if I was doing the right thing. But, the family seems extremely sweet and I have had numerous references I have spoken with. Everyone thinks the world about them. I know it can be a risk...and I did have to put down a deposit...but if I think the conditions are poor when I get there I am out my deposit and really sad...but I don't have to take the puppy ( I can't see that happening) The breeder gave references freely and as far back as five years ago. She also gave us her Vets name and number. She is USDA, but she only breeds yorkies and has over three mommies. She is sending pictures of the puppy as she grows and is giving us all the vet records for the puppy. The grandparents are still within her family and is well aware of their wellness. I think the risk is worth it if you have done all you can at researching it. All you can do is pray for the best. I think of it this way if one of my children were born with a defect we found out later...I wouldn't be marching over to my OBGYN demanding money back. Once they are your children it doesn't matter. I am a pretty good judge of character and no one has said a single bad thing about her. I hope for the best!

01-25-2006, 06:16 AM	#37
magnolia YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,459	I bought Gabby without seeing her but I personally knew the breeder. Katie, my first Yorkie, I did go to the breeders house on several occasions after we picked her just to visit before bringing her home. As for Gage, we got him "sight unseen"...the guy who had him called and said if you want him, come get him. Naturally, I wanted him and knew he was probably not in the best of living conditions with this guy (boy, was I ever right!) so it didn't matter what he looked like, I just knew he needed "rescueing" and fast!!

01-25-2006, 06:33 AM	#38
diva pup BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,139	I bought both of mine sight unseen. they both came from show breeders, one i had spoken with on many occasions on the phone and trusted.(it helps if you know their reputation as a breeder). the other from a smaller show home but she was very upfront about his physical faults to the best of her knowledge (which didnt really matter since he was to be a pet). the only thing i would like to add is make sure that you are offered and get a health contract, this protects you and the breeder. and I don't think i would buy a pet from someone that didnt insist on a spay/neuter clause.JMO Sorry my shift button isnt working

01-25-2006, 08:34 AM	#41
Carinhosamulher YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 308	Yep, I did. And he is the best most beautiful little boy!! There was a lot of correspondance before hand, and my sister picked him up for me (since it was a 7 hour drive and she was already in the area). Get references if you are nervous about it. __________________ Carinhosa Mulher - Loving Mother to my daughters and furry kids! bheuston@gmail.com or carinhosa@comporium.net

01-25-2006, 09:04 AM	#42
suz Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 741	Sight unseen?/ On the flip side, I had a lady call me and say that she wanted a puppy, preferrably female. Wasn't concerned about the price, wasn't worried about contracts, health guarentees, none of the obvious questions. Just that she HAD to have one before she left for vacation. (She was taking the puppy to see her mother in Accupulco (sp). She said she'd be at my house by 8:00 pm. We'll I waited and waited. By 10:00. I finally gave up waiting and decided to go to bed. Just about that time, I got a "ding-dong" on my door bell. I went to the door and the man standing there said he'd come for the puppy. I asked him where the lady was and he said that it had gotten too late for her. (She goes to bed by 9:00!) So, here I am, with the puppy, not knowing this guy from Adam. He came in, gave me the cash for the pup, asked me if I wanted to see the "puppy's car". I went out to the car, and here was a limo with the backseat taken out. In it, was a playpen, toys up the gazoo, pee pad all secure, a harness tethered to the floor of the car with just enough room for the pup to get to all areas of the playpen, a little dvd player (no remote control!!LOL) bracketed to the back of the front seat. God, I can't remember what all else there was!! I asked him if I could leave the puppy here and send ME!! Was I worried about this person buying my puppy at first??.....yes. Was I worried after I saw the conditions the puppy was going to be subject to?....NO!! It still scares me if I sell a pup to someone I haven't personally met. Sometimes it happens. Most of the time, I meet the people and have a chance to get to know them before I sell one to them. I can usually tell by talking to them if they've got any idea what they are expecting. Good luck with your search. Suz __________________ Suz The more people I meet... The more I love my dogs!!!

01-25-2006, 09:09 AM	#43
lilfoot YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: wisconsin Posts: 769	Yes I bought Zoe unseen from another state....I started calling kennels and breeders looking for a Yorkie and one led to another and I finally found one and bought her sight unseen and sent her a deposit and picked her up 2 weeks later and she is absolutely wonderful....3 years later!!! But that was befor i found YT and befor I had so much more Knowledge....don't know if I would do it again...

01-25-2006, 10:02 AM	#44
JCV Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: cali Posts: 47	I did, and i absoulty love my dog...

01-25-2006, 11:42 AM	#45
Sidney YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 514	Yes , I've bought several. We do not have many breeders in our area. I was ripped off with one.... He doesn't take after the parents i was shown.. He is a very sweet dog just not what she knew I wanted and not what she described to me. I'm not sure if I would do it again .