Is there a humane society in the area that you could report her to if she really is running a puppy mill (and it does sound like it). I don't know that I could have left it there either. :(

I don't know about a humane society in her area. I imagine there is one at least nearby since she is located outside a large city. I don't think I understand exactly what constitutes a puppy mill, so I will do some research on that.

seems like informative site. try it.

http://www.mypetnanny.info/US/Alabama.htm


there are a puppymill rescue also. I am sure they know how report a bad breeder.

i would definitely report that kennel without buying...

I posted my observations about the place, but I honestly do not know if this constitutes a "puppymill." I found an on-line article I'm going to read. I'll post the link. Let me know if you think it's accurate information. I would hate to accuse someone of something so terrible, and it not be true.

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/puppymil.html

actually, there are not clear definition of puppy mill. But...

if a breeder in business for profit, breeds many breeds, has lots of dogs, has litters regularly, no matter if she sell to pet store/broker or not (although most of them do) many people describe it as puppy mill. Kennel condition can be from very good to horrible.

You can read more:

http://prisonersofgreed.org/kennel-examples.html

I agree with the pp and also, if she is not registered or licensed to do this, that is a big problem. Because if she has no guidelines to go by as far as cleanliness, ect... it might just not be good.

Anytime a breeder is breeding numerous breeds and they are kept outside in cages like that it triggers *puppymill* for me.

My big guess is if they are selling a yorkie for 100 something is seriously wrong with it, or they are in major financial trouble. If they are in major financial trouble, I"m not sure they would be able to properly care for the dogs on their premises.

Thanks for the link. How horrible.

Is it always wrong, however, to make a profit if you breed dogs?

The pictures in the link remind me of a home not too far from us. The owners have a huge pen in their front yard with several dogs in it. In the backyard are several of those dome-shaped dog houses inside another huge pen. Again, there are lots of dogs. It's appauling. To me, a breeder needs to allow their dogs access to their home. If they live in cages outside like horses and cows, that is cruel.

The place I went to yesterday did have a lot of dogs outside in cages. But it looked like the Yorkies had more freedom to roam. They were contained in the backyard, but I couldn't quite see everything. It did not appear that they were in cages. These were the dogs used for breeding.

According to the breeder, they were selling the puppy for less because of his shyness. They said they know he needs a special home (with no little children) and owners who have the patience to deal with the pup's shyness. He did appear to be very submissive. With the right owner who knows how to raise a puppy's self esteem, he could probably turn out to be a wonderful pet. Anyone up to the challenge??

It still seems odd to me that they would reduce a yorkie so much in price due to shyness. It makes me wonder if they know how to properly diagnose why the puppy is so shy or if there is a medical issue going on.

I know you posted that when you held him, he yelped. That seems very strange to me. And I saw in the original post, you stated that there was another 100 puppy. Was that one "shy" also?

When I reread your original post it just seems SO much a puppymill IMO. Tons of breeds, a trailer, cages, not allowing you to see the parents, inconsistent information on birthdates, ect.

None of those signs point to anything but a bad situation to me. I personally would call and have the ASPCA check it out. If all the dogs are in good health and clean conditions the woman won't have any issues. But if there are problems, the dogs will be able to get the help they need.

Of course, it's your call and you know what you saw. Just letting you know what I think from the post :)

A $100 puppy....
 

I think one of the hardest things to do is walk away...I couldn't and ended up with a real sweetheart. He too was shy - only when I picked him up did he respond to me. After about 30 minutes, he was "kissing" me on my neck and that locked it in. I took him home, took him to my vet, and have had him for 6years. He's a Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix and I call him my "special needs" guy. He was 8 weeks old when I got him and, because I was my own boss, I took him to work with me. My Father-in-Law built a playpen for him - I would teach my classes, oftentimes with him on my lap sleeping. As he got older, my husband and I decided that I needed to be home with him so I've been a "stay at home Mom'' for 5 years. He is greatly loved by his Mom and Dad and his Grandparents. My Mother-in-Law will whip out his picture in a heartbeat and show people her "Grandson." He's still shy and he has anxiety attacks when it storms or when he has to ride in the car but overall, he's a pretty neat little guy. The strange part? I purchased a "back carrier" and he will ride all day with us on the motorcycle.....

I too hate the puppy mills...and don't know have a clue as to what the answer is about how to put them out of business. However, my heart goes out to the poor little "guys and gals" that are left with people like that. Would I purchase another baby in the situation mine was in? Yes, probably because this little guy is my world and I think I have given him a life he would have never experienced. Let's face it, if a puppy doesn't meet some people's expectations, they are quick to get rid of them. Do I wish Squeaky was more outgoing? Yes, but I don't love him any less...if anything, I love him more. So, I guess it's one of those things that you have to work out for yourself.

The other $100 puppy that was sold was NOT shy. She described him as "brilliant." When she told me on the phone that one was very shy, I had hoped to get the other one. But I was a day late for that. Someone beat me to him!

I did get to see the parents (supposedly). She brought out a male and female dog, and I could see that the female had nipples, so she obviously had given birth. The puppy seemed to recognize the female and immediately went to her and started playing with her.

I still wonder if I did the right thing, and I guess I always will. Bless you for taking the shy one and giving him a good home

you did right thing....

i think that breeder called her "shiny" because she is just sick probably....
but she needs to sell it....sorry, after everything you wrote, i wouldn't trust her at all.

if you worry about the pup, try to find through that website to whom you can report them...