Need Serious Advice
 

I wasn't going to post this but I gave it some thought and decided to post it anyway. On Saturday, hubby and I were doing some window shopping and we came by A World of Pets. I usually never go into pet stores but for some reason I wanted to peek inside (ha but you know what they say, curiosity killed the cat). There was an adorable little chocolate Lab in a crate and some kids were rattling the crate and annoying the little Lab (she was obviously trying to sleep). :thumbdown So just to give her a few moments of peace (and I also hoped those kids would leave), I asked to see her.

Someone who worked there directed us to a small enclosed booth type of area and then brought her in. He said, "Oh she just woke up; so she's really groggy" and I thought that was weird because when my babies wake up, they're super playful and excited to see me!! She just laid on the floor and didn't budge. We petted her and tried to entice her to stand up. After a few minutes, that same guy brought in an adorable little Chihuahua boy and said, I thought you'd like to see this little guy too" -- he was only 9 weeks old. The Chi just laid lifeless in my arms. He didn't budge the entire time I held him. His eyes were sad and lifeless and my heart broke just looking at him. :( :( I just kept whispering to him and rubbing him and then finally he licked my hand. I felt so sick to my stomach because I knew I was probably one of the few people ever to show him any love in the first few weeks of his life.

Anyway, back to the Lab. Jim finally picked up the Lab and held her and then we saw the problem ... she had globs of GOOP in her eyes!! :mad: :mad: She could barely see!! I grabbed a Kleenex from my purse and wiped as much of that goop out of her eyes and I could AND I called that guy over and told him. His first reaction was, "Oh the vet was here on Monday and he said she's fine" but Jim by that point was pissed and lifted her up eye level to this guy and said, "Well obviously she isn't fine. LOOK at her eyes!! She can't possibly see anything. Her eyes are RED and covered in mucus. She clearly has an infection!!" :thumbdown

I don't know if Jim's yelling scared the guy or not but he immediately changed his tune and said oh yes, now I see what you mean. We're going to get this girl over to the vet right now. So he took her back and brought her downstairs (he didn't put her back in the crate) and god only knows what they have downstairs. Probably a damn house of horrors!!

Then the guy had to nerve to come back and ask if I wanted the Chi!! I said to him, "This dog hasn't moved a muscle since you put him in my arms." I handed him back the dog and said, "By the way, why does he SMELL OF URINE?" The guy said, "You get 1 free grooming appointment when you buy a dog from" us and I said ok so I guess that excuses you from keeping the dogs clean while they're in your care? There's no excuse!! Dogs should not live in there own urine, it's appalling and disgusting!!

After that, Jim and I left. When I got back in our car, I just started balling my eyes out! I didn't want to leave those 2 dogs. Jim and I sat in the car for over 40 minutes and debated whether or not to go back there and buy both of them. I couldn't possible keep them but we wanted to buy them and then adopt them out to a family or friend or even someone from YT. Actually, my dad would have probably adopted the Lab. He's always been a big dog person and I think he'd love some company after he lost my mom. He's always lonely and a dog would be perfect for him and give him something positive to focus on. But I just can't support a puppy mill -- so we left. But now I feel like crap. I want to go back and buy them because not only have I SEEN them, but I've HELD them and petted them.

So here's my situation ? should I just go buy them and save them (my dad could take the Lab -- I can't keep the little boy BUT he's freakin adorable -- his coloring is amazing and it makes him look like a baby Husky) or should I just mind my own business and stop obsessing over this? I just don't know what to do!!

I should NEVER have went in there in the first place because now I'm haunted by their sad little eyes.

If it were me and I could do it i would buy them both and consider them rescues. I know you shouldnt buy from Pet stores or your supporting them but I have a big heart for animals and that is what I would do

A World of Pets actually has pictures of their available dogs. Here are the 2 little angels:

Chi - Boy
http://www.aworldofpets.com/images/j..._dogslarge.jpg

Lab - Girl
http://www.aworldofpets.com/images/j..._dogslarge.jpg

I'm not even a big dog person but this Lab just tugged at my heart. :(

there is a reason for EVERYTHING.. you felt you had to go in there and that is why... go save those babies. the look in their eye when you love them will be thanks enough... worry later about where they will live.. go go go :) :thumbup:

what a sad face on that lab... poor baby :(

They are both precious and that Chi has nice markings

I know it is heartbreaking,isn't it. I say go rescue them.YOU WON'T BE SORRY.My Rosie is from a pet store and I just coudn't leave her there that day. She was so scared. They both look sacred poopless

I'm not gonna tell you not to buy them...you should follow your own heart there, but I do think if you were to buy them, they will have them replaced immediately with 2 more. You might save those 2, but two more will take their place. It is a no win situation really, you buy them your supporting this type of shop, but you save these two babies :confused: This is heartbreaking and even more so to think of all the animals out there in these situations!!:(

Tell me about it!! Doesn't she look depressed? It just kills me to look at her! :(

This is my problem. I HATE puppy mills and I never want to support them in any way. It's easy for me to say never buy from a puppy mill when I personally haven't seen or held the dogs. But I saw these 2 dogs in person. Both hubby and I held them and hugged them. We tried to give them some comfort because I know they must be terrified where they are (especially having left their mamas so soon ... they're only BABIES for gods sake). :(

i dont dont what to tell u but that is one of the worst petstores in new york
my neighbor got her yorkie from there a few years ago the dog is really lucky to be alive it was so sick every dog they have is sick i really wouldnt have even gone in there or touched the dogs
they should be closed
i know the petstore on staten island maxie biggs drug there dogs to make them sleep (cant say how i know) so people wont see bouncy coughing puppies they see calm puppies makes people wanna buy them
any time of the day i go in there there sleeping its sad
again i dont know what to tell u
u cant save them all i know its hard where will u keep them there prob very contagious i wouldnt want them near my dogs esp cali being so small

I know what you mean. They are probably THE worst pet store in NY!! Puppy City is awful too!

WHAT?? They give the dogs something to make them SLEEP? Are they insane?!?! :mad: :mad: I have never heard of that before but I wouldn't doubt it for a minute!! Dogs, especially PUPPIES, are SUPPOSED to be bouncy and full of energy!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE? :mad: :thumbdown

I would go do some major threatening and b*tching, but i would also buy the puppies. I can't leave anything in trouble just to prove a point. Go save those babies!

Aw, the poor chi looks so terrified. :( Poor thing.

Normally, I would say don't do it!!

But, if you have the means to do, I would do it.. since you are already somewhat emotionally attached.

But then again.. maybe it might not be a good idea since they could possibly make your three sick?

This is what Jim said. He said GOD FORBID one of our babies get sick and he's right and you're right and I AGREE with you both (you are totally right) but someone please tell my heart to stop and get over it!! I know I can't save them all but I just seem to stop obsessing over them!! :(

OMG those poor babies... As much as I lecture to stay away and dont support the puppy mills. I think I would feel differently if I were to hold them. The picture of the little chi doesnt look right, his eyes arent set right they are almost off to the sides of his face and his head is really domed, chihuahuas are prone to a disease called hydrocephelus (water on the brain), this doesnt mean its a death sentance for this cute little pup. I have a friend with a yorkie (well 2 friends) both their dogs have hydro, one of them is 9 years old hes a little slower but gets around in life really well. My other friend her dog is 2 or 3 and doing very well also.
I really hate to say this and I cant beleive Im saying this... If if bothers you so much that you left them go and save them. Im sure rescue would take them if you cant rehome them. Explain your situation to them Im sure they wont turn you away.
Maybe if you offer to buy both of them they will cut you a price break...

This is why I cannot even go and look at the puppies...I think this is also the reason so many pet shop puppies are sold.. People feel bad for them and want to save them.
Like someone else said its a no win situation but.... for the dogs you are going to save those dogs do win

I agree with everyone that you should follow your heart. I have been in your situation and I know how hard it is to not buy them. It breaks my heart to think of what they have to go through there, but then it is true that they will be replaced by 2 more if you buy them. This is why I can never go into petstores that sell puppies.

yea ive heard of puppy city never been there
they closed the world of pets on staten island i was so happy i went in there when looking for a yorkie before brownie im glad i didnt go there

yes they do well if you hear a dog coughing would u buy it ? lol
also it helps keep the cages cleaner (not that they are lol)
there very lazy workers in that store

ive been tempted a few times but im sorry my babies come first
someone will buy these puppies if u dont esp the chihuahua
i dont know its really hard and these dogs are prob gonna cost an arm and a leg there both prob very sick who know what else is wrong with them
im just really worried about your babies & i feel bad for them at the same time

ok here i go again lol

there price is going to be $2,198 with out tax my friend paid $2,000 in vet bills for her yorkie
so your looking at $6,000 unless there healthy which i doubt

Thats true I didnt even think about them making your dogs sick. I wuldnt chance it then

Its a sad yet no win situation :(

I am so against puppymills. They breed sick puppies but with that being said if you can save two that have had a miserable life so far I would. But at the expense of your already healthy pets? Keep in mind they could be sick and cost alot of additional money in vet bills. I know pet stores offer a guarantee but who would take a sick dog back to hell?
To shut down those pet stores would be a blessing for thousands of animals, it is a very tough descion that only you are able to make, How far are you willing to go? How much money are you willing to spend?...YOU CAN'T SAVE THEM ALL is true...but you could save two?

Good luck with whatever you decide....

I'm sorry you are having such a huge dilemma. I can totally understand how hard it would be. Everyone here has a valid point. You're just going to have to weigh the options. They very well could make your babies sick... especially Cali.

I agree that the Chihuahua's eyes look off - that's the first thing I noticed. The coloring is beautiful though.

Good luck... not many people would even consider purchasing them to save them, you're a very kind-hearted person :)

puppies
 

The problem is this...so many pups bring illness in to your own pets...there was a woman on another forum who posted her dogs got parvo and died from one she brought in...I feel so bad for these pups, but can never take a chance on making mine sick...even something non fatal like ring worm or ear mites are a mess to clear up...

Have you made a decission?

I don't suport mills either BUT its not their fault they are there and if I could afford it I probably would get them.

Do they come with any type of health quarentees?

Follow your gut.....maybe you were drawn in there for a reason......ya know?

OMG that Chi is adorable! I love him!

I am sorry for your dilemma. I can't tell you what to do! I can only admit that no matter how bad I felt for them I could not put mine at risk. Those pic's are very depressing. Seeing that poor labs face its so unhappy! I feel for it just seeing the pic I don't know if I could turn away had I held it. I hope that you are able to come to a decision and find peace about the matter!

As long as people buy dogs from a Pet shop, there will be unimaginable suffering from those left to breed starting with first heat and every one after till it can no longer have a litter then it's shot. The live in wire cages 24-7, no warmth or shelter from wind and rain. They are sick, never see a Vet. and are in constant pain from rotting teeth, fleas, ticks and health problems. Take a look at these two sites. On the first site, click on photos & videos. Do you want to be responsible for this? We need to picket those pet stores that sell dogs and cats, not line their pockets.

http://www.stoppuppymills.org/vidphoto.html

http://www.prisonersofgreed.org

those poor dogs look so sad!