Please help!!!

[YoRkIeMoMmY92]

I thank you for your advice but I think it is down right disrecpectful for someone to say unless the breeder is in ICU or the graveyard when her nephew a dear friend of my mother and a man I grew up aroud has less than 2 weeks to live and I know that for a fact since I have been there to see him and she does not want to leave 5 week old puppies home from day to night without any care because she is the only family he has left so thanks for the advice but I dont think this site is for me if that is how people are going to talk.

[Woogie Man]

Originally Posted by YoRkIeMoMmY92

I thank you for your advice but I think it is down right disrecpectful for someone to say unless the breeder is in ICU or the graveyard when her nephew a dear friend of my mother and a man I grew up aroud has less than 2 weeks to live and I know that for a fact since I have been there to see him and she does not want to leave 5 week old puppies home from day to night without any care because she is the only family he has left so thanks for the advice but I dont think this site is for me if that is how people are going to talk.

I understand how you feel, but don't let one comment get your dander up when the advice you've been given is unanimous. What Pat was expressing is just how there is no good reason to 'get rid of the pups' at this time. If the breeder feels that she must be with her nephew, it is still her obligation to keep these pups together and with their Mom until a suitable time for them to be placed. Rather than getting offended, why not think of a way to assist her in dealing with the pups and Mom at this time? Does she not have friends (you, your Mom, for example) that could come over to help out?

No matter what you think of this site, if you take on the challenge of a 5 week old pup, you will need the advice of members here to get you through it. But what of the other pups? Who will they go to and do these people have the experience and knowledge to ensure the pup's survival and whether it thrives or not?

It is a VERY bad idea to let these pups go at this time and I think you could be the most help by assisting with the care of the litter and Mom rather than by taking on one pup.

[YorkieRose]

Please do not be afraid to say "YorkieRose"..say thus and so...I do not say anything unless I believe it to be true,
A breeder does not ask the pet buyer to take on the care of a 5 week old, that should not leave it's littermates or breeders home..unless that breeder is too ill or dead...that is why we as breeders need close breeder friends to help in the situations...we all have family emergancies and problems...but it is unethical to expect the unexperineced pet owner to take on a task as this..what if this puppy becomes ill etc...then will the breeder blame the pet buyer...not fair, the pet owner is not expected to do the breeders job...

I hired a vet tech once to help me in a situation when we had a death in the family...another time a breeder friend took a litter 6 wks of age when I had to go out of town in an emergancy...and I have in turn done the same many times.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

Please do not be afraid to say "YorkieRose"..say thus and so...I do not say anything unless I believe it to be true,
A breeder does not ask the pet buyer to take on the care of a 5 week old, that should not leave it's littermates or breeders home..unless that breeder is too ill or dead...that is why we as breeders need close breeder friends to help in the situations...we all have family emergancies and problems...but it is unethical to expect the unexperineced pet owner to take on a task as this..what if this puppy becomes ill etc...then will the breeder blame the pet buyer...not fair, the pet owner is not expected to do the breeders job...

I hired a vet tech once to help me in a situation when we had a death in the family...another time a breeder friend took a litter 6 wks of age when I had to go out of town in an emergancy...and I have in turn done the same many times.

Yes and I have taken mom and pups when a breeder friends very close family member was dying. It doesn't even have to be an experienced breeder in the same breed to take the pups as toy dogs are so similar in their needs.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by YoRkIeMoMmY92

I thank you for your advice but I think it is down right disrecpectful for someone to say unless the breeder is in ICU or the graveyard when her nephew a dear friend of my mother and a man I grew up aroud has less than 2 weeks to live and I know that for a fact since I have been there to see him and she does not want to leave 5 week old puppies home from day to night without any care because she is the only family he has left so thanks for the advice but I dont think this site is for me if that is how people are going to talk.

Hope you are still following. You have access to some of the top Yorkie breeders around right here in this thread. Pls understand what they are saying and take advantage of their expert knowlege! There has to be a way to have your breeder friend at her nephew's bedside AND keep the pups together during this crucial time.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by YoRkIeMoMmY92

I thank you for your advice but I think it is down right disrecpectful for someone to say unless the breeder is in ICU or the graveyard when her nephew a dear friend of my mother and a man I grew up aroud has less than 2 weeks to live and I know that for a fact since I have been there to see him and she does not want to leave 5 week old puppies home from day to night without any care because she is the only family he has left so thanks for the advice but I dont think this site is for me if that is how people are going to talk.

I seriously doubt that Pat meant to offend you with her comment. I think she was just trying to exemplify that ditching the pups at only 5 weeks should be done under only the most dire circumstances. But you know what they say, if you go looking for something to be offended by, then you will never be disappointed. I have a feeling that would be the case here regardless since lots of people telling you this is a bad idea instead encouraging you to pursue this.

When you ask a question, you are going to get well informed, detailed, HONEST answers...even if they are not the answers you wanted to hear. People focus on the best interest of the DOGS invovled. They are also the first to help out when people realize they are in over their head. However, no one is going to encourage you, or commend you, or offer sympathy if they don't feel it's what's best for the dog. THAT is what you can expect on this site. If that isn't what you are looking for, then most likely, this site isn't for you.

Consider this: You came here, seeking advice and explained the situation. So far, EVERY SINGLE PERSON who has responded has said that bringing this dog home at this age is a bad idea. Not to mention ILLEGAL! Not one person has supported the idea of doing so or agreed with what the breeder has decided to do. That should tell you something. If you feel you can ignore that and decide to proceed anyway, then IMO, you are being very irresponsible and setting yourself up for trouble. No one is going to commend you for that.

[Furbaby Friend]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

I seriously doubt that Pat meant to offend you with her comment. I think she was just trying to exemplify that ditching the pups at only 5 weeks should be done under only the most dire circumstances. But you know what they say, if you go looking for something to be offended by, then you will never be disappointed. I have a feeling that would be the case here regardless since lots of people telling you this is a bad idea instead encouraging you to pursue this.

When you ask a question, you are going to get well informed, detailed, HONEST answers...even if they are not the answers you wanted to hear. People focus on the best interest of the DOGS invovled. They are also the first to help out when people realize they are in over their head. However, no one is going to encourage you, or commend you, or offer sympathy if they don't feel it's what's best for the dog. THAT is what you can expect on this site. If that isn't what you are looking for, then most likely, this site isn't for you.

Consider this: You came here, seeking advice and explained the situation. So far, EVERY SINGLE PERSON who has responded has said that bringing this dog home at this age is a bad idea. Not to mention ILLEGAL! Not one person has supported the idea of doing so or agreed with what the breeder has decided to do. That should tell you something. If you feel you can ignore that and decide to proceed anyway, then IMO, you are being very irresponsible and setting yourself up for trouble. No one is going to commend you for that.

Bama makes a good point, a blunt one, but a good point. Bama tends to do that

I'm not a breeder, but I've done enough research to know that you SHOULD NOT separate a litter from each other or their mum before 12 weeks. It is a very important developmental time and if they are torn apart there is a good chance they will have behavioral issues/poor temperament.

I would suggest working with your mom's friend AS A FRIEND and helping her and the dogs through this difficult time. Time for people to step up and take shifts with the litter under the instruction of good advice.

Also, I extend my condolences to those impacted by the emotional events taking place. I will say a prayer for the sick nephew.

[YorkieRose]

I think my problem is..I come across so many bad breeders...they like the fun part of breeding and money. I am not saying this is your breeder..but it is so many I am jaded.
Breeding is serious...you plan for all the problems..save money for the problems that will crop up...and they will.
It is possible for you to take this pup at 5 weeks and do just fine..but it is so unfair for the breeder to risk the pup and your broken heart if something goes wrong...will the breeder pay for vet expenses if you have a problem?
Will you be blamed if something goes wrong?

This advise also goes for the pet owners...we never know from one day to the next what will happen to any of us...we all need backup care for our dogs...here in South Florida we have lots of elderly people..nothing sadder then seeing a 12 or 14 yr old in the pound, Humane Soc, rescue because the owner is terminal or passed away...best wishes

[gemy]

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

I think my problem is..I come across so many bad breeders...they like the fun part of breeding and money. I am not saying this is your breeder..but it is so many I am jaded.
Breeding is serious...you plan for all the problems..save money for the problems that will crop up...and they will.
It is possible for you to take this pup at 5 weeks and do just fine..but it is so unfair for the breeder to risk the pup and your broken heart if something goes wrong...will the breeder pay for vet expenses if you have a problem?
Will you be blamed if something goes wrong?

This advise also goes for the pet owners...we never know from one day to the next what will happen to any of us...we all need backup care for our dogs...here in South Florida we have lots of elderly people..nothing sadder then seeing a 12 or 14 yr old in the pound, Humane Soc, rescue because the owner is terminal or passed away...best wishes

Yes also Wylies Mom posted a good article on preparing for your dogs/cats after your death.
we have designated health care persons for all our animals. For any emergency, and in case of our death. In fact we do are designated health care providers for a couple of friends animals.

[Wrenee4]

I would be very worried about taking in a 5 week puppy. Sometimes my puppies don't really start eating on their own until about 4 weeks. Plus not to be around the rest of their litter really makes a HUGE difference in their attitudes as they mature. They really learn a ton from their mothers and the rest of their litter at this age. Even a singleton benefits from their mother. Good luck as I am sure you are going to bring your baby home...just be careful and follow the great advice you were given. Watch your new baby like a HAWK. Make sure the new one is eating...that is the hardest part sometimes in a lil one.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

This advise also goes for the pet owners...we never know from one day to the next what will happen to any of us...we all need backup care for our dogs...here in South Florida we have lots of elderly people..nothing sadder then seeing a 12 or 14 yr old in the pound, Humane Soc, rescue because the owner is terminal or passed away...best wishes

This is such good advice. I am ashamed to say that I have not done this officially. It is easy to think that my boys would take care of my pets. They love them too. But they are grown, 2 with families of their own. Maybe they would not want to??? I need to take care of this ASAP, get it put down on paper, and add it in with my will, living will, and other papers .... just in case. We sure did not plan on losing my husband so soon, you just never know when. Thanks!

[YoRkIeMoMmY92]

I jest wanted to apologizes for over reacting I was jest having a bad day and I do understand what everyone is saying but I have know other choice but to take her saturday or not take her at all and they are going to be separated any ways so I am going to get her because I cant stand the thought of someone else having my baby girl but I have every thing I need my grandmother who I live with is on her way home with a pack & play and I have blankets stuffed animals and toys and I have a great vet if we have any emergency but hopefully everything go well.

[MaddiesMommie]

Originally Posted by YoRkIeMoMmY92

I jest wanted to apologizes for over reacting I was jest having a bad day and I do understand what everyone is saying but I have know other choice but to take her saturday or not take her at all and they are going to be separated any ways so I am going to get her because I cant stand the thought of someone else having my baby girl but I have every thing I need my grandmother who I live with is on her way home with a pack & play and I have blankets stuffed animals and toys and I have a great vet if we have any emergency but hopefully everything go well.

I am glad to see you have a great vet. I hope they are available anytime.
As for the other things mentioned, imo, they are not really important at this stage of life for your puppy. Good luck to you.

[nana911]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Yorkiemommy92 -- You are having to hear what this vet says second hand. Hard to believe he would say that, but maybe he did. Vets do sometimes give lousy advice and this is. I am guessing you meant the vet gave her Science Diet puppy food. I would not go with that! Get a quality puppy food and use the goat's milk formula Mary (Mardelin) suggested.

If you are able to devote the time needed for the puppy, maybe you could volunteer to be a foster mom to more than one for a few weeks until they ARE old enough to sell. If you could take half, and another person could take half (or if you could take them all!) they would have so much better of a start. They learn by socializing with each other. It makes for much more confident and emotionally-secure pets. Trust me on this one!

What's done is done. If the mother can no longer mother the pups, it is what it is. If the breeder can no longer take care of the pups due to family tragedy, it is what it is. FiDebra and Mardelin gave you excellent advice. If you can take care of one, can you possibly take them all until they are ready to go. It would be demanding for sure, but not only would you possibly save the lives of the other pups but you would be giving your own furbaby so many advantages that she will not have if she is raised alone during this critical time of her development. This would be the best thing you could do for her.

I feel so bad for you, the breeder and this whole situation. This is of course not the way it is supposed to turn out. Of course, never should pups be taken from the mother this early, separated from their littermates this early, weaned this early, on and on. It is a tragedy. Taking all the babies in is the closest thing to fixing it as you're going to get and Mardelin will help you along the way. The best mentor ever.

[Rhetts_mama]

Let me give you the perspective of someone who get a pup too early (the rescue told us she was 8 weeks, my very trusted vet said she was closer to 6)...The first couple of weeks were H*LL! Scarlett was tiny (1 pound, 2 oz). She had only 1 full tooth plus one more breaking through). She wasn't able to eat (despite the assurances from the rescue that she was eating dry food well). I spent the first two weeks she was with us doing round the clock syringe feedings until she was strong enough to eat on her own. We had hypoglycemic situations that required immediate intervention. She had difficulties eliminating on her own.

I've spent my entire adult working life working with preemie babies. Scarlett scared me more than any other situation I had been in. Her care was litterally 24/7. She was never out of my sight. It was Mardelin and the rest of the fantastic people here who got us through those first couple of weeks.

Despite having another pup just a few months older than Scarlett, being taken too early from her littermates and mother made her socialization harder. She has been much more difficult to work with on biting issues (that is just ONE of the KEY areas her littermates help her with). She's still afraid to be left alone, though she is getting better. I spent a full 3 months sleeping on the floor next to her crate because she would get hysterical if I wasn't in her sight. Potty training has been more difficult,too (that's another thing they learn from the mom and littermates).

What I am trying to say is, yes, it can done taking a pup so early. But it's absolutely NOT in her best interest health or socialization wise to do so.

If you take her now, keep in mind that this is a living, breathing creature who will be totally dependent on you for ALL of her needs. Be prepared to put your life on complete hold for the next few weeks. Her needs MUST come first. No walks around the block, no trips to petsmart, and even taking her to the vets will put her health at risk because her immune system is not fully developed. It's going to take more than stuffed animals and a blanket to get her through this.


Heaven help all the pups in the litter, because they are all going to be in for a very rough time. Poorly socialized dogs are more likely to end up abandoned or euthanized through no fault of their own.