5 Week Old Puppy Being Sent To New Home

[Mommy2Ellie]

luvfla...Thank you for the vote of confidence! I needed to hear that!

I know that there are many on here that don't believe I am doing the right thing and that I am just lining the pockets of a "BYB" but I look at it this way at least with me, she has a fighting chance. It's better for Ellie to go into a new home where her new family will know the whole story rather than some line of bull the breeder fed them for a quick sale.

This breeder will be reported, but I am going to do everything I can to save my baby first! Things may not go well for her, but if you had a baby in NICU would you just give up and walk away, or would you do everything in your power to ensure that they got the best care and felt love even if just for a short while?

[Cares4Dogs]

Originally Posted by kidmuzicdotcom

how about asking her if you can bring the momma and the babies to your house so you can watch them while she is gone .then the baby will have her momma to take care of them....if she is willing to leave them maybe she'll do that much ...just have her sign something that says you are not responsible if any of the babies don't make it.....I know you love ellie already..just a thought..

excellent idea

[ReesiesDad]

There's other ways to handle this. If you have a Yorkie rescue, or any other rescue nearby, plan the takeover with them. Make sure they have all the legal documents ready so it can be done in one visit so there's no chance of the 'breeder' making the litter disappear overnight. Be invisible when it goes down to prevent a backlash on you. If the laws are being broken then this will happen by the same 'breeder' again and again. This sounds like a take the money and run 'breeder'. You can help prevent it.

Another way is to find a surrogate to help with the weaning.

I worry that any pups not taken by deadline will go to a dumpster, so the rescue plan might be the better idea.

[phfgkl]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Virginia law requires that a dealer provide written proof from a vet that the puppy was given age appropriate vaccinations before selling the puppy. A five week old puppy is too young to be vaccinated by anyone's standards, so the breeder would not be able to furnish the proof.

Read the thread about poor little Macy who is struggling to survive parvo. She had her full round of three shots, but they were given too early so she wasn't protected.

In one study of a cross section of different puppies the age at which they were able to respond to a vaccine and develop protection covered a wide period of time. At six weeks of age, 25% of the puppies could be immunized. At 9 weeks of age, 40% of the puppies were able to respond to the vaccine. The number increased to 60% by 16 weeks, and by 18 weeks of age, 95% of the puppies could be immunized.

Parvovirus: Serious Diarrhea in Puppies & Dogs

You would think this breeder would already know this law if she's been selling for awhile, which if she has more dogs outside, she should know

[phfgkl]

Originally Posted by Mommy2Ellie

~ELLIE UPDATE~
I have spoken with the vet this morning and I have an appointment scheduled for 9:30 Friday morning...I will be picking her up Thursday evening.

After speaking to the vet, I am feeling a little more at ease. He said that though this isn't very common and not the ideal situation, since she is weaned and eating on her own he thinks that she will be just fine. He also said that this was going to be very stressful for her but for me to keep a very close eye on her and that it sounded like I had done everything I could to prepare...Heating pad, NutriCal, Benebac gel, IV fluids, digital thermometer, etc. The only thing for me to do at this point is to purchase a digital scale so that I can keep an eye on her weight.

Thanks for all of the advice and I will keep you all posted!

So, according to all the laws in VA that ladysmom pointed out, your vet is breaking the law too? Oh great! Why even make laws?

[Mommy2Ellie]

I'm not sure if there are any rescues in the area but I WILL be looking into that!

I have to assume that the best action to take would be to contact a recue, the SPCA, and local animal control.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by Mommy2Ellie

I'm not sure if there are any rescues in the area but I WILL be looking into that!

I have to assume that the best action to take would be to contact a recue, the SPCA, and local animal control.

Local animal control would be the first place to contact as they have police powers.

Just remember, your contract with this breeder is void because it is illegal, so it is unenforcable. If this puppy is very sick, you will be on your own for vet bills, refunds, etc.

Is this breeder claiming that the puppy can be registered? That is also illegal if the puppy is not eligible. Remember, though, by knowingly entering into an illegal contract, you are forfeiting all your legal rights.

§ 3.2-6516. Failure of pet dealer to effect registration after promise; violation of Consumer Protection Act; remedies; veterinary certification; finding of intestinal parasites; illness subsequent to sale

A. It shall be a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1- 196 et seq.) for a pet dealer to state, promise, or represent that a dog or cat is registered or capable of being registered with any animal pedigree registry organization if the pet dealer shall then fail to either effect such registration or provide the consumer with the documents necessary therefor within 120 days following the date of sale of such animal. In the event that a pet dealer fails to effect registration or to provide the necessary documents therefor within 120 days following the date of sale, the consumer shall be entitled to choose one of the following options:

1. To return the animal and to receive a refund of the purchase price plus sales tax; or

2. To retain the animal and to receive a refund of an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the purchase price and sales tax.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by phfgkl

So, according to all the laws in VA that ladysmom pointed out, your vet is breaking the law too? Oh great! Why even make laws?

No, her vet isn't breaking the law. If the breeder gets a vet to sign a certificate that the puppy has had age appropriate vaccines according to the maunfacturer's recommendations, he would be breaking the law as all vaccines state in their prescribing information that the puppy must be at least six weeks old before administering.

I assume the breeder will sell the puppy to the OP without the required written proof of vaccination - again, illegal.

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by phfgkl

So, according to all the laws in VA that ladysmom pointed out, your vet is breaking the law too? Oh great! Why even make laws?

The definition of "dealer" applies to people in the regular course of BUSINESS....unless she's licensed or it can be proved this is a business...I doubt the statue is applicable.

The health certificate isn't even applicable in this case...it's sole purpose to to indicate the age appropriate vaccinations and the puppy isn't old enough. Also veterniary records can be substituted for a certificate.

I am not agreeing with releasing a puppy at 5 weeks...but not certain the statues posted even apply...the health certificate certainly does not.

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

The definition of "dealer" applies to people in the regular course of BUSINESS....unless she's licensed or it can be proved this is a business...I doubt the statue is applicable.

The health certificate isn't even applicable in this case...it's sole purpose to to indicate the age appropriate vaccinations and the puppy isn't old enough. Also veterniary records can be substituted for a certificate.

I am not agreeing with releasing a puppy at 5 weeks...but not certain the statues posted even apply...the health certificate certainly does not.

As of January 2009, Virginia law differentiated between dealers and commercial breeders:

"Commercial dog breeder" means any person who, during any 12-month period, maintains 30 or more adult female dogs for the primary purpose of the sale of their offspring as companion animals.

Of course, you would have to check with an attorney to see how the law applies to this particular breeder as we don't have all the facts. Virginia is a very progressive state as far as pro-consumer pet statutes go, though.

Of course, the fact that this breeder is selling the puppies before they are seven weeks old is the main concern as that is an clear violation of Virginia law.

[chandracz]

I wish you all the luck in the world with your baby. I got my baby from a BYB too (althought I had NO IDEA it was a BYB at the time). Please keep us updated and post pics in the photos section when you get a chance Hugs

[Mommy2Ellie]

Oh my goodness! I'm not contacting an attorney and I'm not looking for this woman to pay for vet bills if anything goes wrong!

I understand that she is breaking the law by selling Ellie to me before 7 weeks of age and that I can't "go after her" for vet bills, etc., but that is not my point here! The whole reason for me coming on YT was to ask for advice on how to care for her and it is sad that most of what I am getting is useless information on what to do with the breeder!

I have said more than once that I will be contacting the authorities and reporting the breeder but I also have every intention of saving Ellie if I can! She will be a member of our family, not used to breed and I couldn't care less if she is registered. She will be spayed as soon as the vet sees fit and will be microchipped ASAP!

Please don’t continue chastise me for saving a puppy and attempting to shut down a BYB just because I am not doing it the way you think it should be done. I am not a total idiot, though my teenage daughters may disagree…I am able to make reasonable decisions and know exactly what I am getting into! I know that she may have health issues, I know that vet bills may be very costly, and I also know that even with my best laid efforts she may not make it; but none the less it is my job as a human being to at least give this little girl a fighting chance which it more than I can say for the breeder that brought her into this world! All I ever asked for from YT was how to care for Ellie when she comes home; instead I am getting legal advice!
It is not my intent to make anyone angry or upset anyone in anyway but this is getting way out of hand! If you want to give me tips on who to contact to report this breeder, great! I you want to give me tips on how to care for Ellie when she comes home; even better! I welcome this information, but please keep your negative opinions of me to yourself.

[ILoVeEMiNnie]

i don't trust purchasing a pup on the internet i was going to do the same thing and heard the same story's as urs and than i researched it on google and found out it was a froud has she told u to pay through western union i hope not and i hope ur getting what u paid for good luck

[Mommy2Ellie]

This isn't an online purchase. I have been to her house, met the Mother and Father, and handled the puppies!

[chandracz]

Originally Posted by Mommy2Ellie

Oh my goodness! I'm not contacting an attorney and I'm not looking for this woman to pay for vet bills if anything goes wrong!

I understand that she is breaking the law by selling Ellie to me before 7 weeks of age and that I can't "go after her" for vet bills, etc., but that is not my point here! The whole reason for me coming on YT was to ask for advice on how to care for her and it is sad that most of what I am getting is useless information on what to do with the breeder!

I have said more than once that I will be contacting the authorities and reporting the breeder but I also have every intention of saving Ellie if I can! She will be a member of our family, not used to breed and I couldn't care less if she is registered. She will be spayed as soon as the vet sees fit and will be microchipped ASAP!

Please don’t continue chastise me for saving a puppy and attempting to shut down a BYB just because I am not doing it the way you think it should be done. I am not a total idiot, though my teenage daughters may disagree…I am able to make reasonable decisions and know exactly what I am getting into! I know that she may have health issues, I know that vet bills may be very costly, and I also know that even with my best laid efforts she may not make it; but none the less it is my job as a human being to at least give this little girl a fighting chance which it more than I can say for the breeder that brought her into this world! All I ever asked for from YT was how to care for Ellie when she comes home; instead I am getting legal advice!
It is not my intent to make anyone angry or upset anyone in anyway but this is getting way out of hand! If you want to give me tips on who to contact to report this breeder, great! I you want to give me tips on how to care for Ellie when she comes home; even better! I welcome this information, but please keep your negative opinions of me to yourself.

Wow, that was a nice venting session and I think it needed to be said. I think there are certain laws that need to be followed by breeders HOWEVER I agree that you came to YT for advise on one issue, but got BOMBARDED on a different issue. I don't know if anyone ever answered you where you could get a whelping heating pad (I'm sorry I don't know what that is so I can't help you). I know you heart is already attached to your little baby and can empathize with you on that (even tho I do not support BYB or puppymills). I wish you nothing but luck and will help you with whatever you need. I have an almost 5 year old baby (in May he'll be 5) whom I love to pieces. I don't know if I will know the answers but I will try. I know there will be others on here that will be very happy to help you as well