I might have lit the fuse on this one, but my concern like many others was that 5 weeks seems to be too young to be weaned from mom. If there was a violation then it would be to your advantage to have mom and the entire litter legally in rescue until proper age. That's a messy thing to try to do.

The other suggestion was a surrogate mom to help wean her out. Sometimes this works, sometimes not.

If you have the time and patience then by all means get your pup out of there if there's no other choice and there are all kinds of stories on this forum about too-young little ones trying to make it with our help. I'm sure no one here means you any ill will. Many here want to help you and to do the right thing so it doesn't happen again.

Let's proceed from that point....

Thank you very much for your support! Yes it was a venting session but you are right, it needed to be said!

I have gotten a lot of help from people that sent me private messages. I really think that will all of the information that I am armed with and with the support from the vet and some members of YT, my little girl is going to be just fine! I know it may be diffucult at times or maybe even all the time for the first several months but in the end I know in my heart of hearts she is going to be strong and pull through this though period of time in her life!

FYI...This will not be the first animal that I have had to care for 24/7...I had to bottle feed my cat every 1 1/2 - 2 hours from the time he was 3 weeks to 6 weeks and then hand fed him every 3 hours once he was completly off of the bottle...this was a very long and difficult process but he is now a very fat (22 lbs!), lazy, and loving little boy who loves me to death!

**A whelping pad is a pet safe heating pad. The temp stays at an even 102 so not to burn the pups or Mom.**

I do understand that 5 weeks is too young to leave the Mom and pups but I also know that according to the breeder Ellie will be the last one of the litter to be picked up (tomorrow night). The breeder also told me that Mom is no longer allowing the pups to nurse and that she has "dried up".

As for contacting a rescue, I have already started researching that. I have found 3 Yorkie Rescue groups here in Virginia and have contacted them all...waiting to hear back. I have also contacted AKC and my local SPCA who has given me the contact information for SPCA and AC in the county where the breeder lives.

I do have the time and more than enough patients to care for Ellie. I am at home 24/7, my children are all in school from 8:30 - 4:00 everyday, and the vet is less than 2 miles away and he is on call 24/7 for emergencies! I do have knowledge of caring for tiny babies from kittens covered in fleas with white mouths to helping my rabbit deliver her kits when they were breech. Ellie will have me all to herself and I don't think that too many people out there could be more prepared to deal with whatever may happen. All I was asking for was advice on what to expect from a 5 week old puppy.

**A whelping pad is a pet safe heating pad. The temp stays at an even 102 so not to burn the pups or Mom.**[/quote]

Ohhhhhhh thanks for the info... where were you able to find it?

I have not ever taken home such a young puppy so I am not good for much advise, It sounds like you are prepared for hypoglycemia and that would be my first concern, I would also recommend once she gets her shots out of the way putting her in a puppy play group to make up for the socialization that she will miss out on. But mostly I just wanted to let you know that I am sending warm thoughts your way, hoping that the next 6+ weeks go by smoothly. I hope you post lots pics so that we can watch her grow too:)

Ohhhhhhh thanks for the info... where were you able to find it?[/quote]

You can order one online but I found a friend who works for a shelter in TN and she is going to lend me one.

Ohhhhhhh thanks for the info... where were you able to find it?[/QUOTE]

JB Pets sells a whelping pad:

Lectro Kennel

You have to buy the heat control recommended for puppies separately:

Rheostat Control Lectro Kennel

Check out my profile...I have already posted a few pictures of her on there... In the latest pictures she is 3 weeks old.

As for puppy classes, my vet offers all sorts of classes for dogs of all ages and even has a doggie daycare and "spa". I have already looked into these. My sister also has 2 dogs...a yorkie and a minature dachshund that we can gradually introduce her to. I also have a lab (though she is too large to introduce Ellie to for sometime to come!).

JB Pets sells a whelping pad:

Lectro Kennel

You have to buy the heat control recommended for puppies separately:

Rheostat Control Lectro Kennel[/quote]

This one is heat controlled. She is a vet tech and volunteers at a local shelter...I am pretty sure she knows what she is sending me.

You may never need the heating pad...Ellie is fast approaching the age where the pad is no longer necessary...if she hasn't already.

Ellie's Mom - I see you just joined this month. I bet you have learned a lot! When I joined, I had 2 boys, 12 & 7. Both came from BYB....it was not what I would have done, had I known but they're mine & I love them. It looks like you have done a LOT to educate yourself on how to take care of your little one....even under her unfortunate circumstances & I for one appreciate that. We're here for you...& psst next pup...get from a good breeder!;)

If I get another! hahaha

Thanks bchgirl! You have been very helpful! I would like to have it here just to be on the safe side...I think she will be fine but from what I have read, their temps will start to drop when their sugar is low...so better to be safe than sorry! I hope I never have to use it!!

I thought they only needed a heating pad up to 3 weeks of age?:confused:

I just want to wish you good luck with your little girl.
Can't wait to see pictures.
It sounds like she will be in good hands.

Good luck,


Yes, I agree that there was a thread a couple of months ago
with the same story. That's the first thing I thought of when
I saw this one. Wonder how that pup made out?

Welcome also,