NEED support/advice for my teacup yorkie puppy

[candigirl]

Originally Posted by chachi

I worried this may happen when I read your post. Having a puppy that tiny is very enticingt because they are cute but you are taking a huge chance as you found out. I am sorry for your loss but also feel you share in some of the responsibility for buying that small of a puppy without being experienced in the care of them. I am not trying to give you a hard way just want you to think before buying a pup that tiny again

I agree I had the same feeling. To the OP I'm sorry for your loss. I too was looking for the smallest "teacup" pup at the beginning of my search until people informed me of the big health risks and dangers associated with it.

[PaLaRi398]

In my original message I didn't realize you had lost your baby - I'm so sorry for your loss - my thoughts are with you. Take care!

[babbsiam44]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I agree with you, this isn't about blame, it's about educating ourselves. If the OP hasn't learned anything from the experience, she's doomed to repeat it again. Hopefully, she'll read up in the care of tinies, and not just rely on this forum to teach her all there is to know about their special care, and I also hope she will understand that there is much to be learned about choosing a breeder, you have to know more than the bad breeders know, otherwise they will fool you every time.

I agree with you pre "red" lettering and after. But...
First off...a responsible breeder would not/should Not sell a "tiny".
As far as this forum goes who else was she supposed to go to?...the seller? Too bad you were not around to direct her in the care of "tinies" or where to go to find the info.

She had a lack of judgement, I think she learned by now.
If you know of somewhere else to go for educating yourself about "Tinies" then please let us know, not that I will ever need it.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by babbsiam44

I agree with you pre "red" lettering and after. But...
First off...a responsible breeder would not/should Not sell a "tiny".
As far as this forum goes who else was she supposed to go to?...the seller? Too bad you were not around to direct her in the care of "tinies" or where to go to find the info.

She had a lack of judgement, I think she learned by now.
If you know of somewhere else to go for educating yourself about "Tinies" then please let us know, not that I will ever need it.

She had a lack of judgedment twice. This is the 2nd one she lost she should have researched more before buying a second tiny. I feel for her loss but I am hoping she has learned to look for a reputable breeder not someone who specializes in breeding for tinies and doesnt try to buy a dog this small again

[chachi]

Originally Posted by babbsiam44

I agree with you pre "red" lettering and after. But...
First off...a responsible breeder would not/should Not sell a "tiny".
As far as this forum goes who else was she supposed to go to?...the seller? Too bad you were not around to direct her in the care of "tinies" or where to go to find the info.

She had a lack of judgement, I think she learned by now.
If you know of somewhere else to go for educating yourself about "Tinies" then please let us know, not that I will ever need it.

She had a lack of judgedment twice. This is the 2nd one she lost she should have researched more before taking on a second tiny. I feel for her loss but I am hoping she has learned to look for a reputable breeder not someone who specializes in breeding for tinies and doesnt try to buy a dog this small again

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by babbsiam44

I agree with you pre "red" lettering and after. But...
First off...a responsible breeder would not/should Not sell a "tiny".
As far as this forum goes who else was she supposed to go to?...the seller? Too bad you were not around to direct her in the care of "tinies" or where to go to find the info.
She had a lack of judgement, I think she learned by now.
If you know of somewhere else to go for educating yourself about "Tinies" then please let us know, not that I will ever need it.

I did give her a link that offered her the symptoms of hypoglycemia. I was hoping that she would read it and memorize the symptoms of low blood sugar. When she wrote:

Originally Posted by WickedWitch

I was also worried about her getting hurt or stepped on by myself or my husband so she is restricted to the kitchen area with a baby gate and is kept in to play only for 30 minutes at a time I know that can over-exhaust themselves easily). I'm also a Nanny and only work twice a week so that means I'm home quite often with her. However, I am also lucky enough to have the family I care for to allow me to bring her with me=)

I cringed, 30 minutes seems like an excessive amount of time for a puppy, let alone a tiny, but then again, I don't know, I haven't done the research on the care and feeding of an 11 ounce puppy. You seem to think she has she learned from this experience, but if the only thing she's learned is not to buy from this particular breeder, I'm saying she hasn't learned enough. Again, this isn't about beating anyone up.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I did give her a link that offered her the symptoms of hypoglycemia. I was hoping that she would read it and memorize the symptoms of low blood sugar. When she wrote:


I cringed, 30 minutes seems like an excessive amount of time for a puppy, let alone a tiny, but then again, I don't know, I haven't done the research on the care and feeding of an 11 ounce puppy. You seem to think she has she learned from this experience, but if the only thing she's learned is not to buy from this particular breeder, I'm saying she hasn't learned enough. Again, this isn't about beating anyone up.

When you give info out on here your not just giving it to the OP but anyone else reading it also so I hope all can learn this wasnt the wise buying decision

[Rhetts_mama]

Originally Posted by babbsiam44

I agree with you pre "red" lettering and after. But...
First off...a responsible breeder would not/should Not sell a "tiny".
As far as this forum goes who else was she supposed to go to?...the seller? Too bad you were not around to direct her in the care of "tinies" or where to go to find the info.

She had a lack of judgement, I think she learned by now.
If you know of somewhere else to go for educating yourself about "Tinies" then please let us know, not that I will ever need it.

One could always start with the YTCA website and it's warning about 'teacups':

An Important Message About “Teacup” Yorkies
By Gale Thompson
If you are interested in purchasing a tiny Yorkie, sometimes called a Teacup,
Micro Mini, Teeny, or any other name that means “extra small”, there are
several things you should consider. The YTCA’s Code of Ethics precludes the
use of the words “teacup”, “tiny specialists”, doll faced, or similar terminology
by its members, and for good reason.


All breeders may occasionally have an unusually small Yorkie (hopefully healthy),
though no responsible breeder breeds for this trait. Many breeders prefer a
general weight range of 4-7 pounds believing that size retains desired Toy
qualities while maintaining optimum health. The Yorkie Standard states weight
"must not exceed seven pounds" and as a prospective pet owner you should
realize that even at 7 pounds, the Yorkie is still a small dog. (Females weighing
less than 5 pounds are considered by most breeders to be unsuitable for breeding.)
Special circumstances often come with extra tiny dogs. They are extremely
susceptible to both hereditary and non-hereditary health problems, including
birth defects that may go undetected for a long time. Other common
problems may include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, vomiting, along with
extra and expensive tests prior to routine teeth cleanings and surgeries.
Small ones are more likely to have poor reactions to anesthesia and die from
it. Tiny dogs are more easily injured by falls, being stepped on and being
attacked by other dogs. These health problems nearly always result in
large veterinary bills.


Please take this into consideration and make purchasing a healthy pet your top
priority, not size. The “novelty” is certainly not worth the pain, heartbreak, or
extra expense. Remember, all Yorkies are comparatively small. The most
important thing is finding a healthy puppy that will grow into a healthy adult,
especially since you looking at an 11 to 15 year commitment with your Yorkie.
There is much information on our web site. Please take the time to study it
before buying a puppy. We wish you the best of luck.

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (Awards)

[Rhetts_mama]

The YTCA also says this about the age of puppies:

If you are seeking a family pet a reputable Yorkshire Terrier Breeder will not release a puppy to a new home before it is twelve (12) weeks old.

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (Awards)

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by WickedWitch

Mardelin,
It is quite obvious that I couldn't have prevented this. I'm sorry, but almost offended of your comment. Also, you should know of the grief and sadness I'm going through at this moment in time -it should be painfully obvious that this wasn't my fault. These puppies are being let go too early!!! Everyone I've spoken with has been shocked that she didn't keep these babies until at least 4 months of age.

Read my post again, I did not put you at fault. "Thou Protest Too Loudly"


But, yes you could have prevented this from happening by being an informed buyer, insisted that the breeder keep the pup until a later date; when the pup was older and weighed more. Also, insisted that the breeder provide you with all the information needed to care for a wee one.

I do have sympathy and am devasted that this pup died. However, this one isn't the only pup that died, there a was previous one that you took home too young. So, you should have educated yourself by the time you took the second one home.

There is a saying "Fool Me Once, Shame On You. Fool Me Twice Shame On Me"

[babbsiam44]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I did give her a link that offered her the symptoms of hypoglycemia. I was hoping that she would read it and memorize the symptoms of low blood sugar. When she wrote:


I cringed, 30 minutes seems like an excessive amount of time for a puppy, let alone a tiny, but then again, I don't know, I haven't done the research on the care and feeding of an 11 ounce puppy. You seem to think she has she learned from this experience, but if the only thing she's learned is not to buy from this particular breeder, I'm saying she hasn't learned enough. Again, this isn't about beating anyone up.

I agree, 30 minutes is a little excessive for a tiny. I hope I didn't come off the wrong way, I did not mean to. When you say, "You seem to think she has she learned from this experience," I hope she has.

[WickedWitch]

I'm extremely grateful for those of you who are having only positive responses. However, I'm appauled at those of you who think I had anything to do with her coming home with me that early.

For one: This was a REPLACEMENT puppy. I took a "replacement" because she obviously wasn't going to give me a refund (I asked her to). I did NOT buy another.

For two: I told her that I would rather her keep baby until she was older when she rushed me to pick her up! What else was I supposed to do when the breeder tells me she's in danger of becoming sad from being "left behind"?

For three: She rushed me into picking her up after I told her I would much rather she keep her until older. She knew this was a dangerous weight and age to give her to me.

My fault is that I ever came in contact with this breeder, although she had glowing references and testimonials (which I researched).

Her fault: Back-yard breeding her yorkies so small and then selling them way to early.

I DO accept some of the blame, but she knowingly did this not only once but twice. So I think some of you should know the facts before you point fingers which some of you are clearly doing.

[WickedWitch]

One more quick thing, thank you babbsiam....I appreciate your comment and understanding

[babbsiam44]

You're welcome. This whole thing is just terrible and I am sorry that all of this happened. I feel so sorry for your London.

[Rhetts_mama]

Because this thread is here to inform others of what to watch out for when buying a pup, I'm putting out the following.

Ultimately, it comes down to the owner of the pet knowing what is right and what is wrong and insisting the right thing be done. If a breeder won't keep the dog until it's physically stable, then it's up to the prospective owner to walk away, even if that means losing some money.

It's also up to the prospective owner to be aware of the laws that apply to the sale/transport of dogs in your area. If you are lucky enough to live in a state that has them, you need to know them backwards and forwards:http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/lemon_intro.html A dog sold in Florida would fall under those laws. In this case, it absolutely is the right of the buyer to get a refund if they so choose. The buyer can sign away that right, but why would you purchase from a breeder who wanted you to?

Again, knowledge is power. It's incumbent on all prospective pet owners to do their research first, and not be suckered in by a slick sales presentation and a cute little face.