Southeast TX girl looking for 1st Yorkie!
 

Hello! I'm 19 years old, live in an apartment with my boyfriend in the College Station area, and I'm looking to buy a yorkie. I've been doing my research and finally decided it's worth the money.

I was going to buy from The Puppy Store, in Oakdale Mall in College Station TX and upon reading reviews, am HORRIFIED at the numerous stories of deaths and diseases in the puppies from this store. I'm now convinced these puppies are from mills despite the owner's claims.

I'd LOVE a yorkie, and I still am considering buying from the pet store because I want one so badly, but I don't want to support a puppy mill and have my heart broken.

If you're a breeder in my area, please leave a comment. I have no gender preference but ask that only SERIOUS, REPUTABLE breeders reply.

Honest to god, I think you need to slow down and really think this through. I am ten years older than you, own my own business and condo and I still get overwhelmed with the responsibility of taking care of a yorkie.

Do you have the money (thousands) either in savings or on an empty credit card to spend at a moment's notice when (not if) your dog gets sick? Are you ready to spend money on:
vet visits
shots
getting it fixed
flea treatment (monthly)
heart worm pills (monthly)
grooming( every month or two)
extra pet deposit for your landlord
crate
jacket
puppy pads
food
treats
toys
bowls
a sitter
training classes
and the list goes on and on?

What happens if you break up with your BF and need to move? What happens if neighbors complaine about the dog barking? What happens if you have work study, classes, a job and an internship all in the same semester? How long are you away from home at a stretch? Are you going to study abroad or do any other travel? Like hanging out with friends after class? Who is going to rush home to let the puppy out? Do you go home for the summer? Do your parents want you bringing the dog home with you?

A dog won't care if you are busy, sleepy, in a hurry, too hot, too cold, need to work a double shift, have a paper due in a few hours, want to get away for the weekend, this dog will have NEEDS that must be met. When I was in school I barely had time to take care of myself during school and the few years after.

Yorkies do very badly when left alone for a long time. Your situation today will not be your situation next year, trust me. Whats the rush? Be young, have fun, don't saddle yourself with the burden of a very labor intensive dog. Yorkies are very cute and fun, but they are an incredible amount of work.

There is nothing worse than buying this animal, making it fall in love with you then throwing it away when it gets to be too much work. Its very cruel and wrong. Talk to the rescue people here, listen to their stories of saving throw away dog after dog. You have the rest of your life to get a dog, why now when there is so much going on?

I am in complete agreement with yorkiedallas. Please slow down and think this through carefully. My daughters always wanted a pup since they were 2 but I refused to give in to their demands. I waited until they were 16 and they love our Romeo to death but guess what???? I take care of Romeo not my daughters and yes, I have to plan my entire life around him. Because I refuse to leave my little guy alone or even with family, I have not taken a vacation in almost 3 years. A Yorkie (or any dog) is at least a 15 year commitment so do take time to think through this seriously before you proceed.

I'm pretty upset that this is the reaction I got...I have done years of research and chose now to look for a puppy because I am finally ready for one now. Our schedules were designed so that when I get my dog, there will always be someone here for him or her. Of course I have talked to our landlord about noise violations and pet fees. It's upsetting to be judged for trying to be a responsible owner while still a teenager. I'm sorry, would it help if I told you I'm 20 in a few weeks? :confused: Thankfully I have contacted Kirista of SE Texas Yorkies and she said my application was perfect. I hope to find my friend soon and be the best yorkie mommy I can be. Thanks anyways.

Carmeow,

Its not about you personally, and its not your age, if you were 25, 35 or 45, you are at an extremely hectic time in your life where I am guessing your enthusiasm outweighs your earning complicity and spare time.

These dogs are very time consuming, hard to train, needy and difficult. What happens when the boyfriend is an ex-boyfriend? How will you do potty training, are you prepared to walk your dog in the TX heat? I hope you have hardwood or tile, these dogs are messy.

Of course a breeder will say your perfect, they WANT YOUR MONEY (dolla, dolla bills, y'all).

Best of luck.

Couldn't help but laugh at your last comment. That's hilarious!!!

OP, good luck. This is a busy time in your life, and it can also be wonderful. I look back on my college days fondly.(been out of school only a few years) I honestly think I would have loved a dog then, but was content with pampering my roommate's pooch. :)

The only advice I can give is SCREEN YOUR BREEDER CAREFULLY. Good luck.

Very exciting! I wish you the best of luck! Please, please, please don't buy from a pet store...take the time to find a reputable breeder. You won't regret it!

I suggest you talk to Bill Hinds. You will find his information along with other valuable information on the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America web site.

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America About The Club

I'm sorry you received such negative feedback. I truly believe that the intent was good- it just didn't come across that way. If we all waited for EVERYTHING to be PERFECT- heck I bet 99% of us wouldn't have our babies. That doesn't make us love them and care about them any less. It sounds like you have given it a lot of thought and that is the most important thing- because there are some people that get pets (not just Yorkies) and get rid of them when they decide it is too much of an inconvenience. If you are honestly willing to make a committment to loving and taking care of this baby FOR LIFE then disregard the negativity and go for it!! I wish you the best!!

I got Franklin (as a puppy) when I was 19 and then Maggie (as a 3 year old rescue) 6 months later. Four years later we are all still together and very happy. Don't let the negative commenters discourage you. Do older people have more life experience? Yes. Does that mean they know you and your lifestyle? No. Just because you are young does not mean you can't be a responsible dog owner. There are many younger dog owners on this forum that do wonderful jobs.

Now.. I WILL say, not everyone realizes how much work a puppy can be. I've had countless sleepless nights. I spent over $2000 on vet bills the first year of Franklin's life. I've cleaned up more poop/pee/vomit in the past four years than I thought was imaginable. I had to go to the dog park or take Franklin on a walk every single day for the first 8 months of his life so I could have an hour or two of relaxation. I had to replace 3 laptop cords and pay to fix my friend's leather couch. I've never gotten a security deposit back.

Are my dogs well adjusted, well trained, relaxed dogs now that I can leave unattended at home every day? Yes...NOW. But I won't lie and say it was easy getting there.

My comment was in no way intended to be negative towards OP and I'm sorry if you are offended. I was sharing my experiences and hoping that it will help the OP with her final decisions. No matter how young or old you are there are compromises and financial commitments with any sort of baby -- human, dog, cat, ...and it's important to have pros and cons before you make a decision.

Wow! That was fast...you applied yesterday and you are already deemed perfect?

:thumbup: It is VERY important to thoroughly think through this before making the plunge. Way too many animals end up tragically in shelters, the pound, and rescues because the owners were not totally committed. I know very occasionally circumstances leave you little choice, but way too many times I think it is because an animal becomes an inconvenience. It breaks my heart and is not fair to these animals. That is the whole point of a lot of these comments- to make sure you weigh everything out. I have had many sleepless nights, cleaning up messes, arranging for pet care when I am not home, spending a small fortune in very bills (very recently!) If you read all of this and still feel strongly about getting a fur-baby, then I say GO FOR IT!! You have all the information necessary to make an informed decision. Good luck!

I saw nothing negative in the comments made to the OP.

OP: I don't think anyone is looking at age as the only determining factor here although history does show that young people often are not ready for the challenges of pet ownership. Not sure why you took it so personal. People were merely bringing some important facts to your attention.

Yorkie ownership is demanding and expensive.

I hope that your research included all of the questions the other posters asked.

Good luck to you and to your new puppy when you do find him/her.

While I agree that things need to be thought out and that no Yorkies don't do well alone for extended periods of time, yes things do come up where an emergency trip to a vet is needed. These are all great points!
I don't however agree with the way Dallas made her answer to the OP come across. I don't see any reason for trying to belittle someone when they come to get answers. There are far more polite ways to get your point across without sounding like your going to rip someones head off. This is just one of the reasons I seldom make any posts here anymore, Oh sure I come and read what everyone has to say but don't post.
Rather than jump on the OP like you did maybe you could have put your answer as some questions to ask her if she was prepared for things like this that or the other thing and then went on to explain in a kinder manner why your asking these questions.
There are alot of people on this sight that are quick to get all strong arm and judge people instead of asking questions themselves to find out or explain things.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I am just so lost once again. Who belittled someone? People try to educate about the responsibilities of pet ownership...and the extreme expenses most yorkie owners run into and they are jumped on.
So sad.
OP I hope you are really prepared as I said previously and I wish you...and your pup...the best.

I have learned that there is always someone who gets their panties in a wad over something someone else said, no matter how it's worded, put across, or the intentions. Some people just have an incessant need to complain and find fault in others....

I prefer, instead of whining and crying about the crappy hand life has dealt me, to put on my big girl panties and face it head on. I'm not perfect and I know that before I judge others, I should look in the mirror and fix myself. It's a long process, and I probably won't be done in time to fix anyone else!!

Haha....well said. :)

What a great post, Michelle. :thumbup:

Michele great post. I used to have a Tshirt that said " Be patient, God isn't finished with me yet".

Welcome to YT...I was your age and also a college student at Texas A&M (living in College Station) when I got my first yorkie, Lacy. If there is anything I can do to help you find a reputable breeder in Texas or you just want to chat about anything Yorkie, let me know :) It's great that you are asking questions...owning a yorkie is a lot of responsibility but they also bring a lot of love and fun to your life. I don't think I completely knew what I was getting myself into when I brought Lacy home...we had a lot of learning to do together, but she became a huge part of my world. Now I'm 26 and currently have three Yorkies and have been showing for almost a year now...I absolutely love the breed and am so glad I did get Lacy 7 years ago, not only because she's my pet and I love her but also because I have met so many friends through owning Yorkies and have learned so much about the breed and dogs in general since I got her. My advice is to definitely take your time and find a reputable breeder and make sure you are as prepared as possible for when you do bring your puppy home.

Just read this post again...:) alot has changed since january LOL! I just want people to know not all teenagers are irresponsible, and that it is possible to be young and be a good pet parent. I am 20 years old, have had Luma for 5 months, and she has taught me so much about myself. I really feel proud of who she has shaped me to be. We have had our downs (potty training, vet bills, etc), overcome them, and every day since she came into my life is an amazing one. I honestly can't imagine life without her now! It'd be so much less fun, fulfilling, and full of love.

Anyways I bumped this so people here can see a happy ending coming from a young, inexperienced teenage girl looking for her first yorkie. (Although I dont think owning a yorkie at this age is right for EVERY young adult.)

Luma is so very lucky that she has you for her mommy.

Luma is one lucky girl! I was 21 when I got Couver and I couldn't have made a better decision :D

My dear Carmen , ( I'm Lumas Breeder ) from the first time I talked to you it was very clear to me that you would be an awesome Yorkie Mom :) it was a very strong feeling I had. I'm now 50 years old and I have seen owners of many ages and I must say you are one of the most loving, caring and responsible Furnbaby owners that I have ever met. I agree not every young adult is responsible but then again not every older person is :rolleyes: I'm glad I took the time and chance to get to know you and Toni first and did not judge you by your age. I can say is , Luma and you are perfect for each other ... I love you both :D

I need to say something here........

No one judges people in terms of placing pups. I wish everyone who is posting on here would walk in a rescuers shoes for at least a year.....and see how many pups are turned over to rescue once skin kids enter the picture. The numbers are unbelievable and I will venture to say it is probably the number one reason that yorkies end up surrendered to us.

I am not saying that any one particular person is irresponsible. I am merely stating the facts as I know them.

I understand where you are coming from and if someone is looking for an adult or older Yorkie ( I keep all of mine till the end ) I send and have send them all to you YHR.

great post!
 

gosh I am so happy that you stuck with YT even though I feel some posts on this thread were so styreotyped. I'm glad there is such a great outcome.

Not all 19 year olds can be yorkie mommies, but not all 30year olds, 40 year olds etc can be yorkie parents either. Gosh I know my mom couldn't do what I do, and always tells me " I dont know how you do this". But I believe each case should be considered on individual merit. I'm 25, got Ziggy last year and it was the best decision of my life! I cant wait to move out next year and get my second. :):aimeeyork