Maltese wanted

[Mnewco]

I too, like many want a Maltese. I am willing to pay 500 but not anymore. I have seen some retireds for around this price on here, but I cannot afford for it to be shipped. I dont' mind if it is a retired but I would like one that weighs no more than 5 lbs. I do have two younger children who are 7 and 10 but very good with dogs. We already have a Samoyed. I also have Sphynx and they are good with dogs.

Please don't tell me to go to a rescue or animal shelter because rescues (been there, done that) do not like to place their dogs with children which I find ridiculous especially since they want homes for these dogs. Families with children are not bad people but they act like it is.

As for the animal shelter, the rescues already have them nailed down. They call all of the shelters and tell them to give them the dogs to them to place in homes and so therefore back to square one and that is rescues which I already explained.

I don't want to go to the net to find one but trying to get a Maltese for a reasonable price whether puppy or retired and having children is limiting me. I know you feel they are BYB's and puppy mills but what does a person like me and other families suppose to do if no one wants to place their dogs with children???

I can adopt one in either PA, Raleigh NC (which is a couple hours drive), VA or MD. These states are not too far. With PA, it would have to be while visiting family because I don't get up too often so I guess you could say at the right place at the right time.

Any suggestions?

Thanks and please no bashing! Be kind.

[Mnewco]

I and some friends can start a rescue opperation in the area I live in and therefore get my first choice since I will be the one running it.

[mia's mom]

As you already know it is going to be difficult finding a rescue to place a Malt with a family with small children. I wouldn't give up on the rescue though once you speak to them and let them know the ages of your children and that they have handled dogs before. You are going to run into the same issue with retirees. Have you thought about Havanese? They are a bit more sturdier and look like the Maltese. You also have the Coton De Tulear that look like the Maltese and is sturdier. I am not trying to steer you away from the breed but trying to give you more options.

I find Maltese in shelters here in my home town all them time so it's just the luck of the draw you just need to check on a daily basis.

[Morkie4]

I agree with Maggie, you might want to continue to pursue the rescue thing hoping that one might come available at your local pound or humane society. I found one of my maltese from a rescue that found her in a pound. All my rescues have cost money to get them up to par with shots, spaying and dentals so sometimes, it isn't the cheapest way to go but is a personal decision should you want to adopt from a shelter. But they make good dogs.

I know there are a lot rescue agencies that absolutely rule out children and disqualify you on the spot due to the experience they have had with placing this breed in homes with children in the past. It's just the way it is. I have no children living at home, stay at home full time and have had trouble with some rescues because I did not give the bordatella shot to my other fluffs.............so they do discriminate against other people and their situations.

And some breeders feel the same about placing their dogs with families with children but there are some that go on a case by case for placing their fluffs who have children. Again, it may be a breeder that is not close to your home and you would either have to drive to pick the fluff up or ship it to you. Either way, an additional expense.

I wish you success in finding your fluff but I think you are really going to have a tuff time with your situation and limited funds!!

[Mnewco]

As you already know it is going to be difficult finding a rescue to place a Malt with a family with small children. I wouldn't give up on the rescue though once you speak to them and let them know the ages of your children and that they have handled dogs before. You are going to run into the same issue with retirees. Have you thought about Havanese? They are a bit more sturdier and look like the Maltese. You also have the Coton De Tulear that look like the Maltese and is sturdier. I am not trying to steer you away from the breed but trying to give you more options.

I find Maltese in shelters here in my home town all them time so it's just the luck of the draw you just need to check on a daily basis.

No. I want a Maltese. Period.

Like I said you may not like it or approve, but I am now checking on NextDayPets.com and they have some reasonable prices plus they do not sound in the least bit like puppy mills.

[Mnewco]

I guess I could always lie and tell them I don't have any children except for visitations rights and see how that goes.

[Morkie4]

No. I want a Maltese. Period.

Like I said you may not like it or approve, but I am now checking on NextDayPets.com and they have some reasonable prices plus they do not sound in the least bit like puppy mills.

I don't think it is a matter of her or anyone else on this forum liking or approving of your decision to get a maltese but what was said was said from "experience" of those already owning and trying to adopt a maltese. If your decision is to buy from a puppymill, then that is your decision but there are risks with it as well. We are only trying to help you, not condemn you. I do not now nextdaypets or anything about them. They could be a broker for various puppymills, a puppmill themselves or individuals. I would have to look into it myself and see the site which I plan on doing now.........again, I wish you success with finding your pup.

[Morkie4]

Well, I checked the site and seems to me like multiple breeders of the maltese are selling their pups..........some within your price range. So not sure I would buy from that site but I guess if you are dead set on getting a maltese regardless of the background, there are some on there that fit your price range. Just beware that the fluffy little maltese may come with some medical issues and be prepared to take care of them when they start popping up. Personally I do not support back yard breeding (those that breed and do not test for genetic issues within their breeding pair) or puppymills that mass produce with no concern for the well being of their dogs. I honestly don't know where they get their dogs.

[Mnewco]

I found a couple of sites. One sells akc registry and one sells puppies registered to APRI.

Does this matter when finding a puppy? Are one dog more horrible than the other?

If a puppy weighs 4 lbs at six months, what would she weight full grown?

Thanks for the help?

[Morkie4]

I found a couple of sites. One sells akc registry and one sells puppies registered to APRI.

Does this matter when finding a puppy? Are one dog more horrible than the other?

If a puppy weighs 4 lbs at six months, what would she weight full grown?

Thanks for the help?

I have a female maltese that I rescued but she "is" from a puppymill and I have CKC papers on her so just because they are registered with AKC, CKC does not guarantee the health and quality of the pup. I do not know what APRI is or means when it is registered under that club. As far as the weight goes, it is hard to really determine that without knowing the background of the parents............based on the fact that my yorkie was 4.6 pounds at 6 months and now weighs 8 lbs. But for the most part, if the parents are small, the offspring have a better chance of being small. My puppymill maltese is 10 pounds, my pound rescue is 10 pounds and my last rescue is 7 pounds.

[mia's mom]

No. I want a Maltese. Period.

Like I said you may not like it or approve, but I am now checking on NextDayPets.com and they have some reasonable prices plus they do not sound in the least bit like puppy mills.

I wasn't passing judgement believe me you'll know when I'm passing judgement I'm very straight forward.

I guess I could always lie and tell them I don't have any children except for visitations rights and see how that goes.

Yes you could lie good luck hiding the kids and everything that belongs to them on the home check.

I found a couple of sites. One sells akc registry and one sells puppies registered to APRI.

Does this matter when finding a puppy? Are one dog more horrible than the other?

If a puppy weighs 4 lbs at six months, what would she weight full grown?

Thanks for the help?

I have 2 registered AKC and 1 registered APRI and one not registered at all. I would not get a pup from next day pets just my opinion. None of those especially in your price range that advertise there know their pups background meaning health issues. My first Maltese has bad knees will probably need knee surgery and the vet said will probably suffer arthritis when she is older. She was also given to me at "my" persistence at 9 weeks and suffered hypoglycemia which happens quite often in small breeds that cost me $500+ on day 2 of having her in my home. I would not trade her for the world she is my first Maltese and you can ask anyone here the most spoiled one of the 4 that I have but every time she goes to the vet I hear cha-ching!

[Eklectic]

Hi Mnewco and welcome to MT!

I personally have 5 Maltese: 4 I bought from different breeders and one rescue!

When I decided I wanted a Maltese, it took me more than a year before I found my first one!
I did not want a puppy mill one (I have 2 other dogs that are rescues) as I knew that the price might be right, but the cost afterward and I definitely did not want a little dog that would be sick, would suffer like you would not believe and have it pass away in pain throes!

I would suggest to you that you keep on looking, check the breeders that advertise wherever you wish to look, and just take your time! It is well worthed.

After all, I am sure you do not want to subject your children or yourself to the pain and agony that goes with getting a dog (doesn't matter the breed) that is not healthy!

Good luck in your search!

[Punky]

Just throwing my 2 cents in also. If you find a rescue group and actually sit down and talk to them and explain and even meet your children first hand to see how they treat your other animal's that also help's. I find online is very hard for them to judge a person or even on a application, spend some time with them maybe even do some voluenteer work for them and let them get to know you. All they are doing is trying to place best matches :) Hope you find the one for your family.

[Zanadu'sMom]

So you want a Maltese and a Yorkie?
I saw your post at Yorkietalk and your also looking for a Yorkie?

[Mnewco]

So you want a Maltese and a Yorkie?
I saw your post at Yorkietalk and your also looking for a Yorkie?

It doesn't matter to me. I just want a lapdog and they both are cute. I don't think it matters.

There is a Yorkie that was rescued in my hometown that I am going to check on today.

[Zanadu'sMom]

It doesn't matter to me. I just want a lapdog and they both are cute. I don't think it matters.

No it doesn't matter, I was just curious if you wanted a Yorkie now or both.
That's all :D

[Mnewco]

No it doesn't matter, I was just curious if you wanted a Yorkie now or both.
That's all :D


Doesn't matter now because both of those Yorkies were adopted out. I called them today.

[kasamile]

I notice that some of you are saying that you would not buy a puppy from nexdaypets. Do you realise that some (REPUTABLE) SHOW BREEEDERS advertise there? Would be interested in your re-action to this

[Eklectic]

Cora, you are quite right! A lot of reputable breeders/show breeders do advertise
on Nextdaypet. I just went on and saw some MT members advertising there.

When you are looking for a pet, it doesn't really matter where you look. What matters is that you do your homework on the breeder! Ask a lot of questions!
No question is a stupid question when you are looking for your fluff!
YOU will be spending the next 10-15 years with your new baby!!

So, ask your questions, and if the breeder is not answering in a satisfactory way , please just walk away!

[Eklectic]

Before anybody ask, no I did not find my breeders on NextDayPet. I found them on PuppyFind.com, where they also advertise!

[kasamile]

Also breeders on other forums, who show their dogs, advertise there too

[Zanadu'sMom]

I notice that some of you are saying that you would not buy a puppy from nexdaypets. Do you realise that some (REPUTABLE) SHOW BREEEDERS advertise there? Would be interested in your re-action to this

I don't see where anyone said that, maybe I missed that post? :confused:

[Zanadu'sMom]

I absolutely know that breeders advertise there

[Morkie4]

I don't see where anyone said that, maybe I missed that post? :confused:

I said I would not buy from that site. I did see a few breeders that I recognized so I guess it would take some work, but you would have to really do a thorough look into each pup being offered and by which breeder. One breeder lives in two places or at least represents herself a two different locations, one residence in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. and one residence in Pinebrook, Fl.

So for me, I would rather go by word of mouth as to breeders that others have had a good experience with or have first hand knowledge about than to search a site that has some "unknowns." JMHO

I also did not see very many pups being offered at the price the OP was looking for..........most were higher priced.

[Zanadu'sMom]

I said I would not buy from that site. I did see a few breeders that I recognized so I guess it would take some work, but you would have to really do a thorough look into each pup being offered and by which breeder. One breeder lives in two places or at least represents herself a two different locations, one residence in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. and one residence in Pinebrook, Fl.

So for me, I would rather go by word of mouth as to breeders that others have had a good experience with or have first hand knowledge about than to search a site that has some "unknowns." JMHO

I agree :D

[Morkie4]

I notice that some of you are saying that you would not buy a puppy from nexdaypets. Do you realise that some (REPUTABLE) SHOW BREEEDERS advertise there? Would be interested in your re-action to this

As you probably know, I am not really all that familiar with Show Breeders because I have three rescues but there are several breeders that I have heard from friends about that have wonderful, healthy puppies. What are some of the show breeders that you find reputable on that site????............it might help narrow down the search for the original poster as she looks through that site as well as for any other members of MT that may be looking to add a fluff to their pack.

OH, WELCOME BACK!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)

[kasamile]

The original poster according to her requirements, would not be able to afford their prices.

[Zanadu'sMom]

The original poster according to her requirements, would not be able to afford their prices.

Then she shouldn't get a Maltese , unless she plans on rescuing/
If you can't spend the money to go to a reputable breeder then IMO you shouldn't get one. Going to BYB, Puppy-millers and brokers will only bring you heartache and end up costing you more in vet bills than a reputable breeder would charge. Again JMO :)

[mia's mom]

I said I wouldn't buy from there. There are too many BYB on there that it gets difficult to weed out the actual good breeders. I do see reputable breeders on there but I still stand by my statement. Everyone has their opinion and that one is mine.:D

[bek74]

Then she shouldn't get a Maltese , unless she plans on rescuing/
If you can't spend the money to go to a reputable breeder then IMO you shouldn't get one. Going to BYB, Puppy-millers and brokers will only bring you heartache and end up costing you more in vet bills than a reputable breeder would charge. Again JMO :)

Ya know babe, I am starting to think differently. I don't support byb or hobby breeders not to mention puppy mills, but I have my doubts on so called reputable breeders also. Just because you pay top dollar and get the pup from a reputable show breeder doesn't guarantee you a healthy pup.

Cassy-Ann had that eye ulcer where they discoverd she has entropion in both eyes and will need surgery to correct this, that is just under $1000, the operation isn't urgent but does need to be done as it rubs and can wears down (the thingy I can't remember the name of), she also has the worst skin allergies and yeast infections, I have spent 100's and 100's of dollars on her skin, just last week the vet bill was $215, then yesterday I spent $55 on shampoo's and conditioners for her.
Cassy-Ann came from a highly recommended show breeder, who is supposed to have great lines and the best show dogs here in QLD. Not that any of that made any difference to Cassy-Ann's health.
I am also tired of hearing, " really, we have had no other problems before and every other pup in the litter is fine"
What?, I am just the unlucky one.

Then you have Sammy Maree's story, a pup born from a byb who had nothing but health issues and passed away one day shy of her second birthday.

Then we have max also from a byb who hasn't been sick a day in his life.

I don't support byb, hobby and puppy mills because they mass produce pups with no other reason than to make a dollar and to appeal to people as they walk past the pet shop window, impulse buying with no research which is usually why they end up in shelters down the line.

I think to say that if YOU want a HEALTHY pup you should buy from a reputable breeder just isn't correct, sure the chances are higher but we can't guarantee it...

I know I did the right thing buying cassy-Ann from a breeder but at the same time I am so annoyed. Her entropion was detected at her first vet check when I got her, the breeders assured me that as the Shih Tzu grows and the skin folds change the eye lid will roll back out, it never did ( I assumed it would until she had that eye ulcer and it was found she hadn't out grown it and has it in both eyes). There was no offer to help cover the costs of her up coming operation, just words like " Oh that has never happened before, every other pup in the litter is fine, oh sorry about that".

To say to not buy from a byb, hobby breeder and puppy mill is 100% correct, but to also get a rescue can leave you open for health issues further down the track also, most rescues come from a byb, hobby breeder or puppy mill.
There is no guarantee health wise buying from reputable breeder, it just increases your odds of having a healthier pup.

JMO

[Zanadu'sMom]

Ya know babe, I am starting to think differently. I don't support byb or hobby breeders not to mention puppy mills, but I have my doubts on so called reputable breeders also. Just because you pay top dollar and get the pup from a reputable show breeder doesn't guarantee you a healthy pup.

Cassy-Ann had that eye ulcer where they discoverd she has entropion in both eyes and will need surgery to correct this, that is just under $1000, the operation isn't urgent but does need to be done as it rubs and can wears down (the thingy I can't remember the name of), she also has the worst skin allergies and yeast infections, I have spent 100's and 100's of dollars on her skin, just last week the vet bill was $215, then yesterday I spent $55 on shampoo's and conditioners for her.
Cassy-Ann came from a highly recommended show breeder, who is supposed to have great lines and the best show dogs here in QLD. Not that any of that made any difference to Cassy-Ann's health.
I am also tired of hearing, " really, we have had no other problems before and every other pup in the litter is fine"
What?, I am just the unlucky one.

Then you have Sammy Maree's story, a pup born from a byb who had nothing but health issues and passed away one day shy of her second birthday.

Then we have max also from a byb who hasn't been sick a day in his life.

I don't support byb, hobby and puppy mills because they mass produce pups with no other reason than to make a dollar and to appeal to people as they walk past the pet shop window, impulse buying with no research which is usually why they end up in shelters down the line.

I think to say that if YOU want a HEALTHY pup you should buy from a reputable breeder just isn't correct, sure the chances are higher but we can't guarantee it...

I know I did the right thing buying cassy-Ann from a breeder but at the same time I am so annoyed. Her entropion was detected at her first vet check when I got her, the breeders assured me that as the Shih Tzu grows and the skin folds change the eye lid will roll back out, it never did ( I assumed it would until she had that eye ulcer and it was found she hadn't out grown it and has it in both eyes). There was no offer to help cover the costs of her up coming operation, just words like " Oh that has never happened before, every other pup in the litter is fine, oh sorry about that".

To say to not buy from a byb, hobby breeder and puppy mill is 100% correct, but to also get a rescue can leave you open for health issues further down the track also, most rescues come from a byb, hobby breeder or puppy mill.
There is no guarantee health wise buying from reputable breeder, it just increases your odds of having a healthier pup.

JMO

I am not saying all top breeders are ethical, I have heard my share of stories. I wont sit here and judge though, cause I don't go on here-say and I have not had any one on one experience.
I don't think you have to pay top dollar either.
I think there are many wonderful ethical breeders you can get a pup from at a reasonable price. When you get a rescue you must assume you are going to be dealing with health problems even if they are minor.
We just need to do our homework, get references and be aware that is all I am saying.
No there definitely is not a guarantee of health , but I do know most breeders (reputable) will stand behind their lines and help you monetarily should health problems arise.
I mean what else can we do, we can't go to BYB, Pet-stores, Brokers, so what is left then?
:(

[bek74]

I am not saying all top breeders are ethical, I have heard my share of stories. I wont sit here and judge though, cause I don't go on here-say and I have not had any one on one experience.
I don't think you have to pay top dollar either.
I think there are many wonderful ethical breeders you can get a pup from at a reasonable price. When you get a rescue you must assume you are going to be dealing with health problems even if they are minor.
We just need to do our homework, get references and be aware that is all I am saying.
No there definitely is not a guarantee of health , but I do know most breeders (reputable) will stand behind their lines and help you monetarily should health problems arise.
I mean what else can we do, we can't go to BYB, Pet-stores, Brokers, so what is left then?
:(

No honey I totally agree, I have no regrets for going to a breeder, hubby researched and researched and spoke to heaps and heaps of breeders and the one we got cassy-Ann came HIGHLY recommended by all.

I am saying that I think it is wrong for people (not refering to you) to say that if you go to a reputable breeder you are guaranteed a healthy puppy, I am just saying that is untrue.

To say don't buy from a byb, hobby breeder or puppy mill because of the health issues you will most likely face down the track and then say, but why not get a rescue in the same breath. A resecue is more than likely from a puppy mill, byb or hobby breeder so the health issues down the road will most likely be the same.

You know how I feel about byb, hobby breeders and puppy mills and YES people should buy from a reputable breeder, I just wanted to add that, that gives them no guarantee in health, it increases the chances of a healthy pup but it isn't set in stone, and so may imply it is.

[Zanadu'sMom]

I understand what you are saying.
I mean I am not the smartest apple on the apple tree :blush: but even I know when you get a rescue you are facing some medical issues and yes the dog most likely came from a mill.
Still I would take my chances with who I feel is reputable.
I know we sit here and think she is reputable or she is , when there are a lot of stories out there we don't get to hear :( either because people are afraid or they can't deal with the questions.

Who knows what goes on, I can say I have seen certain breeders being horrible to one another and ruining their own reputation in the process.
There is a certain breeder (not on here) that I love her dogs, they are beautiful, but I would never buy from here after I have seen the crap she was involved with.
I don't blame breeders for not joining forums, I think I wouldn't either.
How can I buy from someone that is in a constant one on one with others .
I think after time certain things should be settled, it's exhausting for these disputes to go on and on and on and all the while we know about it.

I don't know Bek, it just seems there is one obstacle after another :(

[Morkie4]

Well, I have never bought from a reputable breeder..........all of mine are rescues or from byb or a mill. What can I say???? I'm a glutton for punishment but the old heart just sees them and before I know it they are home with me.........of course the hubby's heart is right there with me wanting to take them home too.

Kallie is definitely from a puppymill since the first owner bought her from a pet store (of course we did not know what we know now). She was 2 1/2 years old when we adopted her ($200) and she only needed to be spayed, utd on shots and of course dental, heartworm meds ($400). So she was a $600 rescue and we've only had one situation where we have had to take her to the vet because she had an eye infection (the first and the last one she has had). Other than that, it is purely a yearly check, shots, etc. When we first adopted her, she had separation anxiety for six months straight reflected in her messing in the house regardless if we were gone 2 hours or 2 minutes. She also has grade 2 LP.......but with some vitamins, her legs have improved tremendously. Solution for separation anxiety that worked for us: TOBY :)

Toby was our second rescue.....adopted him from a person that got him from a byb in Florida and he came with papers (so papers does not make a breeder reputable either like in Toby's case). But he has been the picture of health since we got him. Oh he has had a few times where he has had the runs or vomited once or twice in a day......but not to the point where I was concerned enough to take him to the vet and in hours he was back to normal. Toby was $350 and he came neutered, utd on shots, and didn't need a dental. He is 3 1/2 years old now and still has not needed a dental, just requires the yearly routine of shots, tests, etc.

Then there was a breeder with a "Champion" female retiree that was a tiny little thing. But we also saw on Petfinder a "rescued" dog from a pound in a nearby county. Well we rang up the breeder(shows her dogs & has champions) and asked to come and see her in person.....hit a stonewall with her as "no" time was a good time. So we informed her that we needed to see her that we were also looking at another maltese. That didn't sway her one bit. So we went to see Brandy and the hubby fell in love with her at first site. She was being offered by a "mom and pop" rescue and was brought to us in horrible condition (full of fleas, huge incision from the exploratory surgery and matts galore). They rescued her from a pound where she had been just dropped off in an outside cage. :( They did an exploratory surgery on her the 10th of Sept. to make sure she was spayed (a lot more to it then a simple spaying) and we picked her up on Sept. 14th. She showed signs of LP but with supplements, her legs are 100% better. They are guessing her age and so they think she was two when we adopted her so she is 3 1/2 years old, one month older than Toby. She cost us $250 and now just the routine things yearly.

Buffy sort of fell into our laps because Maggie rescued her from someone that just couldn't keep her due to circumstances. So we went down to Miami and again, Bob fell in love at first sight. There was not fee for her but little did we know that she was in serious trouble due to lack of dental care. We got her home and she began to stagger and drop over. Rushed her to the vet and said she had poison throughout her body affecting her limbs from lack of dental care. Her gums were infected. He gave her an antibiotic shot and then we did a ten day treatment of antibiotics. Then we had her spayed, a dental and all shots, heartworm meds, etc. The people that gave Buffy to Maggie said she was 2......vet thinks she was more like 4. So she is going to be 5 soon according to the vet. So she cost us $450 but since then, not a single problem.

So I guess there are always risks with any dog that the background is unknown but I have found four beauties that have worked out great for me. I also have the satisfaction of knowing that these fluffs will now live a life of luxury and never have to worry again about anything. But you can have problems with a dog from a champion showing breeder as well, there is no perfect dog with no problems. Would I buy from a "reputable" breeder..........yes, but I would certainly ask around about the breeder, check better business bureau and do research on them before I bought one from them. Ok so that is my take on things! JMO

[Zanadu'sMom]

Well, I have never bought from a reputable breeder..........all of mine are rescues or from byb or a mill. What can I say???? I'm a glutton for punishment but the old heart just sees them and before I know it they are home with me.........of course the hubby's heart is right there with me wanting to take them home too.

Kallie is definitely from a puppymill since the first owner bought her from a pet store (of course we did not know what we know now). She was 2 1/2 years old when we adopted her ($200) and she only needed to be spayed, utd on shots and of course dental, heartworm meds ($400). So she was a $600 rescue and we've only had one situation where we have had to take her to the vet because she had an eye infection (the first and the last one she has had). Other than that, it is purely a yearly check, shots, etc. When we first adopted her, she had separation anxiety for six months straight reflected in her messing in the house regardless if we were gone 2 hours or 2 minutes. She also has grade 2 LP.......but with some vitamins, her legs have improved tremendously. Solution for separation anxiety that worked for us: TOBY :)

Toby was our second rescue.....adopted him from a person that got him from a byb in Florida and he came with papers (so papers does not make a breeder reputable either like in Toby's case). But he has been the picture of health since we got him. Oh he has had a few times where he has had the runs or vomited once or twice in a day......but not to the point where I was concerned enough to take him to the vet and in hours he was back to normal. Toby was $350 and he came neutered, utd on shots, and didn't need a dental. He is 3 1/2 years old now and still has not needed a dental, just requires the yearly routine of shots, tests, etc.

Then there was a breeder with a "Champion" female retiree that was a tiny little thing. But we also saw on Petfinder a "rescued" dog from a pound in a nearby county. Well we rang up the breeder(shows her dogs & has champions) and asked to come and see her in person.....hit a stonewall with her as "no" time was a good time. So we informed her that we needed to see her that we were also looking at another maltese. That didn't sway her one bit. So we went to see Brandy and the hubby fell in love with her at first site. She was being offered by a "mom and pop" rescue and was brought to us in horrible condition. They rescued her from a pound where she had been just dropped off in an outside cage. :( They did an exploratory surgery on her the 10th of Sept. to make sure she was spayed (a lot more to it then a simple spaying) and we picked her up on Sept. 14th. She showed signs of LP but with supplements, her legs are 100% better. They are guessing her age and so they think she was two when we adopted her. She cost us $250 and now just the routine things yearly.

Buffy sort of fell into our laps because Maggie rescued her from someone that just couldn't keep her due to circumstances. So we went down to Miami and again, Bob fell in love at first sight. There was not fee for her but little did we know that she was in serious trouble due to lack of dental care. We got her home and she began to stagger and drop over. Rushed her to the vet and said she had poison throughout her body affecting her limbs from lack of dental care. Her gums were infected. He gave her an antibiotic shot and then we did a ten day treatment of antibiotics. Then we had her spayed, a dental and all shots, heartworm meds, etc. The people that gave Buffy to Maggie said she was 2......vet thinks she was more like 4. So she is going to be 5 soon according to the vet. So she cost us $450 but since then, not a single problem.

So I guess there are always risks with any dog that the background is unknow but I have found four beauties that have worked out great for me. I also have the satisfaction of knowing that these fluffs will now live a life of luxury and never have to worry again about anything. Would I buy from a "reputable" breeder..........yes, but I would certainly ask around about the breeder, check better business bureau and do research on them before I bought one from them. Ok so that is my take on things! JMO

Oh Carol, I hope you didn't take my post wrong.
I think people who get rescues are angels and know exactly for the most part what they are getting into to/
I didn't mean to imply not to get a rescue, it's just not for me.
In a way I feel like I did rescue Nemo, he has come with many problems.
I love him to death and he will always have a nice life, always.
For me though my next one will be from a breeder and be exactly what I want, I have been waiting forever and I know one day it will happen.
XOOX

[Morkie4]

Oh Carol, I hope you didn't take my post wrong.
I think people who get rescues are angels and know exactly for the most part what they are getting into to/
I didn't mean to imply not to get a rescue, it's just not for me.
In a way I feel like I did rescue Nemo, he has come with many problems.
I love him to death and he will always have a nice life, always.
For me though my next one will be from a breeder and be exactly what I want, I have been waiting forever and I know one day it will happen.
XOOX

NOPE, didn't take anything personal from anyone's post. Just stating facts about rescues that I have and in a way Nemo is a rescue........petstore fluffs come from mills and also being aware of the "expense" that Nemo required with his numerous problems, you have definitely rescued him. I am sure another person that would have taken Nemo home from that pet store would not have put that much money into him to fix his issues and he would have ended up in a shelter/pound.

Some day I may look into getting a pup from a breeder that knows what they are doing, but for now........we have the four most beautiful rescues in the world living with us and bringing us joy!

[Zanadu'sMom]

NOPE, didn't take anything personal from anyone's post. Just stating facts about rescues that I have and in a way Nemo is a rescue........petstore fluffs come from mills and also being aware of the "expense" that Nemo required with his numerous problems, you have definitely rescued him. I am sure another person that would have taken Nemo home from that pet store would not have put that much money into him to fix his issues and he would have ended up in a shelter/pound.

Some day I may look into getting a pup from a breeder that knows what they are doing, but for now........we have the four most beautiful rescues in the world living with us and bringing us joy!

Oh Good :lol2::lol2::lol2::o
Thank God, sometimes I offend people when I don't even know I am offensive :blush:

[Morkie4]

Oh Good :lol2::lol2::lol2::o
Thank God, sometimes I offend people when I don't even know I am offensive :blush:

Well you know me, I'd come right out and tell you I thought your comment was offensive! :lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2:

[Zanadu'sMom]

Well you know me, I'd come right out and tell you I thought your comment was offensive! :lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2:

Yes but your different , you love me :D I mean you REALLY love me :tounge:

[Morkie4]

Yes but your different , you love me :D I mean you REALLY love me :tounge:

True! True!! But you know I am your mother figure and so I would have to tell you that you were being offensive "because" I love you! :D

[Zanadu'sMom]

True! True!! But you know I am your mother figure and so I would have to tell you that you were being offensive "because" I love you! :D

Are you a patient or a mother figure :mad: :mad: :o

[Morkie4]

Are you a patient or a mother figure :mad: :mad: :o

I'm both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink5: I am a patient mother figure.

[jdy]

No honey I totally agree, I have no regrets for going to a breeder, hubby researched and researched and spoke to heaps and heaps of breeders and the one we got cassy-Ann came HIGHLY recommended by all.

I am saying that I think it is wrong for people (not refering to you) to say that if you go to a reputable breeder you are guaranteed a healthy puppy, I am just saying that is untrue.

To say don't buy from a byb, hobby breeder or puppy mill because of the health issues you will most likely face down the track and then say, but why not get a rescue in the same breath. A resecue is more than likely from a puppy mill, byb or hobby breeder so the health issues down the road will most likely be the same.

You know how I feel about byb, hobby breeders and puppy mills and YES people should buy from a reputable breeder, I just wanted to add that, that gives them no guarantee in health, it increases the chances of a healthy pup but it isn't set in stone, and so may imply it is.

I agree with you 100% You took the words out of my mouth! i

[bek74]

Well, I have never bought from a reputable breeder..........all of mine are rescues or from byb or a mill. What can I say???? I'm a glutton for punishment but the old heart just sees them and before I know it they are home with me.........of course the hubby's heart is right there with me wanting to take them home too.

Kallie is definitely from a puppymill since the first owner bought her from a pet store (of course we did not know what we know now). She was 2 1/2 years old when we adopted her ($200) and she only needed to be spayed, utd on shots and of course dental, heartworm meds ($400). So she was a $600 rescue and we've only had one situation where we have had to take her to the vet because she had an eye infection (the first and the last one she has had). Other than that, it is purely a yearly check, shots, etc. When we first adopted her, she had separation anxiety for six months straight reflected in her messing in the house regardless if we were gone 2 hours or 2 minutes. She also has grade 2 LP.......but with some vitamins, her legs have improved tremendously. Solution for separation anxiety that worked for us: TOBY :)

Toby was our second rescue.....adopted him from a person that got him from a byb in Florida and he came with papers (so papers does not make a breeder reputable either like in Toby's case). But he has been the picture of health since we got him. Oh he has had a few times where he has had the runs or vomited once or twice in a day......but not to the point where I was concerned enough to take him to the vet and in hours he was back to normal. Toby was $350 and he came neutered, utd on shots, and didn't need a dental. He is 3 1/2 years old now and still has not needed a dental, just requires the yearly routine of shots, tests, etc.

Then there was a breeder with a "Champion" female retiree that was a tiny little thing. But we also saw on Petfinder a "rescued" dog from a pound in a nearby county. Well we rang up the breeder(shows her dogs & has champions) and asked to come and see her in person.....hit a stonewall with her as "no" time was a good time. So we informed her that we needed to see her that we were also looking at another maltese. That didn't sway her one bit. So we went to see Brandy and the hubby fell in love with her at first site. She was being offered by a "mom and pop" rescue and was brought to us in horrible condition (full of fleas, huge incision from the exploratory surgery and matts galore). They rescued her from a pound where she had been just dropped off in an outside cage. :( They did an exploratory surgery on her the 10th of Sept. to make sure she was spayed (a lot more to it then a simple spaying) and we picked her up on Sept. 14th. She showed signs of LP but with supplements, her legs are 100% better. They are guessing her age and so they think she was two when we adopted her so she is 3 1/2 years old, one month older than Toby. She cost us $250 and now just the routine things yearly.

Buffy sort of fell into our laps because Maggie rescued her from someone that just couldn't keep her due to circumstances. So we went down to Miami and again, Bob fell in love at first sight. There was not fee for her but little did we know that she was in serious trouble due to lack of dental care. We got her home and she began to stagger and drop over. Rushed her to the vet and said she had poison throughout her body affecting her limbs from lack of dental care. Her gums were infected. He gave her an antibiotic shot and then we did a ten day treatment of antibiotics. Then we had her spayed, a dental and all shots, heartworm meds, etc. The people that gave Buffy to Maggie said she was 2......vet thinks she was more like 4. So she is going to be 5 soon according to the vet. So she cost us $450 but since then, not a single problem.

So I guess there are always risks with any dog that the background is unknown but I have found four beauties that have worked out great for me. I also have the satisfaction of knowing that these fluffs will now live a life of luxury and never have to worry again about anything. But you can have problems with a dog from a champion showing breeder as well, there is no perfect dog with no problems. Would I buy from a "reputable" breeder..........yes, but I would certainly ask around about the breeder, check better business bureau and do research on them before I bought one from them. Ok so that is my take on things! JMO

Carol, I think people who rescue dogs are wonderful and I am not saying to people NOT to rescue, I would love everyone at one time to rescue a baby. I look at max as my rescue baby and Sammy Maree. Max and his litter were in the paper as 5wk old pups must go this weekend, my friend rung me and told me and gave me the number, so hubby rung and the ladies story was, if the pups don't go this weekend they will go to the petshop. So we went straight there, I paid $500 for max (thats alot), he was 5wks old, never seen a vet, had no shots and no teeth, the little guy couldn't even eat, I had to bottle feed him because he was never weened. Now I got Max knowing all that and was able to pay for his milk, vet check, needles and everything else. I have been lucky, Max hasn't been sick a day in his life, but he is also only 3yrs old so I pray and hope he stays that way and if not I will do everything I can for him.

Sammy Maree was my first girl, I thought she was from a breeder a small kennel but she wasn't. She had very poor health and I spent thousands on her and Sammy Maree lost her fight one day shy of her 2nd birthday. I have comfort in knowing I gave her a wonderful 2yrs, a happy 2yrs, a loved 2yrs and I did everything I could to make her better, alot of people would have turned her in once the health issues came to light.

I just wanted to make the point, that a rescue is better then buying a pup from a byb, hobby breeder, or puppy mill, but all those health issues we talk about can still show their ugly head in years down the track and who ever rescues must be aware of that, they must be ready to face those medical issues down the line (if any) or the poor baby will end up back in a shelter.

So many suggest people with limited money to rescue without saying, 99% of rescues are from byb, hobby breeders, and puppy mills and could possibly face costly health issues later on life.

To the original poster, I would personally save a little longer and buy from a reputable breeder, of course this gives you NO GUARANTEE of a healthy pup, but it by far increases your chances. I do support rescues but just know that the initial price for the rescue may seem appealing, but you could possibly be up for large vet bills further down the line with health issues. All the best

Good luck..

[Morkie4]

I just wanted to make the point, that a rescue is better then buying a pup from a byb, hobby breeder, or puppy mill, but all those health issues we talk about can still show their ugly head in years down the track and who ever rescues must be aware of that, they must be ready to face those medical issues down the line (if any) or the poor baby will end up back in a shelter.

So many suggest people with limited money to rescue without saying, 99% of rescues are from byb, hobby breeders, and puppy mills and could possibly face costly health issues later on life.

To the original poster, I would personally save a little longer and buy from a reputable breeder, of course this gives you NO GUARANTEE of a healthy pup, but it by far increases your chances. I do support rescues but just know that the initial price for the rescue may seem appealing, but you could possibly be up for large vet bills further down the line with health issues. All the best
Good luck..

I agree with you Bek!! Rescuing is not a cheap way to get a dog because there most likely will be issues. So if you don't have the money to care for the "unexpected illness, genetic problems, etc" then don't rescue........I have just been very fortunate to have come across four reasonably healthy rescues. But I would not recommend it for everyone. And I really do not know what lies ahead of me with them.........you know how sudden things can change in the life of a fluff especially when you have no history on them to even prepare. But we are in a position to be able to rescue and to be ready for those surprises financially. Emotionally???? No, never!!!!!

I think you gave the original poster excellent advice and I hope she takes it to heart and follows it.