Shih Tzu puppy now walking fine

renegadefm

elsien said:

If I recall correctly your daughter is about 4? 
So your partner bred a dog without any health checks,  or any inkling of potential issues/costs (and is now considering having the poor puppy put to sleep ) on the whim if a pre-schooler? 

Obviously we were not expecting any problems. The puppy might be fine yet, just not got the hang of walking yet. It will scamper then find it hard work compared to her sister. But their only 5 weeks old. By the way daughter has just turned 5. It was geared up to be a birthday present. 

renegadefm

Since when has breeding become frowned apon anyway? Without animals vets wouldn't have a job. I dont get why I got to feel guilty, especially as I wasent really behind the venture.
People have bred their dogs and cats etc for centuries with no insurance. Dad said pet insurance didnt exist in his day. And he had a farm. You just had to pay the vet whatever it cost and that was that. But he said farm animals if they were lame or ill would be slaughtered. Very often a vet wouldn't come into it. So I guess times have changed. I dont know. 

[Deleted User]

renegadefm said:

Since when has breeding become frowned apon anyway? Without animals vets wouldn't have a job. I dont get why I got to feel guilty, especially as I wasent really behind the venture.
People have bred their dogs and cats etc for centuries with no insurance. Dad said pet insurance didnt exist in his day. And he had a farm. You just had to pay the vet whatever it cost and that was that. But he said farm animals if they were lame or ill would be slaughtered. Very often a vet wouldn't come into it. So I guess times have changed. I dont know. 

It's not that breeding is frowned upon it's the completely irresponsible way you've gone about it in a ham-fisted attempt to save money.  I'm not even sure why you were contemplating adding another dog to your family when money is so tight.  

renegadefm

Lover_of_Lycra said:

renegadefm said:

Since when has breeding become frowned apon anyway? Without animals vets wouldn't have a job. I dont get why I got to feel guilty, especially as I wasent really behind the venture.
People have bred their dogs and cats etc for centuries with no insurance. Dad said pet insurance didnt exist in his day. And he had a farm. You just had to pay the vet whatever it cost and that was that. But he said farm animals if they were lame or ill would be slaughtered. Very often a vet wouldn't come into it. So I guess times have changed. I dont know. 

It's not that breeding is frowned upon it's the completely irresponsible way you've gone about it in a ham-fisted attempt to save money.  I'm not even sure why you were contemplating adding another dog to your family when money is so tight.  

I'm wondering that myself now. But how many more times do I have to mention this wasent my venture. It was never my idea. Does anyone read what I post? I'm fed up with getting the blame for this. I merely came on here wondering if it might be nothing wrong with it. It might be normal just to be a bit behind. 

renegadefm

Incidentally how much is breeders insurance? Not that I need it. Just curious.
I guess wondering would it have been within our reach. 

[Deleted User]

renegadefm said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

renegadefm said:

Since when has breeding become frowned apon anyway? Without animals vets wouldn't have a job. I dont get why I got to feel guilty, especially as I wasent really behind the venture.
People have bred their dogs and cats etc for centuries with no insurance. Dad said pet insurance didnt exist in his day. And he had a farm. You just had to pay the vet whatever it cost and that was that. But he said farm animals if they were lame or ill would be slaughtered. Very often a vet wouldn't come into it. So I guess times have changed. I dont know. 

It's not that breeding is frowned upon it's the completely irresponsible way you've gone about it in a ham-fisted attempt to save money.  I'm not even sure why you were contemplating adding another dog to your family when money is so tight.  

I'm wondering that myself now. But how many more times do I have to mention this wasent my venture. It was never my idea. Does anyone read what I post? I'm fed up with getting the blame for this. I merely came on here wondering if it might be nothing wrong with it. It might be normal just to be a bit behind. 

"You" can be both singular and plural.  This is something you (plural) entered into as a family and people have read what you (singular) have written which is why other posters are so horrified.  No one here as seen the puppy and hopefully nothing will be wrong with it but that's really only something a vet who has examined the puppy can determine.  

I don't think the vet's charges seem excessive at all.  The veterinary care offered by the PDSA is heavily subsidised by charitable donations.

warby68

You explained to a 4 year old that only if there were more than 2 she could have one?
Family member less well placed to withstand disappointment?
Sorry but its still about money to me and you 'disowning' your part in it ? You're a family, a household with 2 responsible adults so yes you get blame too. IF your partner were posting it would be the same.
Yes, have read what you post, most of them twice to be sure and in a bit of incredulity to be honest.
Like I said sometimes its hard not to comment.
I have everything crossed that the little pup is fine and am glad you are following the vet's advice so far.

suki1964

renegadefm said:

Incidentally how much is breeders insurance? Not that I need it. Just curious.
I guess wondering would it have been within our reach. 

Lots

No one can answer that question for you because each case is different. Depends on the breed, your address, stud, all sorts and for it to be any cheaper you need to be a registered breeder. But then all pups that are born are also insured from birth

A decent insurance policy for a dog is around the £30 -£40 a month mark whilst they are young and you haven't claimed. As the pet gets older, if you claim, you can expect prices to rise

The last time I insured a dog, back in 2004, it was £22 a month. My pup had cost me £550, that same pup now would cost £800+ ( they are going for up to £2k at the moment from unscrupulous breeders ).

As you found out, a pedigree dog is not cheap. Breeding to cut costs is not the cheap answer. 

A responsible breeder only breeds to improve on the breed or to keep good bloodlines going. They know the full history of both the b1tch and the stud and they pay dearly for the stud. Both dogs are health tested, not just a vet running an. eye over them, but X-rays and bloods and eye testing - all cost a fortune. They then accept the responsibility for any pups for their lives, so they take back any pups if the need arises. Breeding dogs is not a money making venture, I don't know any breeders who are making a good living from it, they cover costs

As for breeding on the whim of a five year old child, well words fail me

renegadefm

suki1964 said:

As for breeding on the whim of a five year old child, well words fail me

How is that so shocking, it seemed to make sense at the time, rather than purchase a puppy from another mother we don't know. I say at the time because this has been a learning curve from start to finish, except its not over yet is it? 

renegadefm

suki1964 said:

I don't know any breeders who are making a good living from it, they cover costs

My partners friend who has a labrador just had 12 puppies and they are £700 and above each. Tell me shes not making money. That's over 8 grand in her !!!!!! pocket I'd imagine.