Sold Doggie Killed

[Tiramisu]

I am so torn on what to do and I feel so bad.

The owner of a pup I sold just called to tell me that the pup (6 months old) was mauled to death last night when he crawled through a hole in the fence and got into the neighbor's yard. The fence had just been replaced after being blown down by Hurricane Ike and the owner didn't think there were any holes big enough for "Gunner" to get through.

He sounded to be crying and said it was so terrible, because they could not get into the neighbor's yard to get to the puppy. His young children witnessed the sounds.

He wants another puppy and I'm just not sure I want him to have another of mine. I know we can all have "accidents", but is it my responsibility to judge if his family should have another of my pups?

Bottomline: My Fancee is due next month. I told him to check back with me to see if she has puppies and how many because I have three on my waiting list.

[Dobie]

That's a difficult decision for you. I understand that they are mourning the loss of the puppy, but I would also be leery about putting a pup into that home unless you have some type of assurance that the fence has been repaired.

[DianaB]

It sounds to me like he tried to make the fence dog proof. I know that it's hard to do with yorkies. I have often told people that I should have named Reuger Houdini!!!! I don't know that I'd hold it against him. Accidents happen and it sounds like he's truly upset over it.

[Janet]

Sandy, I honestly don't know what I'd do. It does sound like he was very upset if you thought he was crying. I really would like to think I would try them again...but I just don't know.

[Marilyn]

If they are close by, you might ask to visit and see the living conditions. It is hard to keep these little guys in a fenced area and sounds like he was really trying. Not only are they dealing with the effects of Ike, now they have lost their dear pup.

If you do visit, you might suggest that they put some type of wire mesh at the base of the fence with it extending below ground a few inches. This should keep a yorkie in. We have a fence of closely spaced welded square metal tubes with a concrete curb at the bottom. This is a bit extreme but it is definitely yorkie proof.

Hope Fancee has an easy delivery!!

[gja1000]

Marilyn's reply reminded me that we put up chicken wire around the bottom of our fence a few years ago, to keep a Jack Russell Terrier inside the fence. We stapled it up about 6-8 inches and then did a 90 degree corner with it and used tent stakes to keep it staked to the ground. Eventually, the grass grows over it and it is still there after about 7 years. No dogs can dig out (or in) of the yard. Works very effectively!!!

[Lindsey]

I also like the chicken wire idea! I live in a duplex, and the guys on the other side built a fence around the whole yard and between our yards in the back. When they were building I was a little worried because there were spaces that Layla could potentially fit through, but when they were done they put up chicken wire. One of the guys has a couple of poms too so I think it was his idea

[judy]

Poor dog! Poor guy! It sounds like what happened to my Gracie. The dogs dug a hole that they didn't know about, and I shouldn't have been in the backyard where they could see my dogs without Steve there.

I called Gracie's breeder, and she told me very quickly that she had no puppies.
I can't blame her.

You can only go with your heart. Send him to a yorkie site to look for a new puppy
if you're uneasy about it.

I know you must feel so sad about the puppy. You love all your puppies before they go to their forever homes.

I'm so sorry this happened.

[Tiramisu]

This guy is a pastor at a large Houston church, not that that makes much difference. Hubby and I have decided to work with him on another pup, but with no special considerations. I have two people on a waiting list, so we'll see!

[Gina]

Sorry Sandy what a sad thing to happen. I am sure like the others mentioned that he is really upset about it and freaky accidents do happen. I would say go with your gut it never fails... Good luck with Fancee....