Puppy Advice Needed Please

epeters91

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Today I've been given some really sad news, I am 10 days away from getting my beautiful Cocker Spaniel puppy Roxy. Her breeder messaged me this morning to let me know that Roxy's mum is really not well and was taken into a vet hospital yesterday morning, she was being sick and in a lot of pain/very unhappy. They've run a lot of tests but haven't found the cause and think it could be something in her brain. The last update I had a few hours ago is that she's deteriorating and they've given her some steroids in the hope this will help.

Her owner is absolutely devastated both mum and dad are much loved (unrelated) family pets that accidentally latched before mum's appointment to be spayed. That Their owner is lovely and has gone to every length possible to make sure that mum and pups are healthy with regular vet check ups, the best food and care possible.

I feel so badly for this lovely woman who is heartbroken over her dogs pain and it doesn't look likely she is going to pull through. I am considering if mum doesn't make it asking the breeder if she would like to keep Roxy so she will always have something of her mum. I will be devastated not to have Roxy but I know the pain of losing a much loved pet and if it were me I'd be gutted that all of the puppies are sold and will be leaving soon.

If Roxy's mum doesn't pull through what kind of effect is that likely to have on a 7 week old puppy? I'm assuming it won't affect her much as they have been weaned and are on solid foods. Also how worried should I be that this is possibly something that could be passed onto the puppies? Am I crazy to offer her my puppy to help with her grieving or should I not offer?

Please don't think for a second that I don't want Roxy, I adore her and went to pick her out when she was a week old. I've spent the last 6 weeks buying her lots of toys and kitting out her own little space in my house whilst annoying everyone by counting down the days! I just can't imagine the pain this lady must be in. I just feel it's not the end of the world if I have to look for another puppy so she can keep one of her babies.

Sorry for the long post :(
 
What a kind thought. If you feel sure in your own mind, you could offer or perhaps you could breed a litter one day for her to have a pup and continue the line?
 
A sad situation but you may have had a lucky escape as sometimes these things can be hereditary.
The story does not ring true - no reason for a whoops litter when Alizin is easily available.

Enjoy your search for another, responsibly bred, puppy. You already have all teh kit ready for it.
 
Its kind, but a father/daughter household would not be a good idea, esp if daddy is still entire! But i have to say i have heard this story many times. Usually to try and get people to take the pups early cause they can't be arsed anymore...
 
Thanks everyone for your replies. Breeder phoned this evening breaking down into tears several times unfortunately mum has been put to sleep. It turned out she'd had a very bad stroke and whilst they tried everything nothing helped and her organs began to fail. She has said she will give me the vets number to confirm with them the cause and that it wasn't something that could be passed to the puppy (from our experience strokes can happen in any animal as it happened to my cat and his parents had no history of it). She appreciated the gesture but agreed dad and daughter wouldn't be a great idea especially as dad has never been without mum and is now extremely depressed. They are seeking further advice from the vets for him as they're really worried about how he will cope with this horrible change.

No plans to pick the puppies up any earlier it's only 9 days to go tomorrow so not long but I feel comfortable with what she's told me and will check with the vet for peace of mind. I won't be breeding from her unfortunately as I'm not knowledgable enough and I wouldn't want to worry about what would happen if the puppies couldn't find homes or got passed around (horses are heart ache enough to sell haha and that's only when I've outgrown them when I was younger!)

Thanks again xxx
 
Sad story OP but I am glad it is a genuine one and you are still getting your puppy. Sensible not to breed too, enough homeless dogs about.
I hope the breeders find a new friend for their other dog.
 
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