[shellih9698]

:confused:

I bought a puppy(boston terrier) 2 months ago. First, It was all set up so I could go to the lady's house to see the puppies parents, living conditions, etc.. On my way there(4 hr drive) she called and gave me a big family drama story, and she wanted to know if I could just meet here half way with the puppy. Well softie me said "yes" and I met her with the puppy. Of course he was as cute as ever and I couldn't say no. She handed me his papers and vet papers, I paid and we were on our way.

He slept the entire way home but when we got home he was very sick. Diarrhea and a bad cough. I called her immediately and got no answer. I took him to the emergency vet and he had severe bronchitis no parvo, but probably stress from the move per the vet. Well he has never acted right from the beginning. We have had him 2 months now but he just doesn't seem to warm up to us. He plays with our toy poodle but he just won't come to us or act excited to see us. We do let him come to us on his terms but it's really frustrating. He developed a bad rash on his right side I took him back to the vet and it turns out he has some type of mange. Not contagious to us or our other dog, but after talking to the vet in length we think he may have come from a puppy mill.

He was severely underweight when I got him and has gained 6.5 lbs in 2 months! Over all he is healthy just the fact that I had to get his shots all over again because the papers she gave me said he he got shots when he wasn't even born yet. I have tried contatcting this woman numerous times but her phone has now been disconnected. I just don't know what to do he is 6 months old and it seems like he will never like us. We love him and want him to love us. Has anyone else had this type of problem?

[linnealand]

I think you are dead on about the puppy mill thing. As soon as I read the part about meeting you in another location, the big, bright red flags shot straight up. If there is any way for you to report this woman to the proper authorities, do it. Absolutely. People like that, who are also running cons on future pet owners, deserve to be locked up in prison. And prison would honestly be much too nice for what they really deserve.

I wish I could give you professional advice regarding your situation. My instinct tells me that the more time he spends with you in your warm, caring, loving family environment, the better off he will be emotionally. He's still a puppy, and your influence will still count. I'm glad he has people who are on his side now.

[starbuck8]

I saw RED when I read this! I wish the authorities would really crack down on these puppymills. They are cruel and inhumane, and just plain criminal! This woman quite likely didn't give her real name, but if you know where she lives, I would notify animal control. So they can check out the living condition of her dogs. I think it is your responsibility to do that, in order to help other dogs that are likely living in horrible conditions.


Do you crate your dog? If you do, and if you take him and put him in there, he might have memories of being at the mill, and associate this with you. Get him a big comfy doggie bed, and perhaps put it on the floor beside your bed. Put plenty of chew toys and bones, and maybe a plush toy in his bed, and lead him there often while repeating "bedtime" or something similar.

You might also want to put an article of yours with your scent on it in his bed also. Just be careful that he doesn't chew on this, or you could have another problem on your hands, with him chewing your clothing.

How often do you walk him? Exercise with you and your whole family (and your poodle) is the best way to form a bond. You need to do this so he realises he has a place in the family pack. Just make sure he doesn't become the dominant one. You and your family are the pack leaders. You should walk him at least twice a day, for as long as it takes to drain his energy. Then afterwards should be playtime. This should help him gain trust in you, and be the loving dog that you had wanted.

Good luck!