Poor Puppy!

[Ash]

Hi All- I'm new. I joined this group because I'd like some feedback. We got our 2nd "standard goldendoodle" last Saturday. She has papers and is AKC registered. Unlike my other gd, the new puppy was at a puppy store. My kids had roped me into walking through to see the puppies and I spotted this pup. She looked very unhappy. I played with her a bit and saw she had a cough and I could feel her ribs. She was 16 weeks that day. It was obvious she was sick. I talked to the owner and we worked out an agreement for her adoption and medical care- which she was not receiving and probably should have been. I brought her straight to the vet and she was only 10 pounds. My older gd was around 30- 35 pounds when he was that age. Granted he's going to be very large (currently 74 pounds at 10 months old), I am surprised just how petite my new one is. Her parents were: mom- golden retriever 62 lbs, dad- standard poodle 56 lbs.

Anyway, it was discovered that my new pup, we named her Daphne, had kennel cough, upper respiratory infection, intestinal parasites, and was not resting enough because of all the puppy play in her shared pen at the puppy store. I'm thinking this all plays into why she's so little for a standard. I don't mind if she is going to be petite, but I would hate for her stunted growth to be long term.
Today is one week later. She's been on lots of meds and is much livelier. She has a great appetite and is now 11 pounds.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

You, of course, are right. Her health is key here. I only mentioned the AKC Registry because, you would be amazed at the amt. of people have been sold a bill of goods, with pet stores, BYB breeders etc., telling them their new furbutts are AKC papered and registered.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Just saw your post on the main forum

[Abigail *George & Juno*]

PLEASE get insurance on this sweet girl as soon as possible!!!! She is so lucky you found her. :) keep us posted on her progress!

[Ash]

Great point, Abigail! Part of the agreement I worked out with the owner of the pet store involved free vet care for her life. This was most likely due to her health; which I called the owner on, put him on the spot, and he agreed to. She will be treated free of charge at a reputable vet office/ animal hospital. In addition, my older gd receives a courtesy from this point on and will also receive free vet care as an extension of Daphne's new family.

[Linda And Loo]

You are quite the negotiator! Free health care! Wonderful! Good on you! Daphne has found a wonderful home!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Wow! Free lifetime Vet care for both this pup AND your older Doodle?? It'll be interesting to see if they actually honor that agreement!

[Ash]

Yes. And they have honored it, Ro.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

That's great to hear! It's the lifetime part that I'll be interested in! ;)

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I'm sorry you Ash. I jumped to conclusions. You are so right about just focusing on the beautiful little pup's happiness and wellbeing. That's all that matters. It's hard not to see red when I heard of the state of her health when you found her.

[Ash]

I hear ya, Deb. You should've seen me at the store. I was equally angry. I just want to maintain a positive discussion about a very unfortunate circumstance (that hopefully I successfully rectify). I'm also writing to my local representative about the rampant running sicknesses at the pet store.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I rescued a second doodle 2 months ago. She's happy and healthy but her psychological progress is very slowly improving. It's going to be a long road to her rehabilitation, and remaining focused on the positive is essential.

[Mari Bezanson]

I just have to say that you are very special to take this on, and what a lucky puppy.  I too went into a pet store 4 years ago to kill 10 minutes and came out with my first doodle mix.  An absolute impulse and something I swore I would never do. I believe some things are just meant to happen though and I don't know what I would do with out that puppy in my life.  I think Daphne is in fantastic hands, and with the proper medical care and the love from you and your family, you are going to have a fantastic dog.  Good luck on your journey and please keep us posted!