What should I do?

[pwhite48]

Now I could really do with your advice!

We had found a superb breeder, and had our name down for a pup who was born 2 weeks ago.  A litter of 7 were born, and we have been really excited about our soon to be new baby golden bitch.

Sadly, we learned tonight that four of the pups have died of a virus (not sure of the name of it but sickness and diaorreah).  The breeder, whom we have come to know, is understandably devastated about this; she loves her dogs this has been a horrendous week for her.  The three pups left include a gold bitch, who she said is strong, chubby and avoided the virus.  Because she knows how much we are looking forward to our pup, she has 'reserved' the remaining golden bitch for us.

Whilst we are so upset for the breeder, we are naturally now thinking as to whether the remaining pups would be as healthly as a pup from a litter which hasn't been affected by a virus.  We really don't want to turn our back on this breeder, but equally don't want months and months of trips to the vets when we pick the pup up.  So, really I would be interested to know your thoughts:

1) Is the fact that there are now 3 pups instead of 7 a good thing, in terms of there being no shortage of milk etc for them
2) Does it mean that a smaller litter is less socialised than a larger one (or doesn't it matter at this age)
3) Does the fact that the litter was infected mean that we may end up with a less than healthy pup or
4) Does the fact that ours is a 'survivor' mean she's strong and 'meant to be here!

Lots of questions, I know, but as having our first dog is so important to us, we really want to do the right thing for us, the pup, and the breeder!  

Thanks
Phil                    

[Dessie]

Hi Phil

The poor Breeder and Mother of the pups, what an awful thing to happen  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:

Here are my thoughts on your questions:-

1) Is the fact that there are now 3 pups instead of 7 a good thing, in terms of there being no shortage of milk etc for them The bitch will manage very will with the 3 remaining pups instead of the 7
2) Does it mean that a smaller litter is less socialised than a larger one (or doesn't it matter at this age) Socialisation is down to the Breeder and whether or not the pups are in the home or out in kennels so being a smaller litter I wouldn't of thought would be a major factor in this.
3) Does the fact that the litter was infected mean that we may end up with a less than healthy pup or I would say that the remaining 3 puppies will probably be healthier as their natural immune system managed to fight off this terrible virus
4) Does the fact that ours is a 'survivor' mean she's strong and 'meant to be here! I would say that the remaining three pups are fighters - "Survial of the fitest"

HTH                    

[Mike]

Hi Phil

What a horrible thing to have happened to your breeder  

I dont really have any knowledge about things like these i.e. fortunately nothing like this has ever happened to me - but I would think Dessie is along the right tracks with her answers, if your breeder is sure (and the vet has confirmed by examination) that the remaining pups are healthy and completely virus free. There should be plenty of people to come online at some time to offer their informed opinions in due time. I admire the way you are being considerate to the breeder in addition to thinking about your own position. Good luck, and let us know what happens  :wink:                    

[Michele]

Hi Phil,
First of all have to agree 100% with Dessie's comments but would like to add that sadly it is not unusual for pups to be lost in a litter.
There have been a spate of viruses these past months and they've been known to affect dogs of all ages, and where there is more than one dog in a household it has affected one but not another.
This breeder sounds as though she has done her utmost for the well being of the remaining pups. I wish her luck and please keep us posted of their progress.
Michele
PS My Otis  (& his brother) was hand reared as a result of a throat infection and being unable to suckle properly and as previous posts on here can testify he is 100% a normal happy healthy dog                    

[Jane S]

I agree with what every one else has said & would also add that with smaller litters, the breeder generally does have more time to spend on playing with, training & socialising the puppies - I know when we have had a small litter, the pups have been virtually house trained when they leave me A good relationship with a breeder you like & trust is invaluable when you are buying a puppy & it sounds like you have this Phil!