To make a very long story short, after my father died, a friend, my mother and I rescued Yorkie puppies from a horrible “breeder.” They were over priced, and sickly pups, but we just couldn’t leave them. My husband and I have been very fortunate with the puppy we took (she has a different dame and all of her littermates were killed by the sire), once we got her healthy she’s remained so, thank God.

My mom on the other hand hasn’t been as lucky with her puppy. The vet discovered very early that there was something severely wrong with one of her hips that would require extensive surgery. They decided to wait a while to make sure the dog was healthy and strong enough to withstand the surgery.

Now that the puppy has been healthy for a few months, they discovered that both hips did not form properly and require the surgery. My mother is beside herself, the surgery will be several thousands of dollars, but that puppy is what brings life into her house now, the thing that gets her out of bed, makes her interact with another living being. So putting the dog down is out of the question.

When I called my friend to let her know what is going on, I found out a few distressing things. 1) her puppy has the same problem, but she didn’t want to say anything to make my mom worry 2) the “breeder” has bred these same animals again, knowing of the defects the previous puppies have had, and 3) there’s not a damn thing we can do legally here in Wisconsin because there are no rules governing animal breeders! Three years in a row our Governor has refused to sign legislation protecting the animals or the people that purchase them.

So the poor little thing is having her first surgery today, and once she heals she’ll have the next one. I so hope and pray she makes it through them both, I don’t think my mother would be able to handle another loss in her life right now.