This blog is created to warn others of what we experienced so that others will not suffer the same.
On Tuesday, July 17 at 1:30pm, we picked up our new puppy, Athena. As cute as she wanted to be and as tiny as a mouse. She was nine weeks old and was having trouble eating solid food according to the breeder but she had manage to eat solid food for the last 4 days prior to Tuesday. He called on Monday to say that she was ready to be picked up. We were very excited!!!
We drove almost 3 hours to get to Magnolia Hill Kennel in Baskerville, Virginia. We arrived at what appeared to be a trailer home converted into a kennel. We were greeted by Jim and Susan Colacino. They were very friendly but very fast about the transaction. Jim was holding our precious Athena and handed her to me. My first observation was that she was very small. She was nine weeks old and appeared to be very fragile. My first thought was that the puppy did not look healthy enough to go home, but Jim said she was a teacup yorkie and that she had been eating solid food for 4 days. Not knowing the first thing about Teacup Yorkies, I took him at his word. It was not our desire to purchase a teacup yorkie but we were not told that she was a teacup until we arrived at his house and the transaction was under way. His wife, Susan, escorted me into the kitchen to go over the puppy care. She covered everything as if the puppy was healthy and strong. She mentioned that the puppy was on medicine for a common virus. As I hold the precious bundle in my hands I am becoming concerned but Jim and Susan assured us that the pup was ready to go. The pup, Athena, pooped on my shirt twice while sitting there. Very loose stool which Susan said was the result of the medicine. Okay, I thought. Jim took Athena to wash her up at which time he put her on the floor. I could not see Athena at this point but I could see Jim and Susan. Jim asked Susan if this is what she was talking about. I do not know what they were referring to, but Susan said that the medicine that the pup was taking would clear up it up.
I encourage you to be very brave at this point and ask many questions. Being a pet owner can be very different from being a pet breeder. As a owner you may not know how to care for the special needs puppy and if a breeder tries to mask the fact that the puppy may need special care, it could be heartbreaking as is our case.
Athena, the puppy, was taken away from her mom when her mom would no longer nurse her. She was still very tiny and needed milk. The breeder had nursed her with puppy formula which he was up front about. He informed us that the puppy would not be ready for a while and we were patient. We brought Athena home and the first thing I noticed was her stance was awkward. I thought at first that maybe it was because of her size but later realized that little Athena was struggling in everything. She had trouble walking, her stool was very loose, her eyes were weak and mucous filled, and she wouldn't eat or drink when we got her home. I did everything the breeder said to do but she was growing weaker and weaker. I used a dropper to give her water hoping she would not become dehydrated. I had called our vet to set up an appointment for Athena to be look at on July 19 at 8:30am as soon as we got her home. Sadly, our precious Athena did not make it to her appointment. All day on July 18 we cared for her. Calling the vet to determine what we should do as the instructions from Jim and Susan were not adequate. The vet informed us to try to get food into her and keep her hydrated which we did. We used the dropper and eventually gave her puppy formula. She was so weak she would not take anything. It was hard trying to get her to take water. I held her close and loved on her as I continued to try to give her food and water. She stared at me with her tiny little eyes. I wanted to help her but did not know what to do. It was around 10:30pm on July 18 and she was growing weaker. We continued to try to give her food and water until 12:30am when her body became to weak and she passed away.
I can not say that I regret the sweet precious time that we had with Athena, 36 hours, but I would never purchase a dog from Jim and Susan Colacino at Magnolia Hill Kennels. We took Athena's body to the vet this morning for her scheduled appointment. The vet said that just from looking at her body she was too tiny, her teeth were not ready for solid food, and she was under developed for a 9 week old puppy (10 weeks old today). Why did the breeder not know this? He stated on his web site that they have been doing this for 15 years and specialize in small breed dogs. We contacted the breeder to let him know what had happened and as we were expecting to be reimbursed immediately. He stated that he would not reimburse us until we have a test performed on the dog to determine the cause of death. We found out that there is only one vet in the state of Virginia who performs this test and that is not very reliable. We expected that the breeder would express his sorrow for our lost, but nothing doing. Perform this test and he will try to work with us. His words! Really! Work with us??? They sold us a puppy that had special needs and assured us that she was healthy and ready to go. I don't think so.
I write the post to warn you not to purchase a puppy from Magnolia Hill Kennels, and to encourage you to be educated about your purchase and ask questions. NEVER bring home a puppy on medication. NEVER bring home a puppy that has not been eating solid food for at least 2 weeks. NEVER bring home a puppy that is not playful and energetic. ALWAYS ask to see the mom and dad. ALWAYS ask to see the puppy playing and walking around.
Please be very careful when purchasing your new puppy. As a dog lover, owner of several pets over the years, I urge you to decide carefully on where you purchase your pet. I also urge you to inform others of your good and bad experience. File complaints for your bad experience. You can help others by doing this. I hope and pray that what happened to us does not happen to you.
