background checks for dog breeder so strict

[conway]

hi,

(long story but please help me out)

My grandparents who is in their early 60s to mid 60s are looking for a dog. A Chihuahua dog to be exact.

They have found a dog breeder that breeds Chihuahuas. They have a policy to do a full background checks before placing their puppies into new homes. So when they came over to examine my grandparents home and also they brought documents of questions that my grandparents have answered. Since I was there I somewhat was over hearing the convo. while I was cooking for them.

My grandparents are very healthy and active for their age with no health issues. My grandpa is retired (66 years old) and grandma is still working (62 years old). They previously had a dog (Chihuahua) many years ago but since they had no time then they gave that dog to a very close friend that is retired and visits my grandpa daily if possible (he lives down the street) along with the dog before it died of old age.

After a long discussion, they have found that my grandpa is not suitable for owning a dog because of the fact that my grandpa had no time before with old dog and that he is "old". My grandpa goes for a walk 2 times daily if outside allows even if cold if not he has a big basement with a minimal of things down there like a spare bed for guest, a tv if want to watch down there and a sofa, lots of space to play with the dog if winter outside. He also has proof that he took care of the dog with vet bills and a vet bill from the friend for the dog that died natural of old age.

So anyone has a recommendation of where to get a Chihuahua dog for a fair, reasonable cheap price without spending a fortune?


thanks,
Conway

[nadiabreckon]

I would tell them to keep looking around. It's definitely hard when a dog has been rehomed due to the owner not having enough time for them, it's always going to raise a red with breeders, rescue groups, or a shelter...so I'm not surprised at the outcome. I'm not trying to be rude, just honest.

But, keep looking online for good breeders, making sure they are not "backyard breeders" is very important, and don't forget, there is no such thing as a purebred "mixed breed"...lol

[conway]

My grandpa has more time now at home as he is retired and have time with a dog to keep him company. He usually drives or bus to the mall [yorkdale mall, a really big one] when his friend doesn't come over and spend 2 - 3 hours there walking or sitting around by himself, so he doesn't get lonely at home.

I suggested to him a Chihuahua [or a Jack Russel or a Yorkshire Terrier] because those are active small pets that can keep up up to date with his active to keep him health instead of being at the mall.

He had tons of time before when he got the first dog, but work has changed and so he has to follow to earn more money by following the job and more hours were needed to work as before he usually work half day and after the work change before the retirement he had to work 8 - 9 hours aday

[Sally888]

Tell them to keep looking around, theres lots of dog breeders that are great that would sell to them.

[mle]

There are many chihuahuas in shelters. I'm not just saying that either!
A lot of people get chihuahuas expecting them to be ltitle and low maintence when they're pretty yappy and need excercise like any other dog. Sadly, some of these pups get into shelters as a result.

Plus, an older dog may be easier for them to deal with - no potty training, teething etc.

Check out "Dooby" at the Toronto Humane Society:
http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/dogs.htm



Dooby is a female chihuahua (it says long haired/mix coat) aged 7 years, one month.
Adoption fee: $150.00
Click the link above the photos to read more. You can also call them for more information.

The THS has some more great dogs, but they're a little larger. They do have a screening process but when it comes to an adult chihuahua I think a more settled home with no small kids would be an advantage.

Here is Andy a chihuahua mix in Blackstock, ON:
http://www.adoptapet.com/pet5068069.html



Or perhaps Lola in Toronto, Ontario:
http://www.adoptapet.com/pet4717407.html



Just search around and you can find a great match for a dog that really wants a home

[mle]

Some more dogs that could be a great fit:



Anderson at the Toronto Humane Society:
http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/dogs.htm

He is a 4 and a half year old Fox terrier mix. He's quite feisty according to the profile, but he seems like a nice little buddy! He'd probably love to go on walks with your dad.



Harley at the Toronto Humane Society:
http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/dogs.htm

He is a 10 month old Wheaten terrier mix. He's a youngster, but already housetrained. He also seems like a nice companion.



Clark, from Rat Terrier Rescue Canada (in the Toronto area):
http://www.adoptapet.com/pet5016810.html

He is a young one (6-8 months) and housetraining is ongoing. He's a smaller size but full of energy!



Champagne, from Rat Terrier rescue Canada (in the Toronto area):
http://www.adoptapet.com/pet5043594.html

She is about 6 years old, and previously came from an home where she was neglected due to a large amount of dogs in the home. All she wants is some loving now! She is also housetrained.



Willow, from Rat terrier Rescue Canada:
http://www.adoptapet.com/pet5016808.html

Willow is a 5 year old good little girl. She likes walks and being in the car. She is good with kids, other dogs, cats, housetrained, spayed- and the list goes on. Seems like a fantastic girl that loves people!

For more dogs go to http://www.adoptapet.com/index.html
Just enter in a size to see a lot of great smaller doggies. Best of luck finding a pet! It's a wonderful thing to own a dog, and they are just so therapeutic

[mle]

By the way, when it comes to cost all these dogs range from adoption fees of $150-$400- and that includes the fact that they are vaccinated, housetrained, and spayed/neutered. Most have microchips and those from the Toronto Humane Society have chips and pre-paid pet insurance for 6 weeks. It's really deal for yourself and the little doggy when they can both get some love for less than a traditional breeder.

Just a tip, Chihuahuas are great little dogs, but if you're keeping your options open terriers often have vibrant and active personalities as well. Many are also hypoallergenic (if this is a problem) and shed very little if hardly at all. If you keep your mind open, a dog will adopt you soon enough, and the decision will seem very easy

[Sally888]

Here little dogs are adopted within days. There never are little dogs in the shelter longer then that. They even have waiting lists full of qualifed pre screened people just waiting for little dogs.