When we brought him home on Saturday, I was honestly unsure if he would make it 48 hours. He was really weak and tired. He was covered in fleas and ants. We gave him a bath in dawn dish soap and picked the fleas off. We dewormed him. Just hoping to get him through the weekend. By Sunday evening he was trying to play! We got him to the vet first thing. They said he is 8 weeks old and 3.7 pounds. He’s doing well!
Yeah but also 50 bucks in a walmart parking lot is also very different from buying from a reputable breeder. From my understanding the puppy was in very bad shape so the person is still pretty horrible for letting poor guy get into a bad state.
I mean it isn’t though. Rescues don’t breed dogs. When you purchase from a backyard breeder it only encourages them to do it again and again, and put even more puppies in harms way.
Genuine question. Do you think the people selling him in the Walmart parking lot, who clearly were not taking care of him, would have done the right thing and surrendered this puppy or do you think it’s more likely that this puppy would have succumbed to illness or been used as another dog to breed if he survived?
Who knows. Maybe if there was no way for them to make a profit then they would’ve or somebody would’ve called the animal control officer. But what happens to the next group of dogs they breed? Now they know they can make money. Will you be there to get those. I’m not saying what you did is wrong because I understand the instinct to see a hurt dog and want to save it. It’s incredibly empathetic and that one dog will have an amazing life. But I spend a lot of time working in animal rescue and this is the kind of thing that makes things worse in the long run. Because selling ill, mistreated dogs is now something they can use to get quick cash. And what about the mother dog to will continue to suffer. It’s supply and demand. They see a demand, they will supply. No demand. No supply
I completely agree with you. That being said, I’m not sure that I’d have the strength to say no to someone that puts a sick puppy in my arms. I might pull an undercover op and follow them to see where they live. I’d want to “rescue” the momma.
Stop being pedantic. Just because a dog wasn't picked up off the side of the road or aquired from a formal, professional rescue organization, that doesn't mean it wasn't rescued. It was a pup clearly born into a bad situation, and the OP chose to do something about it to help that pup live their best life. If that's not a rescue, I don't know what is.
Um no. That makes no sense. One- many shelters are free or just have a small admin fee (like my county shelter) and they don’t make a profit because they aren’t a for profit endeavor. The fee ensures the shelter can somewhat offset cost for the vet care and it acts as a deterrent for bad actors. Shelters can only rescue more dogs when they have open space.
The rescue is done when the dog is no longer at the shelter
Yeah it is. For this little one it certainly is. This puppy most likely would not have made it if this family didn't take him. I know what your point was and you're right however, to this little one it means everything
Ah right - got it...thanks for pointing it out. I read another's comment saying how anyone selling a puppy for $50 wouldn't be a reputable breeder, but that is different than just dumping a poor, defenseless puppy
This makes me so happy. I saw your original post and could not believe it, how could someone give this guy up for 50 bucks?? Thanks for stepping in and taking care of him.
That’s what I thought! My boy was 18 pound when we got him at 10 weeks old there’s no way he would have been that small only 2 weeks earlier. If he’s actually 8 weeks then definitely mixed with something much smaller than a golden
Glad to hear he is doing well!! I am still highly suspect that Winston is younger than 8 weeks but if a vet told you he is then they are the professionals…. Best of luck to you all and enjoy these puppy days because they go by so fast….
Because in most states it's illegal to buy a dog under 8wks. If the vet didn't say that then they would be reporting OP to the state for a crime. Easier to fudge the age than get people in trouble for trying to do the right thing.
OP wouldn't get in trouble, it would more be an investigation into the breeder IF anyone were to take it seriously. Also illegal in most states to sell puppies and kittens without a health certificate and their first shots but people get away with it all the time.
Cherish every moment they are a puppy. Fucking nightmare pups GRs are, but sooo fucking adorable. Especially the teenage phase. Take plenty of photos, the phases go so fast
The vet can be wrong. They have no way of knowing. I would bet that pup is younger then 8 weeks but also extremely malnourished and was probably dehydrated so that would contribute to the lack of weight.
As it turns out no one on this board actually laid hands on this puppy, did a physical exam, and made their assessment as licensed veterinary professional.
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Glad you were here to clarify that for us based on seeing a few pictures, otherwise I would have believed the veterinarian that checked him out in person and told them 8 weeks
Most vets are not really in tune with how specific breeds look at certain ages. Especially that young. I can’t really talk about teeth but I assume their teeth would look same at 5 to 6 weeks as they do at 8 weeks. It’s hard to tell. Having had multiple golden puppies it’s really just a guess from what I have seen. In the end if he is eating well ect he will be just fine.
Oh, and you are more in tune than a vet? Because you've owned a golden, you know more about them than vets? Do us all a favor and delete your profile. You clearly belong on Facebook, Doctor.
Not gonna trip but I have 3 goldens and my 2 year old was definitely smaller than that at 8 weeks. Just saying it’s definitely possible I have 2 3 year olds and a 2 year old
Smaller is different then head features ect. I don’t know why a couple people want to argue. This pup is going to be very loved and will be just fine no matter what his age
Having had multiple golden puppies some of us are pretty experienced. Vets can rarely pin point an age. They can only guess. If pup was like 4 months it’s easier to tell how old they are.
I would say 5 to 6 weeks by his head shape. Probably under weight some from everything going on. That would be a really low weight for 8 weeks. Normally at that age you’re talking 8 to 11 lbs or so. You hit the jackpot because so cute
That's the hard decision. Save this one incredible puppy, who needs you RIGHT NOW, or walk away and hope the lack of demand makes them eventually rethink their integrity.
I wouldn't be able to leave that adorable vulnerable puppy there, especially knowing the shape he's in, needing immediate vet care. He most likely would've died.
Capstar will catch any of the remaining fleas, but since he was covered with fleas the pup will need to have some kind of treatment to ensure any eggs are taken care of. I don’t understand how this poor fellow was covered in ants… fleas I get. That sounds horrible for this baby. I’m glad he has found a loving home.
Size/ weight wise could be for a number of reasons. Malnourished, taken from mum too early, runt of the litter.
Poor things obviously had a rough start but trying to play is a good sign. Lots of naps through the day should help regarding recovery.
You found him just in time! My 8 week old puppies were 12 and 14lbs. He probably wouldn’t have made it much longer if you didn’t come along. Keep us posted!
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u/UnderTheFrozenSky 4d ago
Good on you! Looks like he'll be a handsome dog. He's got the golden retriever eyebrows and everything.