I am in a quandary and thought some input from fellow breeders and dog lovers might help. I recently sold 2 pug pups to a family (whol only live a couple of miles away) As they were taking the two little girls together I let them have them at just over 8 weeks (I let the American Cockers go at 8 weeks, but am happier with the pugs going at 12 weeks if going alone - or even older!) The pups will be 12 weekks old tomorrow. I got a phone call last night from the extremely upset puppy owner, saying she had some really bad news to break - the pup had died at the vets yesterday morning! Apparently, they had noticed on Friday that she was in distress, and having trouble breathing, and rushed her straight to the Vets surgery - they put her on oxygen, and after examination discovered she had a collapsed lung. She was given a general anasthetic yesterday morning to repair the lung (I think) but died on the operating table.

Vet has said that a blow to the head may have been the cause. The family have no recollection of anything happening, but of course pups play wildly, and she could have had a bump against a table or chair without anyone knowing. I am so upset about my lovely little girl, but now dont know what to do - the other 2 pups from the litter (a girl and a boy) are ready to be sold next week, have a few enquiries but have not decided on a definite home for either, so, should I offer my remaining little pug girl to this family to replace the lost pup? I just dont know what to do, I have no way to know if they were at all negligent, and they seem terribly upset, it only seems fair to give them the option, but why do I feel reluctant?

Any input greatfully received.

bye
Gwen

My dad gave me some advice many years ago which I follow; If you have any doubts at all then don't do it. Clearly there is something in your mind that is worrying you about this situation (I too would find it hard that a pup could suffer from a collapsed lung just through playing).
Sorry can't be more help.
Bec

This is so sad to hear. You rear the pups think they have gone to loving homes then this happens. You must be beside yourself with worry. Not saying they did go to a bad home but it must cast doubt in your mind.
I bet your extremly anxious for the other pup they still have. I'm sure you will make the right decision.

Hi

OK, to give them the benefit of the doubt, the pup *could* have run into a chair or table leg. What I would ask myself is "do the family have enough time to ensure that two puppies are supervised 100% of the time to prevent such a tragedy happening again?". If you donb't feel comfotable that they do, then my suggestion to them would be to not to try and replace the lost pup, but raise this one and have one out of your next litter maybe.

You may find that they will then be overprotective of the remaining puppy (not a bad thing), and if all goes well they could have a pup out of your next litter.

I think you have to decide what *you* will be happy with at this stage - not the family ;)

HTH
Chloe

Hi gwen
im really sorry to hear about the puppy.
all i can say to you is go with your gut instinct if you think they shouldnt have one then dont do it

No I wouldn't Gwen. I would expect them to be watching such young pups all the time they were loose, to SEE what happened. If I'm not watching a pup, and we all have other things to do, then it's safe in its crate or pen. If they could have told you what had happened, and accidents do happen, then I would consider letting them have another.
I remember collecting my 3 year old daughter from her 1 day a week with a registered child minder. She came to the door with a bump like an egg on her forehead. I asked how she'd done it and the childminder didn't know. The bump wasn't a problem to me, but not knowing how it had happened was! She didn't go back!
Maybe they just couldn't watch 2 pups and they would be better to stick to the one??

Did you speak to their vet direct or is that what the family told you .
I know pups are pretty fragile when so young but surely it would have to run in at some force for that to hapen? Do they have children in the family ?
I ask if its ok to speak to their vet and see what he thinks when he speaks to you
Lel

Gwen,
So sorry to hear about one of your babies. Can I just ask, ask this family actually asked for a replacement, or is it you just being a kind breeder and feeling you should? thanks.Beth

If your "gut" instinct is not to replace, and I'd say from the fact you are asking it is, then don't do it.
One might accident may well be an accident, due to the fact puppies are puppies, and they may well watch the other pup like a hawk, but if something and I'm not saying it would happened to the other pup you'd blame yourself; do as someone suggested and wait until your next litter and see then how the remaining pup has done. Happiness with her progress on BOTH sides then that's the solution.

Just another question "do they have other pets or children?" that could of unknowlingly bumped the pup?

If something happened you are unsure of don't repeat it just to make sure you are right.

Hi everyone,

thanks for the replies and sympathy. Replying to the queries, in no particular order:
1) No, they havent asked for another pup yet (and of course I dont know if they will)
2) Havent been able to speak to the vet yet, it being aholiday weekend
3)Did very thorough home checks before letting them buy the pups. They have a 6 year old girl, very good with the pups when they came here (several times ) to look at & discuss the pups. "Mum" is at home all day - does not work, "Dad" manages a takewaway/restaurant, and is home all day until tea-time, works evenings.
4)Both had experience of toy breeds when they were at home with family.
I am most concerned that the pup had a genreal anaesthetic - dont really know why yet, I guess will find out more on Tuesday, when I can talk to the vet. Pugs are very prone to problem under G.A., and this baby was not yet 12 weeks, I know very little about collapsed lungs, and presume surgers was to try and effect a repair.

Will keep you all updated. Thanks for the advice and support

Gwen

with respect to u go with you gut instinct!! no leave it ,dont go down the same road just in case
this don't sound right to me .

I agree something about this doesn't sound right, i actually find pups are quite resillient so i can't understand how it could have got so badly hurt without anyone noticing. I wouldn't offer one, just wait and see if they ask. Two pups can be a bit of a handful so perhaps they couldn't cope. However, it sounds as if you did thorough checks and wouldn't sell your pups to just anyone so it all seems a bit odd. surely if it was down to mistreatment or incorrect handling the owner would be reluctant to let you know what had happened. It could be that maybe something happened whilst the young girl was with the pups, dropped it maybe and doesn't want to say. I guess see what the vet says before you make any decisions and wait and see if they want another pup.