Husband surprised me with a puppy and I'm not sure I want it.?

Question

We have an 11th month old lab puppy and have been looking at getting a smaller dog recently. He surprised me with a Boston Terrier and I am such an animal lover, but I am not in love with this one.

I was bathing her and discovered that she is covered in fleas. She is 8 weeks old and I don't think this is very healthy. I am not sure what the breeder will do "refund" wise, but I am not wanting to keep this puppy.

Please do not lecture on responsibility as this is totally not the case. Any suggestions and/or ways people have dealth with similar issues would be greatly appreciated.

I have gotten most of the fleas off the good old fashion way, finding them with my own fingers. I also put a small amount of Advantix on her and have found a few dead ones.

I can get over the flea issue, but I am thinking I only want one dog.

Help :(

I have talked to my husband and he says I can do what I want...this needs to be something we both want. It is a very strange feeling about this puppy - I am not in love, simply put. Selfish, no...honest, yes. It would be selfish of me to keep an animal I did not want.

Answer 1

Sometimes personalities simply don't click. For whatever reason, you don't like this little pup. Whether it was the fleas, her own actions, whatever, you don't like this pup.

You are right that it isn't selfish of you to not want to keep her if you just don't like her, for whatever reason it may be.

As you say she came covered in fleas, I would be hesitant to return her to her breeder. A breeder who sends a dog covered in fleas home isn't a GOOD, responsible breeder, IMO.

Instead of contacting the breeder to rehome this pup, instead I would contact Boston Rescue. Rescue will assure the pup goes to a home where the new owner will be a solid, responsible dog person, someone who will keep this pup for life. A person who understands the breed and is anxious to get this pup. (not like a local animal shelter who does their best by dozens of breeds, several varieties of animals)

Here is a link to find a Boston Rescue group near you:

http://www.btrescue.org/

Don't feel guilty because it wasn't love at first sight. You weren't responsible for bringing this little girl into your home. If you had gone to the breeder's home, you might have simply walked away without committing to raising this pup. And don't be angry at your hubby...he was trying to make you happy. Just ask that you be involved in the decision the next time before bringing another pup home!

Answer 2

you could put him up for adoption and tell your husband that you would really like to take the time to think things through and do more research before you have another dog. You can also explain to your husband how hard it would be to get the fleas off of the dog and keep them off. If this would cause hurt feelings make sure that you talk everything over with him first and agree on a plan. As for the breeder explain the situation and tell her that you do not appreciate her giving you an unhealthy dog. Breeders are usually very nice but only whatever deal you make will benefit them in some way

Answer 3

To be honest, the breeder will do not much unless there is a medical reason that the dog cannot be sold. Most states have something called a puppy lemon law which states that a consumer has the right to (a) return the dog for a full refund (b) exchange the dog or (c) request medical expenses if the dog is said to be unfit for sale by a liscensed state vetrinarian. Of course, this rule only applies to liscensed breeders, so if your "breeder" is not officially recognized, it may be a problem. Check with you vet/local law officals to see what the law states in your area.

If you cannot refund the dog, or if you decide you still don't want it, you can do one of a few things: (1) Put an ad in your local newspaper advertising the dog as for sale (I do not reccomend "Free to a good home") (2) Search online for the breed's offical rescue group who will place the dog with a new family or (3) Check your local SPCA's or Shelters to see if you can relinquish him/her. BE SURE TO FIND OUT IF THE SHELTER EUTHANIZES ANIMALS!!!! I wouldn't reccomend bringing the puppy to one that does.

A lot of people who say that they are breeders, are far from it. Just because someone's dog becomes pregnant DOES NOT mean that they are a breeder. This causes a ton of problems not only for animal owners, but for animals as well.

Answer 4

I do not think your selfish, think it was very poor of your husband to surprise you with a puppy. Just one of those things where no one should ever buy a puppy as a gift.

But what concerns me not is that you don't want to keep the puppy but that this puppy obviously came from a horrible situation, it should not be covered in fleas. This breeder is questionable at best. Please find a safer situation for this dog regardless of how you feel about it personally. I am not suggesting you keep it, but I am suggesting you do not return it to an unscrupulous breeder. I myself would consider calling Animal Protection in regards to the breeders animal care conditions.

I agree with the participant call the Boston Terrier Rescue Association.

Answer 5

It does sound like you're in a predicament, but there's no need to be to on edge about it. It's nice that he wanted to surprise you, but asking first probably would've been a better choice. Or at least he could have asked what kind of breed you wanted.

Either way, it was a sweet gesture. Now, onto the dog!

You're not wanting to get rid of it just because of fleas, are you? If you don't like the breed, or the actual dog's personality, that's a better reason to return or get rid of it. You should call the breeder, apologize for the inconvenience, and ask if you could return the puppy for full price.

If you end up stuck with the puppy, at least give it a few days before you ultimately decide it's destiny. Who knows, you might fall in love with it.

Answer 6

You can wash the dog with a bar of ivory soap, or dawn dish soap, and leave it on for a full five minutes before rinsing, and the fleas will be dead..
Now, as Bosties REALLY do grow on you, give it a week, and give it a chance to steal your heart..
then, if you haven't fallen in love, list it in your paper..Bosties sell very quickly! As they really are wonderful little dogs..
Before you sell it, take it to the vet for shots and worming, as you don't want to sell it in poor health, and you will get the money back when it sells.
Be honest with your husband..give the puppy a week to charm you, and then if it doesn't, then just tell your husband that it is not the right time for a puppy..

Answer 7

You need to stop being so selfish. Get some flea medication and take care of the problem. It's not the poor puppies fault. For someone that is such a animal lover, you are very cold hearted. Grow up and help the poor puppy.

Answer 8

I can understand the flea issue, especially since it was a gift and now the pup is turning into alot work. If you really only want one dog, call the local Boston Terrier rescue. They will help you.
This is not uncommon during the Holidays. Don't feel quilty, if you can't devote time to the pup it is not best for either of you.

Answer 9

well to return it to the breeder may be hazardess to the puppies health as they obviously didnt take care of it. you could sell it yourself to a good owner by listing her on craigslist but should treat the fleas first. for a puppy at that age the best thing to use is a small amount of lemon dish detergent it will kill the fleas immediatly. you should make sure to talkt o your husband before getting rid of the puppy as it is part his as well and he also has some say so.. you also need to explain to him that while it was sweet to surprise you it was inconsiterate to the animal as you had not talked about it but you now have a responsability to making sure the puppy stays healthy and happy untill you find a good and loving home for it now

Answer 10

Take the puppy to the vet immediately. Most "reputable" breeders will give you a refund for an unhealthy puppy. However, I am doubting this person was reputable. As a breeder, I would never sell a puppy to anyone to give as a gift! Second, no baby of mine would leave my house with fleas!!!

Good luck to you. I wish I could be more help!