I would never buy from pet store again

Exactly 1 yr ago today my 8 y.o. Maltese, Spikey, died of heart failure. We fell in love with him when he was in a cage at a local petstore. We brought him home and loved him so much. At age 2 he went completely deaf (congenitally related). At age 7 he developed heart problems and had 2 strokes last year. ALL OF THIS WAS DUE TO HIM COMING FROM A PUPPY MILL! We had no idea when we bought him - all we knew was that we loved him. I miss him like nothing else. He was my baby. I would never buy a puppy at a pet store - NEVER.
-Ruby

• I am really sorry to hear about your loss. I too bought my Maltese from a pet store. I fell in love after 1 week of repeatedly visiting him and finally I let them put him in the "room" with me... That was it! I know the loss is great but I really hope that you will be comforted by knowing it was great that you did buy him and gave him all that love and good care while he lived! All the best to you and yours.

• My sincere condolences to you for your Spikey... it sounds like this loss is still a painful dagger in your heart. I can imagine - my little Maltese has stolen my heart and I've only had him a little over 3 months! He's 4 y/o; I got him from a rescue. And of course I know nothing of his background either; but with a rescue it's just the chance you take. I do know he is of good temperment, has no fear of grooming/groomers (as though he's been professionally groomed before, and taken care of) and a very cut e face. He could have come from a puppy mill or a fine breeder, we'll never know. And in our case, none of that matters! But I agree with you, I would never buy a puppy from a pet store, or an 'iffy' breeder... there are many good breeders out there, some are right here on this board. When the time is right and you are ready for a new Maltese, go directly to one of these people. Sometimes they will even ship the dog to you, depending on the circumstances. Be sure and interview the breeder carefully. (Any reputable breeder will be interviewing you, as well.) Write down your questions and write down their answers. There are books at the library that have sections on this; also I can send you info. via email if you like. This is, of course, when you find you are ready to open your heart to another little Maltese. Even with past heartaches, there are new loves waiting for us - sometimes right around the corner. Good luck to you.
  Laurie B.