For many of us, the first one is the learning experience and no matter how much we love them, it teaches us how important buying form a reputable breeder is the second time around.
When I adopted Lady, I knew she was originally from a pet store and really thought I was pretty educated about pet shop puppies. Since Lady was 4&1/2 already and had been healthy all her life, I had no idea that she would "fall apart" physically so late in life. In the first two years I had her, this "healthy" dog was dx first with epilepsy, then diabetes, then allergies, and severe inflamatory arthritis (so bad I had to walk her in a sling - she was unable to walk).
Thanks to many, many medications and fantastic vets, she is doing amazingly well at nearly 11. She has surprised everyone. But with what I have spent on her, I could have easily bought a show puppy from one of the top breeders!
I sure did luck out on her personality, though. She has a perfect, laid back mellow disposition. My sister who manages a vet office always tells me about the "funny looking" Maltese they see with the nasty dispositions. She keeps saying it's hard to believe that they are even the same breed as Lady. They had one a lady brought in to be put to sleep. He had been through 3 owners, bit everyone and was so hyper he'd even attack the television! One of the vet techs adopted him and has done very, very well with him, but he's still more like a terrier than a Maltese my sister says.
