Barkworks I bought Buddy at Barkwork, he was always sick and eventually died at 5 months of age Mission Viejo California

On October 22, we purchased a sweet male c**k-a-Poo from Barkworks in Mission Viejo. At the time he was three months old. When we asked where Buddy came from and his health, Barkworks insisted that he was from a reputable breeder and in good health. That night we took Buddy home and he was coughing and gagging. A few days later we took him for his initial visit to Camino Pet Hospital in Irvine (Barkwork's pays if you use their vet, Dr. Shoolman).

The vet diagnosed Buddy with tracheobronchitus and gave him antibiotics. He also mentioned that Buddy was emaciated and that we should let him eat as much food as he wants. By that point we were already attached to Buddy and didn't consider calling the pet store or returning him.

In the two short months that we had Buddy he had one health problem after another. A few days after his first vet visit he developed ear infections in both ears. Three weeks after that, we took Buddy for his first grooming at a highly recommended groomer. He came home with three broken toes. We were really beginning to think that our poor boy was fragile. He was constantly sick or hurt and we did the best we could to shelter him and give him love.

My life changed last Wednesday when Buddy met his final end. My husband took him out for a walk and Buddy started gasping for air and foaming at the mouth. He was immediately rushed to an animal hospital near our home; he was given oxygen because his respiratory rate was over 90 (very dangerous for a small dog). X-rays showed that over 50% of Buddy's lungs were filled with fluid. Buddy was also coughing up blood. My poor boy suffered for nearly 18 hours. Trying to breath out of his nose. All Wednesday night he was awake, suffering. I have never felt so helpless in my life.

Early Thursday morning, December 20th, Buddy passed away. We don't understand how he became violently ill so suddenly. The doctor at the hospital believes that he must have been incubating a respiratory problem and it was set off during his walk. In the two precious months that we were Buddy's mommy and daddy, he was constantly sick or hurt. I don't think that he had a chance in life because he wasn't taken care of in his early weeks.

I am currently doing research on the original breeder and can't find anything on the internet. I want to confirm that Buddy came from a puppy mill--based on what happened to him its the only sensible explanation. We miss our "good boy" who deserved to live a long and happy life.

April
Laguna Niguel, California
U.S.A.