I guess my trouble is this. One specific puppy happens to the the one a certain buyer likes best. In no way is it "her" puppy at this time (they are barely over 3 weeks old), but it does happen to be her favorite.
Knowing this, and that this buyer is very engaged in her puppy's well-being, I decided to tell her when this puppy had a bit of the sniffles, and seemed to be having mild difficulty nursing (slowed weight gains), so I put him on antibiotics (that the vet had given me previously for other preemie issues). The puppy then began gaining back any set-back he had, and is again at the top of the litter in size. He always has close to the highest gain at each weighing. There has been no fever (checking 2x daily), but he's still a bit congested.
I've put off a vet visit as the vet had specifically warned about bringing these guy in to the clinic much due to the high risk of infection from viruses around the clinic. We don't know how much protection they really got from their mom due to all the surrounding circumstances. (I have made the decision to take him in later today actually - unrelated to the buyer's situation - I just don't think he's made enough improvement).
So, the buyer is very concerned. I expected that. Here is my difficulty - she sent me an email asking how the puppy was doing (not too long after my last report to her). I didn't have an immediate update when I read it (I'd just woken up after my "off" shift), so I went and posted a few things on forums before I started my "duty". When on duty there was no change, and I ended up spending the time caring for puppies, introducing them to solids for the first time, taking lots of photos, writing up a blog post to keep everyone updated (including the buyer).
When I was next off duty I updated the buyer on the puppy, basically saying there was no change, and that I planned to take him in on Thursday if things still remained as they were. I apologized for taking so long - all these weird hours have finally done me in and I am now sick (on top of everything). But I also said that there had been no change and I would let her know if/when there was change.
Well, the puppy buyer is really upset with me for taking that long to respond. She's particularly upset that I had the time to post on a message board (like here) on unrelated topics, but not to give her a reply. I guess I could have (should have) sent her an update saying there's no update. But I didn't.
If I'd not told her up front about what was happening with her favorite puppy, and left it for when she was making decisions, I'd not have her on my case about not updating fast enough. I'd not withhold anything of importance when it came to puppy buying time (or take home time). But I'm seriously wondering if I should have followed the well-meant advice of other breeders I know and kept my mouth shut for the time being. I'm not posting the information for everyone to see (it doesn't affect everyone, and certainly is minor as far as such things go - concerning, but minor so far).
The buyer brought the subject up on another forum, and I'm sure she'll find this post here. I don't want to say much there, as I want her to get honest, straightforward answers from the people on there. Interfering won't help. The only post I made was in direct response to what WAS being done for the puppy, as it was unclear if any treatment was being done.
I'm just so frustrated by it all. I really wonder why I do this. The stress is killing me
Bad enough almost losing my bitch, twice, and losing three of the puppies.
Enough moping and crying over spilt milk... I just wanted to clarify the situation.
Edited to add - I think this is a terrific buyer for a puppy - this one or any other in the litter. I certainly know that she really cares and has the best in mind for whatever puppy she gets. It's just all so stressful :yikes: