'I bought a Pomeranian puppy in lockdown Brighton and this is what I learned'

But as two, busy working journalists, it always seemed like a distant dream.

The demands of walking, regular vet trips, and training just did not seem to fit into our lifestyle - that was until the pandemic began.

In January 2021, just weeks after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a third national lockdown, we welcomed Arlo into our home.

Arlo as a ten-week old puppy

After weeks spent endlessly scrolling websites, looking for the perfect puppy, he was finally here.

At just eight-weeks old, Arlo, a toy Pomeranian, was just a bundle of fur with tiny little pin-like teeth that he was all too happy to nibble you with.

• READ MORE: RSPCA Brighton helps reunite dog with owner 160 miles away

Our dream had become a reality, and although tired from sleepless nights filled with the sounds of little puppy cries, we were over the moon.

Arlo is now a one-year-old Pomeranian

That was until the reality of our lack of research came back around to bite us.

It soon became apparent that Arlo was very poorly, most likely the result of the poor conditions he was kept in by the breeder, and from being taken from his mum too early.

• READ MORE: Sussex Police and RSPCA safely return stolen dog home after eight years

After various trips to the emergency vets, and hundreds of pounds later, we found he had a parasite called Giardia, commonly found in puppy farm dogs.

Arlo and I on Brighton beach

It was touch and go as to whether he would make it.

Like many others during lockdown, my partner Henry and I had been drawn to looking at listings of puppies for sale online.

Upon seeing the advert for Arlo, we instantly fell in love and knew we had to have him, but after contacting the breeder, numerous red flags appeared.

Arlo as a puppy

We were told we could not see the puppies with their mother because coronavirus restrictions prevented us from being able to enter the home.

The Kennel Club advises that all prospective dog owners should visit the breeder’s home to see the litter, the mother and to ask any questions about potential health issues and how the dog’s have been socialised.

Although we instantly knew that we needed be wary, we were drawn in by the cute-looking pictures and the reality that regardless of the circumstances, they still needed home.

During lockdown, illegal breeders were found to be cashing in on the demand for pandemic puppies.

The cost of dogs soared, with prices going up by more than four or five times their usual value.

And despite the warnings, people, including me, continued to use social media sites to buy puppies without any information about the animal’s background.

Arlo is now a fireless and feisty little dog, who loves nothing more than chasing a tennis ball along Brighton beach or digging the biggest and muddiest hole at Hove Park.

And while we were incredibly lucky Arlo pulled through, we would never again fall into the trap of using an exploitative system that puts animals in danger.

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