What kind of dog, Amy? Have you picked out a particular dog, or just spoken to the breeder? Getting a puppy?

When my sweet little old pug lady sails to the Grey Havens, I don't think I'll be without a dog for long, either.

Best of luck - I hope things work out well!

Can't wait to see your new master!

Congrats!

And speaking of good breeders, you're right -- getting an animal shouldn't be a piece of cake, and so many people don't "get" that.

I had a friend who wanted a Golden Retriever, and she called me up angry that the breeder wanted to meet with her, asked "nosy" questions about her home and work schedule, and wanted a reference from her vet. I told her that those were all signs that the breeder is an excellent one -- and signs that SHE wasn't ready for a dog!

I hope pictures will be posted so that we may all squee accordingly.

Awww, good luck! It'll be a lucky doggy to find you.

Amy, there is to be no bigoted terminology on this blog! How dare you refer to this heterosexual couple as "breeders"? Shame on you!

Seriously, I can wait to see the new pictures. It'll be just like seeing baby pictures.

"It'll be just like seeing baby pictures."

But better!

If it is the kind of Dog I am guessing it is, you are in for a treat. Of course I could have guessed wrong. Whatever it is, it will have a great home with you.

Although you think you have decided, consider a Coton de Tulear. World's cutest and best-behaved dogs.

the breeders just want to be sure I would give their dog a good home, and the right home. . . . Hoping this works out!

I hope so too. I wonder what the breeders need to know to be assured of the good/right home with you.

My first pug died of "Pug dog encephalitis" it's a rare genetic disease that mostly affects fawn colored pugs. He came from a puppy mill. My stepdads bichon is epileptic with tons of allergies and is also from a puppy mill. And if you know bichons they are a healthy lively breed.

In the pugs case it was a TERRIBLE experience watching him suffer from a painful disease that has no cure and is 100% fatal.

I'm with Amy I can't bear doggie suffering.

Congratulations Amy!

A cautionary tale re the breeders however.

Some breeders like the one you describe can become militant and stalkerish if you pick the wrong one.

The breeder I chose seemed exactly how you describe.

However, shortly after I had paid for the dog, I began receiving phone calls and FB posts; the breeder in question wanted to be sure I had purchased the right food, was going to the vet SHE had recommended, was supervising the puppy with my children, providing him physical activity for at least three hours daily, had had him neutered, etc etc etc etc.

When I finally changed my phone number and blocked her from FB, she showed up to "visit" with my dog.

I realize that she was one in a million, and had serious mental issues apparently, but I will be screening my breeders even more carefully than I did her if ever I get another!

I'm sure that there will not be another Lucy; but, may this new doggie bring you joy and happiness!

Fingers crossed, Amy!

I got my Shiba Inu from a rescue that buys them out of puppy mills and adopts them out. A adore her. She is the best dog EVER. She is also a poster child for why you should not buy puppies from pet stores. She spent the first 8 years of her life in a crate punching out puppies.

That dog can do whatever the hell she wants now, as far as I'm concerned. The rest of her life is going to be treats, walks, toys, and love.

If at any point in the process of adopting a pet you start thinking it would be easier to adopt a Chinese orphan, then the odds are you've found a good breeder.

Told you. When you've had one great dog, you can't go long without another one. I've no doubt it will be a happy dog & happy owner.

(But - to illustrate the dangers of a 'common' language, suggest you might want to Google the British meaning of the word 'dogging'. I read the headline while drinking my morning tea, and blew it all over my keyboard. I'm pretty sure that's not what you meant ;-))

llater,

llamas

I hope it works out for you, Amy. I can't wait to see what little puppy is lucky enough to get you!

Best of luck to you and your new little best bud, Amy! I hope it all works out for you!

An echo, but I have to say it anyway: I'm sure looking forward to Puppy Alkon's debut!

Debut. Do they have doggie cotillions?

I agree a breeder needs to care, they are placing their babies and good ones don't want to contribute to the shelter dog problem. But I take serious issue with rescue organizations that are this rigid. What's better for the dog: being fed grocery store food and spending a lot of time in a fenced yard as opposed to inside, or living its life in a cage or being put down? It's this train of thought that everything must be "perfect" that has gotten PETA to where it is-they'd rather every animal die than live in a way they deem less than ideal.

Perfect is the enemy of good, and good is just fine for a dog otherwise facing family-less.

Our newest 4 legged member came to us from a rescue here in Austin about 6 months ago. He's a doxie mixed with who knows what, although he looks pure doxie. His owner's dog gave birth to him and 2 others. Evidently they were never socialized with at all, or fed after the mom weaned them. She took them to the pound when they were 6 months old-emaciated almost to the point of death. I read the shelter intake form they gave to the rescue: dogs showed extreme aggression and fear, biting, growling, etc. That's why the rescue took them, the shelter would have euthanized. He is now great with people he has met, but he will bite upon first meeting if I am not careful. He's come a long way. But a lot of rescues would not have given him to me, because I don't revolve my entire life around him, and I don't buy expensive food. Insane.

M4;

I agree. The shelter in my city was similarly militant. I had wanted to adopt an older dog, one that didn't have much of a shot. Their stance: Since you have young children you are not a good home for a rescue dog. (The dog I had my eye on looked like it walked through life in a coma, it was so low energy. He was a beauty too. Half Husky, half Shepherd.)

That is why I went with a breeder, although if you read my above post, I will be screening my breeders alot more carefully in future.

The thing is, she came recommended by the shelter.

I plan on avoiding shelters altogether in the future. Which is sad, because there are many many great dogs in shelters who need a home. The shelters are forcing themselves to euthanize, only due to their attitude.