I will soon be the proud owner of that puppy. As long as all goes well. I am waiting for the seller to get back to me about it. She is 8 weeks old, black lab, and coming from SC. I really dont want her to have to fly on an airplane so it may turn into a road trip.
Just thought I would share with you all. I'll let you know how things go over the next few days. The names that I have thought of ( with the help of chris) are Jasmine and Hayley. Any preference of either one? Other unique names you have to offer, lemme know!! Thanks everyone!
Last edited on Wed Jun 23rd, 2004 04:53 pm by 03ChromeChica
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It's not about what you have under the hood, it's about who you have behind the wheel...
everyone down here names their dog jasmine and everyone names their kid hayley. not sure what they do up there. Hmmmm, think think. I might have to get back with you on this. But i would probably wait till you have the puppy a few days and decide form the personality.
My only concern here Tiff and for all - this is just from what I've learned from nearly 10 years as an owner of a pure bred dog and investing a lot of time and research into the whole thing.
I am concerned that many ppl. I know keep "ordering" dogs via the internet. My reasoning...there are several, but the biggest is my fear that these dogs are coming from puppy mills. I'm not sure if you all know what "Puppy Mills" are actually, but they are horrible situations where the females are perpetually kept pregnant and when they can no longer produce live puppies, they are either euthanized (not always humanely) or sent to laboratories, shelters or even just set free to roam and die a cruel death.
Many puppy mill puppies are inbred - prone to disease and genetically unsound. Typically no care is given to the health, history or welbeing of these dogs at all.
The housing/shelter (if any is supplied) is typically minimal at best. Many times crates are all these animals ever have for a home, bed or shelter and many times they are stacked on top of each other so that the urine, feces and vomit of other dogs above falls onto the lower cages and dogs. Can you imagine having this happen to a domesticated animal? I can't, but I've seen video and read reports of arrests etc. of these situations.
Another point here is - when looking for a dog - you really should be able to visit the facility/home where the dogs are reared and cared for to inspect it's condition. Also, so you may see how overbred the female may be & be able to verify the lines.
Local breeders are the best - you can see the dogs & their home. You can interview the owners/breeders and visualize what you will be getting. Not to mention supporting your local people.
There is no way to truely make money on breeding dogs. If a breeder tells you they make a good living off of it - they are probably not being fair and just to the animals they use to breed. My breeder (Dobermans) would only breed her bitches every other year & only if the litters bore live animals. If the female no longer was able to produce live births, then she would be "retired" and not bred again. She wouldn't discard her or anything. She kept all of her dogs and cares for them very well. She no longer breeds, but is into showing, competion courses/training and grooming of Dobermans still.
My stance on purchasing dogs via the web or phone and having them shipped is plain and I'll remind you...it is my opinion and I felt the need to voice it as many ppl. don't realize just what they are getting into. If you're paying $1000 for a dog - you're probably paying FAR too much and that money is going to someone who profits on the cruelty of animals. Pet Shops are also horrible places. I cannot stand to see these poor dogs, which have typically been shipped from all over - to end up in another cold, cage until they are sold for a rediculous profit.
Just as an example. 10 years ago, when I bought Rajah up in Bar Mills Maine - I paid $500 for a Pet - with the understanding that I would have him fixed and would never breed him. I have seen Dobermans online sell for and above $2000!!! Why? For profit, not for love. My breeder loved all of her animals and still does. These dogs rule her home and are noble, majestic and very, very happy!
I have much more information should you be interested or if anyone would be interested. I'm more than happy to help.
#1 thing I suggest - Crate Train ALL DOGS!
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Yup... puppy mills are the badness... i already told you what i think you should look out for in that last PM lady.
Was also thinking. You are a youngin.... This is something that you are going to have for atleast the next 10 years. Ready for that? Just remember, like i said, most places to rent no longer take pets.. and if they do rent is higher. That something that you are comfortable with? You are gettin to that moving out stage and dont know how your parents would feel about having thier own memeber of the family if you had to leave her behind. Also have to remember if you want to go anywhere, vacation, ect where she cant go, you have to pay for her being taken care of. Could pay for a kennel or a pet sitter... and let me tell you... that gets PRICEY!! I should know... i made good money doing it made $60/day off one client.
Im also a big fan of adoption. So many puppies out there that need a home and are discarded for no good reason. Mixed breeds... oh... my personal favorite.. and you get the best ones at the SPCA.... my pup... oh he was the BEST and he was a saved pup. Had pure breds before and they were little tools... resulting from what my parents now thing was inbreeding (I wasnt old enough to know or have say when we got them).
Just some more things to think about there lady before the big investment!! Dont want to go jumping into something too fast just bc you fell inlove with her little face
congrats though... let us know what happens
Oh.. and both names... im not feelin them... what about Esther... that seems to be the cool thing these days
____________________ Its all fun and games until someone gets poked in the eye with a dick
wow such depressingly realistic information. Don't you wish it was a lassie movie? Where your new dog will save your accident prone son from well bottoms and old mine shafts
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Yeah, I punched a baby once, in anger. But in my defense the baby was being kind of a dick.
Getting a pet is a wonderful experience. I agree with Chelly completely. Personally, I would never buy a dog that I could not see before making the purchase. I also would insist on seeing the parents, if possible, and definitely the breeders facilities .
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Tiff, I don't want to down you on getting a dog at all, but I'd like to offer more info not only to you - but other prospective buyers who look to Pet Stores and Online.
More info on what a Puppy Mill is and also helpful information on researching Dog genetics and other important information when considering a dog.