Puppy Love...

Yesterday we went to check out another breeder. At this time I have talked with a dozen breeders in the central FL area, visited 3. We're looking for a German Shepherd puppy, but from a breeder so we have a better idea of bloodlines for health reasons. Since they're prone to hip problems, we also like that most breeders so a hip guarantee for 1-2 years. So, we've been comparing. GSD is an expensive breed, we've found some that are $2500 starting, with all the amazing bloodlines back to Germany and the 14 word long registered names, etc. So been trying to balance pricing with quality and a breeder we actually LIKE. Rather pay a little more up front for better health trends than for vet bills later on. Plus we like visiting to see area puppies are for first 8 weeks.

Anyone, was visiting another breeder. Actually was first one I found, but female ended up not pregnant at the time so I had moved on. Has two pregnant, so good sign. Went for visit (only 30 mins away, even better). Liked the lady, she was easy to talk to and her dogs are good lines, but not so crazy that we're having a 2nd mortgage for a dog. While we were there, she had some other puppies that were a little order we got to play with, which was fun.

This is where we got caught... We've wanted to get a puppy at the 8weeks, so we can start training, etc. Didn't want an older one, etc etc. These 3 she has right now, t hey come barreling out of the pen and one little female come right over, plops down between my two feet,leans her head back against my legs with 'love me' look and let me love all over her for a few minutes before going off to play. Dave's watching them play and petting them as they come back and forth. After a few minutes he points to one with a look in his eye, which is the same one that picked me. After a little bit we put the other two up and checked her out alone more. Complete sweetheart, plays good but also calms down quickly. Already learned boundries in the yard, knows not to bite/nibble, little reminder to stay down,.. listens well.

So, we keep talking and kinda paying attention to her. More and more I'm thinking we may consider an older puppy. So, told breeder we'd get back to her. Wanted to check things out and make sure we're ready for a puppy this soon, since we thought we'd have until October. Its been one day and we're already referring to her by name.

As it stands, I think we're bringing Sierra home this weekend...


(One of the right)