AGH. UNIVERSE, STOP IT.

[hazliya]

Out of curiosity, I looked on the AKC site to see if there were any registered Papillon breeders nearby. Just for fun.

There are three within 200 miles. Two in NY, which are show breeders ($1500-$2k a puppy).

One in Holden.

A pet breeder ($500-$600 a puppy).

Who has puppies available right now.

Well, mid-january. But still.

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME, UNIVERSE

Comments

[londo.livejournal.com]

...you're complaining that a thing you want is available?

[hazliya.livejournal.com]

I'm complaining that it's available right now, when I can't have it.

[(Anonymous)]

Some helpful links that I made use of when I bought my puppy last year:
http://www.danemist.com/ABCs/buyingapurebredpuppy.html

http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/showthread.php?t=22440

I ultimately ended up getting a $1600 puppy from a breeder that came highly recommended by my vet, and am SO happy I did. My Golden, at 13 months, has no signs of hip dysplasia, eye problems, or any of the other 'common' problems with the breed. He's a happy, healthy, and *strong* 73 pound dog, and I know that all his ancestors were the same way at least 5 generations back. Unfortunately that kind of assurance comes with a higher up-front cost, but that generally ends up being lower-cost in the long run due to fewer vet bills, etc.

Anyway HTH, and good luck with your doggie-choosing!

[purple-dj.livejournal.com]

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME, UNIVERSE

Because the universe *wants* you to have a puppy, obviously!

[endlessgame.livejournal.com]

Because there're probably breeders within 200 miles of *most* city-level areas?

Alternately, I'll go with purple_dj's theory.

Although, I'm curious if there's a specific rationale for looking specifically at AKC breeders, and not rescue groups or shelters, or if that was just the first place you looked.

[hazliya.livejournal.com]

Well, basically, this is my first dog on my own. At rescue groups or shelters, you'll usually have older dogs of questionable parentage, and at breeders, you'll have young puppies with the dam (and sometimes the sire) on-site.

For m first dog, I want to have met both parents AND start raising them the way I want to from day one. As many variables controlled as can be, you know?

Also, AKC registered breeders have to adhere to very strict rules, which involve the health guarantees, family history, support etc that you can't get anywhere else.

[endlessgame.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see. I hadn't thought of those benefits of getting to meet the parents.

In any case, best of luck to you, both in knowing when the right time is, and finding a good pup when the time does come.

(P.S. Sorry for earlier. It's probably not helping an already hard decision to not adopt right now)

[darkoni]

Because the universe likes to tease you with things you want right now, but that you have to wait for. I know the feeling. It sucks.

I suppose the question is whether or not you are going to go ahead and get a puppy to appease the want, even when you say you aren't ready for it yet, or whether you will hold off. Sometimes it's hard to make the best decision in that situation, and you might want to get an outside perspective from someone more objective, to at least act as a sounding board. There are certainly times I wish I had done that.

Might I suggest you list off your reasons for not being ready yet to someone else, like elenuial, just to act as a sounding board. Telling them to someone else might help you figure out how valid those reasons are.

[hazliya.livejournal.com]

There's no way I'm getting a puppy right now. Absolutely none. Not for at least another year or two.

[darkoni]

Ah, so you just have to deal with the frustration of wanting it then. Yeah, that sucks.