Not Intercon related, possibly a setback

[hazliya]

So, one of the breeders I liked sent me an e-mail today saying that she'd accepted my application and that she'd had a litter of black-and-white (!!) pups born, with three (!!) males.

And it's just before summer, the optimal time to potty train outside and prime socializing time.

However, looking over her contract, there are a few things that stand out to me:
1. Her price is pretty high compared to pet-quality pups, but she doesn't specify whether or not she breeds show dogs.
2. She has a very strict neutering clause, something that is heavily atypical for a male.
3. When I asked if she had any later litters planned, she said that it "depends on when the girls come into heat," and this sounds to me like she breeds every cycle, something I really dislike.

So, thus far:

PROS:
- Perfect time of year for EVERYTHING
- Beautiful, healthy pups
- Gender I want
- Color variation I want
- Fantastic on communication
- Airtight health contract
- Very strict interview/application process

CONS:
- $1200 price tag (average for pet Papillons is 800-900)
- Possible overbreeding
- Would need to advance all the prep from November to May - a full six months ahead of schedule (including writing dog into lease, which I'd need to talk to Don about)

So I sent her an e-mail asking a few questions, and depending on how she answers, I may drop her as a breeder. The cons, looking over them, really aren't bad - I could sell a few jewelry pieces to make up the difference, and even then, I don't mind paying an extra $300 to ensure that the breeding is healthy. After all, you get what you pay for. The big thing, really, is the potentially unethical breeding practices. That's a dealbreaker for me.

I really want to have a summer to socialize and train this dog before winter hits and he becomes stir-crazy being cooped up in the house. And I don't want to have to leash train him in the snow.

Worst case scenario, I'll have to wait until next summer for a dog, and I'd be very heartbroken for a while. On the other hand, I don't want my impatience to make the decision for me.

I wish I had another month to decide, but if I want one of these pups, I need to make the decision in the next few days.

This sucks.

Comments

[kooda6801.livejournal.com]

I will buy more jewelry for a dog fund...and because I like your pieces.