[LaRen616]

So a couple of weeks ago my breeder posted on her website that she had a couple of adult males that she needed to rehome, and silly me, I got in touch with her "just to see." She had picked my puppy for me, and I have also done a lot of training with her, so she knows me and my dog. Naturally, one was perfect for us - as she wrote "He has a super temperament with people and other dogs. He is a high energy boy that needs lots of exercise and therefore someone who can lay down the rules and stick to them. He is well trained as long as you know how to ask for it (which you do). He's house trained, crate trained, good with kids and other dogs. His one downfall is that they didn't tape his ear when he was younger. The vet told them he didn't think it would be necessary. (stupid vet) I am in the process of taping it now as I've seen a dog that is 9 years old have his ear come up after 3 months of taping. However, I cannot guarantee his ear so his price is dropped"

Hubby and I have gone back and forth on him, and finally decided that we probably wouldn't do it - we've never had 2 dogs and weren't sure about starting now. So when I contacted her today, to tell her (and give her an opportunity to change my mind) she told me that she would give him to me, since the other dog that was returned was because the owners "didn't have time for him" and he developed aggression issues, she wanted to make sure this boy had a forever home, that would be able to deal with the needs of a busy teen working line and she was feeling really discouraged. Of course, I have fallen in love with him - and I haven't even met him yet! We have until the end of the day to decide since the breeder is heading in for major surgery in a few days and really wants to find this boy a home before then!

I say go for it!!!!

 

[LaRen616]

Ah, debate - I appreciate your comments, Selzer We've known our breeder well for several years now, before we ever got a puppy from her. She lives about 25 minutes from us, and we see her often. She has also done all of our puppy and formal obedience classes with Kokoda, so she knows me, my dog, and my ability to train and handle GSDs. Her dogs are her life, she has two litters a year at the most, does the service puppy program with them, and then matches her puppies and owners very carefully. She knows we require a more social dog than most as my husband owns an RV dealership and we have our dog there often, they are expected to NOT be protective - everyone is allowed to come and go. Naturally the same rules do not apply at home. She is very up front with her owners, all of her dogs are high energy, high drive - only the lowest puppies in the litter go to pet homes, and by far, most go to SAR or competition of some sort, and a few to service. I waited for a couple of litters before there was a puppy that was appropriate for me. I like a dog that keeps me honest, if I didn't - I'd get a lab She matched Kokoda for us perfectly, and she has had this guy for a while so she knows his temperament.

This is her second surgery this year where they are going to be removing a large part of her abdomen (muscles, skin, fat etc) after a massive infection that almost killed her. Three weeks in the hospital if all goes well, and 3-6 months of recovery at home. She has people arranged to take care of her 7 house dogs, but SHE wanted to be the one dealing with new homes for these dogs. These are the second and third dogs she has had to rehome in the last 5 years that I have known her, and the last one was because the owner had a terminal illness.

I hope this clears up any concern that I am being duped or that this is not a well considered idea, I was the one to approach her after already discussing another dog with my hubby - rereading my post, I can definitely see how it could be construed that way. Thanks for bringing up your concerns - it is always very valuable on this forum!!

Hopefully all goes well when we meet him tonight, and if it does we will probably take him on a foster basis, and if that goes well we will add him to our family. If not, she is more than happy to have him back.

I hope it goes well
:fingerscrossed: