I realize this post is going to be a little bit unorthodox, but maybe I'm just looking for support. I found a breeder in my area that I really like and trust, and several months ago I put down an $800 deposit for a puppy. The litter was born in October, but the breeder decided it wasn't a good time for me to take a puppy since I became pregnant in that time. I completely understand this, and I agreed to wait for a future litter (even years down the line, whatever she recommends), but I feel bad about the whole thing. I told her to hold onto the deposit until that time since I'm set on this breed and her dogs. I just can't help feel like I did something wrong and that she's mad at me.
I think the other part of this is that my preschooler loves dogs, and she was so comfortable and calm with the puppies. As a kid, I didn't grow up with dogs, and in fact I was terrified of them until my twenties. I don't want that to happen to her. It's important to me that my children have some comfort with dogs growing up. There are other reasons I prefer a GSD as opposed to other breeds - I did so much research, and met her dogs, and really felt like I'd found a good fit there.
I'm thinking of waiting until my youngest is three to maybe get myself back on the list. Is that reasonable? Should I ask for my deposit back, or just hang on for a while? I'm not sure what to do.
I think the other part of this is that my preschooler loves dogs, and she was so comfortable and calm with the puppies. As a kid, I didn't grow up with dogs, and in fact I was terrified of them until my twenties. I don't want that to happen to her. It's important to me that my children have some comfort with dogs growing up. There are other reasons I prefer a GSD as opposed to other breeds - I did so much research, and met her dogs, and really felt like I'd found a good fit there.
I'm thinking of waiting until my youngest is three to maybe get myself back on the list. Is that reasonable? Should I ask for my deposit back, or just hang on for a while? I'm not sure what to do.