I also did like you, lurked for months before joining, then didn't get my puppy for a year after that. I will give you a suggestion I learned here, that I wouldn't have thought of on my own. If you find a show kennel whose dogs you like, don't automatically feel you can't afford one of their puppies. They often sell pet quality dogs for much cheaper than a BYB sells their puppies for. Also, the difference in their "pet quality" and "show quality" puppies are often negligible, and they will generally be a much better bred puppy than you'll find in a newspaper ad. Also, if they have older pups, they will often sell them much cheaper. Last year when I contacted a show breeder, she had a six month old puppy she said she'd sell for $600. I didn't buy him because I was afraid of getting a dog that old, thinking he'd be harder to potty train, and worried he'd bark too much from being raised in a kennel. But now, after buying a four month old puppy, I realize I was probably wrong about that older puppy.
A tip a friend gave me is to check garage sales for stuff like ex pens, toys, collars, leashes, play pens, bowls, etc. I haven't had a chance to do this yet, but I wish I had thought of it in the year leading up to getting my puppy. I have probably spent $500 on "stuff" for the puppy in the month since I bought him. I also think it's a good idea to start picking up little things every time you go shopping. That will seem much less expensive buying it over the course of a year rather than having to buy it all at one time when you get your puppy.
Good luck. You sound as if you'll be a wonderful mom. |