[tammy8833]

Originally Posted by Jokerman

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.

i thought about that too..but you never know where it might be coming from and if parvo or another disease may be present in the used kennels and pens..your puppy would be at risk...just a thought