Thank you to everyone -- great ideas; great stories...I've learned a lot

[Lanell in Colorado]

I very  much appreciate all the feedback I've received.  Thank you all for taking the time to respond and for sharing your stories and your advice.

We are definitely more knowledgeable.  I think we are going to look carefully at our finances and hopefully we will be more comfortable by knowing we can -- or can't -- afford the 'good breeder' expense.  Yes we did find some puppies at a discount, and, yes, they appeared attractive because we didn't recognize the red flags.  We are smarter now, but still getting better educated each day..

It has dawned on me that it might not be the right time for us to become puppy parents.  This thought makes me incredibly sad...it seems like we eiither  have money -- or we have time -- but never both at the same time.  It seems like getting two puppies at the same time might NOT be the best choice -- which helps the financial challenge, but it does not solve our " home-alone while parents are at work" issue.   And, of course, we still need to find a good breeder and identify exactly what size/color/sex/breed/characteristics make the most sense for us.  Frankly, we get a little off course because they are all so cute.

At this instance, I'm feeling discouraged, but I haven't given up yet and will continue the quest...THANK YOU ALL for your support.  I'll keep everyone updated on our adventures in the Quest for a Doodle.  My very best regards

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sent you a message.  Keep us all posted - well, because we all love doodles so much, we wish them on everyone.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You will find the right Doodle when the timing is right for you.  I understand your disappointment, but it will be worth the wait.

[Vicki and Harli]

Good luck Lanell! I hope you find a doodle when the time is right. I love Nancy's comment - wishing doodles for everyone because we love them so much!! :)

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

you will find the right dog at the right time, dont give up. many people get puppies while they are working, and though its hard, and potty training takes longer, they make it work. DH and I got Cooper when I was only working part time, and he was just out of school and not working. We spend almost the last of our savings on Cooper ($2500) and supplies (who knows how much all that came to). We ate all the dry food out of the cupboards, including nothing but lentils, onions and herbs/spices for a month (youd be surprised how many different thing you can make).We decided the timing was right even if it wasnt the best timing financially. I knew we would never have both at the same time!

keep doing research and dont give up

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I understand the sadness you are feeling.  We almost purchased a doodle a couple of years before we got Cubbie.  I had one picked out at a breeder and everything but my DH and I decided that it just wasn't the right time (I made him call the breeder because I was sitting there crying on the floor and I no shape to talk on the phone) but I know that it was the best decision for us to wait.  Flash forward 5 years and we now have 2 doodles.  When the time is right, everything will fall perfectly into place.  Trust me though, that doodle happiness is worth waiting for to make sure that you have the time and money to provide the best home for that little furry pup.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

It's great that you are doing all the research-you will know when the time is right! Good luck!