Preparing To Choose

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

The week is finally here!  After almost a year, selection for the puppies is just a few days away!  It starts on September 17!

Truth be told, I'd been feeling a little *something* lately.  It wasn't at ALL that I wasn't excited about a puppy or anything like that, but I think I was expecting the process to be a little bit different.  I've only had two videos and a few sets of photos since the puppies were born.  Maybe that really is totally sufficient since in their first few weeks, there just adorable fluffy lumps, but I think I have been so excited for so long that I was unrealistically expecting much more frequent updates and to be inundated with photos and videos throughout the entire waiting period.  I wonder if breeders just get so into the routine of it all that they forget how excited we are as we're waiting. Or maybe I'm just impatient-- that could totally be it!

Anyway, I was snapped out of that last night when I got a new video of the puppies who have now been microchipped for identification.  It's the first real time that I've been able to feel like I could pick and choose what I like about each one and truly be able to tell who was who. I was trying really hard to not pick favorites.  Since I am third to choose, I didn't want to risk any potential disappointment surrounding what I want to only be an exciting and happy time.  I found out last week that there was a private reserve (where someone had paid more during the deposit period to have pick of the litter) and that they chose a girl.  Now I am second to pick once selection opens up.  

I wish I had photos to share right now, but I'll post some when I have them.  My favorites, because apparently I have no self control and couldn't not pick a favorite, are the two boys.  One seemed super friendly and kept climbing into the breeder's lap and pawing at him for attention.  He seemed like such a goofy dog and I couldn't help but smile watching him.  Then the other boy is kind of opposite.  He was off doing his own thing which would have made me question shyness except when the breeder went over to get him, his tail was wagging and he joined the group right away and showed interest and curiosity in the camera and the other puppies. I love that he was content to do his own thing but also excited and happy to join the group.  And with the super friendly boy, I liked his goofiness and he just seemed like a really fun guy.  In my mind, after that one short video, I would be so thrilled with either of them. And in the event that the private selection depositor changes their mind and chooses a boy, there are some very "middle of the road" girls that are just as adorable.  

I know I'm going to end up with a wonderful puppy and I just have a few more weeks to wait. Luckily next week I'm heading to Florida for a week at the beach and then I am presenting at a conference so hopefully the time passes quickly (except the beach part-- I want that to last as long as possible!).

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Looking forward to reading about your pups homecoming.  Hang in there, it will all work out the way it was meant to be. 

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Yeah I know what you mean, waiting to pick them was "tense" for me. I was so paranoid that I would get the wrong one- lol I'm pretty sure that's not possible because like you said you love the one you end up picking. :)

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Thanks for that, Jessica! Totally reassures me with what I've been thinking. I'm kind of weighing those same ideas to try and help prepare myself for my decision-- which could come anytime through Sunday, I think.  I know that whichever one I choose is going to be perfect in my eyes so I feel really at ease with either decision!  It's just the waiting that has me all tensed up! Once I know, I think it'll be smooth sailing for the rest of my wait!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

The two boys you described are like my two boys. Loki is big and goofy and constantly wants attention were as Moose is always off on his own agenda but if I call him over he is soooo excited for attention. Now that Moose is a bit older he is more attached to me. Either way I can say each "extreme" has lots of great things and some negatives to go with them. Either way they both sound so cute and I can't wait to see which one you pick!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

The anticipation is so exciting.  I also think things have a way of working out the way they are meant to be so have a great time at the beach.  Things have a way of changing too when you meet the puppies:)  Finn was the last one and only --but I couldn't imagine who I would have picked over him.  

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Such an exciting time! I too believe that the puppy that you get was truly meant for you! I think picking out puppy number two gets a little trickier because you want to be sure puppy number one is as happy with your choice as you are.  Lol So relax this time around, enjoy the beach and catch up on sleep! And make sure you have a camera for all the pics you'll be taking! Save the choosing worry for the second! ; )

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Thanks guys, for sharing your thoughts!  I'm so looking forward to the crazy puppy time and everything that comes with it!

Laurie, as corny it may be, I am with you on whichever dog you end up with being the dog you can't live without.  I know that was the case with my last dog and I know that it really does not matter at all which dog I DO end up with, it'll have my heart always.  

And Sue, I like that idea too-- that the breeders are just too busy taking care of the dogs to worry about photos and videos.  I'll go with that one! ;)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I like to think that the breeder is just too busy taking care of these little fur balls that they don't have much time for the videos and pictures we expect. I have an excellent breeder and I think i got probably one or two videos and pictures on her website during our wait. She picked both of my puppies for me so I never had to think of a favorite or pick. They are both perfect dogs for our family btw as Im sure yours will be for you as well.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

What fun is headed your way! I think Vern was one of the last ones left and I couldn't be happier that he ended up with me. I really believe you get the dog that is meant for you. Sounds corny and maybe it's really that the dog you end up with just becomes the dog that you can't live without :) Good luck in your pick. It will all work out. 

[Nancy & Echo]

What an exciting time!  I'm sure you'll get the best pup for you.