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!).

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

What a fun time and much more ahead!  Enjoy puppyhood parenting!

Quincy was a "leftover" and I could not be happier with my sweet, mellow, goody, but yet at times crazy, man! 

[DJ & Chance]

What an exciting time!  I thought I "knew" what puppy I wanted by watching videos and viewing photographers, but when the day came to pick out my pup another cutie stole my heart.  

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Thanks, Joanne!  I read what you wrote somewhere else about an energetic outgoing boy being lively when he's older-- I love that thought and while I've thought a lot about the adult dog rather than the puppy, I really liked what you said!  And I had a maltipoo who was the last pick of the litter.  I honestly cannot imagine who in their right mind would have passed him up.  He was the absolute best dog.  I think those things end up just as they should- my Ricky was certainly mine!

And thanks Jenny!  Maybe it's just the way things go with breeders as far as not getting tons of pictures or videos.  I actually can't attend selection because it's going to interfere with an already scheduled vacation.  The breeder and I are going to chat a little bit and then he'll send me videos of the puppies that I'm considering. When I first learned about this breed, I found one specific breeder and I knew right away that I wanted one of his puppies.  Even after doing lots of research about other breeders closer to home, I still wanted a puppy from this one, so my pup will fly to me. I struggled with that for a long time but did lots and lots of research into it and have reconciled it and am not too worried about it anymore.  Thanks for the good luck!  I can't wait to choose and meet my puppy!

[Jenny and Cooper]

I'm happy for you, your time is finally here in just a few days. It was the same withus, we hardly got any pictures. We didn't even get any video. It'll be so different once you're there and all the cute little puppies hovering by your feet :) They'll be all excited to meet you! You'll decide then for sure which one is perfect for you. Good luck!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Lucky You!   Personally, I love those boys so......  I had a super energetic, outgoing, boy. He was the last of the litter to pick. Just he and his sister left in the bunch. I cant help but feel everyone passed on him and he was MINE!  

I'm getting excited with you.