Golden Doodle Rehome is Hard!!!

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

A beautiful family with one 9 year old boy, and 8 year old girl contacted me about buying a puppy.  As is my policy I asked all of the usual questions and answered theirs. They fulfilled all of my requirements for being a home for one of my pups.  They visited a couple of times, played with the puppies and seemed like a perfect fit. When the time came they came to pick her up, they had pictures made, discussed their new crate and supplies, brought her a toy to chew on the way home and away they went.  I corresponded with them through email like I do all of my puppy families that care to.  They sent pictures and the usual descriptions of her sweetness etc.  Never a complaint or concern.

Then the email.  The gist being that since school started, they no longer have time for her and would like to return her.  This baby is four months old and was the one that I just couldn't put down  There is always one or two in a litter that I bond to and she was the one. Thankfully they had the good sense to return her as I require in my contract.

So here is the problem.  This sweet smart perfect goldendoodle needed a forever home.  This is a puppy that someone paid a lot of money for.  She has all the medical testing, and breeding that has taken me years to develop. After evaluating her, it was clear that she was the typical, sweet intelligent goldendoodle.  How do you look for a great home for this girl without people thinking they are doing you some kind of favor rescuing this dog that you are "trying to get someone to take". She didnt need rescuing as I would have kept her until the right placement came along. She seemed to be tainted by the idea that she had been "rejected" once before. People wanted to know what was wrong with her.  I had  people that heard about her call me and say they would take her but really didn't need another dog, or they would take her but wanted to know if they could bring her back if it didn't work out(what kind of commitment is that!!!) And my favorite question,"It isnt going to cost me anything is it".Now I want to say here that I purposely made discreet inquiries to people like my therapy dog leader to see if she could recommend someone.  But somehow the word got out.  Even the secretary at the dentist said she would "take her".  I offended quite a few people by turning down their offers to "take her off my hands".

After three weeks I did find what I feel is the perfect home.  One of my therapy dog buddies, who heard about it from our leader, called about the puppy.  I'm happy to say that the new arrangement is working beautifully. Her new family says she is so smart and sweet that she will be the youngest therapy dog ever!  I'm so relieved. 

This is the first puppy I have ever had returned but would like to be prepared if it ever happens again.  How do you convey to people that you have an amazing gift to give, not that you need a favor!  I made several people angry by turning them down even though I did it as respectfully and politely as I knew how.  Any suggestions out there would be helpful.

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

Personally, I think it is perfectly okay to "re-sell" a puppy. "Rehomes" do not make a " bargain puppy" just because the owners couldn't keep her. There is absolutely nothing wrong with HER! Donating is a great idea, but not asking money for her is as good as saying she isn't worth anything. Just my opinion. She is beautiful by the way.

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

I do think your right about people's impression of there must be something wrong if it is free.  In our society most put more intrinsic  worth on what costs the most.  Although stressful, which quite a lot of dog breeding is, this situation has served to teach me a valuable lesson and to prepare me for how to deal with this the next time.  Yes I have a huge amount of money and time invested in these puppies and so I ask the price I do and have not had difficulty getting that price.  People are seeking for what I sell and I take great joy in providing such wonderful family companions. Trying to convey to people that this girl was as just as worthy and valuable was a problem.  Actually, she had had all of her early medical paid for, 90% housebroken, rudimentary obedience.

So again I will say that lesson learned.  

 

[Beverly Wright]

I cannot imagine returning this gorgeous girl!!!  Thank goodness they returned her to you!!!!! I know it must be hard for you parting with the sweet puppies and then to be slapped in the face!!!  So glad you found a wonderful forever home for her!!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Wow.  This dog is absolutely beautiful!  Geez...I wish I could have her myself!  I figure it is their loss!