I Met my puppy at 5 weeks

[Missy]

Oh the excitement of finally meeting the little pup!  Then the overwhelming realization that all is REAL, and how unprepared I am.

It has taken months of research, lots of phone calls, and energy to decide this is the breed for us. Then the time to search out breeders (which was very taxing too) and then the waiting for the pups to be conceived, and then born, and then observing to see which you will be 'matched' with, and then the day you finally get to "meet and greet" your puppy. AHHH!!

I had to travel 4 hours one way to see my puppy, and I didn't have to 'choose' a pup as there was only 1 curly hair male, but only 2 hours for the visit went by quickly!!   I had only planned on staying 1 hour, but the pup that was suppose to be mine, was scared every time I held it, so I was having second thoughts.  I am so glad I stayed the second hour as I was eventually able to hold him without him shaking.

For all those that told me, "you will know when you hold him", I never got that feeling.  This pup was actually more interested in others than me.  What to do now?? was my feeling.  and the thought of having to wait for another litter could take years!! I was so thankful that the pup warmed up to me a little and I even got a hand lick right before I left.  I left a blanket that we had been sleeping with, so maybe when I go back, the pup will recognize our scent.  that is the hope!!

We are very excited, and it finally feels very real!! I have been buying dog stuff since we got home.  

For those that are still waiting...it is worth the wait. Look at how cute he is!!!  

[Kristin and Sophie]

Thanks Missy.  Once we saw Sophie in person and brought her home (ok, on the car ride home - we fell in love) - we had her in a laundry basket for 20 seconds and then she climbed out, walked over and got on my lap - looked up at me and then closed her eyes and took a nap.  She won me over.  She has gotten more and more curious every day.  We were happy at 4 weeks (when we chose her) that the breeder said she did not display an alpha personality, yet was curious and not afraid of people.  She is a little stinker.

Sophie should have a wavy/shaggy coat -- I bought a brush (am sure i will have to get a more expensive one) but I bought one at Pet Smart that is a pin brush because I wanted to get her used to being brushed and to get used to the sensation - she was only 6 lbs when we brought her home and seemed/seems so small and delicate.  I want to get a slicker brush as that is supposed to get the mats out of her fur.

I bet when you go to see puppy again - the fireworks will happen.  Your little guy will be so dependent on you for his safety and when he looks up at you - you will melt.  Right now, he's distracted by others and his litter mates.  When he knows he part of your 'pack' - he will fit in just right!

[Missy]

aww!! thank you for your story!!

I am shopping for brushes.  breeder states Les Pooches is the only brush to have. $85.00.

I can't wait for the fireworks!! lol   I agree, too many distractions that day!! so thankful that I went, but I was a lot to take in!

[Melissa and Willa Couch]

Congrats Missy!  Thanks for the encouragement on the waiting process.  You sound so much like me...with the researching breeds, breeders, etc.  I am still awaiting the conception of my pup  Put my deposit down in December.  I am first on the list!  The breeder thinks it will be this month!  Seems like I've been waiting forever!  I also did the research of the breeds and then the search for the best fit for breeders in my area.  Sorry you didn't get the "know when you hold him" feeling.  That is the one place we differ.....that is not something I worry about.  Since my breeder is 10 hours away I will not be visiting prior to bringing home.  I do plan on driving over and taking a mini vacation.  I don't want my little girl to have to fly.  

[Melissa and Willa Couch]

ooh!  Just got an email:   "inseminated and we are planning on sonograms in a couple of weeks to confirm pregnancies."  Yeah.  Now I only have to wait for confirmation, birth, and the longest 8-10 weeks ever after she is born!  

[Missy]

congrats!!! yes, these weeks are the longest!!! you can do it!!

[Sara and Birdie]

Hooray!! Congrats Melissa!! That is great news! Keep us posted with the details!!

[Melissa and Willa Couch]

Thanks Sara!

[Missy]

Melissa,

Shew!  Why is it we have to wait so long for these pups? :)  It's not like going to the pet store, seeing one, falling in love, and taking it home. 

Only those that persevere will own a doodle!  well, a well breed doodle!! Man, 10 hours away is huge! I hope your breeder is like mine and keeps you involved with every detail.  I think I would be going crazy without all the updates she gives us.  And once the pups are born, all the picture analysis!!! I wouldn't want mine to fly either.

Here's to a healthy dog pregnancy!!

[Melissa and Willa Couch]

Ha!  The wait is so long because there are so few breeders.  There are so few breeders because breeding stock pups cost as much as a decent automobile!  Seriously!!!  I never mind waiting for what I really want.  I know it will be worth it!  But it is still difficult!  Also, reading stories like yours makes me feel better and helps me to know that it is well worth it!  

[Stephanie Brown]

You will see a big difference next time you see him I'm sure! I also had a long drive. Probably at least 4 hours with stops. I was afraid of taking him out anywhere to use the bathroom because of other dogs and sickness. So what I did was lined the back of my SUV with newspaper and puppy pads and let him go in the back to use the bathroom. That way he never had to leave the car. We won't do that again because we don't want it to become a habit, but it worked really well if you have the room and are worried about stopping. Good luck!

[Missy]

it seems like a lot of us have long drives.  Yes, the potty thing does concern us.  My husband is not one to make extra stops, but I have told him, we need to stop at odd places so the risks are minimal.  ie. not at the fast food joint or gas station, or rest area.  I might have to give the husband something to calm him down! ha ha

the back of SUV  is a good idea, but we are picking up the puppy from a week's vacation, so we will be packed full!

look at how lovable yours is!! love looking at all the puppy pictures!!

[Stephanie Brown]

Thanks!! He is loveable and has such a personality already!  He is very smart!!!  We are taking him on his first social excursion on Saturday since the vet has said he will be good to go.  We are going to an auction where my daughter has to help with the food booth for 4-H.  So he will have all sorts of people petting him etc. I'm sure.  Want to get him out there as soon as we can to make him happy to see everyone!  I will post more pictures soon.  I love taking pictures and sharing them!