We would like to Introduce Sophia

[doodle615]

HI everyone! We would like to introduce sophia!







She's 5 months old and she's a real sweatheart. I'm glad that there is a resource like this and I am looking foward to learning
and growing with our puppy.

[kirama]

She's just adorable..how long have you had her?

[KingstonTodd]

Welcome, good looking doodle. Tell us more about how she became part of your family.

[CindynEarl]

Welcome Sophia. Cruiser gave you a flirty howl. How pretty you are.

[Jac]

Hi! Welcome to you and Sophia! She is a doll baby! She actually looks very much like some of my puppies...so, of course, I think she is wonderful already!

Looking forward to getting to know you and Sophia.

[lindamarie]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM BOTH OF YOU!
Sophia is absolutely PRECIOUS!
Can't wait to hear more and see more!

[doodle615]

Thanks everyone! Looking foward to getting to know you guys too we have had her for about 5 weeks. Our family has allergy problems, so getting a new dog was always something that we were really hesitant about. After researching we decided on a labradoodle. The came the task of finding a good breeder that was local. We'll after some searching we finally found one within about an hours drive, and we went and got her. We had a pitbul/dalmation mix when I was younger, and well, things just didnt go too well. We really didnt know the dogs pedigree until months after we had her. So I guess you could say I was especially hesitant...BUT I was really surprised about how intellegent, and loving she is as well as her all out friendliness. She doesnt have a mean bone in her body. She wants to play with everyone...the crossing guard, mailman, kids, the guy from 7-11! If your laying down on the floor she comes over and snuggles with you hahaha! We have gotten some flak about going to a breeder and not getting a dog from a shelter. I do feel bad about this, but being confined to a certain breeds, our choices were limited. We still are giving a dog that didnt have a good home, a good home. Has anyone else ever experienced this? Regardless we still absolutely love her! and I'm glad we got her!

[Jac]

I think that you did exactly the right thing and I am glad you brought this up.
As breeders, we get this all the time...
I had an older pup that I wanted to place, he was almost 6 months and my only concern was to get him into a forever, loving home. (Not money.) He stayed with us because I take responsibility for my dogs so we continued to love him and look for the right match for him...finally we met a good couple who really wanted him but they confessed that they usually adopt from shelters and they felt guilty getting one from a breeder.
I said, if I was a bad breeder, this boy would BE in a shelter...that is the problem. If more people would support good breeders, there would be far less dogs in shelters. Why? Because of many things but mainly because good breeders carefully select the families so that they will keep the dog forever, but they also have health warranties in case the dog has a serious illness, AND, they contract with the buyer that they MUST return the dog to the breeder if ever they can't keep the dog. These breeders make a commitment to their puppies and their puppies are not subject to any situation where the owner feels a need to abandon them.
So, by getting a dog from a good breeder, you are helping to ensure that dogs do not end up in shelters.
The problem is that there are many people who buy from pet stores (who get puppies from puppy mills) or from back yard breeders and there is no safety net. Then, for whatever reason, the person can't keep the dog...so, what can they do? Take it to the shelter!
But, if they got the dog from the breeder, even if the dog is 10 years old (if the breeder is still alive, ) then that dog has a home to go to, not a shelter.
So, you did the absolutely responsible thing.
On a side note...the family that got our puppy has been in touch with me so often and their comments are: "I can't tell you how nice it is to have a dog that comes 'hardwired' to love. Our dog knows how to give and recieve unconditional love...you don't get that from shelter dogs, they have to be taught." Now that may not always be true, but I believe that it is many times the case.
By getting from a good breeder, you get a good temperament, good health and a loving companion. That, to me, is worth a lot. Good breeders should not be punished for the actions of bad breeders and bad owners who don't take responsiblitiy for the dogs they create or select.
Okay, I'll step down off of my soap box now.

[MaxandMe]

HELLO, WELCOME, nice to meet you and glad you joined the forum!!!

SOPHIA looks and sounds like a doll baby!!!

OH, i have fostered on and off for over 25yrs but we have allergies really bad in my house and I TOO got grief like you
JAC is correct, GOOD BREEDERS prevent dogs from being in shelters. AND both my doodles are from a breeder, the black
one was the older puppy no one wanted (but me)

CONGRATS!!! Doodles are just as you described SOPHIA..........you have years of love and fun coming your way

[tuffystar]

Welcome! What a beauty. I think you did right going to a breeder. I have allergies to dogs and cats and I know what it is like to have a dog in the house you can't breathe around!