No Longer Nameless!

[Pam]

Our puppy is named!! I had named all of our other dogs, and my kids had named the cats. This time it was hubby's turn. He picked BELLA!!!! I couldn't believe he came up with that name, since all of us here on the board have been mourning Alison's little Bella who just went to the Bridge not long ago. Hubby knew of the story about Alison's Bella but never knew her name. The name was voted on and passed unanimously. To Alison: Bella is a beautiful name and sort of a fitting tribute to a wonderful brave little dog. If she's looking down from the Bridge I know she is wagging her tail. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Now.....last night was the night from "you know where." http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Little Bella cried from 2:30-4:00 non-stop. She didn't do this on the first night because I guess she felt sort of "strange" to her surroundings. Now she knows what fun it is to be running free and wants to be with her new family. Can't say that I blame her. We all want to be with her too.....just not at 3:00 in the morning!! I am a bit like a zombie right now and must get ready for work. She will probably sleep the whole time I am gone. Lucky her! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Anyway, that's the latest!

[Angels3]

Baby Bella...what a little sweetie you are, so happy in your new home. I guess it must be a bit difficult to go to sleep at night when you have such a wonderful new family to talk to & cuddle up with.
Pam, please keep us up-to-date with Bella's adventures over the following weeks as she settles in to her new routine in her new home.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Pam,

Bella is the most perfect, fitting name and hearing that you and your hubby named her Bella brought tears to my eyes. I am so delighted at your *perfect* choice of names for her http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[RachelJ]

Pam, Bella is a beautiful name for your new baby and a wonderful tribute to her brave namesake. Now drag that cage up to your bedroom and Bella will have no trouble sleeping. It's guaranteed.

[This message has been edited by RachelJ (edited February 28, 2001).]

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Pam, I couldn't think of a more perfect name for your puppy, Bella.

[tatsxxx11]

What a perfect, beautiful name! Just like her namesake! Congratulations on being a new Mom! As for the 3:00AM thing....I hope I'm not jinxing you, but my Star, now 2, started that as a puppy. "How fun it is to be with my family.....and play at anytime!" She STILL wakes up at 3:00AM every morning to PLAY!! Heed Rachel's advice! Put the crate in the bedroom!! "Now, Bella, this is how we all SLEEP together!" http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif
Big kisses to Bella, and again, congratulations of being a new mom! I'm jealous!

[Sudilar]

What a perfect name!!!! Congrats on Baby Bella http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif!

[Genia]

Bella is a beautiful name! It is the perfect name for a little lady! I'm going along with Rachel also. Put that crate in your room. I hope things go well!

[Pam]

Thank you Rachel, Sandra and Genia for the suggestion of putting the crate in my bedroom. It's funny but I went into work and was telling one of the girls I work with about our bad night. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/frown.gif She said "the crate should be in your bedroom." Then I came home and was reading over the packet of information from the breeder (the first opportunity I have had to do this) and she says right there on page two "put the crate in your bedroom." Then of course you wonderful folks said "put the crate in your bedroom." It is now sinking in! The crate is already in my bedroom and that is where she will sleep tonight. Right now she is playing with all of the new toys that I bought for her today at PetsMart. She has a small kong, a squeaky carrot and two plush toys (one squeaks) and a nylabone plus a few things the breeder had given us. She is having a ball!! Oh, by the way, I put 3 pictures of her on my photopoint page. Just click below to see my little baby Bella. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1025009&a=11820619&f=0

[AdoreMyDogs]

You know Pam, Bella may very well be the CUTEST puppy I have EVER SEEN!!! She's a little angel and I know you are so proud http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I bet she has the MOST delightful puppy breath EVER! Take a big whiff of it for me and enjoy every bit of it http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif And give her a kissie and huggy for me http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

[Pam]

Adore thank you so much. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif We love her so much already.

Last night was the night from HEAVEN!!!!! What a difference with the crate in my room. No crying at all!!

This morning I also was awakened to the sound of purring on my pillow. http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif Andy had spent the night in my bedroom too!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I can't tell you how happy that made me feel. What a way to wake up!! I just fed Bella and took her out (she is doing great with the potty training). We have missed a couple of peepees, but all but two of her poopies have been outside!

When I brought her back in she was playing on the kitchen floor with Andy and he was laying down all stretched out in a very vulnerable position and not seeming at all fearful of her. In the meantime, Trevor, my 20 1/2 lb. cat was sitting in the windowsill watching. I am sure he'll come around too. At least no one is hiding any more. As a mommy to all 3 of these precious pets I want so much for everyone to get along. Hopefully in time they will. We're off to a good start!!

[Angels3]

Pam, your lovely pets are forming their little family. It was so sweet to read about them. Now...did I read that correctly...Trevor the cat weighs 20 1/2 lb.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Pam,

It was truly meant to be with baby Bella http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I keep going back to those 3 pictures and saying, "ohmygosh, she's so adorable, she has the most perfect little puppy face and body, ohmygosh look at those beautiful baby eyes...she's so incredibly cute"

So, tell me about how you got her. Did you have to have your name on a waiting list or did you happen upon the breeder and they had an extra pup? I don't know how the breeders could have given Bella up, she's a little heartbreaker http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif I guess that's why I haven't ever bred dogs, because I would have ended up with all of the puppies, especially if the puppies looked like Bella, she's cuter then the average puppy http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

I am glad she let you sleep last night, that must have been a wonderful relief! So glad you are having fun with her, keep those pictures coming http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

-Leslie

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Pam, Bella is gorgous, I love her all ready.
It was worth the wait to get a sweetheart like her. I think she was meant to be yours!

[wolflady]

Pam,
Bella is absolutely adorable. I don't think I've ever seen a poodle puppy. That fur is just the best!! I can see how someone can fall in love so quickly. I think it's a disease...puppy weakness!! Every time I see one it's like...awwww...look at the adorable puppy wuppy! My husband just rolls his eyes and laughs at me. Hearing all of the stories and seeing all of the pictures makes me all the more excited to get a canine family member sooner than later! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif I'm so happy to hear that the kitties are coming around. Everything will be just fine http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Leslie brought up some interesting questions that I am curious about too. Along with considering doing a rescue, I have considered going to a breeder for a Terv (there's not too many rescues for them in the area), but am wondering what it's like dealing with a breeder. What is your experience? How do you distinguish a reputable breeder from a puppy mill? What kinds of questions did you ask or were asked by the breeder?? A co-worker got a dog from a breeder, and she was telling me about it and the breeder just sounded a little wierd. Especially since my co-worker bought a "pet quality" dog (he only had 1 you know what), but the wierd thing is that the breeder had a contract for that dog not to be neutered because she wanted to breed him. I didn't think it's right to breed a dog with one you know what. LOL I'm new to the whole breeder thing since I've really been focused on rescue. Any advice??

Thank you and congrats again on that new heartbreaker of yours! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif
Karen

[Pam]

Little Bella just had lunch and is asleep in her crate right now so I thought I'd grab some computer time.

Angels3....yes Trevor is 20 1/2 lbs. He was 22 lbs., but last week at the vet's he weighed in at 20 1/2. He is a BIG kitty all over (long too) but he really could take off a couple of pounds. I just bought IAMS Less Active formula for both kitties and that maybe will help.

Lesley and Karen....about the breeder situation...I have e-mailed and talked on the phone to several breeders. Some of them are down-right weird. One breeder wanted to inspect MY home and INTERVIEW me at her home. Also, she required a stay-at-home person during the day. We never even got to discuss price because the whole thing was a real turnoff!

In my searches over the years for my other poodles I have run across breeders who have loopholes when you buy a dog. Some of them want to make a deal with you about breeding your female and getting pick of the litter, and some want freedom to use your pup as a stud possibly later. These are also turnoffs to me! When I buy a puppy, that puppy is mine and all links to the breeder are terminated. Maybe others would disagree.

The breeder who I got Bella from has been breeding poodles for about 10 years. Her brother breeds them also. We visited her brother's litter first (they were a litter of blacks which my husband had thought would be nice because our Whitney was black). I didn't want the same color. I want NO comparisons. I don't think it's fair to Whitney's memory or the new pup and, even though we wouldn't be intentionally doing it, the presence of another black standard poodle would possibly make comparison unavoidable. Also I didn't want our pup to be viewed as a "substitute for Whitney." Anyway, after seeing the black puppies, we visited the sister's puppies. She had the cream colord puppies.... 2 boys and 1 girl left and a deposit was coming in the mail from Michigan for the girl (our Bella). Since the deposit had not arrived, she said it was "first come, first served" so we got our girl!! She wants me to keep in touch with her from time to time....no strings.... (since she is only about an hour away) so I will ask her when I talk to her next if that deposit ever came. When we left with Bella, the breeder cried. Big crocodile tears! She said she does this every time a puppy leaves. I could never be a breeder. I would do the same thing!

Oh, I forgot to mention.....haha! I went to these breeders without hubby knowing I was going. My daughter went with me. My thought was to just "look" and bring him later. In all honesty I was afraid he would insist on a black pup and I wanted to see both litters for myself first and do all of the initial evaluating without him there. While I was at the breeder's I called him at work and asked for permission to buy her and he said OK. Well, the rest is history! Needless to say, he LOVES little Bella.

Karen I initially wanted to get a rescue dog, but hubby wanted only a poodle and we thought a puppy was the best way to go in order to have a smoother transition with the cats. You don't see poodle puppies at petfinder.com. Trust me.....I have been looking!! Whatever you decide, please keep us all posted. Give a hug to Marius for me. I have a soft spot for him since it sounds like he will be in Andy's and Trevor's shoes one of these days!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[Pam]

Leslie...I just noticed I spelled your name wrong! I have to apologize....my sister-in-law has your same name and she spells it Lesley, so habit won out! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[dogncatluvr]

Pam,

Little Bella is adorable!!
I too have gone the introducing puppies to cats route a number of times, and the cats DO come around eventually, don't worry about that! My adult Labs (10 and 4 y.o.) still sleep in their crates in my bedroom, and that won't change. They get an extra 8 hours or so of your scent, and even though they're sleeping, it seems to register with them that you're there.
Good luck with Bella!

Happy

[AdoreMyDogs]

Hi Karen,

I, also, will be getting a GSD from a very responsible and reputable breeder once I get my house this summer (hopefully). I love rescue, I have always been very active in rescue and have always had a rescue dog, but certain breeds are so overpopulated and overly bred, poorly bred, and interbred that I am going to be VERY careful where I get my GSD pup from. I want to know who the parents are, I want them to be hip & elbow certified, I want them to be temperment tested and I want them to look good, act friendly, and be good with kids. I suggest be VERY careful with breeders, I have had some lie to my face about the quality of their dogs! Meeting the parents, seeing the family tree, and getting many testamonials is the best way to ensure you get a wonderful specimin of that breed. I look for GSD breeders on the web SO often, I have probablly glanced over well over 200 different sites on breeders, both local and out of state, and I finally just chose (I think) the breeders that we are going to go to. My hubby really wants a white GSD, I really want a German import black & tan GSD, so I have been looking for breeders with the highest quality dogs of each color at the most reasonable price.

I hope this does not sound snobby, but the web sites that look like they took a long time and a lot of work to create are often worth looking at. Odds are that the real good, responsible breeders will not post an add in the newspaper so just take note of that. Also, the good breeders will give you a written guarantee against any genetic health defects (hip, elbow, eyes, temperment...ect). A good breeder will pretty much break even with every litter, they will not make any profit from the sale of their pups, so use your intuition. I am going to sound snobby again, but I don't mean to. When you go to meet the parent dogs, see what the owners of the dog look and act like...if their house is in poor condition, their clothes are old and battered, and they generally use poor grammer, they may be breeding strictly for the money, and cutting corners on the quality of their dogs because it's more costly. The owners should love their dogs and have a professional appearance and the living facilities for both dogs and people should be clean and orderly. That's just what I have seen. I am by far perfect with my grammer, and I am not a fashion guru in any way, I just believe that breeders should have professional qualities. I SURE hope I did not offend anyone....

So those are a few ideas and hints to finding a good breeder. Sorry to have such a long post *again*! I hope everyone's not sick of hearing me babble on!!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

By the way, I am not going through all of this to find a show quality GSD, we will probablly only get pet qualities, as I have NO interest in confirmation or breeding, but I want all the other qualities of a show quality dog (intelligance, willingness to learn, proud, brave, friendly.....etc)

[AdoreMyDogs]

Pam,

http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Leslie, Lesley, Lesli, Leslee, Les, anyway it's ok by me http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif You were really responsible with the search for a breeder. I had the same feelings about the things you talked about in your last post. Some of them sounded a bit weird to me too by what you said. I wish you and your new baby girl the best years together http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

By the way, it's a good sign when the breeder cries when he/she parts with the pups!

[wolflady]

Pam and Leslie,

Thanks for the great info about breeders! It really is hard to tell these days about breeders. I agree that it's probably best to have the opportunity to visit and see everything first hand. I definitly wouldn't want to deal with a breeder I was uncomfortable with or thought seemed strange in any sort of way. If I decide to get a Terv from a breeder, I'm definitly going to want a "pet quality" dog with a spay/neuter contract. That's an indication of a good breeder. That's why I thought it strange that a breeder wanted to breed my co-worker's dog, even though his "problem". I agree with you, Pam, in that the I would want the pup to be mine when I go out that door! LOL But it is nice to be able to have contact with that person through the course of the animal's life. I agree with Leslie that the breeder crying when the pups leave is a good sign! I probably would to! It just shows that they cared about the pups http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

Don't worry about sounding snobby, Leslie. It's a good thing to be over cautious when dealing with a breeder...so I would be the same way!! Thanks for the tips(Pam and Leslie)! I might start looking into breeders as well as rescue and see what's available when the time comes http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif Luckily if I decide to get a Terv (I'm so undecided, cuz they're all so cute!!! I like GSD's, Tervs, mutss...LOL), they're not overbred, so they have much less health issues than more common breeds.
Karen

[Sudilar]

I guess I was very lucky in my adoptions of my two GSDs. Both have the best temperaments and personalities! One was x-rayed for hips and his are fine. Both are pure-bred. I was blessed. Good luck on finding a good breeder!!

------------------
***Save a life, ADOPT***

[jackiesdaisy1935]

I agree with Pam and Leslie about breeders. You have to very careful who you deal with.When we were looking for a Schnauzer to keep Daisy company and us too I talked to a big time breeder in the mountains, I told her we were looking for a pet quality dog and gave her a price I was willing to pay and she said to me " Good luck finding your bargain Dog" I was really burned up. As it was I called the Schnauzer Club in Los Angeles and the lady was so very nice and told me a breeder up in that area had a litter of puppies she was going to show, but she couldn't keep them all and had one who was seven months old she would part with, but thought she had a buyer, in the meantime she called me and the buyer had flown off on business so she said we could have him. We worked out the details and the breeder and her husband brought Perry down to our home in San Diego. This way they could see where Perry would live and what kind of people we were and we could see if Perry would fit in.
We fell in love at first sight, he was gorgous. They brought all his paper work with them and signed the papers to register AKC. Not to sound snobbish but he has a very long line of AKC champions, but he is the most loving dog anyone would ever want. They said you should breed him, you could make a lot of money, we told them no, he would be neutered as soon as we could make the appt.
We were very lucky as they started to work him so he heels and walks very well on a leash, once you get the leash on him that is, He hates the leash. He and Daisy are the best of friends and one will cry if the other is away for any reason. Daisy on the other hand was born on a Champion Race Horse Farm here in San Diego County. The managers wife was breeding Schnauzers, she had an ad in the paper and we called. ( Schnauzers were very scarce during that time, almost impossible to get on the Schnauzer rescue or find a breeder with puppies)so we drove out there and Daisy was the last puppie. The two little girls were carrying her around like a rag doll. I said to my husband I want her no matter what. She would hide to get away from the girls under the coffee table. We signed the papers etc and took her home. The breeder said she won't stay black she will turn salt and pepper, and little did we know
(not being very professional) her lower jaw juts out, I think that is called an over bite.
The breeder never said anything to us about that, and we were to dumb to see it and even if I did I would have taken her anyway. So here we are with Daisy, she has an overbite, big ears, pitch black, stubborn as a mule, and we love her more than life itself.
So I sent an e.mail to the breeder in the mountains telling her about the pedigree of my (BARGAIN DOG)who cost us $600 and worth every cent. We also let the lady on the horse farm know that Daisy did stay black and we noticed her overbite. Daisy still runs under the coffee table if she wants to get away from everybody., Perry prances like the show dog he almost was and we all lived happily ever after.

[This message has been edited by jackiesdaisy1935 (edited March 01, 2001).]

[karlicat]

Pam, your new Bella is SOOOOOOOOO KYOOOOOOT!!!! She resembles my pup!
I would post a pic here but i don't know how.
Anyway GOOD LUCK WITH THE CUTEST PUPPYGIRL IN
BLACKWOOD!!! (b/c mine is the cutest in fort mill) http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif

[ownerof3dogs]

Your Bella is soooo cute. I just relized that I have never seen a puppy poodle before they are so adorable

[Daisy's Mom]

I had never seen a poodle puppy either ownerof3dogs! Bella is just precious! Give her some puppy kisses for me and enjoy that puppy breath. Have you smelled those Frito feet yet? You have, haven't you http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/wink.gif We got Daisy from a breeder whose daughter was on my sister's soccer team. I think it was her second litter of puppies. Now that I read your posts, we did not do enough research on her. Daisy is our first dog and we didn't know what to look for, and I was so desperate for any dog I could get my hands on. We were lucky though, because the breeder was very caring of her dogs; for instance, when the little runt died, she told me so in tears. She brought all the puppies to all of the soccer games every Sunday once they were old enough to socialize them with kids and I guess advertise them. This was a wonderful way to bond with my baby before I brought her home at eight weeks of age. The only problem I can think of was that her four children, two twin teenaged boys, a 12 year old daughter, and a 7 year old daughter played with the pups constantly. Daisy seemed almost happy to be out of that house with loud puppies and children. Also, Daisy's dog mom, Snuffles, was never house trained and she was two... I don't know if that could have caused any problems but it was strange. Anyway, I know we did not do enough research in our breeder but we were lucky and got the best dog ever http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif Good luck with your new dogs, for all of you who are going to get/have gotten one!

[Genia]

Oh my goodness, Pam! How absolutely, positivly adorable! She is a cutie, and Bella is the perfect name! Well, done Mr. Pam! I so glad, things went well last night. I had a horrible day at work today. Too many meetings, too many "policy changes"...Aaargh! I was stressed out and venting to a friend when I saw your pictures. They made my day!

[This message has been edited by Genia (edited March 01, 2001).]

[Pam]

It was fun hearing how everybody got their pups. Though we have all come across some strange people in our adoption processes, it sounds like everyone wound up with wonderful babies nevertheless.

Jackie's Daisy I can't believe how ignorant that breeder was to use the words "bargain dog." It really makes you wonder about people, doesn't it? I loved the bit about Daisy's overbit and staying black and how it just doesn't matter!! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/biggrin.gif Those things are just not a big deal when you love your baby!!

Daisy's Mom...that was terrific that you got to spend time with Daisy before you even became her official mommy! http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif You must have really looked forward to those soccer games! You are right....the important thing is that you have your wonderful Daisy who is now the love of your life.

For those of you who have never seen poodle puppies, I am glad you got to see Bella. She will never wear a formal poodle cut. I think a lot of people are turned off to poodles because of the cut they see them wearing in shows like Westminster. We always just clip our dogs the same length all over their body (a little longer in winter than summer). The only close shaving we do is on the face, neck, feet and partway up the tail, leaving the top for the pompom. I will be posting more pictures in the future so you will be able to see the gradual change in her fur to the woolly coat she will have as an adult.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Hi Sue,

Yeah you are lucky to have gotten such wonderful, beautiful GSD's. I have seen terrible things with that breed in particular, such as agression, extreme fear, horrible hips and the list goes on. You were blessed. I can tell that your dogs are extraordinary and I hope my future dogs will be such a good example of the breed as yours are. I'd love to see their pictures if you ever are able to get them digital http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/smile.gif

-Leslie

[Sudilar]

Leslie,
Someday I hope to get pictures up. I am still amazed at how lucky I was with my babies, seeing all the things that could have been wrong with the breed!! No one believes me when I tell them they are from the shelter!! Good luck on finding your baby!!
Sue

[Logan]

Pam,
Bella is beautiful!! I finally found time today to go and look at your pictures. I can see how you found her irresistable!!

Sue,
Maybe you could send the pictures of your dogs to someone with a scanner by snail mail and they could post them for you. I would do it, but I don't have a scanner. Help her someone so she can get those pictures posted!

Logan

[RachelJ]

I would do it. Sue, if you want to e-mail me, I will send you my address.