- What do I do? Breeder or rescue?

The rescue is not calling us back which is really frustrating. There is a lady down the street that has 3 week old Lab pups, field bred, and momma and daddy have been health tested. There are lots of hunting titles in their lines.

If the rescue doesn't call us, I am definetly taking one of these pups. BUT, I am going to see them on Thursday and ... what if I fall in love with one of these pups more than one of the two from the rescue? I have always said I'd rather rescue, but you can't help who you fall in love with. Plus, my main concern is who Mandy would get along with best.

What would y'all do in my situation? Would you go with the rescue even if a pup was "calling" you from the breeder's house?

I'd say meet both sets of puppies and see if any of them really connect with you (ok, I know it's nearly impossible not to love them all :D ), and see which seem best for your situation.

Am I right in remembering your parents are going to keep this dog? What do they want to do?

Your connection with the pup, IMO, is MOST important of all.

I think as long as the breeders litter's parents represent the best of their breed, there's no problem buying a breeders pup.

I would still go look at the breeders pup and put one on hold in case the rescue didn't call back. Sometimes rescues are really busy and can't find time to return calls so you have to harrass them.. lol

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Originally Posted by Pembroke_Corgi

Am I right in remembering your parents are going to keep this dog? What do they want to do?

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No, this will be my dog. They wanted to get a dog because originally I was going to move out next year but now I'll be staying here through college (5-6 more years).

If the rescue isn't contacting you and you feel that this is a good breeder, I'd say go for it. Yes, rescuing is a wonderful thing to do but in my opinion, there's nothing wrong with getting a dog/puppy from a responsible breeder at all either....

Perhaps the rescue is busy though, as Jess said. Is it possible for you to ask the breeder to hold on to a pup for you until you can hopefully meet the rescue up? That way, you'd be able to see the pups from the breeder as well as the one in rescue and could base your decision on that.

In case anyone is interested, here is the kennel that the momma is from: Tealbrook Kennels.

They health test, are members of hunting and Lab clubs, and have hunting titles. This lady bred her dog under their guidance.

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Originally Posted by Orangutango

Perhaps the rescue is busy though, as Jess said. Is it possible for you to ask the breeder to hold on to a pup for you until you can hopefully meet the rescue up? That way, you'd be able to see the pups from the breeder as well as the one in rescue and could base your decision on that.

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Yeah, I plan on meeting both litters unless if the rescue doesn't get back to me in the next 5 weeks. The lady who runs the rescue currently has 69 dogs at her house. I imagine she's busy, but she told us when we met her that she would get back to us quickly when we called. Hopefully something just came up! :(

Im with Pembroke_Corgi and BC_MoM..


the lady we got Kirby off of called him an apricot.. when honestly.. i woudlnt concider him an apricot. and my parents didnt want to get him becasue they knew i wanted an apircot. and i hadnt gone with them they woudlnt have gotten him. :eek: but i feel in love with the puff ball the very second i seen him. i think its the 'connection' you feel between a dog and you that matters. not whether it comes from a breeder or shelter. :)

I say to look at both litters of pups...these ones are only 3 weeks? Its a little longer wait :p I'm sure a lucky little pup will pick you and you'll know what to do!

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Originally Posted by k9krazee

I say to look at both litters of pups...these ones are only 3 weeks? Its a little longer wait :p I'm sure a lucky little pup will pick you and you'll know what to do!

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Yes but they're two doors down so I can visit ALL the time!! :D

Oh, Very true :D

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Originally Posted by .sarah

No, this will be my dog. They wanted to get a dog because originally I was going to move out next year but now I'll be staying here through college (5-6 more years).

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Oh, sorry! :o I think if you get to see both of these litters, the right dog will "pick" you. ;)

Thanks everyone :)

For whatever reason I had it in my head that y'all would be mad at me considering buying from a breeder. :o

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For whatever reason I had it in my head that y'all would be mad at me considering buying from a breeder. :o

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You don't have to worry, as long as it is a good and responsible breeder, no one would really get mad;)

I do like the idea of rescuing, but I see no problem on going over to see the two litters, and see if any of them make a *really* good connection...maybe you could try to call the rescue lady again?

I am sure that whatever you do, the dog/puppy will have a wonderful life ahead of him/her! Good luck, and keep us updated!
Steph and Jes

I think it's commendable if you go through a reputable breeder! IMO, there are only two places where you should acquire your dog: 1) a rescue/adoption situation or 2) a reputable breeder. If your case falls under either of those two, I think you're safe.

Tealbrook looks quite nice! The only thing that made me go "Hmm..." was the Better Business Bureau logo at the bottom. They don't seem to be actively advertising their puppies, however, so I'm not too concerned, but you might want to ask them why they're affiliated with the BBB. Usually, when you put the words "BBB" and "puppies" together, you think of some puppy mill like WOC, but the rest of the website looks quite reputable. It never hurts to ask :)

And about the adoption/breeder situation, I agree with the rest. It depends on which puppy you "click" with the most. I know you're excited, but a lot of breeders and rescues don't check their e-mails or voicemail daily. It's quite a struggle to maintain their daily life while taking care of those dogs (I can't IMAGINE taking care of 69 dogs!!!). Giselle's foster mom had her hands full with 15 dogs. I can't imagine nearly 5 times that! Would they allow you to drop by the shelter in person? If not, just wait it out :)

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Originally Posted by .sarah

Would you go with the rescue even if a pup was "calling" you from the breeder's house?

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Since you asked what we would do... I wouldn't even consider looking for a breeder. Rescues/shelters is and will always be my choice.

Tough choice. I don't pass judgement on how people get their dogs, as long as the breeder is reputable. I did no research with Cody because the owners had a family emergency and had to call all prospective buyers to get the wee little puppies or they'd go to the pound. But Cody picked me. I felt a lot of satisfaction getting Logan from the SPCA, as she was there 2 weeks already. We chose each other instantly. I'm sure with so many rescues, the lady is swamped, but I also feel she should return your call or you should call her back if she's anxious to have them adopted. I'm sure whatever you do, will be right for you in your heart.

Personally I would *always* rescue unless I was getting a dog that I want to show in some sort of sport/activity/conformation.
But as far as others are concerned I have no problem with how they get their dog(s) as long as it is either a rescue or from a *reputable* breeder.


I think when you find the right one you will know. :D

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Originally Posted by Kfamr

Since you asked what we would do... I wouldn't even consider looking for a breeder. Rescues/shelters is and will always be my choice.

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That's awesome Kay. The world needs more people like you! :)

I guess this just feels a little akward because my mom is on the Board of Directors at the humane society and we are so active in volunteering and donating. But at the same time, I think reputable breeders are needed to keep our breeds alive. It's a really tough choice - of course I want to go with rescue but I can't help but think that the right dog may be at the breeder's house. I am visiting the pups down the street tomorrow night and hopefully soon for the rescue litter. I will pick which ever pup I click with most, regardless of it's origin.

Giselle - Thanks for noticing that! The puppy actually isn't coming directly from Tealbrook. Our neighbor bred her dog (purchased from Tealbrook) under their guidance. I will definetly ask about it, though.

Thanks for everyone's help! :)

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Originally Posted by .sarah

Thanks everyone :)

For whatever reason I had it in my head that y'all would be mad at me considering buying from a breeder. :o

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Only some people are like that. Most won't treat you badly. I think it is a good idea to see the litter and try again to contact the lady with the rescue. If she doesn't get back to you then it's not like you didn't try. I have no problem with people getting their dogs from responsible breeders or rescue/shelters. Both places are perfectly appropriate places to get our companions from. If you want a certain breed, for whatever reason you choose, that is your decision. Nobody else can make that for you and you are the one who will be living with whatever choice you make, nobody else. There are wonderful dogs in both places and if you can find what you are looking for through a rescue/shelter then so much the better! If you can't then don't feel guilty or bad about going to a reputable breeder. Good luck on whichever pup you get, can't wait to see pics.