Some great advice on here, and lots of very nice posts too - thank you all very much.
I'm really disappointed, but I know it's for the best. I spoke with the breeder today and she was very understanding and agreed with my concerns, saying the time the pup would have been left alone was borderline too much.
The timing just isn't right for me - but I will definitely be getting myself a pup ASAP, and at least I have now found a good breeder, so when the time is right I can get one of her future pups.
I shall definitely be sticking around here despite not getting a pup right now, I still enjoy reading about other dogs and gleaning as much info as I can for the future. I also love looking at all the photos you all post up on the forum!
I'd just like to thank everyone who have contributed to this thread, you have all helped greatly in various ways.