Hi Jilly,
We had similar timing issues when we got our Tilly. We had planned to get a puppy after our summer holiday, and, having done lots of research, I knew it was a good idea to contact reputable breeders early, so I 'phoned a breed club secretary well in advance of our planned time. Well, you've guessed it, she knew of a puppy with all the right health checks ready then and there (even my daughter's preferred colour choice
). Although we were dead keen for a puppy, we too were a bit, ooh, bit soon...and hesitated for a few hours.
Then decided that this was a well-bred puppy from extremely reputable breeders who had done all the relevant health checks over many generations, so we went for it and the rest, as they say, is history
.
Tilly went to stay with my mum for a week whilst we were on holiday and although she was only little, she had a ball. I am convinced that this early experience of being without us for a week helped Tilly to be as sociable as she is now. She goes to stay with a variety of people I trust whilst we can't have her with us and really looks forward to it, barely a backwards glance to us, and no pining for us when we are away
. She is, of course, deliriously happy to see us again when we pick her up
. I have concluded that actually, I need her rather more than she needs me
:
: .
I would agree with the other good advice given here. Timing issues can be worked around, but the benefits of a well-bred puppy from a caring breeder are priceless.
Good luck with your pup
.
Sue and Tilly