Hello and welcome to COL. I'm Diana and I have just become the owner of a six months old, white and black ticked Show Cocker boy puppy. {On Tuesday to be precise.} He's still with his breeder as I'm having some work done to the house and I don't want to bring him here till it's completed. Meanwhile, I look at his photos and count the days......
I had made plans which I didn't fulfil. Originally, I wanted an eight week, black show Cocker boy in Spring 2013, as the thought of 2.00am trips into the garden for toileting filled me with horror. Although it was a few months away, I decided to start my research as it's a minefield out there. I looked at the Kennel Club, Champdogs, Spaniel rescues, other dog rescues and sites like Preloved. There were some horror stories out there which were really upsetting.......
Then, I found a local breeder on Champdogs who had a six months old puppy for sale. I posted on COL asking for advice about having an older puppy. Several people asked if the pup was called Rory and that they knew both him and his breeder who received glowing comments. I received some fabulous, helpful comments which led to my contacting the breeder with emails and phone calls and, on Tuesday, I went to meet her and Rory.
We hit it off immediately and I fell totally in love with Rory. By the end of my visit, he was mine and all my earlier plans were abandoned.
So, what is the point of this somewhat rambling post? Well, be flexible and, do as you're doing, ask for advice. Trust your instinct. I KNEW that Rory's breeder was totally committed to her Spaniels and wanted what was best for them. And, most of all, continue to use COL for, without their members' help and advice, I wouldn't own Rory today.
Good luck with your search.
Diana