Looks like you've seen some super dogs, a good range of Labradors , what a choice. You've made a start now, hope things become a bit clearer for you over the next few days. I first saw Cassie as a part of a puppy lump!
Gosh Emily! You don't half pack a lot in. Thank you for the update. I hope things calm down a little and your accommodation is fixed pretty sharpish. x
Just finished sorting out my lodging tomorrow through Sunday, so I'm feeling calmer. It's a dog-friendly caravan in the middle of nowhere and the owner apparently has her own dogs (and llamas) onsite. It will either be totally dodgy (in which case it's good I'm only reserved for two nights) or it will be just lovely, in which case I can extend my stay or come back for a longer stay towards the end of my trip if needed. I'm still sorting it out (i.e. trying to arrange breeder visits), but next week will either be Yorkshire or the Highlands. Once I know that, I'll get started on the next round of lodging search. More adventures ahead!
That’s great! Glad you’re feeling that it’s all a bit more under control Hope work settles down a bit...
I'm following this whole thread avidly! Well, no one can possibly accuse you of avoiding the effort involving in finding a puppy - you're throwing everything at it now, aren't you? Try to remember to enjoy it too (and don't let us bully you here!) Whatever puppy you choose is going to be the perfect puppy - you know that really. Gosh....just think....you might already have met him, even if he is only a bump now! Give my love to Scotland (and keep an eye out for those kilts).
I'm back from Scotland and very much enjoyed the drive up and the first sunny day I've had since arriving back in the UK last Sunday. It is really a mood booster to see a bit of sun! And simply going over the border cheered me up. Much like bow ties and lederhosen, Scotland is cool. The drive also gave me a bit of time to reflect on my visits yesterday. While I really appreciate the two breeders' time (and Cara's "dad" in particular was a complete hoot to sit and talk to for nearly four hours!) it felt a bit like something just didn't fit in both cases. Not that I wouldn't be absolutely happy with a dog from either breeder (and I reserve the right to change my mind in any case) but it all just felt a little off. Today, however, was a different story. I told the breeder what I was looking for in a dog, and she trotted this big boy out...and I completely fan-girled out. This is Devon. I offered to take him then and there but as he is the next great stud dog for the kennel, that just earned me a dirty look. I had to re-assure her that I was just kidding (mostly) and that I wouldn't be sneaking in during the night to kidnap him (that joke got me the second dirty look). These southern Scots are made of stern stuff, apparently. No joking around! Then I got to meet potential puppy mamas and daddies from the same line as Devon so that we could talk about future matings. Interestingly, the breeder said "No, no, no" when it came to a breeding from Wilson (he's @snowbunny 's dog crush and the Squidge's daddy). The breeder said that while he was perfect for Fiona, he (and his pups) are way too bouncy for me. To illustrate the point, she let him out of the kennel and he came out like a spring-loaded rocket and nearly knocked me on my posterior. Wow! So here are some potential sires and dams: And then for the puppies in the next post...
You wanted puppies, we got puppies. None for me unfortunately as they are all spoken for, but still I got to cuddle puppies. 15 week old trouble-makers. The big one is 1/2 field and 1/2 show, the choccie is show. Sweet little 15 week old black show girl. She was more my speed. 7 week old pups - three choccie girls. They were all little tanks! Weeeeeee!!!! Awwwww... "Awwww" again! Don't say I didn't deliver the puppy goods at least ONCE on this Labratour.
Now I want a puppy (specifically that little black 15 week old!). I have to say, Devon is exactly the type of lab I picture for you!
That little black one was a doll. The other two were going nuts in the pen and little one just sat down calmly and looked at me as if you say, "You seem nice. Can you believe I have to room with these two nut-cases? Let's talk!". Devon was a gentle, calm boy. Just came out, came over to me with a big body wag and leaned against me for pets. In all the photos I was surprised that he had a sort of worried expression, but that's not how he seemed at all in person. The opposite in fact - he was happy and calm with just a drop of cheekiness. The 7 week old choccies had similar personalities - happy and pretty chilled out for little ones.
Oh, I completely forgot about Devon! He’s new so I didn’t meet him but he’s gorgeous! Hehe, those pups are delicious!
You know, I didn't ask. He was big, but not huge. I'd say he was about the same weight (though a different shape) from Brogan, who was 72kgs.
All the ones in the pics are spoken for or belong to the breeder. However, I'm now officially on the waiting list for the first "Devon type" which means either Devon as a sire, his sister Mimi as a dam or Devon's father Forest as a sire.
