Yes, we've visited them three times already, in three weeks. We are very lucky the breeder lets us do that. We are getting the one show pick puppy from this litter, so she is letting us visit when she's not letting any of the other buyers visit yet. We feel very fortunate.

I like Leftovers! That's funny! But I think "Out of Left Field" is a great name. You're already good at this!

Oh yes. I have pictures....


Just born:



Two weeks old:



Three weeks old:



And 3 weeks, 4 days.



Some of these are pictures sent by the breeder. I don't share your shyness about posting them.

Wow you're really lucky you've been able to visit that many times already! So aren't show puppies usually determined around the 8th week? If so, is that when you get to pick? I'm really curious to know what qualities they look for in show dogs vs not show quality. My biggest fear is that I will fall in love with one that is going to be the show pick. I wish I knew what these show qualities were so I could steer clear of those ones But, there are 6 males, and we are first pick behind show dogs, so hopefully the odds are in our favor that we will fall in love with one that doesn't get picked

And I'm glad you like the names. I thought leftovers was funny but also don't want people getting offended. If we did that, it would read "Osprey's Leftovers." HA! And then out of left field makes it sounds like the dog was odd...maybe I should think of more positive names

Those pictures are soooo cute! I love the second week one...looks like he/she is screaming!! They really do change a lot from the second to the third week!

I am really overly cautious. I am so afraid I'm annoying our breeder, or will do something and then she wont want to give us a dog! My husband works at night (he's a police officer) and the day we will go to visit he will be up for more than 24 hours and counting, and I warned the breeder that he may appear tired and groggy...I didn't want her to judge us and think he's unfriendly or weird haha!! I know I know...stupid irrational fears!!!


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Yes, the show picks are selected between 7 to 8 weeks of age because that is when they are supposed to show the structure that they will end up having as adults. They look for type, structure, movement and temperament, and compare them to the breed standard (and to one another, of course). Often the difference between a show pick and the first pet pick is kind of arbitrary. No puppy is perfect, so it's about selecting between two imperfect dogs. And every breeder has stories about pet picks that turned out nicer than the show picks. Selecting show puppies is an art, not a science, and sometimes the difference between a show quality pup and a pet pup is so small that you would never notice it unless someone very knowledgeable pointed it out to you (and maybe not even then!). You have a great breeder and a big litter, so you will probably end up with a lovely puppy.

Try not to fall in love with one in particular. Wait until it's your day to take one home, and ask the breeder which one she thinks would be best for your home. Tell her about your lifestyle and seek her advice about which puppy would best fit you. She will have lived with them sice they were born, so she will know better than you will. And trust me, you will fall head over heels in love with whichever one you take home by the end of the first day.

I can't wait to see your puppy! Make sure to post lots and lots of pictures!

Thanks for your advice and your knowledge! I am really going to try not to fall in love with one...or maybe I'll fall in love with a different one every week. I will definitely talk to the breeder to see if she has any input, but I'm pretty sure she wants us to make the decision, but that doesn't mean she wont have some insight. I think what we do is rank order them...at least that's what I thought she told me. I'm so jealous...I just want to go see them already! I am not sure how I am going to get through this waiting period!

I wil most definitely post probably too many pictures once we have our leftovers HAHA!

So I have a not so great update...

The mom developed mastitis on Thursday, although it was only affecting one nipple. The breeder put her on antibiotics but then things continued to get worse. They had to take her to a specialist, who put her on IV fluids and antibiotics, but then things still weren't improving. They ended up having to do surgery to take out the effected tissue, and now the mom is back home with drains in her belly

The breeder said the pups can still feed from her, but under supervision so they don't harm her drains or the impacted nipple. When she had surgery, the pups had to be fed via tube.

I feel so bad for the mom, she's been through so much! I am just really hoping she gets better! I am also worried for the pups as I'm not sure how all this impacts them...I just really hope everyone is okay

Anyone have experience with this???


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One of the bitches that we bred, Leslie, my breeder and I, developed Mastitis and had to be treated. We ended up feeding the whole litter by hand for a few days. Mom and pups were alright in the end...but this does sound more serious than what we went through.

I'm sure she's in good hands and everything will come out fine in the end...I say a prayer for them all. Please keep us updated, and maybe someone who is in the know will come along and explain it all for you....

It's these kinds of situations that truly make me step back and say...I do not want to breed, even though I loved working with Leslie...I just couldn't see putting Sage in that position....I give credit to those who take risk and do it well and ethically....

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Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply! I'm glad to know that everything turned out fine in the end for you! I know the breeder told me that this particular mom's great grandmother also had mastitis, and they had to hand and tube feed babies for several days as she was more heavily impacted, but this current situation sounds more dire since surgery was required.

I know they are in great hands and the breeders are doing such a fantastic job, and I cannot thank them enough. I just feel so bad for the mom, she has been through so much with the c-section and now this. She needs a doggy vacation when all is said and done

I posted a whole new threat with my questions, hoping I'd get more replies. Hopefully someone will ease my worry...because I do have a lot of it!

Thank you so much for your reply and your thoughts! I'll keep you updated! Hopefully things improve from here on out!

I wouldn't worry too much about the mastitis. Maybe breeders can chime in but it sounds like they caught it and are treating it. It's much more time consuming for the breeder but the pups and mom will be fine.

That being said, I can't wait to see more pictures when you go and visit!

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Thanks Michelle! The breeders caught it really early, they are so on top of it. Unfortunately though it sounds like it was out of their control how bad it became quickly. But, they are handing the obstacles as they come along, and we couldn't be more grateful! It must be so time consuming for them and I feel so indebted to them for all their hard work! We are so excited about the puppies, but just hope mom gets better quickly and that the pups are okay too.

I will definitely take pictures when we start visiting! The puppies are two weeks today, and along with a gruesome pic of moms drainage site, we also got pics of the little ones. They are now marked, although a couple have the same color ribbon. Hubby guessed one was male and the other female...he's probably right (although I don't often say that

Thanks for all your help Michelle! You've been a great help and valuable resource.


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Hey SMBC,
Sorry to hear your news. I am sure all will be okay. I know you are so excited for your new puppy! Keep up the good spirits!
Thinking of you guys!
PDL

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--PDL
Golden Retriever Girl coming soon!