Puppy Inquiry Response Letter: 1996

Standard Kennel

(CKC permanent registered) 

Dear:

You have expressed an interest in acquiring one of my Standard Poodle puppies.

I would like to provide you with a little information about my dogs and me. I am active member and just finished serving a two-year term as vice-president of the International Poodle Club--Versatility in Poodles. I adhere to their strict code of ethics. I am a member of The Canadian Kennel Club, held membership in ther club: w.F.i.d.o., and have been involvement with the Poodle Specialty Club of BC, Pets and Friends Therapy Program, and theAgility Dog Club of Canada . I have held the position of chairperson of the Companion Animal Task Force for the city of Richmond , and encourage responsible pet ownership. I do very limited breeding and do so as a hobby, not a business.

All my dogs are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and some are dual registered with the American Kennel Club. Purchasers are provided with registration papers at my expense, as required under the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada . I also require that all purchasers sign a non-breeding agreement. Purchasers must be prepared to sign n formal agreement that they will turn the animal back to me if their circumstances change and they can no longer keep the animal. This clause is intended to prevent any of my animals from being placed in shelter, pound, or research facility and from the chance of the animal being sold many times over.

We currently have three Standard bitches that live as companions in our home. Two have been spayed and retired or removed from a breeding program. All breeding bitches have been shown to their Conformation Championship in Canada while living as pets in our family home. They have been x-rayed and certified free of hip dysplasia with a rating from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. A certified ophthalmologist has examined their eyes and the animal has received a confirmation number from the CERF foundation as being free of genetic eye problems. Their blood has been DNA tested for von Willebrands Disease and registered clear. They have had punch biopsy for Sebaceous Adenitis and are documented as having normal skin. They have been tested and are currently clear for Addison's disease and Thyroid Disease.

My dogs have been raised to be the all-round dog. They do therapy work in senior homes. They show in competitive levels in Conformation, Obedience, and Agility. Some have taken classes and excelled at tracking, while others have gone on to compete and earn titles in the hunting and field events. Some have performed in television ads and shows. They are often used in educational formats and elementary schools. All excel as loving family companions.

My dogs are capable swimmers, love to retrieve and enjoy long walks or hikes. I breed a very intelligent dog. An intelligent dog gets bored easily and needs stimulation and companionship from his owner I breed a dog for health, soundness, style and beauty, but most of all I want good temperament-one that makes the dog a suitable companion for young and old.

Any stud dog used for my litters is well researched, in my desire to find an animal that meets my stringent requirements as to health and temperament testing. The Mother of this litter is a light cream color. She has attained her Conformation Championship and at four years of age, this is her second litter. The stud is the same coloring and has Canadian, American and German Jr. Conformation titles, and now lives as a family pet in a home in the US .

Much time and effort goes into the first weeks with the pups. When the mother is ready to wean them, they are started on the highest quality foods. The pups are constantly socialized. An independent tester comes in and conducts puppy profiling which assists in placing them in the right homes. By the time these pups are ready to go to their new homes-not before ten weeks of age-they will also have had their initial inoculations and tattoos. New owners will be provided with a puppy care package and a letter telling them what to expect in the first while at home. I expect the puppy owners to keep in touch and let me know all the good and bad things that are happening with the pup. The puppy owners can expect a newsletter filling them in on the activities of the littermates and related family members.

New owners must be prepared to purchase a crate for this pup-a very special spot for the puppy to use when it is alone, for training purposes, for travel, and to just get away from confusion. Dogs that get used to these crates will travel well, and be confident in a boarding kennel, and secure while staying at the Veterinarian or alone in a hotel room.

I carefully screen potential homes. I would love for these pups to be shown in Conformation, as they are from generations of top champions worldwide. I believe that it will be an exception if one were not of quality to receive a Conformation Championship. But saying that, the most important thing is that I want the pup placed with a family who will love it for a lifetime. It is essential that the prospective new owner can convince me that they want a puppy to share their life and home. All members of the household will be interviewed and if one party really doesn't want a dog-then this is a good time to stop looking.

Puppies take time, effort and a financial commitment, but you will reap enormous benefits as their gorgeous pups grow into your intelligent and trainable companions. You will find that lots of time and a little gentle discipline pays back major rewards.

If you wish to pursue the exploration of owning one of my pups, please read through the enclosed information. If you wish to respond, please answer any questions from the questionnaire, which you feel, may help me get a sense of your situation and why the pup from this litter would do well in your home.

After reading you letter of response, I will call to arrange for an interview at which time you will get to meet the mother of the litter, as well as the other related dogs in our household.

Sincerely,

Sheila Booth
Standard Kennel