I have placed, over the years, two gorgeous bitches in potential show homes with people not experienced with breeding and showing.(Yes, I say potential, because the home becomes as potential as the puppy!!!!!!) I was burned both times and actually hold myself responsible to a large degree. To expect someone to do something they have no realistic perception of, is not fair to any involved. No matter how many times you go over the contract, try to convey the seriousness of such and attempt to give an accurate depiction of what they are getting themselves into, many PPO's WILL SIGN ANYTHING to get a pup.
In response to my experiences, I have devised a policy that has been set in motion with a litter I had in Aug. There were two show potential girls. I did not want to keep two pups, as I have other pups possibly available to me in the immediate future and don't want to overload myself. It is important, actually, most important that these pups have good homes. So, I sold one of the girls to a wonderful couple who think they might be interested in showing. There is NO contract for showing. If they decide to show, it is a big plus to me, but I have allowed the pup to go with NO expectations. I have told them we could have a lot of fun showing and I am here to help them all the way, but if they decide against it, they can spay the bitch and live happily ever after. If I can not keep a show pup myself, and can not find a breeder or experienced person to take that pup for show, I feel it is in the best interest of the pup to place her in a home, preferrably one that is pondering showing without forcing a show career on anyone. I actually feel I will be better off in this situation than I would be with a tight show contract. The people are not being forced. As far as breeding, if this bitch finishes and gets her clearances, she can be bred and I will get one pup back. If she finishes and gets her clearances and the people don't want to breed, that is fine too. As much as I love to get my pups out and get titles on them, I have realized other things are more important. Again, just my opinion. Joanne Gerow, Indian Hill ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Long & Paul Dangel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 5:37 AM Subject: RE: Re Contracts/Guarantee > Sandy, > > I think you are looking at this one the wrong way. No one should promise > to finish a dog if they don't want to do it. It's a lot of work and a > lot of expense. Promising to get a CH on a dog if they don't plan to do > it is not good for either the breeder or the owner. It's not a contract > that is suitable for that buyer and that breeder! A contract can be a > good contract, but a bad one for the buyer's particular situation. > > Pat Long (& Luther) > Berwyn PA > >
