I wanted to add a little to this topic. Smokey is my first BMD. His breeder, Rui Rosa, was a very, very kind man who not only trusted me with this wonderful puppy but also trusted me given that I am only 22 and was just starting out. I assured him that I had the money, space, and love for a berner and he was uncertain and interviewed me carefully. To be honest, the extra care he took in meeting me, getting to know me, and making sure I was worthy of getting one of his dogs made me certain that this was a breeder who I wanted to get my dog from. Smokey is the light of my life. When I first joined the list, before I had Smokey I would always think how odd it was all these people calling their dogs their soulmates, children, etc. Don't get me wrong, I grew up with dogs, I LOVE them. They are part of my family and always have been. But the kind of love and connection I have with Smokey is unlike that of any other animal I have ever met (save perhaps my pony when I was a child but that's a story for another day). Smokey is indeed a dog that I am thankful for everyday.
The point is that even though it was hard to convince Rui to trust me, it was worth it. And winning that trust I believe was an important part of what got me to Smokey. So for those on the list who are waiting for their puppies, have had a long difficult trip to getting their dogs, or are frustrated with these crazy breeders and their zillions of questions and concerns about your fitness as an owner know this: it was worth it. Shortly after getting Smokey, a friend gave me a little plaque that says "My goal is to be as wonderful as my dog thinks I am". Sometimes I think that is could say as "as my dog's breeder thinks I am". So thanks Rui and to all the breeders out there who work so hard to place their dogs. Radha and Smokey __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more http://taxes.yahoo.com/
