The Adoption Process

How does one go about adopting one of your pups?

First, research all you can about the breed and whether it is the right choice for you. The English Shepherd Club at https://englishshepherd.org is a fantastic source of information and support. Talk to English Shepherd owners about their experience. Then call me, (and other breeders) to see when a litter is expected. I ask people to complete “The Puppy Questionnaire” found on my website, as that is the first step in getting on the waiting list or being considered for a puppy. There is no obligation on your part other than to be truthful, and let me know if you change your mind or find a puppy elsewhere. I try to keep a reasonable ratio of applicants to number of pups available, so as not to disappoint people but still ensure each pup has a loving home waiting.

When I receive your Puppy Questionnaire, I will let you know if I see any reasons you may not be a good candidate for one of my pups at this time. This is not to judge you in any way, I am just looking for a very good fit between you and the English Shepherd. These dogs form such an incredibly strong bond with their person, I want to place them in a situation where both humans and English Shepherd will be happy and thrive. I know many fine people who would not be a good fit with an English Shepherd. I prefer not to list the reasons why I may occasionally decline an applicant because I don’t want people to simply write what they think I want to read. I’m looking out for the applicant’s satisfaction with the dog s/he adopts, but I am primarily the puppy’s advocate. I am going to select the home that appears most ready to cherish a particular pup. I will not ask anyone to accept a puppy they don’t 100% want. It is fine for you to decline a proferred pup, because then I can find them a home that truly wants them.

All that being said, most people seeking to adopt an English Shepherd provide such wonderful homes. Seeing the joy the dog brings to his new family is probably the most rewarding part of this vocation.

I submitted the Puppy Questionnaire. Now what?

Check back with me or the website from time to time, to see when a litter is expected. I will do my best to post when a litter is due, information about the parents, when the pups arrive, the number, color and sex of the pups. Starting at two weeks of age, I try to post a weekly photo and brief description of each puppy.

Soon after a litter has arrived, if not before, I will be contacting everyone on the waiting list (those who submitted Puppy Questionnaires) to see if they are still interested in one of these pups and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t hear from me, and you think you submitted The Puppy Questionnaire, please call or email me right away. Because I work a rather intensive schedule Monday through Thursday, most of our phone calls and questions or visits need to occur Friday through Sunday.

When will I know if I am getting a puppy and which one?

When the pups are around six to seven weeks old, I will ask each family to rank order their top three choices for a puppy. We can try to arrange in person visits at five or six weeks, or even zoom visits with the puppies for those who strongly desire this. I will take every one’s wishes into account as well as what seems the best opportunity for a particular puppy. But multiple factors can make this a complicated decision and it is not a simple first come, first serve. The pups will all be seen by a veterinarian and receive their first vaccinations at seven weeks of age. I will call each of you with my decision of which pup I can offer you. Of course, I will share with you if the vet noted anything adverse at the checkup, an extremely rare occurrence. If you agree to adopting the puppy offered, we complete The Puppy Contract and send it along with the down payment. Do not agree to take a puppy you are not 100% per cent happy with. I will find someone who will know the value of that puppy.

It is not unusual for one or two people to drop out at the end, either because they couldn’t get a puppy the sex or color they wanted. And very occasionally, I begin to feel uneasy about an adoptive family, as I learn more about them. So in this way, there are usually a few families who are pleasantly surprised to be offered a puppy at the last minute. I will do my best to be transparent with everyone in this emotional process. If I am not able to provide you with a puppy, I will try my best to direct you toward some.

Getting your puppy home.

If at all possible, I like all the puppies to go to their new homes by eight or nine weeks. I do not ship puppies (or any dog), so this often involves driving long distances. I will try to assist with this burden by meeting groups of new owners up to four or five hours from my home. I usually take a group of pups to Winchester, VA and another group south. You are also free to schedule a visit to come to my home to pick up your puppy and meet my dog family.