I have always been a firm believer in allowing people to come to my home, to view and choose their new baby.  Several events over the last few years have caused me to change my thinking and my policy on home visits. I understand my new policy may upset some people, however, through experience this is the best way I can manage my time and peace of mind when it comes to my dogs.

First of all, you must understand, I am not running a "business", I am just a small, hobby breeder. I have decided to not allow strangers into my home anymore, for the sake of privacy and safety, for myself and my dogs. This is not just an excuse, because I have something to "hide".  I certainly have heard that before, but in fact I have many good reasons for this decision.

Puppy diseases are easily spread by even the most casual contact. The best breeders will not allow their puppies to be seen or handled until the puppy has had it's first shots, usually not before 6 weeks of age. This is a very good reason for meeting at another location, as good breeders must do everything in their power to keep their home disease free. Unless the breeder is also a public groomer or boarding kennel, they may not carry the type of insurance that would protect them from minor lawsuits. This can be a problem when people insist on bringing a small child or their current dog to see the puppies. Children have been known to wander around the breeder's home, peering into kitchen cabinets, even attempting to enter bedrooms, basements and garages! Careless parents have handed small puppies to a child, only to have the child drop the puppy and break it's leg! I've had people get angry with me and refuse to buy a puppy from me because I wouldn't bring a litter of 5 week old puppies out for their 2 year old child to play with and choose the one "he liked best". I was shocked that somebody could even think of something so ludicrous, let alone expect me to do it.  I was very  relieved that one of my puppies would not be going to that kind of home.

A buyer usually does not realize the number of inquiries a breeder, who has puppies for sale, can get every day. Some people just want to see what the puppies look like, with no intention of buying a puppy. Breeders have outside jobs, family obligations and, of course, the dogs. Some people, after getting the breeder's address, will just show up with no warning. They do not seem to understand that they are in a breeders HOME, and do not respect the breeder's privacy. There are also some people who do not know when to leave. The breeder may have to go to work, cook supper, answer the phone or any number of life's activities.

Then there is the breeder's biggest nightmare - thieves and/or other criminals! Breeders have had puppies stolen from their home when they went to answer the phone while the "prospective" buyers were looking at the puppies. Others have lost puppies after showing the puppies, only to have the "buyer" return when the owner was not home, to break in and steal all the puppies. Even more disturbing, some have had their home robbed of personal property several days after showing the puppies.  I’ve had friends that have been assaulted or worse, all because they had a puppy for sale and allowed someone to come to their home. THIS HAPPENS MORE THAN YOU THINK! The AKC has just recently, published an article warning that  "Breeders need to be aware of home visits by potential puppy buyers". Last, but not least, don’t forget poor Bobbie Jo Stinnett, the girl in Missouri that was murdered, and had her unborn child cut out of her womb, all because she allowed some woman to come to her home to see a puppy she had for sale. And more recently, the Yorkie puppies that were stolen at gunpoint, from a home in Los Angeles.  

IT’S NOT WORTH IT TO ME, I’D RATHER LOSE A SALE THAN LOSE MY DOGS OR MY LIFE.  I MEET ALL MY CUSTOMERS AT A SAFE PLACE, NEAR LAKE BROWNWOOD, TX. I bring the puppies only, not my adult breeding stock, as I do not want them exposed to outside germs and then returned to my home, where I have younger, unvaccinated babies. This may not be the best scenario, as the puppy isn't in their home environment, and pictures have to suffice rather than viewing the parents in person, but it is the best I can do under current day circumstances. I also DO NOT DO VIDEOS OR VIDEO CALLS. I don't have enough service out here where we live to text or make regular phone calls.  I'm sorry. There are NO EXCEPTIONS, to ANY of my policies, regardless of who you are, what articles you may have read warning against breeders not showing you the environment their puppies are raised in, or how far you have to drive, so please don't ask.

Although some people may not agree with my policy on this issue, I hope they can at least understand my reasons for making this decision. I am VERY protective of my animals when it comes to their health and well being and will not risk their health and safety, nor my own, for any reason.