i`m getting discouraged....

[patty]

i`ve had 2 people tell me paps are not good with kids under 10. one was a rescue person who says she owns 3 and has rescued 100`s and the other is an affluent person in the papillon community. i asked on a papillon message board and was pretty much told the opposite. what is up? i`m going to email 2 big rescues and see what they say. argh 

[saucyaussies]

Hang in there...rescue groups can be a tad....um, nuts.  They have the best interests of the dog in mind, but they can also be a little insane in their rules at times.  When you inquire, make sure that you tell them about the dogs you already have, that your kids are good, that you have done your research etc.  If they ask you to fill out an application, do it, they get frusterated when ppl show interest but dont' fill out the application if there isn't a particular dog that is right at the right time (which is understandable).  Fill it out, then if the right dog comes up, that is one more thing out of the way!  Same goes for a homecheck.  May seem like overkill if you don't end up getting a dog from there, but you will end up getting more respect from the rescue group.  As for the breeders, get on the big papillon list and read it for awhile getting a feel for the attitudes of the breeders.  I have learned a lot from my aussie list, and have a lot of breeders that I would never ever get a dog from becasue of it!  You will also learn about some of the smaller breeders who may not advertise, but have their website in their signature.  Form some relationships within the papillon world, ask smart questions.  Go to dog shows, meet the owners/breeders (after they show!), get your name and face out there that you are a great person looking for a dog....but try not to be too pushy, its a fine line between great and crazy.

I hope that helps!  I am on a local rescue board here, and it has sure taught me a lot in how to apply for a rescue dog to ensure that you will actually get the dog!  Let me know if you need anymore help.

[patty]

thanx friend. i did all of the application stuff with the rescues, the home visit is going to be a little rough to pull off because there are no in state rescues here that i have found yet. i`m on a pap yahoo list but it`s not one of breeders i don`t think....just owners. i put in a letter to aother pap rescue yesterday and she told me some say that alot because it`s a toy and toys need a bit special care because of their size. she has told me they have adopted to people with kids my age and it worked out fine.  i have also emailed the president of the nationwide pap club and another rescue. i`ll google a big breeders list later after work and see if i can find anything.

[saucyaussies]

There should be a listing of breeders on the pap club of america, try there as well.  They aren't super popular so it might be a bit tough, but you'll find one!  I have reading break coming up, I'll see if I can't dig up some more info for you.