I think the reviewer Kim D. misunderstands the nature of dog breeders.
There are three types of breeders. First are the puppy mills. These are the ones who actually set out to make money breeding dogs. So they crank out as many reasonably healthy pups as fast as they can. The result is often emotionally scarred dogs. This is why guidebooks often instruct you to find a reputable breeder, and not get your dog from a mall pet store.
The second is hobby breeders. Sometimes people breed their own at home. This can work, but you really are flying blind. Home breeders aren't experienced in puppy development, and won't be able to give you real insight into the dogs' temperament.
The third is people who go into dog breeding for the love of the animals. Melanie and her family are in this group. Before I received my crate with my two puppies inside, I spent around two hours on the phone with her. We talked about all the pros and cons of getting two at once, two males versus males and females, my family, my history with dogs ... it went on and on. The attention demonstrated the concern that Melanie had for getting the dogs into the right home for them. Not just a good home, but the right one for them. It was more like an adoption than a purchase.
When you know you are dealing with someone who truly loves animals, you expect they are going to act more like an adoption agency than a pet shop. Melanie is a strong believer in natural this and holistic that, and even though I'm not a believer in hemp dog collars, I didn't mind. She's just pushing what she feels is right; she's not doing it to change me, but rather to express her love for the animals.
And Melanie really does know what she is doing as a breeder. When I took the puppies to the vet for their initial checkup, the vet marveled at how detailed the paperwork was and how much had been done before delivery. Our Doodles are now full grown members of the household, and if I had to do it over again, I'd go right back to Melanie and get Gorgeous Doodles. read more