While I am not ready for a puppy right now, as I miss Axel so much and want to keep reliving our memories. I knew in 6 months or so I would be ready though, and knew a good breeder would have a long wait, which is good, but also knew I had to start my search right away in order to have a little buddy sooner than later. So I have been researching reputable breeders this time, unlike what I did with Axel. I truly believe that ‘Breeder’ does inbreeding or over breeds their dogs, and I’m sure does not do health checks at all. I was so inexperienced when I was looking for a Labrador back then and as soon as I saw cute chocolate puppies the rest with history. Now, I have zero regrets taking Axel home, it was the best 6.5 years, I have so many wonderful happy memories with him and wouldn’t go back and change things even if I could. He was the best dog for me 
Now, that being said… going forward I wanted to make sure my next boy would stand a much higher chance at a longer life with me. I know there are absolutely no guarantees in life. But least I’m doing my due diligence this time. So, I found a breeder who has amazing health checks, everything for me to be able to see and read. Does very limited breeding a year, wait lists on all her litters. So that to me is a good sign. Her puppy questionnaire was very long and very in-depth, she also wanted a referral letter from my vet, all good signs that she really cares about the puppies. I just felt really good about it, after researching breeders nearby, her website exceeded my expectations. She’s a good 8 hour drive away from me but that’s ok, worth the drive.
Also, she breeds English labs, Axel was a mix of American and English, which is why he was very tall and his longer face. While I absolutely loved his ginormous look, I didn’t want my next boy to be so similar. I wanted a chocolate again but a different look.
So, I went ahead and put down a deposit. The breeding is planned for June 2023 and mom and dad are gorgeous
It’s perfect timing for me, I have 6 months to grieve and then puppy excitement can start 
I also had just taken a temporary job at my work, that ends end of October 2023, so the timing worked out very well! Things just kinda all fell in to place nicely 
Now, that being said… going forward I wanted to make sure my next boy would stand a much higher chance at a longer life with me. I know there are absolutely no guarantees in life. But least I’m doing my due diligence this time. So, I found a breeder who has amazing health checks, everything for me to be able to see and read. Does very limited breeding a year, wait lists on all her litters. So that to me is a good sign. Her puppy questionnaire was very long and very in-depth, she also wanted a referral letter from my vet, all good signs that she really cares about the puppies. I just felt really good about it, after researching breeders nearby, her website exceeded my expectations. She’s a good 8 hour drive away from me but that’s ok, worth the drive.
Also, she breeds English labs, Axel was a mix of American and English, which is why he was very tall and his longer face. While I absolutely loved his ginormous look, I didn’t want my next boy to be so similar. I wanted a chocolate again but a different look.
So, I went ahead and put down a deposit. The breeding is planned for June 2023 and mom and dad are gorgeous
It’s perfect timing for me, I have 6 months to grieve and then puppy excitement can start I also had just taken a temporary job at my work, that ends end of October 2023, so the timing worked out very well! Things just kinda all fell in to place nicely 
But it’s worth it
