finding a breeder

[Sharon Querel]

We recently lost our cairn "Woodie" of 14 years. We are looking for the breeders but we originally bought her thru a pet chain store. Her father was "Beaver Brooks Timmy" and her Mom was "Wildwoods Energy" but the breeder escapes me. Any help out there? I think the breeders were either from ND, SD, or Minnesota. Thank you.

[Kathryn]

Hi there -- I'm in Minnesota, so I'm sorry to tell you that if your dog came from a pet store it probably came from one of the "puppy mills" around here. There are unfortunately quite a few. But there are numerous excellent breeders in the area too, with great little dogs. I think you can find some through the AKC site. We got our current pup from a breeder over in Wisconsin, but there are several closer to home (Minneapolis) who also have wonderful dogs. Suggest you check them out!

Kathryn

[bradl]

In case you haven't checked here already: www.cairnterrier.org/breeders

[Guest cairnmother]

I'm so sorry that you lost your little Woodie. I know how devastating it can be to lose your pet. Was a little relieved to hear that she lived so long. I too purchased my little Teddy from a pet store. He is 2 years old now and very healthy...no problems so far. He is the sweetest little wheaten cairn and I am so lucky to have him. I had lost my previous cairn Ozzy to a ruptured heart valve at the age of 10. The pet store that I bought parrot food from had recently closed so I went to the nearest pet store to buy food. I always avoided that one because they sold puppies. To make a long story short, I had a brain spasm that day. I got emotional when I laid eyes on my little Ted and out the door we went. I am lucky that he is healthy and a nice looking cairn. It could've turned out very badly. I hate that I have supported that business and would not do so again. I think of his mother living unloved and bred time after time for $$$$. I helped secure her future in hell by buying from a pet store. Please, Please! don't make the same mistake as I did. Find a reputable breeder who cares about their dogs.

[Sharon Querel]

Thanks, you've all been so helpful. I knew that her parents were probably in a puppy mill but Woodie was relatively a healthy girl and so was her demise because I didn't know she had this kidney problem until she started peeing in the house. The vet said she had this problem for quite a while but also said her kidneys were just wearing out. Gee I miss her but am not ready to get another one just yet. Thanks, for all your help. I just wanted to let these breeders know what a wonderful pet she was and wanted to know if they had some of the offspring of her parents in their kennls. Thanks again.

[ballast]

We lost our Brodie in January, so I know what an empty spot Woodie must have left. It may take some time before you are ready for a new puppy in your life, but remember that locating a reputable breeder with a litter may take some time. Last time we waited until we were ready - and then it took four months before we could bring a puppy home - by then we were WAY past ready.

This time, when Brodie died, I started our search right away. By the time Fergus was ready to come home with us, we were ready.

ballast

[Sharon Querel]

Thank you for all your replies. I know it is going to take a bit to find the right pup for us. Does anyone know of breeders close to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I am will to by in USA as long as it's not too far for us to travel. Thanks again