Feeling sad

[tinytoucan]

Hi, I’m not really sure why I’m posting but I think I need to have a wallow because I’m feeling a bit sad

Basically, DH and I decided we are ready to own a dog. Bad timing I know, considering nearly everyone else in the country decided the same thing over lockdown!! Our circumstances have changed permanently so one of us can always be home, which was the main reason for not getting one before.

I did lots of research and decided on a breed, and found a really lovely breeder whose ethics I agree with. One of the main things I liked was that she doesn’t breed regularly, and they were having this litter because she wanted another dog for herself. We had long conversations and were put on the list for a puppy.

The litter was smaller than the scan suggested (yes I know they are very unreliable!), and sadly some of the puppies did not survive. Only one was available to find a new home and we were not first choice.

I completely understand the situation but it has left me feeling completely gutted I know there are worse problems in the world but I actually feel bereaved even though I never met the dog! There are other things going on in my life at the moment and I suspect it’s a bit of a snowball effect that’s making me feel this way, but I just can’t shake the sad feeling.

Sorry for the long post. Probably need a kick up the bum and some perspective.

Btw, the reason we are not looking at rescues is because we have young children, otherwise that is absolutely the route we would go down.

I'm really sorry, sounds awful. BUT (depending on why the puppies didn't survive) you may have had a lucky escape. Maybe there are genetic health problems and your puppy would not have been a healthy one. What breed are you looking for? Demand for puppies is slowing down, so you might get one much quicker than you think

That would be disappointing. You thought you were getting a puppy and were excited. You'll still be able to get one but you are
going to have to wait longer now and it won't be the same puppy you were dreaming of getting. I'd be sad too. I agree with the pp about demand slowing.

We’re in a similar position OP, in that after 10 years of waiting the stars have aligned and we’re finally in a position to get our puppy. Along with the rest of the country apparently. Finding it a struggle to find a breeder who’ll even bother to respond! I’m also having second thoughts at the moment as I keep hearing about dog thefts and feel like I wouldn’t enjoy walks for worrying so much.

There are many small foster based rescues who rehome to families as each dog/family is individually assessed rather than blanket rules. Rescues do get puppies, I’ve adopted two in the past.