In a message dated 12/21/2005 6:08:35 PM Pacific Standard Time, murk@xxxxxxxxxxx writes: I have to admit, I did put Pat thru the ringer and back......she was my first internet sale, and it scared the crap out of me......... As it should be, don't you think? And, turned out to be a good thing for you both. I recently bought a Dutch shepherd that was shipped to me from the Mid-west. I spent months finding the right breeder, was then put on a waiting list and communicated back and forth for another 3 months until the pups were ready. The breeder asked for references and called my vet. I don't know if she actually called any of the references tho. She grilled me on why I wanted a Dutchie and what I planned to do to keep her busy, Schutzhund, agility, etc... I didn't mind one bit. As scary as is was for me to buy a dog, sight unseen, except puppy pics, I know it was scary for her too. Mina did not disappoint. What a wonderful, beautiful girl. I update the breeder frequently and we have developed a nice friendship. I don't think I would've bought from this breeder if she hadn't made me wait and jump thru some hoops :-) Laura Thomas http://www.treasureranchgsds.com/ ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================