Prager, here's your chance to explain - Page 12

I do not come here all that much anymore.  When this thread was brought to my attention it was 11 pages long.  It was also number 8 on the list and  sinking, I hoped that was the case.  It is not that I do not think the discussion of breeding practice and sales technique is not an important one, just that the tone, as usual, turned from discussion to back biting and insult.

For the record, and this is the last time.  This is how I acquired Lyda.  This is my perspective on what happened.  I lost Abbie (see avatar pic) on July 10th.  After a few months I began to inquire extensively about breeders and pups.  Many of you folks were kind enough to send recommendations.  I communicated with said breeders via phone and e-mail.  I asked MANY questions.  Their are a handful of folks who's opinions I valued, including Prager, that were helping steer me in the right direction.
Many had good and bad opinions regarding breeders i had chose.  This occurred over several months.  I wanted to get a pup in the late fall do to the weather here among other factors.  I live in SC and it is horribly hot here in the summer.

Finally after a few months a member of this board had contacted Prager himself.  I am not sure what initiated their e-mails but the outcome led me to contact him regarding his pups.  I had 1,500.00 to spend a little more if needed.  This had to include shipping if I needed it.  I stipulated that I needed a puppy that was a med. to low drive that was moderately protective that could be raised in my home with my young boys (3 and 4 years old).  Many of the people highly recommended i do what I could to get a pup from Prager Hans.  They said he had great dogs and would know EXACTLY what I needed and could pick me the perfect pup.  They said he knows his dogs very well...etc.etc.

I had many phone and e-mail conversations with Mr. Hans.  He did at one point say he had a pup that was a 1,000.00 but hell he would give me it for 800.00.  He did say it was a "close line breeding."  I, in my naivete, did not know that meant the parents were brother and sister.  He never said it was an oops or that is was an experiment or whatever.  I never thought to ask...I should have but it never occurred to me.  What I did ask for was a mellow pup that would make a good, smart, stable, protective companion for my family.  We talked about the parents.  Their color, temperament, hips, size on and on.  I put a lot of faith in reputation, and recommendation. 

It was after Lyda arrived that I found about her parents.  I was upset.  I was worried.  I still am a little. 


The bottom line is.  I am not going to let how Lyda came to be define what Lyda means to me.  As you can see from my Avatar picture I can love a pup who is non-conventional.  Am I happy about how I got Lyda?  NO.  BUT, am I happy with Lyda? YES.  So far she is a fun, smart, frisky pup.  My kids love her, I adore her and she has bonded with us completely.  What her future holds only time will tell.  Hopefully their will be no "Banjos"  so to speak.

Thank you all for you concern.  Thank You for caring enough to speak up about it.  I am sure lessons are learned and opinions good and bad have been made.  In conclusion.  Mr. Hans has said he would take her back, or return all moneys, or help with whatever I needed.  He has also reassured me that he believes Lyda will be a fine dog.  I will take him at his word.

~Rooka