Suzi! I've changed my mind re: Labradors

[magnolia]

Okay, I had time to go in and look at both the silver and the white labs and I must say, they are GORGEOUS! I don't think you'll go wrong with either selection but I'm partial to the silver - they are different and not a color you would see every day so if you're looking for something not many other people will have (especially where you live), then I say go for the silver As for the cost, if I read correctly on their website, they personally train the dogs in fielding, obedience, etc so if that is the case, you will pay more for what some call a "guaranteed" dog - guaranteed to retrieve, track, obey, etc. Sam, when he's ready to get another lab, has already checked into getting a "guaranteed" lab and the price will be anywhere from $1500 and up. So, if your lab will be used by your hubby for retrieving purposes (does he duck hunt? dove hunt? quail?), then the money is worth it. If, however, you are only going to purchase one for pet only, you may can talk to them on getting a lower price since they won't have to "train" the puppy for you. Also, if the dog will be used for hunting, tell your husband this - if you purchase a lab for, say $600, you still have to pay someone else to train him/her for you and that cost can run anywhere from $200-$300 per month....I know because we sent our lab to Arkansas to be trained when he was 9 months old (we waited too late, they need to start their training between 4-6 months, if not sooner) and the cost was $200 (or $250) per month at that time and that was back in 1998!! If he had been "trainable", it would have cost us about another $600 or more to have him trained so you can see, adding the cost of the dog plus training, you're looking at $1500 or more investment so why not go ahead and pay it to get one that will be guaranteed - if that's what you want

Sorry to get so lengthy on the post - just trying to show a cost breakdown for you and your husband. And, depending on the area, guaranteed labs can run as high as $2500 or more. You have some time before you are ready to make the decision and purchase and you are off to a good start with your research. If there's anything I can do to help, you know I will

And if you head to Texas for that special lab, we will definitely get together so Gabby and Gage can meet Hootie and Hobbs and have a little play date Of course, Gabby won't want anything to do with your furbabies (just because she's ornery that way ) but Gage will have a blast!!