How much is that doggie....

So the Cirpets grew and every day they got cuter and smarter (Note: Smarter is not always a good thing in a puppy)

We began to think about new homes for them and what we should charge for them. Oops litter or not, they were great puppies!


I said I had no idea what to charge. Walt asked, "Did you stay up all night with Rowan?"

"Two nights," I said, but I didn't know what that had to do with the discussion.

"Did you sleep in the room with her and the puppies for two weeks?"

He knew that I had, since I had been noticeably absent from our bed.













"Did we have the vet remove their dewclaws to prevent future accidents in case they are as accident-prone as...some whippets?"

 Well, yes, when they were two days old.







Are we giving them as much attention as a litter of whippets? Are they getting the same intellectual stimulation and socialization?"

Of course we are and of course they are. Where was he getting this stuff?




"Are you planning to take them to the vet for checkups before they go home?"
"Of course." This was getting tedious.

"What do you know about Rowan's temperament and health background?"




"I know her background is excellent and you couldn't ask for a sweeter,more stable dog. She came from a good breeder."













"How about Denim?"
Same answer.

"Will they go with a health guarantee?"
"Totally." I recited from our sales contract.

If at any time during the life of the dog it develops health problems that in the opinion of two licensed veterinarians are of an inherited nature, that are unexpected in a dog of that age, and that will interfere with the dog's function as a pet, Purchaser agrees to contact Kennel. Purchaser may return dog and Kennel will rebate 75% of the purchase price; or keep the dog and Kennel will rebate 50% of purchase price. If at anytime during the dog's life, it develops a condition thought to be hereditary, the Purchaser will provide the Kennel with details, whether or not a refund is requested.

 (Okay, I really had to look up the wording, but I knew the gist of it.)


"Will we take these puppies back if there is a problem?"
"Of course. At any point in their lives. You know that."
"And we will always refund at least part of the purchase price."
"Yep."

Right of Return: Dog may be returned to Kennel for any reason at any time following purchase. If returned within one month from purchase and provided that the dog has not been injured in any way the Purchaser will then be entitled to a refund of the original purchase price. Refund amount will be reduced by 10% of purchase price for each additional month or fraction that dog is kept. 
However, regardless of the provisions above, if the dog is voluntarily returned to Kennel at any age, Purchaser is entitled to a refund of 20 percent of the purchase price. 

"Do you plan to offer rebates for training classes and titles like we do for the whippets?"
"Yes. They need puppy kindergarten and obedience classes and you can even show them in some AKC events so we want to encourage people to get involved with their dogs."

Performance Rebates: Kennel will pay the following rebates on receipt of proof that the dog has successfully completed the following AKC or UKC classes and titles

Puppy Kindergarten -- $25.00
Companion classes* -- $25 each course
STAR Puppy -- $25.00
Companion titles* -- $50 each title
Canine Good Citizen -- $25.00
AKC Therapy Dog title -- $50.00

* Crossbreeds are allowed to compete in AKC companion events, which include obedience, rally, and agility.

"Will they go home with a bag full of toys and chewies and leashes and collars and books about puppies?"
"Of course."

"And they will be invited to Timbreblue reunions and puppy parties?"

"Absolutely."

"Can people call or email if they have problems?"
"I sure hope they will. I hope they will call or email if they don't have problems too."

Walt's point was pretty clear. The Cirpets are not shelter dogs or rescues or unwanted in any way. Even though they were an unplanned breeding, they are well-bred and have been well-raised.

So then I asked our daughter/partner Johannah, who usually cuts to the chase.

$750 she said without hesitation.

"How did you arrive at that?"
"They are half a whippet. We should charge half what we charge for a whippet."

If you're interested in a very cool, very unusual, few-of-a-kind puppy, drop us an email or fill out the questionnaire on our website and in the comments, say you're interested in the Cirpets (pronounced chir-pets).