Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I do not always have puppies available. The best thing to do is check the Available page and the Planned Litters page.

I generally have two to three litters a year.

No. We match puppies to families based on temperament and lifestyle, not just availability.

Puppies are evaluated at six to eight weeks for temperament, activity level, how outgoing they are, how playful, etc. They are then assigned to homes according to the traits that the home values the most.

If you are interested in a puppy, the first step is to fill out an application. Once I have that, we can begin to get to know one another. I’ll have questions for you, and I’m sure you will have questions for me!

There are times when I do require a deposit. That is handled on a case-by-case basis.

I’m sorry, but no. Puppies are assigned to homes based on the traits that they display. Since I’ve been with them their whole life, I have a very good idea of which puppy will be suitable for which home. Allowing someone to choose their puppy would not let me ensure the puppy will be a good fit, and could result in the puppy being returned.

Absolutely. No puppy leaves here without a signed contract. Companion puppies go on a companion contract. Show/performance puppies on a show contract.

I test for MDR1, CEA, and copper toxicosis. I also test heart, eyes, and thyroid. I report all health testing to OFA.

My puppies are dewormed starting at a young age. Normally I deworm every two weeks right up until the time the puppy leaves for his or her new home. My puppies are vaccinated at six, nine, and twelve weeks. Puppies are allowed to go to their new homes after 10 weeks of age.

I feed Purina One Chicken and Rice. Purina Pro Plan is also an excellent food. I highly recommend avoiding anything that is grain free, as it has been linked with serious cardiac issues.

Puppies are allowed to go home at 10 weeks. At that age, they will have had their first two series of puppy shots, so travel will be safer.

When you get your puppy, he or she will come with a puppy-sized martingale collar and lead. Your puppy will come with a health record that will reflect all deworming dates, vaccination dates, and the microchip number for your puppy. Your puppy will also come with his or her registration papers. If your puppy is flying, I will provide the flight carrier.

Absolutely. I am available by email, text, Facebook messenger, or phone almost always. I’ll always be happy to help with issues and to answer any questions you might have.

Yes. Companion puppies are required to be spayed or neutered at one year of age.

I WILL ALWAYS TAKE A DOG BACK, for any reason, no questions asked. My contract actually requires that if you are no longer able to keep your dog, then the dog must be returned to me.

I do not ship puppies as cargo. At 10 weeks, Silkens are small enough to fly in the airplane cabin. I will happily meet you at the airport with your puppy, so you can fly home with it. I also offer a flight nanny service; you can read about this service below. I strongly recommend flying over driving if you live any distance from me. Flying is much easier on the puppy.

Yes. I offer a flight nanny service for a fee. I will fly with the puppy in the cabin to your nearest large airport. You simply meet me at the airport and get your puppy. Flight nanny does incur some charges. There is the outbound and return flight, the in-cabin pet fee (this gets paid to the airline), a night in a hotel either on the airport grounds, or nearby that has shuttle service, and my flight nanny fee. This can be discussed in detail if you think you might want to go this route. I absolutely recommend flying if you live a distance from me. It’s far easier on the puppy; it’s much less stressful than a long car trip. Most flights are three hours or less, and my experience has been that puppies fly much easier than they ride in the car. There’s less chance of motion sickness, and the shorter time cuts down on the stress for both you and the puppy.