You have contacted SUNSTAG (Reg.) and asked a million questions. Your rapport with me is excellent and you have decided that SUNSTAG (Reg.) is YOUR kennel and you want to buy your puppy from me. There is sometimes a long wait; are you patient enough to wait until I feels I have the right puppy just for you, your lifestyle and the environment you have to offer? If so, you must keep in contact--perhaps not daily, but at least every few weeks, as things can change dramatically. The litter you were waiting for might not have the gender you want or I have evaluated and designated the puppies to (1) Show potential homes, (2) returning families, then (3) new families...you could be in the "new" category...or if I do not find one just right for YOU. BUT, that does not necessarily mean the roster is first-come/first-served within those categories either. The selection of a SUNSTAG (Reg.) puppy for a family is based on so many feelings it would be impossible to outline that process. What I do is send an announcement to all families regardless of their "category" informing them of the birth of a litter and requesting affirmation of the family's continued interest in a puppy. Only after receiving that hearty "YES", then I list the family on the current Puppy Roster. The Reservation Fee for the litter is quoted after your puppy has been selected, but it is transferable to another litter (or fully refunded) if the right puppy for YOU is not found in the current litter. The fee is deducted from the Purchase Price for your puppy. Over the following weeks, all local families are invited to come visit, view and play with the puppies, and make tentative selection--the final selection is made by SUNSTAG (Reg.). I will take your choice into consideration, of course, but sometimes there are nuances that would make the puppy unsuitable for--let us say--a family with small children, an older retired couple, etc. Dixie Knows!!! And, as an added bonus, so do the puppies. Most puppies make their own choice known and I listen. Local pick up is around the 10- to 12-week timeframe. I need to know that you have arranged your schedule to be home with the new puppy at least 2 full days AFTER picking him/her up. This gives the family time to assess the puppy's signals for the need to go outside and for the family to recognize those signals. About 90% of the time, the SUNSTAG (Reg.) puppy is house trained; you just need to watch and listen while the puppy "trains you"... Also, bring a friend with you to drive so you can hold puppy to start the bonding process, or bring a crate for puppy to travel home in--it is safer for him/her and for you, the chauffer! Auto Trips over 8 hours are by air transport. 

On the other hand: If you are getting a SUNSTAG (Reg.) puppy shipped to you. Here are some requirements.

 AIR DELIVERY

First, you will need purchase the #300 Varikennel, shipping packet and a pad (optional) from one of the following suppliers:

  • All Pets, 1-888-738-6388; catalog at http://www.allpets.com/ 
  •  Jeffers General, 1-800-533-3377 (M-F 6AM-10PM, Sat/Sun 7AM-930PM CST); catalog at http://www.1800jeffers.com/ 
  •  Doctors Foster & Smith, 800/826-7206; catalog at http://www.drsfostersmith.com 
  •  Master Animal Care, 1-800-346-0749 R.C. Steele, 1-800-872-3773 orders, 1-800-872-4506 customer service; catalog at http://www.rcsteele.com

Second, you must order and pay for the Kennel and have it drop-shipped directly to me no less than two weeks before puppy will be shipped to you. This information should be made clear to the company you order from:

SHIP TO: Dixie Howell-Hirsch SUNSTAG IRISH WOLFHOUNDS

10500 Christenson Road
Lucerne Valley, CA 92356
Cross Streets: Deliveries North of CA-18 on Christenson Road at Wren.
It helps if I get a Call Ahead: (949) 750-4193 to unlock the Gate.

Third, it is preferred that YOU come get your puppy and it can travel home on your airline ticket. If I am shipping, let me know the best time of day for you to go to your closest airport--and which one that is. I will research flights to find the most convenient possible providing it is non-stop (or direct, one-stop) and in the cool of the evening in the summer; the warmth of the day in the winter. Most airlines have flying restrictions due to weather, size and plane equipment. As I am quite familiar with flying puppies, I will take care of this.

Fourth, the Health Certificate is approximately $100.00, which will be added to your "bill" just before I ship. I will prepay the shipping for you, but you must reimburse me once the puppy is in your hands. The transportation total will be on the Waybill attached to the crate.

Fifth, bring a leash, collar and water to the airport, as well as someone with you to drive you home, or return puppy to the crate for safety during the drive home.