hello, after a long consideration (6yrs) we have decided that we are ready and in a position to welcome a puppy into our loving home. Ideally we wanted to surprise the children, and have our puppy near or around christmas. Please dont let the word christmas strike fear into you, we just thought the timing was right for our family. We would prefer a puppy rather than a dog because we wanted him to grow up with us as a member of ouf family. We are also looking for a boy rather than a girl. Our e-mail address is km007s9165@blueyonder.co.uk  and our phone number is 01454 852378. please do contact us if you can help us complete our family.
                                                                                              yours sincerly
                                                                                                   rachel mclachlan and family.

Hi
I don't think you have quite thought through the implications here, in the nicest possible way.  No reputable breeder will sell you a puppy unless they have met the ENTIRE family, as they will want to meet everyone and see how they interact with the dogs and puppies, so a surprise for the kids isn't a good idea and unlikely to work. Also Christmas isn't a good idea not just for the reason of people giving puppies as unwanted presents, but because it is a very hectic time of year with plenty of visitors, things going on etc, and it isn't a good time for a new puppy to arrive in a household as he will need peace and quiet to be able to settle in well. Then there is the question of house training -this will be a LOT harder during the winter than during the spring/summer, as you will have to take the pup out many, many times a day and wait for him to go, and believe me, in the dark,cold and wet it isn't very nice. :) Therefore whenever possible most breeders will try to have pups for the spring/summer. Not always practically possible of course, but really it does make life a lot easier.

You can find reputable breeders by contacting the Golden Retriever Culb. Their website is: http://www.thegoldenretrieverclub.co.uk/ Make sure you ask about the parents' hip scores, elbow scores and eye testing.