Thought we were set with a breeder, now we're back to square one of looking
This is more a small rant than anything, but my partner and I got an ethically bred dog a few years ago and loved the experience. We've been talking to our dog's breeder about getting dog #2... and she's just let us know that she's going to be retiring from active breeding. It makes sense since she's older and she said that as she ages she's just not equipped to care for puppies and adolescents, and she is giving us recommendations for other breeders in the breed club, but man. I thought we were set.
I don't know if it's just me, but I found the research and discussion process with new breeders pretty exhausting. I have a lot of faith in the local breed club and I would probably be happy with a pup from any member, but having a tried-and-true, sure shot breeder that I didn't have to vet was a big benefit of getting another dog.