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Why The Right Puppy is Worth Waiting for... The Value in Planning
Two male heartbreaker chocolates from Dinah and Brick's Dec.06 litter
Advance
reservation list you say? Absolutely.
Here’s why. So you've decided to get a
purebred lab, learned about the hazards of pet-stores and newspaper ads, have
looked at different breeders but are not sure how to make the decision with
so many options available... what sets one apart from another....how do I
know I am making the right choice for my family? First:
The not-so-fine print: Neverland has spent more than a couple of years developing a program that is based on results. Mentoring with learned healthcare and breeder experts, studying pedigrees, genetic modes of inheritance, screening against known hereditary issues, evaluating with a critical eye both dogs who will participate in our breeding program and those we select as mates for them, ensuring they are matched with structural, temperament and pedigree compatibility and are each independently worthy contributors to the breed. We do not select breeding partners lightly; we find appropriate selection must not be based on 'the flavor of the day' jumping on the bandwagon of the latest show winners without paying due mind to possible faults present and whether or not he is a suitable match for our prospective dam. We ensure that type, structure, movement and temperament are sound first, and count number of titles or wins as a bonus but not a determining factor. Some of the best producers in many breeds never obtained a title but were invaluable to making the breed what it is today, their contributions legendary.
Seamus Jade and Flash boy 3.07
Our puppies are raised in a safe and loving home environment for maximum supervision and human interaction, are exposed to life's routines and noises so are adequately prepared for their new households, are regularly evaluated for rate of development, the emergence of age benchmarked temperament indicators, are temperament tested and instinct monitored.
Neverland has a 3 de-worming protocol with each pup, they receive full and thorough vet inspection (health record goes home with pup) and first set of shots at the 7 week mark, and are seen by a diplomat of the ACVO for infant eye evaluations. They are released to their pre-approved families at 8 weeks of age, slightly later if being flown. Our pups come from a minimum of 3 generations of hip/elbow and eye certified clear ancestors, and we endeavor to have numerous show or working discipline (hunt/field trial or obedience trial) champions in every joined pedigree to create the perfect blend of companion, showman and worker and to indicate a desire to maintain consistent adherence to the breed standard. Again however, type, structure and temperament are of paramount importance. (Some families say” wow, those titles are nice, but we just want a great pet.” Understandable. However, the best pets often hail from parents whose health and temperament and structure can be verified through multi-generations, who were typical of the standard for movement, size, appearance, trainability and drive. When a breeder has taken the time to acquire new bloodlines, regularly evaluate their stock by competing in show and trial venues, it is never a bad thing and is further proof of their dedication to the development and future of the breed.)
Scarlett and her sis from the Dinah and Brick 11.06 litter
Each puppy is registered
as purebred and pedigreed with the Canadian Kennel Club and is placed on a
binding non-breeding agreement to protect pup, the breed and the reputation
of our program and its ethics. Our pups are guaranteed against proven
hereditary defect, and we have extensive follow up procedures to ensure a
lifelong commitment to the animals we bring into this world. The
Proof is in the Pudding With approximately 4
select breedings per year and over 2000 inquiries
annually for a pup from our program specifically, Neverland
litters are pre-reserved 4-12 months in advance by families who have
successfully completed our application process and have been offered a
booking. Often we do a certain breeding with a mind to keep something from it
for ourselves as a future show or trial prospect. We believe that as
responsible breeders it is our duty to ensure that if there are pups we are
not keeping ourselves that those pups have a pre-screened, loving home lined
up well before breeding for a litter. There are plenty of dogs in shelters
across the world to give testament to the fact that such a procedure is
necessary and should be undertaken with great care. We can’t imagine
wondering whether or not pups at 8 – 9 wks old will have a home. As we are in
Labs for the love of the breed we do not increase the number of litters we
raise just so we can meet a demand, preferring to maintain a quality over
quantity philosophy and practice.
John with Brick As buyer it is wise on
your part to disseminate the info you are given and scrutinize what is
groundless opinion and what is learned fact. If it is your plan to adopt a
loving canine partner in the next year or even two, inquire now with your
chosen breeder for upcoming availability and mating plans! Some people spend
months if not years researching their next car, what neighborhood to buy
their next house in…..isn’t your next family companion, that will possibly be
raised with your children for the next 12-14 years at least worth similar
consideration and planning? Remember, whether it is from us, or from an alternate
kennel of your choice, it is always wise to buy from a breeder who not only
does clearances but wants to maintain a connection to the dogs she produces,
and who has a waiting list because a good reputation for quality speaks
volumes... Standard fixture newspaper
ads and continuous availability whenever someone happens to call can often
speak to the possibility of a large scale pet production facility - not the ideal place to get your family
friend.
Titan from Jade and Titus jan.06 litter So, again. Why a wait list? Its simple really. First, it has been our experience that in this, a sadly focused “instant gratification society” it does a person good sometimes to have to wait for what they really want if they hope to get the quality they expect and to ensure things aren’t being done on a whim. Often their dedication to the dog has proven limitless when they have had to wait for the homecoming, giving them time to properly prepare – mentally, in their home environment, read up on training etc. for the new canine addition and it is all the sweeter when he comes! We have the least amount of re-home situations arise of any breeder we know because the process was done right at the beginning. Further, you may want a pup from Neverland because you know we will move mountains to ensure our experience and knowledge is always up to date and ever growing. A breeder who begins by thinking they already know everything there is to know is a dangerous one. Here’s our commitment to you: Being willing to admit there are always more things to learn about pedigrees, health issues, structure, movement etc. and in turn, setting about the business of acquiring that information, and becoming educated on the latest issues affecting the breed, and therefore also affecting the families consigned to act as their caretakers; demonstrating a time and financial commitment to ongoing training, exhibiting and trialing to validate our breeding program and evaluate our stock against the known Breed Standard and that of our peers; selecting new breeding stock and breeding partners not based on whether or not they are within a few hour’s car ride, but being willing to ship, import etc. to make the best possible matings, outcome, future for our program; having an open door policy with all families who own our dogs – not just when they are “in the ribbons” but demonstrating a life-long commitment to their welfare.
CH Empress The Philosopher King Plato came to us at 20 weeks of age and is an irreplaceable member of our family.
In-person kennel visits can be arranged, but by appointment only as we must consider the comfort, health and welfare of our moms and babies first and at all times above all. We hope you enjoy your virtual visit with 'Neverland's Heart-melters'. ~ see you soon~ Please don't hesitate to write or call with questions should they arise!
Tupper from Jade's first litter Jan.05 And Now: A few testimonial letters from previous happy clients.... _______________ chocolate female from the February 2001 litter: March 31, 2008
Lisa:
"It's been
a long while since I've written home, but now that I'm seven I thought I
ought to let you know that I'm doing fine. I'm a healthy, happy, and
active dog. Lots of people tell me that I'm beautiful. I
get excited when people tell me that. I love taking walks, romping
through the woods, playing with my stuffed toys, rolling over on my back,
digging holes under the forsythia bushes in the back yard, chasing the
squirrels that walk along the fence, walking through puddles and going
places where I can swim, and just being where my people are. Thank you
for crate training me so well. It's great to have a place I can call
my own at night and when I travel. I love my owner's grandchildren and
their dog. I get very excited when they come to visit me or when I go
to their house. Life is good and I love being king of the mountain.
Thank you for the good start in life that you gave me."
Love,
Cocoa
((Copperstone's Cinnimon Snap)
and the McLeods in Michigan
Owner of a chocolate male from spring 2002 litter Hi Lisa! and
we welcomed our daughter in 2007 so It is so wonderful to see them interact with
each other more and more each day as Hannah grows.
2005 also saw us
purchase our first home, our backyard backing onto an extensive conservation
area filled with ducks and beavers which provided We may be looking to add another member of
the family soon so we will definitely stay in touch!
owner of a chocolate female from spring
2005 litter Hi
Lisa, I first have to say I am so
sorry about not always keeping you updated at the required intervals re: our dog
Agnes. I finally have some photos and want to let you know how Agnes, our
Cara puppy has become a very important family member. Agnes is now 1 1/2 years old
and is doing wonderfully...she is truly a wonderful reflection on your
breeding standards and your skill at picking out a perfect social dog for our
situation. We seriously can not imagine
not having her now. My kids love her...according to my 3 year old, she is
"his" dog, him and her run and run, play hide
and seek and wrestle. My 5 year old (the one with autism) loves to sleep
with her and will just sometimes lie with her on the floor with his head on
her belly and read a book...Agnes loves it. My husband I think he has to be
the one that is the most in love with her, he works with her everyday with
training and she is now the talk of the park and our neighbourhood....people
actually come up to him when he is training and ask if this is Agnes, saying
that they have heard about her, the best though is when cars stop on the
street to watch her heeling the kids...Agnes knows everyone by name and will
heel appropriately. Actually there is one guy in the park that does field
trials with his dog (also a lab) and wants my husband to bring Agnes....I
feel like I am bragging about my child Lisa, thanks so much again. Here are some
photos of Agnes with my kids and husband. Enjoy and feel free to post or
share.
All
the best to you and your family, Lara,
Agnes's mom. Ontario, Canada 7/07
Testimonial from the proud owner of a chocolate female from another 2005 litter: Hi Lisa & John, Hope this email finds you well. I realized recently that I have been somewhat remiss in providing you with an update on Reba, my female chocolate from your Faith x Elton litter of 2005. What can I say? She is without question the most amazing creature that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She has proved to be the perfect addition to our family and has ingratiated herself so much so, that my Mom has plans to move her to the country permanently with my folks when they retire in a year or two, we'll see about that! She loves the country and spends every weekend there, running, swimming, hiking, cross country skiing or snow-shoeing with the family. She has proven to be very easy to train and is perfectly behaved, she was certainly a ball of energy during the initial stages of her puppyhood, but I began to notice her calming down a bit as she turned two. She is incredibly obedient and has never given me even the slightest cause for concern in her comportment. She is incredibly friendly, greets everyone with a vigorous tail wag and true to her Lab temperament, does not have a mean bone in her body. She is the most affectionate and loving dog I could ever imagine, regardless of how my day has been, she is always there to remind me of the intrinsic simplicity of life, the value of a good run and the importance of play. I must also mention that rare is the day that I am able to take her for a walk or run without being stopped by someone commenting on what a beautiful dog she is, or saying that she's the best looking Lab they've seen. My vet has gone as far as to comment that she is a perfect example of the species. As you can tell, I'm an extremely proud Dad.
I would like to thank Copperstone for allowing this incredible Lab to become part of my family, I don't remember what life was like without her! I can truly say that the quality of your dogs and the care you place in your breeding program is unparalleled in my experience. Most business people today are very focused on return on investment, in my experience with Copperstone, the ROI is off the charts. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Regards, Chris Clark. Quebec, Canada 8/07
Testimonial from the owner of a Hope x Thade pup, May 2007 litter Edie Bishop, California, USA on "Coal" "well, the little Tank continues to be among the quickest dogs I've ever owned or trained! He mastered the doggie-door within a matter of hours and takes himself out to do his big jobs and comes right back in to continue playing. He is the hit of all who meet him and is very very handsome. Chase and I could not imagine life without him." A few shots of Coal at 9 mos. ~Edie
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Neverland Labradors Litter Plans
Planned for April arrival - Chocolates, Blacks and Yellows
--applications for advance reservation now being taken.--
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to enjoy a wonderful video clip of "A BOY AND HIS LAB"
click here and bring the kleenex!
Next: Our Adoption Application
Completion of the below questionnaire does not guarantee the provision of a pup from our program.
Once this information is provided and we have reviewed it and possibly dialogued further with you by phone or in person, we will make our decision regarding a pup placement. If it is decided that we are all a good fit for one another and you elect to purchase one of our Neverland puppies we require that you complete our Intent to Purchase Contract and forward the signed copy together with your deposit which represents your commitment to adopting one of our puppies. Once we receive this form with deposit we will formally record your booking and your reservation will be logged.