The Waiting List & Selection Process

You have contacted SUNSTAG (Reg.), asked your many (very good) questions, and we have developed a comfortable rapport. You’ve decided that SUNSTAG is your kennel, and that you would like your puppy to come from here.

Sometimes that means waiting.

There is not always a puppy immediately available, and even when a litter is expected, nature may have her own plans. The gender you hoped for may not appear. A particular puppy may reveal a temperament better suited to a returning family, or to a show home, or perhaps to someone whose circumstances align just a little more closely. Placement is never simply first-come/first-served. It is thoughtful. It is deliberate. And yes — it is guided as much by experience and instinct as by any written list.

If you are waiting, I do ask that you stay in touch. Not daily — heavens no — but every few weeks is wise. Lives change. Schedules shift. People move, retire, welcome grandchildren, adopt cats, build fences. I need to know that what was right six months ago is still right today.

When a litter is born, I notify all interested families and ask for confirmation that you are still ready and eager. Only after I receive that hearty “yes” do I place your name on the current Puppy Roster.

The Reservation Fee is collected only after your puppy has been selected. It is applied to the purchase price, and if life intervenes — as it occasionally does — it may be transferred to a future litter or refunded. I understand that circumstances evolve.

Families who are local are invited to visit, sit on the floor, and let the puppies tumble over them. You may find yourself drawn to one in particular — and I will certainly listen. But final placement rests here. Over the decades, I have learned to see the small nuances that matter: the puppy who would thrive in a bustling household, the one who would cherish a quieter retired couple, the bold explorer, the thoughtful observer.

And yes — more often than not, the puppies make their own wishes quite clear. I pay attention.

Puppies typically go home between 10 and 12 weeks of age. They remain with their dam through those early developmental stages, and by the time they leave, they are well started in house manners. In truth, most SUNSTAG puppies are about 90% house trained — provided you watch carefully and allow the puppy to “train you” as well.

I ask that you arrange to be home for at least two full days after bringing your puppy home. This gives you time to learn one another’s rhythms and signals without distraction.

On pickup day, bring a friend to drive so you may hold your puppy and begin the bonding process — or bring a proper travel crate, which is safest for everyone. If the journey home exceeds eight hours by car, air transport will be arranged.

Above all, understand this: selecting a SUNSTAG puppy is never rushed, never casual, and never accidental. It is a careful joining of lives. And when it is right, you will know — and so will I.

You've 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 feel 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.

Reservation Fee & Flexibility

The Reservation Fee is collected only after your puppy has been selected. It is applied to the final Purchase Price.

If your circumstances change, the fee may be transferred to a future litter — or fully refunded if necessary. Life does shift occasionally, and we understand that.

Visiting & Final Selection

Over the following weeks, local families are invited to visit, spend time with the puppies, and make a tentative choice. Final placement decisions, however, are made by SUNSTAG.

Your preference absolutely matters. But sometimes subtle nuances make a particular puppy better suited for a family with small children, an older couple, an active household, and so on. Experience guides this process.

And yes — the puppies often make their preferences quite clear. I listen.

Going Home

Local pickup is typically between 10 and 12 weeks of age.

I ask that you arrange your schedule so that you are home with your new puppy for at least two full days after pickup. This allows you to learn your puppy’s signals for going outside — and for your puppy to begin “training” you. Approximately 90% of SUNSTAG puppies are well on their way to being house trained when they leave; attentive observation makes all the difference.

For pickup day, please bring a friend to drive so you may hold your puppy and begin bonding — or bring an appropriate travel crate, which is safest for both puppy and chauffeur.

For auto trips exceeding eight hours, air transport arrangements are required.

Air Delivery Process

If you are getting a SUNSTAG (Reg.) puppy shipped to you, here are some requirements.

First, you will need to 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-9:30PM CST); catalog at http://www.1800jeffers.com/ … Jeffers Sky Kennel Travel Pet Kennel with Food & Water Bowls Included; soft pad Crate Bed, Gray by Archstone Pets
  • PETCO.COM (on-line)/Doctors Foster & Smith, 800/826-7206; catalog at http://www.drsfostersmith.com … Petmate Vari Dog Kennel; EveryYay Cool Orthopedic Dog Crate Mat; Lucky Dog Static 2-Bowl System
  • Chewy, 1-800/672-4399 (24/7 On-Line); catalog at http://www.chewy.com … Petmate Vari Dog Kennel; Allisandro Waterproof & Non-Slip Dog Crate Pad; Lucky Dog Double Bowl Dog Kennel Food/Water System
  • 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

[address to be provided]

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, bowl, water, a towel (or paper towels) and a waste trash bag to the airport, as well as someone with you to drive you home. Or you can return puppy to the crate for safety during the drive home.

Sixth, registration paperwork will be mailed to you after your puppy arrives and is safely in your possession. It is imperative that you complete the registration immediately, please.

Seventh, any family who purchases the AKC-DNA PLUS test kit and submits the swabs, then sends a copy of the resultant report to SUNSTAG, will be reimbursed for the cost of this vital data report.