International Pet Trade ?

Received an email from a person in Mexico that will be visiting California this September , asking if I had any Blue Merles left but would be interested in other colors . Then asked price .

Several times a year I'm contacted by agents who work for international pet brokers . All they ask is price . It is rare they admit to being brokers . Sometimes they come up with touching stories about buying a pet for their daughter but can not make a visit to my kennel . Instead they will send an agent , send a check , meet me at an airport , while never saying who they are .

So when I'm first contacted , the interview process begins ! One email asked only " price for a female ? May be interested " . I gave my standard reply " based on very little info . . . female . . . price . .  $82,000 " . He asked if I was on crack ! Asking only price & for a Blue Merle , makes me nervous . They are so many important questions to ask a Cardigan breeder , same I ask when seeking or selling a pup . Asking for a Blue Merle , especially before they are whelped , is like asking for NO#1 issued Superman comic . People get upset as I try to explain , I may have only one or two Blue Merles a litter but we also have wonderful Black & White pups .

It is very important the pups of this special breed get matched to special owners . Email exchanges & visits help . It took me 2 years of researching Cardigans , kennels , & breeders before a breeder would sell to me , a non show home . We will have more litters , more Blue Merles , & more wonderful Black & White pups .