Storybook Maltese
Thank you for completing our questionnaire!
Please take a moment to read this important information as it may answer some of the questions you may have:
Thank you very much for your interest in our puppies. I’d like to take a moment to explain how our puppies are reserved. We don’t produce a lot of puppies and often we have more people wanting a puppy than there are puppies available.
We do not breed to make pets for people, rather, we breed for our own purposes and what we don’t keep to show is then offered to only the best homes to become an amazing pet for a very lucky family. Choosing the best possible home for our puppies is always a priority! They didn’t ask to be brought into this world, so they deserve no less. Most of the people that complete our questionnaire would make wonderful homes. I am looking for the absolute best fit for each puppy. I prefer my pups go to homes where they won’t have to be left alone all day every day. I am very cautious about young children or larger dogs with such tiny puppies. It’s important that we find the right puppy for you, and the right you for the puppy.
Many times there are many equally wonderful families for a puppy and multiple families considering a puppy and then it will be a matter who gets a signed spay/neuter agreement and deposit to me first. Please note that deposits are not refundable except at the sole discretion of the breeder.
Sometimes this upsets people and I’d like to take a moment to explain why this is the only fair way I can see to do it. There have been too many times that someone assured me adamantly that they wanted a puppy and so I’ve turned others away and then their deposit never arrives and come to find out they found a puppy ready sooner or closer to where they live and they never bothered to tell me. By then the folks I turned away went and found another puppy. Therefore, I will not hold a puppy for anyone without having received a deposit quickly followed by a signed agreement to neuter/spay the puppy. Deposits can be paid by credit/debit card, which will ad a 5% fee, but our preferred method to received deposits is through PayPal or Venmo (I will provide that information when I send a spay/neuter agreement).
This is the most difficult part of being a breeder for me. I don’t like to sound like a pushy used car salesman and tell people, “If you don’t decide whether or not you want one of our puppies it may be too late.” At the same time, I’ve had people get very upset with me, scream, yell, and cry because I didn’t make sure they understood that if they take their time deciding, it just may be too late!
WE ALWAYS HAVE 1st CHOICE. After that, 1st choice is reserved for first received deposit, 2nd choice goes to second received deposit, and so forth. Once there is a 2nd commitment for a puppy, we will ask that those in first position make their choice in a timely manner so others can also make their choice.
Ever since the arrival of COVID, my home has become a fortress that no one can enter. It's not because I don't want to socialize or have people over, but rather, it's because my husband's health is at risk due to his congestive heart failure. The mere thought of him contracting the virus terrifies me and it's my duty to protect him at all costs.
Moreover, our precious puppies are vulnerable to the unknown dangers that lurk outside. They depend on us for their safety and well-being, and that's why we take every measure possible to ensure a germ-free environment for them.
If you could only read the story of my heartbreaking loss on our Rainbow Bridge page, you'd understand why I'm so vigilant about keeping our home sterile. It's not just a matter of cleanliness, it's a matter of life and death.
You can rest assured that when you obtain a puppy from us, there will be no visitors here handling your puppy and he/she will grow up in a clean and sterile environment. I provide a health guarantee on all my puppies and do everything in my power to insure no puppy leaves here with worms, fleas, or any kind of disease. I strive to be flawless in this area and therefore, you may not always be able to come visit the puppies, but you can rest assured your Storybook puppy will be healthy! They will also arrive freshly bathed and without mats.
Please keep in mind that I don’t sell breeding stock under any circumstances and all of my puppies are required to be spayed/neutered at the appropriate age. Not only is this better for the dog in the long run, to avoid cancers that are much more likely to occur in dogs that haven’t been spayed/neutered, but it also protects our unique lineage and insures that no pup descending from our dogs ever end up in a puppy mill.
*On rare occasions I will sell a show dog and then a completion of Championship is required prior to breeding. If you are looking for a show dog it is better to call me at 816-548-9800 to discuss the possibility of obtaining a show dog from us.
I'm thrilled to talk about something near and dear to my heart - our sweet puppies! One of the most common questions I get asked is, "How big will my puppy get?" And let me tell you, it's not an easy question to answer. As much as I wish I could guarantee size, it's impossible. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just trying to sell you a puppy.
We do our best to provide you with the most accurate information possible. We take into account the weights of both parents, the general lineage, and previous puppies to make an educated guess about your pup's adult size. But even then, it's not a sure thing. We've had people choose the biggest pup in a litter and end up with a 4 lb dog or the smallest one and end up with a 7 lb dog. That's just how it goes sometimes.
It’s far better to focus on what we CAN control. We prioritize things like health, temperament, and excellent quality. And of course, we're always here to support our puppy families every step of the way.
As for when your sweet puppy can come home, it all depends on when they're ready. We wait until they're completely weaned and have been eating solid food for a couple of weeks without any issues. That could be as early as 10 weeks or as late as 14 weeks, depending on the pup. But I truly believe that as soon as they're ready, they should be allowed to join their forever family. That's what they deserve.
How do puppies get from our home to yours? We've got a couple of options for you. You can either come to us and we’ll meet at a place convenient for you, or if you're flying in, we'll be right there to greet you with everything you need for the trip. Puppy Nanny’s are an option an are not included in the price of the puppy. It’s best to reserve a puppy Nanny as far in advance as possible and the fee is negotiation directly between you and the puppy Nanny. The puppy Nanny will hand carry the puppy on the plane right to you at your local airport. She’ll keep in touch along the way with photos and updates.
Finally, let's talk about getting a puppy from us. We get so many requests, and unfortunately, we just can't accommodate everyone. The best thing you can do is keep in touch! Check out our Nursery page for updates on upcoming litters, and make sure to stay in contact with us. The more we hear from you, the better your chances of getting a Storybook puppy. At any given time we have roughly 1000+ people waiting and hoping a puppy (especially females)becomes available. And then we have the deposit waiting list. This is reserved for people that have decided they only want a Storybook Puppy and have placed a deposit. They know exactly where they are in line and have first priority. Often this list can make it very difficult for the ‘wait and see’ folks to get a Storybook Puppy.
We always prioritize placing our puppies in the best possible homes, so it’s not ‘first come - first served. We take our time to make sure every puppy goes to a loving family that will care for them the way they deserve. There's nothing better than seeing our sweet pups happy and loved in their new homes. So keep in touch, and who knows? Maybe you'll be the lucky one to take home a Storybook Puppy.
My top priority is ensuring that these puppies will be able to spend most of their time with their new family. After all, they deserve nothing less than the comfort and affection of their human companions. I also give utmost importance to those who need a Maltese puppy as a service dog for medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy. My heart goes out to those who could benefit from the support and love of a Maltese puppy.
When it comes to selecting potential owners, I am very particular. I am more likely to choose experienced Maltese owners over first-time pet owners or those with no experience with small dogs. This is because Maltese puppies are delicate creatures that require extra care and attention. I want to ensure that they will be in capable and loving hands.
I am also very cautious about the environment that these puppies will be in. Since they are fragile little creatures, it is better if there are no large dogs or small children in their new home. Of course, this doesn't mean that I will never allow them to go to homes with children or other dogs, but I will only do so if I am completely convinced that they will be safe and well-cared for.
Please understand that my intentions are pure and heartfelt. These puppies did not ask to be here, and it is my duty to find them the absolute best possible environment. I hope you can understand the depth of my concern and the care that goes into selecting the right homes for these little angels.
Again, we truly appreciate your interest in our puppies and your taking the time to complete our New Owner Questionnaire!
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