I chose to buy my puppy through Gwen and Jay Hill because their home tells it all. Their home, yard and acreage, Magestic Pines Ranch, is ideal for raising a dog, not just breeding dogs. Unlike a puppy mill, the adult dogs have lots of room to run and romp and the older puppies have a play yard. Large areas of their home, porch and yard are sectioned off for their puppies.

Gwen introduced me to both parents of the puppies, which allowed me to see what kind of dispositions may have been inherited. I picked Caylee from one of Alley's litters, and was also introduced to her father, Merlin. Both Merlin and Alley met me in the drive as I pulled up. Alley, a black Labrador, immediately impressed me with her energetic and sweet disposition. She met me with a wagging tail (and body) and comfortably looked me in the eyes with a big smile on her face.

What I would find out later is that Alley had been very particular about her puppies, with a superior hygiene standard. Because Caylee was used to being clean, housetraining was a minor effort. We had very few mistakes and even most of those were my own mistakes. Puppy mills do not instill that kind of standard in a puppy -- only a good momma dog can do that. And many breeders do not provide the kind of space required for a momma dog to raise her puppies correctly.

Caylee is an exceptional dog! She is a delightful pet and companion. By the age of 71/2 months, she had graduated from Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner Obedience, and K9 Dog Camp. We have also received her AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate. She is a very athletic dog and we have lots of dog sports on the horizon for both of us. I would recommend Labradoodle puppies from Magestic Pines Ranch to anyone, and should I choose to get another puppy, that is where I will go...

Caylee's mom DID purchase another puppy from Magestic Pines Ranch. His name is Bear (white dog pictured above)

Update: Caylee's mom purchased yet another puppy from Magestic Pines Ranch. Her name is Sophie (pictured at right →).