This is the kind of stuff that comes to my email.  This is a pretty extreme case, but the guy is looking for a Senior Hunter / Utility Prep dog (and doesn't want to spend too much money).  The dog he's looking for would cost maybe $5,000 to "make" by purchasing a puppy, paying a veterinarian and sending out for pro training.  Anyway, for your amusement and information, read this.

Hello Breeder / Trainer:

I’m doing my homework to purchase another ADULT, upland game, hunting dog. Can you help us ? The two breeds we are most strongly thinking of are: either a GSP, or Brittany. However, under IDEAL circumstances (described later) I will consider an English POINTER, and also a GERMAN WIRE-HAIRED POINTER.

We’re looking for a “FINISHED” BROKE (or nearly finished) dog. First choice would be a female, only because she will live in the same house and yard as our 10 year old male, GSP. Whichever sex, it needs to be BIDDABLE, with being okay around our 7 year old grand-daughter, occasionally. House-Broken would be a HUGE plus ! We also have a cat, who got along with both dogs. Your dog will have a good & active life.

Basically, I’m a “ FOOT-HUNTER” who wants a meat-hunter dog. I want at least a “FULLY STARTED” dog. My prior bitch (just died of cancer 6-2-09) was an AKC – “Senior Hunter” . We’d like the new dog to be at least the SAME – LEVEL
of provable, experience. Being a foot-hunter, I’d prefer a dog that was trained or preferred to work CLOSELY, or at a maximum = “medium – range”.

My deceased 8 year old GSP retrieved about 85% of the time. Retrieived “to hand” or base of my feet @ 70%. Found DEAD pheasants 98%, DEAD quail, chukkar @ 85 % We would be happy to have the new dog duplicate this, consistently by hunting her 6 trips a year, with nearby, off-season, brush-ups to help her stay in tune.

The most common terrain we hunt is in the Southern Calif deserts (low & high desert).
Wild birds hunted in order are 1) Gambrel Quail, 2) Chukkar 3) find DEAD doves. The liberated (pen raised or planted) pheasants are 2-3 times a year, in crops. So, we do pre-fer some WILD BIRD EXPERIENCE, one full prior season, hopefully. So a one year old dog is probably too young. The ideal age is 1 ½ – 3 years..

We are NOT interested in doing field trials, “showing”, or breeding ! This fact should help keep the price of the dog lower ! But, we do want the dog to have papers, and “see” the verifiable, pedigree records.

Whichever number of respondents make the short list, I will definitely visit “in-person” to see the dog perform in the field. I’d like the dog to show me how it reacts to your method of whistle commands, that you have ME TRY successfully. I would visit a local vet, with dog (of my choosing & on my $), to conclude our deal, if we come to terms.

So neither of us waste time, I’m attaching a form you can fill-out and mail back to us to make the initial talks easier. If you wish to send it by regular mail, call or e-mail us for our address. I’m not in a rush, because we just got over the worst grieving for our buddy.
But, we’re ready to go on a “perfect - fit” right now. Please be realistic on the price range, so we don’t have to pass on a good potential. I’m in construction = < $ now.

Thanks for your time and cooperation. Craig and Betty B. Orange County, CA
Craig#######@######.net Home (800) 660-####, Cell (949) 633-####

You can e-mail this form or via regular mail if easier. I’m not in a rush !

Kennel Name____________________________ Date________________

Dog Name______________________________ Phone #_____________

Dog Breed_____________ Age______ Price range of dog_____________________
Sex_________ Size (approx weight)________ Colors___________________

Best working range, describe:____________________ E-collar trained. Yes___No___

AKC provable? Yes___ No_____ Both parents Yes___No___

House broken? Yes____ No_____ Describe whistle method taught_________________

Gets along with male dog? Yes_______ No______ (Cat? Yes__ No__)

P.S. NOTE: I’ll consider an English Pointer a German Wire Haired Pointer – if fully house broken already and inside house experienced ( i.e).A friendly family pet with grandkids and our cat. Also…does dog need force breaking?____

Health Backgound

Does dog have proof /results of testing for: Past diseases?(Y or N)
Lyme_____
1.Hip dysplasia certs?_____________ Parvo_____
Heartworm____
2.Genetic eye disorder?____________

3.Proof from vet of shots being current for past 3 years?____or_____or…?

4.Circle if adult dog been tested for/by: OFA & CERF & DNA ?

5.Seller’s written agreement to me dog can be fully checked for health issues from a local vet (within 50 miles) and returned at “no charge” if any major issues to me.

6.OPTIONAL: Any other health guarantees to me, you wish to include as a selling point? (greatly welcomed).
Check all that apply: Please answer yes or no - to below:
Will point, hold, & be steady until flush, or gun goes off ? ___
Will “come” on voice command ? _____ Will come on whistle?____
Will track and find wounded game (“dead” bird-fetch)? ____
Will retrieve (within 10 ft. of me) from: Land______ ? Water_____?
Dog knows and completes commands: whoa___ stay____ heel____ fetch____
Please mail or e-mail a few current photos. Thanks again for your assistance.