Realistic cost of a Goldendoodle puppy in the first year.

Match Day takes place when the puppies are around four weeks old. By then, you've spent weeks getting to know the litter through photos, videos, and updates, and the puppies are beginning to show more of their individual personalities.

Families choose their puppy in the order reservation fees were received. When it's your turn, you'll be able to choose from any puppies that are still available.

I encourage families to keep an open mind throughout the process. The puppy you fall in love with at one week old isn't always the puppy that ends up being the best fit four weeks later.

Leading up to Match Day, I'm always happy to answer questions, share what I've observed about each puppy, and help you think through which one might be the best fit for your family. I spend every day with these puppies, so while I no longer perform formal temperament evaluations, I get to know each of them incredibly well.

One thing that's important to know is that I don't choose your puppy for you.

Instead, I provide the information, observations, and guidance to help you make a confident decision. Some families know exactly which puppy they hope to bring home. Others change their minds completely after learning more about the litter. Both are perfectly normal.

One of my favorite parts of Match Day is watching families discover a puppy they may not have expected to choose. Time and time again, I've seen the "right" puppy turn out to be different from the one they first noticed in a photo.

By the end of Match Day, every puppy has found their family, and everyone gets to spend the next few weeks getting even more excited for Go Home Day.

Absolutely!

At Twilight Doodles, families choose their own puppy during Match Day. Puppies are chosen in the order reservation fees were received, and when it's your turn, you'll be able to choose from any puppies that are still available.

While the final decision is always yours, you won't have to make it alone.

I spend every day with these puppies. I watch how they play, how they recover from new experiences, who loves to cuddle, who's always carrying a toy, who's the first to explore something new, and who would rather sit back and take it all in. Those little observations help paint a much fuller picture than a photo or short video ever could.

If you're deciding between two puppies or wondering which one might be the best fit for your family, I'm always happy to share what I've observed and answer any questions you have.

My goal isn't to choose your puppy for you. It's to give you the information and confidence to choose the puppy that feels right for your family.

This is probably the question I hear more than any other.

The good news is that there usually isn't just one "perfect" puppy waiting for you.

Every puppy is an individual, but because I carefully plan each litter with health, temperament, and structure in mind, my goal is to raise puppies that can thrive in a variety of loving homes. Most families would do wonderfully with more than one puppy in the litter.

As the puppies grow, I spend every day getting to know them. I watch how they interact with their littermates, respond to new experiences, recover from challenges, and engage with people. I'll happily share those observations and answer any questions you have leading up to Match Day.

At the same time, I spend time getting to know your family. Your lifestyle, experience with dogs, activity level, children, other pets, and hopes for your future companion all help me understand what you're looking for.

I believe the best decisions happen when you combine your connection with a puppy and my observations from raising them. My role isn't to make the decision for you. It's to give you the information and confidence to make the decision yourself.

The puppy you choose will only be eight weeks old for a moment. My goal is to help you choose the companion you'll love for the next 10 to 15 years.

In most cases, no.

Once a puppy becomes available, I don't place them on hold while a family decides. If another approved family is ready to move forward, I'll continue with the process.

I know that can feel disappointing, but it's the fairest approach for everyone involved. It wouldn't be fair to ask another family to keep waiting when they're ready to welcome a puppy home, and it isn't in the puppy's best interest to delay joining their new family once they're ready.

That said, I also don't want anyone to feel rushed into such an important decision.

Before Match Day, I'm always happy to answer questions, share additional photos and videos, talk through my observations, and help you feel as informed as possible. My goal is for you to have everything you need so that when you're ready to say "yes," you can do so with confidence.

If you're unsure whether a puppy is the right fit, I'd much rather have that conversation together than have you feel pressured to make a quick decision.

Health testing is one of the most important investments I make in my program because healthy puppies begin with healthy parents.

Before any dog becomes part of Twilight Doodles, they complete the health testing recommended for their breed. Depending on the individual dog, that includes evaluations of their hips, elbows, heart, eyes, and breed-specific DNA testing.

No health testing can guarantee that a puppy will never experience a health issue. Dogs are living beings, and nothing in life comes with guarantees. However, thoughtful health testing greatly reduces the risk of passing inherited conditions to future generations and helps me make responsible breeding decisions.

I also believe transparency is incredibly important. Health testing results for my dogs are always available for families to review, and I'm happy to explain what those results mean if you've never looked at health testing before.

Health testing isn't something I do because I have to. It's something I do because every puppy I bring into the world deserves the healthiest start possible.

GANA stands for the Goldendoodle Association of North America, the largest breed club dedicated to promoting the health, welfare, and responsible development of the Goldendoodle.

As a GANA Gold Badge Breeder, I've met the organization's highest level of membership requirements. That includes comprehensive health testing, following a strict Code of Ethics, maintaining accurate breeding records, and demonstrating a long-term commitment to responsible breeding practices.

For me, though, the Gold Badge represents much more than meeting a checklist.

It reflects my commitment to continually learning and improving. Through GANA, I have access to educational conferences, mentorship, research, and a community of breeders who openly share knowledge and work together to better the breed. That means I'm constantly learning, asking questions, and bringing new ideas back to my own program.

At the same time, I always encourage families to look beyond any title or badge. Ask questions. Review health testing. Learn about a breeder's philosophy, how they raise their puppies, and the support they provide after Go Home Day.

A badge may open the conversation, but it's a breeder's actions that earn your trust.

I'm proud to be a GANA Gold Badge Breeder because it reflects the standards I strive to uphold every day not because I believe it replaces the relationship I hope to build with every family who chooses Twilight Doodles.

Yes.

Every Twilight Doodles puppy goes home with a two-year health guarantee covering qualifying hereditary and congenital conditions, as outlined in my Puppy Purchase Agreement.

I believe a health guarantee starts long before a puppy ever goes home. Thoughtful pairing decisions, comprehensive health testing, excellent prenatal and puppy care, and raising each litter with intention all work together to give every puppy the healthiest start possible.

While no breeder can promise that a living, breathing dog will never experience a health issue, I stand behind the dogs I produce and the program I've built.

Before bringing your puppy home, you'll receive a copy of my Puppy Purchase Agreement so you have plenty of time to review the guarantee, understand what's covered, and ask any questions you may have.

My goal has always been transparency. I want you to feel confident not only in your puppy, but also in the support and commitment that come with choosing Twilight Doodles.

Yes - Goldendoodles can absolutely be healthy dogs.

Like any breed or crossbreed, though, their health depends on many factors. Genetics play an important role, which is why I place such a strong emphasis on health testing and thoughtful pairing decisions before a litter is ever planned.

At Twilight Doodles, every parent dog completes comprehensive health testing, and each pairing is carefully selected with health, temperament, and structure in mind. While no breeder can guarantee a dog will never experience a health issue, responsible breeding greatly reduces the risk of many inherited conditions.

Of course, genetics are only one piece of the puzzle.

A dog's lifelong health is also influenced by nutrition, exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, routine veterinary care, and the environment they're raised in. My goal is to give every puppy the healthiest possible start, while also equipping families with the education and support they need to help their dog thrive for years to come.

Healthy puppies don't happen by accident. They begin with thoughtful decisions long before they're ever born.

Before heading home with their new families, every Twilight Doodles puppy receives age-appropriate preventive care and a comprehensive veterinary wellness examination.

Each puppy goes home with:

• Their first core puppy vaccination
• Age-appropriate deworming
• A fecal screening
• A complete veterinary wellness examination
• A microchip with lifetime AKC Reunite registration
• A detailed health record for your veterinarian

Your puppy's first vaccination is just the beginning. Puppies require a series of vaccines throughout their first several months of life, so your veterinarian will help you continue that schedule after Go Home Day.

I also ask every family to schedule a wellness visit with their veterinarian within 72 hours of bringing their puppy home. This gives your veterinarian the opportunity to examine your puppy, review their records, answer any questions you may have, and establish a plan for continued preventive care.

My goal is to make the transition from my veterinarian to yours as seamless as possible, so you can feel confident that your puppy is off to a healthy start.

Yes!

Every Twilight Doodles puppy is microchipped before Go Home Day and enrolled with AKC Reunite, which includes lifetime registration at no additional cost.

A microchip provides permanent identification for your puppy. While collars and ID tags are still incredibly important, they can break or slip off. A registered microchip adds another layer of protection and greatly increases the chances of your puppy finding their way back home if they're ever lost.

Before Go Home Day, I'll provide everything you need to transfer the registration into your name and verify that your contact information is correct.

It's one more small step that helps protect your puppy for a lifetime.

Occasionally, a veterinarian may identify what I like to call a normal puppy abnormality during a puppy's wellness examination. While hearing words like hernia or heart murmur can sound alarming, many of these findings are relatively common in young puppies and often resolve on their own or have very little impact on a dog's quality of life.

Some examples include:

• Umbilical hernias: Small, reducible umbilical hernias are fairly common in puppies. Many close as a puppy grows, while others can be safely repaired during a routine spay or neuter procedure if recommended by your veterinarian.
• Innocent heart murmurs: Some young puppies have what's known as an innocent or physiologic heart murmur. These murmurs are not caused by heart disease and frequently disappear as the puppy matures. If a murmur is detected, I'll always discuss it with you and recommend follow-up with your veterinarian.
• Misaligned bites: Puppies lose their baby teeth just like children do. As their adult teeth come in, their bite often changes. Many mild bite irregularities naturally improve during this stage of growth, while others remain cosmetic and never affect a dog's ability to live a happy, healthy life.

Transparency is incredibly important to me. If a veterinarian identifies any of these findings during your puppy's examination, I'll discuss them with you openly, provide the veterinary records, explain what they mean, and answer any questions you have.

Finding one of these normal puppy abnormalities doesn't mean your puppy can't grow into a healthy, happy companion. My job is to give you all of the information you need so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

All Twilight Doodles puppies are raised on pawTree.

Rather than sending puppies home with a small bag of food, I ask every family to purchase at least a 30-day supply before Go Home Day. This allows your puppy to continue eating the same food during the transition into their new home, which helps minimize digestive upset while everything else around them is changing.

I've had excellent results feeding pawTree over the years. I appreciate the quality of the ingredients, the consistency of the formulas, and the variety of life-stage options they offer as puppies grow into adults.

That said, I don't believe there's only one "right" food for every dog.

There are many excellent diets available, and if you decide another food is a better fit for your family, you're welcome to make that transition. I simply recommend waiting until your puppy has settled into your home and then changing foods gradually over 7–10 days to help avoid digestive upset.

My recommendation is simple: feed a high-quality diet, keep your dog at a healthy body condition, and choose a food that works well for both your dog and your family. If you ever have questions about nutrition or feeding, I'm always happy to help.

Before your puppy ever comes home... your training should begin.

One of the biggest goals of Twilight Doodles is preparing not only puppies, but their families. Through educational resources, videos, and conversations, I want you to begin learning before your puppy ever walks through your front door.

I often compare bringing home a puppy to learning to ride a bicycle. The first few days happen quickly, and it's much easier to stay balanced if you've already learned the basics. The waiting period isn't just about counting down to Go Home Day—it's your opportunity to prepare your home, learn about puppy behavior, and build a plan for those important first weeks together.

Then, the moment your puppy comes home, their training begins.

The first weeks aren't about teaching impressive tricks. They're about building a relationship, creating routines, setting clear expectations, and helping your puppy understand how to live successfully in your home.

I encourage families to focus on skills like:

• Crate training
• Potty training
• Name recognition
• Coming when called
• Walking on a leash
• Polite greetings
• Learning to settle
• Building confidence through positive experiences

I also think it's important to distinguish between raising a puppy and training a puppy.

My job during those first eight weeks is to raise puppies with a strong foundation through thoughtful handling, age-appropriate experiences, and confidence-building activities. Once your puppy comes home, it's your turn to build on that foundation through consistency, patience, and everyday practice.

Training isn't something you finish. It's a lifelong conversation between you and your dog.

Goldendoodles are active, intelligent dogs, but that doesn't mean they need hours of exercise every day.

The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on their age, health, personality, and individual energy level. Puppies, especially, need a healthy balance of activity and rest. In fact, young puppies spend much of the day sleeping while their bodies and brains are developing.

As your puppy grows, I encourage families to think beyond physical exercise. Walks are wonderful, but so are training sessions, enrichment toys, sniffing adventures, learning new skills, and simply experiencing the world together.

One thing I often remind families is that a tired dog isn't always a fulfilled dog.

Mental enrichment can be just as important as physical exercise, and in many cases, it leaves dogs more satisfied than simply running until they're exhausted.

Rather than trying to "wear your dog out," focus on creating a balanced routine that challenges both their body and their mind. That's the recipe for a happy, confident companion.

Goldendoodles are a high-maintenance coat breed, and regular grooming is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy and comfortable.

At home, I recommend brushing several times each week. Exactly how often depends on your dog's coat type, coat length, and lifestyle. A shorter haircut is generally easier to maintain, while longer coats require more frequent brushing.

Most Goldendoodles also benefit from professional grooming every 4–8 weeks, including a bath, blow dry, haircut, nail trim, ear cleaning, and sanitary trim.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Goldendoodles is that because they shed less, they're "low maintenance." In reality, the hair that doesn't end up on your furniture stays in the coat, making regular brushing essential to prevent painful mats and tangles.

One thing I encourage every family to remember is that your goal isn't to love brushing your dog, it's simply to do it consistently. A few minutes several times each week is much easier than trying to brush out severe matting later.

I also encourage families to introduce grooming early and make it a positive part of everyday life. A puppy that's comfortable being brushed, bathed, blow dried, and handled will have a much easier time throughout their life.

A beautiful coat is wonderful, but a comfortable, well-cared-for dog is always the priority.

Most puppies only need a bath every 4–8 weeks, or whenever they become especially dirty. Bathing too often can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat, so there's no need to shampoo them every week.

Between baths, regular brushing is actually much more important than frequent bathing. Brushing helps prevent tangles and mats while keeping the coat clean and healthy.

Of course, puppies don't always stick to the schedule! If your puppy finds the biggest mud puddle in the neighborhood or has a particularly messy adventure, go ahead and give them a bath.

The most important part of bathing a Goldendoodle isn't actually the bath...

It's the drying.

Always dry your puppy's coat completely all the way to the skin before allowing them to air dry or before putting them in a crate. Goldendoodle coats are incredibly dense, and while the surface may feel dry, moisture can remain trapped underneath. That trapped moisture can contribute to matting, skin irritation, and hot spots.

I also encourage families to think of every bath as a training opportunity. Practice calmly handling your puppy's feet, ears, face, and tail while making the experience as positive as possible. The goal isn't just a clean puppy. It's raising a dog that's comfortable being groomed for the rest of their life.

I recommend purchasing an adult-sized crate and using the included divider panel while your puppy grows. This saves you from buying multiple crates and allows the crate to grow right along with your puppy.

For most Twilight Doodles puppies, I recommend:

• 42-inch crate for dogs expected to mature between 45–65 pounds
• 48-inch crate for dogs expected to mature between 65–85 pounds

During potty training, the crate should be just large enough for your puppy to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down. If the space is too large, puppies are more likely to potty in one corner and sleep in the other.

As your puppy grows, simply move the divider back until they're using the entire crate.

Just as important as the size of the crate is how you introduce it.

I encourage families to make the crate a positive place from day one. Feed meals inside, offer special chew toys, and give your puppy opportunities to rest there throughout the day. When introduced thoughtfully, the crate becomes much more than a training tool—it becomes your puppy's safe space.

If you're ever unsure which size is right for your puppy's expected adult weight, I'm always happy to help you choose before Go Home Day..

Most people spend a lot of time thinking about what to buy before bringing home a puppy.

I actually think the most important thing to prepare isn't your shopping cart—it's your routine.

Knowing where your puppy will sleep, where they'll potty, who will handle middle-of-the-night potty trips, and how your family will stay consistent during those first few weeks will have a much bigger impact than buying one more toy.

That said, I do recommend having a few essentials ready before Go Home Day:

• An appropriately sized crate with a divider
• Food and water bowls
• Your puppy's food
• A flat collar and leash
• Safe chew toys and enrichment toys
• A slicker brush and metal comb
• An enzymatic cleaner for potty accidents
• A puppy-safe area or exercise pen, if needed

Before Go Home Day, I'll also send you my recommended shopping list with many of the products I personally use and trust. There are thousands of puppy products on the market, but you don't need to buy them all. I'll help you focus on the items that truly make life easier for both you and your puppy.

A little preparation before your puppy comes home makes those first few weeks together much less stressful and a whole lot more enjoyable.

Yes, I do.

My hope is that you never need to use it, but if an unexpected illness or accident happens, pet insurance allows you to make decisions based on what's best for your dog—not just what fits the budget in that moment.

I partner with Trupanion to provide every Twilight Doodles puppy with a complimentary 30-day trial beginning on Go Home Day. That gives families immediate coverage while they explore their long-term options.

Personally, I recommend Fetch Pet Insurance for long-term coverage. I've had great experiences with the company and appreciate the flexibility of their plans.

No matter which provider you choose, I encourage enrolling your puppy while they're healthy. Once a condition appears in your dog's medical record, it may be considered pre-existing and no longer eligible for coverage.

When comparing plans, look beyond the monthly premium. Pay attention to deductibles, reimbursement percentages, waiting periods, annual limits, and what's actually covered.

Insurance is one of those things you hope you never need, but if you ever do, you'll be thankful you planned ahead.

Not technically.

Despite what you may see online, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Most people aren't actually allergic to a dog's hair. They're allergic to proteins found in saliva, dander, and urine.

That said, many people with mild dog allergies do very well with Goldendoodles. Because many Goldendoodles shed very little, they often release less hair and dander into the home than many other breeds. For some allergy sufferers, that can make a noticeable difference.

The important thing to remember is that every dog and every person is different. There isn't a health test, DNA test, or breeding program that can guarantee a puppy will or won't trigger allergies.

If you or someone in your family has dog allergies, I always recommend spending time with adult Goldendoodles before making a decision whenever possible. If allergies are severe, it's also a good idea to talk with your allergist before bringing any dog home.

I'd rather set realistic expectations than make promises no responsible breeder can keep. My goal is to help every family make an informed decision that's right for them.

The honest answer is yes... just not usually very much.

Every mammal sheds to some degree, including people. The real question isn't whether a Goldendoodle sheds. It's how much.

Most of my puppies grow into low-shedding adults, but the amount of shedding depends on genetics and coat type. Puppies with straighter or wavier coats may leave the occasional little "doodle tumbleweed" around the house, while curlier coats tend to hold onto loose hair instead of letting it fall onto your furniture.

That sounds like a good thing, but there's a tradeoff.

Hair that stays trapped in the coat needs to be brushed out regularly. Without routine brushing and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, loose hair can become tangled, leading to mats that are uncomfortable for your dog.

So while Goldendoodles are often a wonderful choice for families looking for a lower-shedding dog, they are definitely not a low-maintenance breed.

My goal is always to set realistic expectations. Most Twilight Doodles puppies shed very little as adults, but good coat care plays a big role in keeping them comfortable, healthy, and looking their best.

Every Twilight Doodles litter receives an estimated adult size before they're matched with their family.

I make those estimates using the size of both parents, previous litters, family history, and how each puppy is developing. While no one can predict exactly what Mother Nature will do, these estimates are typically very accurate.

Most of my puppies mature between 50 and 60 pounds and stand about 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Occasionally, I plan larger pairings that produce puppies expected to mature between 65 and 85 pounds.

Like children, every puppy grows at their own pace. Some go through a lanky teenage phase before filling out, while others mature more steadily. Most Goldendoodles reach their adult height around their first birthday but continue developing physically and mentally until they're about 18 to 24 months old.

If having a dog within a certain size range is important to your family, let's talk about it. I'm always happy to discuss the expected size of each litter and help you decide which pairing best fits your goals.

My goal isn't to promise an exact number on the scale. It's to give you the most accurate estimate possible so there are no surprises as your puppy grows.

When talking about Goldendoodle coats, it helps to separate two different traits: coat texture and furnishings.

Coat texture describes whether the hair is straight, wavy, or curly.

Straight coats are similar to a person with naturally straight hair. The hair still continues to grow and requires regular grooming, but it has little to no wave.

Wavy coats have a soft bend or loose “beach wave” appearance. Straight and wavy coats can look very similar, especially when puppies are young.

Curly coats have tighter curls or coils and most closely resemble the texture of a Poodle’s coat.

The length and continued growth of the coat are generally the same across all three textures. A straight-coated Goldendoodle does not automatically have short Golden Retriever-style hair.

That difference is determined by another trait called furnishings.

Furnishings are the longer facial hairs that create the traditional Goldendoodle appearance, including the beard, mustache, and fuller eyebrows. All Twilight Doodles puppies are furnished, meaning they will have that full, fluffy Goldendoodle face regardless of whether their coat is straight, wavy, or curly.

An unfurnished, or “flat-coated,” Goldendoodle looks much more like a Golden Retriever. Their facial hair stays short, and their body coat does not continue growing in the same way as a furnished coat. While they are still genetically Goldendoodles, this is not a coat type I produce.

The main difference between the puppies in my program is therefore the texture of their furnished coat, not whether they will have the traditional Goldendoodle look.

Straight, wavy, and curly coats can all be beautiful, full, growing coats. The best choice comes down to the appearance you prefer and the amount of coat maintenance you’re comfortable managing.

In my experience, yes. Goldendoodles are typically friendly, intelligent, and people-oriented dogs, which is one of the many reasons they make wonderful family companions.

That said, I don't believe there's a breed that's automatically "good with kids." The best relationships happen when both the puppy and the children are taught how to interact with one another respectfully.

Before your puppy ever comes home, I begin laying that foundation by raising puppies around everyday family life and helping them build confidence through positive experiences with people of all ages.

Once your puppy joins your family, it's your turn to continue that work.

Children should learn how to recognize when a puppy needs space, avoid rough play, and interact gently and respectfully. Puppies, in turn, need consistent guidance as they learn appropriate manners around children. When both are learning together, incredible friendships begin to form.

I also recommend that all interactions between young children and puppies be actively supervised. Not because I expect problems, but because supervision allows you to teach both your child and your puppy in real time, creating positive habits from the very beginning.

Some of my favorite photos are the ones families send me years later. The toddler who once needed help holding the leash is now reading beside their dog. The puppy who once fit in their lap has become their childhood best friend.

That's what I hope to create at Twilight Doodles: not just dogs that are good with children, but dogs who become part of the story of growing up.

In most cases, yes. Goldendoodles are generally social, adaptable dogs that often do very well with other dogs and household pets.

That said, bringing home a new puppy is a big adjustment for everyone, including your current pets. A successful introduction doesn't happen by accident. It comes from patience, supervision, and giving everyone time to settle into their new routine.

One of the greatest gifts an older, well-mannered dog can give a puppy is guidance. Adult dogs are incredibly good at teaching puppies appropriate boundaries, social skills, and respectful communication. It's completely normal if your older dog doesn't want to play with the puppy right away. Often, they're simply helping the puppy learn the rules of being a dog.

If you have cats or other small animals, introductions should be slow, supervised, and positive. Every pet has their own personality, and every relationship develops at its own pace.

I always encourage families to remember that your goal isn't for everyone to become best friends overnight. It's to create a home where every animal feels safe, respected, and comfortable. From there, friendships often develop naturally.

If you ever have questions about introducing your puppy to your current pets, I'm always happy to help you make a plan that sets everyone up for success.

Generally speaking, yes. Goldendoodles are intelligent, people-oriented dogs that typically enjoy learning and working alongside their families.

But here's something I tell every puppy family:

Easy to train doesn't mean easy to raise.

No puppy comes home knowing your rules. Every puppy, regardless of breed, needs consistency, patience, clear communication, and lots of repetition.

The good news is that training isn't limited to formal lessons. Every interaction teaches your puppy something. Mealtime, potty breaks, walks, grooming, crate time, greeting visitors, and even relaxing in the living room all help shape the adult dog they'll become.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting until a puppy is "old enough" to start training. In reality, training begins the moment your puppy comes home. The habits you build during those first few weeks often become the foundation for years to come.

That's also why I spend so much time preparing my puppy families before Go Home Day. A well-prepared owner is just as important as a well-bred puppy. When you understand how dogs learn and communicate, training becomes less frustrating and much more enjoyable for both of you.

Goldendoodles have the potential to become incredible companions, but they don't become that way by accident. They become that way through thoughtful guidance, realistic expectations, and hundreds of small, everyday moments that add up over time.

Twilight Doodles puppies typically go home at 8 weeks of age.

By that point, they've spent eight important weeks learning from their mom, their littermates, and the carefully planned experiences I provide during early puppyhood. Those first weeks help build confidence, resilience, communication skills, and the foundation they'll continue developing once they join your family.

I know many families are eager to bring their puppy home sooner, but those final weeks with their litter are incredibly valuable. Every extra day is another opportunity to learn important social skills that simply can't be replicated later.

Occasionally, puppies may stay a little longer if a family has travel plans or has arranged boarding with me. I'm always happy to discuss scheduling when special circumstances arise.

Go Home Day is one of my favorite days of every litter. It's the day months of planning, raising, and preparing come together as each puppy begins the next chapter with the family that's been waiting for them.

By the time Go Home Day arrives, your payments are complete, your contract has been signed, your puppy's veterinary care is finished, and you've worked through your Go Home Day Checklist. There are no stacks of paperwork to fill out or last-minute surprises. Everything is ready before your puppy is placed in your arms.

Families arrive throughout the day based on the pickup schedule we've coordinated in advance. Whether you're picking up locally or flying in from out of town, all of the logistics have already been planned so the day is simple, relaxed, and stress-free.

When you arrive, we'll snap a few Go Home Day photos, load up your puppy and their belongings, give lots of hugs goodbye, and send you on your way to begin your new adventure together.

I work hard to make the entire Twilight Doodles process organized from beginning to end. If there's one thing you'll learn about me, it's that I love a good checklist! By the time Go Home Day arrives, every detail has already been taken care of so you can simply enjoy the moment.

Then it's time to head home with your newest family member. And remember, Go Home Day isn't the end of our relationship. It's simply the beginning. Whether you have a question that first night or years down the road, I'll always be here to support you and your Twilight Doodles puppy.

Absolutely! Many Twilight Doodles puppies travel home by airplane each year.

Most families either fly to Dallas and bring their puppy home in the cabin or hire a professional flight nanny to accompany their puppy from DFW to their destination. I do not ship puppies as cargo.

If you're flying home with your puppy, you'll typically need an airline-approved soft-sided carrier that fits beneath the seat in front of you. Each airline has its own age, weight, and carrier requirements, so I always recommend confirming their policies before booking your flight.

Before Go Home Day, I'm happy to help you plan the logistics, answer questions about timing, and make sure you know what to expect on travel day. I've helped families safely bring puppies home all across the United States.

Whether your puppy is traveling five minutes down the road or flying across the country, my goal is the same: to help them arrive home safely and make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Yes! If you're unable to pick up your puppy yourself, a trusted family member or friend is welcome to pick them up on your behalf.

Before Go Home Day, I'll simply ask you to let me know who will be coming. When they arrive, I'll FaceTime you briefly to confirm their identity and make sure I'm sending your puppy home with the person you've authorized. It's a simple step that helps protect both your puppy and your family.

If your puppy will be traveling home with a professional flight nanny or pet transporter, I'm happy to coordinate directly with them to help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Whether you're picking up your puppy yourself or sending someone you trust, my goal is the same: to make sure your puppy arrives home safely and your family feels confident and prepared for this exciting new chapter.

One of the things I love most about being a breeder is that Go Home Day isn't goodbye. It's the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

Whether you have a question your first night home, a month later, or years down the road, I'm always happy to help. No question is too small. If you're wondering about potty training, feeding, grooming, behavior, or simply want a second opinion, I want you to reach out.

As a Twilight Doodles family, you'll always have access to me for guidance on topics like:

• Feeding and nutrition

• Potty and crate training

• Grooming and coat care

• Puppy development and behavior

• Training recommendations

• General questions as your puppy grows

You'll also become part of the Twilight Doodles community. Depending on your litter, you'll have opportunities to stay connected through family groups, celebrate birthdays, share updates, and watch littermates grow together.

I'm also committed to checking in with my families long after Go Home Day. Throughout your dog's life, I'll reach out with milestone surveys and check-ins that help me celebrate your puppy, provide better support, and continue improving my breeding program for future generations.

While your veterinarian should always be your first call for medical concerns, I'm happy to share my experience, offer support, and help point you in the right direction whenever I can.

When you choose a Twilight Doodles puppy, you're not just bringing home a dog. You're becoming part of the Twilight Doodles family, and I'll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Yes! Boarding is one of the ways I love continuing to support Twilight Doodles families long after Go Home Day.

Because I already know your dog's history, routine, and personality, boarding can feel much more familiar and less stressful than staying somewhere new. Many of my alumni come back for vacations, family emergencies, or whenever their families need a trusted place for them to stay.

Boarding is available exclusively for Twilight Doodles dogs and is offered as space allows. To help protect all of the dogs in my care, I require that every boarding guest be current on their vaccinations and in good health.

My boarding philosophy is the same as my breeding philosophy: every dog deserves individualized care. I take the time to learn each dog's routine, feeding schedule, personality, and any special needs so they feel as comfortable as possible while you're away.

If you're planning a trip, I recommend reaching out early since availability can be limited during holidays and busy travel seasons.

One of my favorite parts of offering boarding is getting to watch my puppies grow up. There's nothing better than welcoming them back for a visit and seeing the amazing dogs they've become.

Boarding is $50 per day for Twilight Doodles alumni.

I believe that when I bring a puppy into this world, my responsibility to that dog lasts a lifetime.

If, at any point during your dog's life, you can no longer keep them, I ask that you contact me first. Twilight Doodles puppies should never be surrendered to a shelter or rescue organization or rehomed without my knowledge.

Life happens. Moves, health concerns, financial hardships, and changing family circumstances can affect even the most committed dog owners. My goal is never to judge. My goal is to make sure every Twilight Doodles dog remains safe, loved, and placed in a home where they can thrive.

I'll work with you to determine the best path forward, whether that means helping facilitate a carefully screened new placement or welcoming your dog back into my care while I search for the right family.

Over the years, I've welcomed several Twilight Doodles dogs back into my care when families' circumstances changed. Every one of those dogs has gone on to find another loving home. That's the commitment I make to every puppy before they're ever born.

While I hope every puppy stays with their original family for life, I take comfort in knowing that if circumstances change, they'll always have a place to turn.

To me, responsible breeding doesn't end on Go Home Day. It means standing behind every dog I produce for their entire lifetime.

No. All Twilight Doodles puppies are placed as beloved companions and are sold on a spay/neuter agreement.

My passion is producing exceptional family dogs, and I've intentionally kept my breeding program small so I can thoughtfully plan each litter and remain responsible for every dog I bring into the world.

Responsible breeding is about far more than pairing two healthy dogs. It requires years of education, extensive health testing, pedigree research, mentorship, ethical decision-making, and a lifelong commitment to every puppy that's produced.

Because I take that responsibility seriously, I retain all breeding dogs within my own carefully planned program. I do not sell breeding rights or place puppies into outside breeding programs.

If you're interested in becoming part of the Twilight Doodles breeding program, I do offer a Guardian Home Program. Guardian families have the opportunity to raise one of my breeding dogs as a cherished family companion while partnering with me in the future of Twilight Doodles.

My goal has always been to produce healthy, well-loved family companions, and every decision I make is centered around that mission.

Yes. Twilight Doodles puppies are sold as companions and are required to be spayed or neutered in accordance with my Puppy Purchase Agreement.

I ask families to wait until at least 15 months of age, unless a medical condition makes an earlier procedure necessary. Current research suggests allowing larger breed dogs to reach physical maturity before spaying or neutering may support healthy bone, joint, and growth plate development.

I believe these decisions should be made thoughtfully. While my contract requires companion dogs to be spayed or neutered, I also encourage families to work with their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate timing based on their individual dog's health and circumstances.

Because I do not sell breeding rights, all companion puppies are expected to be spayed or neutered once they've reached the appropriate age.

If you ever have questions about the timing or procedure, I'm always happy to talk through the available research, share why this policy is part of my program, and work alongside you and your veterinarian to help you make an informed decision.

No. Every Twilight Doodles dog is priced the same, regardless of age.

Whether a puppy is eight weeks old and still waiting for the right family or an older Twilight Doodles dog has returned to my program because life circumstances changed, I do not discount them.

Each dog receives the same level of care, nutrition, training, veterinary attention, socialization, and lifelong support that every Twilight Doodles family receives. My commitment to them doesn't decrease with age, and neither does their value.

Rather than lowering the price, I focus on finding the right match. Every dog deserves a family that's excited to welcome them home, and every family deserves the same level of support before and long after their puppy joins them.

My goal has never been to simply place dogs quickly. It's to thoughtfully match each dog with the family that's the best fit for a lifetime together.