The Wait List

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The variables on the Waiting List, as well as a person's personal preference dictate somewhat happens. Beyond a client's preference, there is the fact that no one can predict what will be born. First, we do not know if the litter will be carried full term. Secondly, there is no way to guess the number of pups that will be born, their sex, the coat color, and in some cases the coat length. 

Info on the Owyheestar Waiting List
                                 ~thank you for your continued interest

The Application Starts the Process

If you are reading this, you should have received the invitation to complete the OwyheeStar Application. The first step requires that you create a password-- once you have done that you will have access to the Updated Application as well as a couple of other password-protected-pages.  

You must include all your questions, concerns, desires, etc. on the Application. The Application helps us to understand who you are as well as the type of lifestyle you plan for you and the Weimaraner. These details are crucial to the process. 

We spend a great deal of time screening applicants.  Typically, we receive about a hundred inquiries a quarter--there is a limit to the number we can serve. Your submitting a complete application is beyond helpful--we learn a lot about each other in this process.

A Deposit Is Required

As of January 2019, our Wait List and Puppy Deposit amount changed. In comparison to what many breeders ask, we feel it is reasonable.

Once you receive your Application Approval, then we require a deposit. The traditional smooth coats Weimaraner Wait List Deposit is $ 50. For the Longhairs, it is $100. This deposit locks in a place on our list. 

The full Puppy Deposit is required to reserve a puppy once a potential puppy is born (the exact pup to be determined at the six-week Discovery and Placement Test). The Puppy Deposit is $250 (for the smooth coats) and $--the same for the Longhair). Yes, the Wait List Deposit counts toward the Puppy Deposit.  

If you have received an approval and want to ensure you lock in a place on the Wait List here is where you need to send your deposit. 

  • Make your check payable to Cliff Nielsen, 369 Onion Avenue, Ontario, OR 97914
  • Or Contact Cliff ([email protected]) to arrange a credit card payment using the Venmo App. 

How It Works

Names go on the list in the order OwyheeStar receives the deposit (after the application and approval process). All things being equal (same preferences, similar lifestyle, etc.) the first person on the list gets priority. 

Should there be a choice at the Discovery and Placement Test, the person with priority would get that option.  For example-- if there are two hunters, and they both list the same preferences (sex, coat color, etc.), then the first person gets the choice. Sometimes there is only one pup that matches the criteria other times we have numerous potential matches. If there are several who fit the same criteria, the first person on the list will get to make a decision based on our findings. From there we go in the Wait List order. 

In the event, that someone doesn't like the current option, we typically allow that person to wait for the next available opportunity from a future litter. 


Predictions

Forecasting weather conditions or the arrival of the next OwyheeStar litter are possibly a fool's errand at best. People press in to know what we know--if only they knew how clueless we are at times. (Oops)

We mate and we then we wait to figure out if there will be a litter that is carried to term. Weimaraners, like humans, can spontaneously miscarry despite the best pampering and care. Before we mated--we were waiting to see what options presented. We have several breeding age females--we have to wait and see who comes into season. Then we can decide who is the best potential litter sire (at present, we have three--Stackhouse, Boone, and Manfred). These Stud considerations will depend on whether we wish to produce any Longhairs or not--but there are other complexities we won't get into right now. 

OwyheeStar cannot predict the number of pups that will safely arrive, the sex of the pups, and in many cases, the coat color. There are a couple of exceptions to the latter. If both parents are either Gray or Silver Gray, then the result is an all-gray (or silver-gray) litter.

The Waiting Process

Once your deposit arrives your name will be added to the Wait List. 
Then the waiting begins.  It is the same for Cliff and Shela. How long this wait might be is anyone's guess. Typically, it is not more than three months, but on occasion, it could be six months. The longer time frame is especially true when exceptional circumstances exist. For example, if you are waiting for a Longhair, you will have to wait until OwyheeStar can produce one. It might take a year--sometimes longer. 

Just to put things into perspective--from the time a female is mated, it is four months until the pups are old enough to depart OwyheeStar. It is nine-weeks from conception to birth, and then another eight weeks of growing, adjustment, and socialization until they are ready to join their 'Forever Family.'  Add the fact that females come into season every six to eight months--another thing out of the Nielsen's control. As you see--there is a lot of waiting as well of unknowns involved for Cliff and Shela. 

The Wait List serves many purposes--OwyheeStar uses it to email clients or groups. Of course, it keeps track of who is on the list and their details (in a spreadsheet format). This information is portable and serves a multitude of purposes as the process unfolds. For example, once we put you on the list for a specific litter--they scoop up your information and list you on the Litter List. Each time there is a Litter-Specific-Email, it is easy to Identify who gets the note.

What's Here?​

--There are a lot of details on this page. Cliff and Shela tried to cover everything that has to do with predictions, the Wait List, Deposits, etc. They understand it is a lot of information; however, most people ask these questions. They hate to admit it, but it is not possible to type this out for every person who asks. Shela (post-cancer) has reaffirmed her work-smart approach so that she can get the information to everyone. This way--everyone has the same information, and there is less chance of making a typo or the problem of omission. She can focus on the essential thing--raising the puppies.

The lefthand column explains the details mentioned above, whereas below you find a basic list of the process as well as some heartfelt comments from the Nielsens.

How To Get on the OwyheeStar Wait LisT

To be on the OwyheeStar Waiting List

  1. Complete the Application
  2. Receive a reply with approval (etc)
  3. Send OwyheeStar the Deposit (it applies to the cost of the puppy)


Waiting List News....

Please Keep In Mind--The sheer volume of inquiries sometimes threatens to overwhelm Shela. A large number of people contact OwyheeStar asking for a followup when a pup (that matches their criteria) becomes available. It is not possible. Contacting a hundred different individuals (no exaggeration) when puppies are born is an arduous task--not doable. The Wait List process helps the Nielsens manage the situation--a small investment reveals whether the applicant is committed to the process, or not.  

Puppy Frenzy Fever
                   ~We Understand

We (Cliff and Shela) understand how difficult it is to wait. Often those on the Wait List (while meaning well) overrun us with questions. We realize that this is fueled by the need to feel connected--the excitement, etc. 

We promise to do our best to keep you in the loop. No news is generally no news. We understand it is tough to wait when the heavens (and the Internet) are silent. More often than not--there is no news to be had. Also, we don't want to take you on a rollercoaster ride emotionally--until we are confident that the pups will arrive, we can say nothing. It might surprise you to know that other breeders have cried on our shoulder because the promised litter didn't come. Everyone was upset--some were angry. Prospective clients often tell us about being on another list for a long time only to learn they would not to get a puppy.  This scenario can happen for any number of reasons. If you read the details in the lefthand column, you have insight. It can also be that the Mama had a miscarriage--and there are no pups to be had.  We prefer to avoid this kind of disappointment. We think you understand.

Finally, we appreciate you taking the time to learn more about our process. We also appreciate the trust you are placing with us as this process moves forward--we do not take it lightly. Our relationship with our clients is something we value. We sincerely hope if all goes according to plan, and you bring home the little OwyheeStar pup, that we receive updates from you. 

Note: When OwyheeStar receives the full puppy deposit ($150 for the smooth coat and $250 for the Longhair), they will open access to their Client-Only Informational Pages. These pages are password-protected and require the Website administrator to open them, and the use of the password you created to access them. It has resources for preparing for your pup's arrival, and lengthy answers to questions you will have.

​If you have given the Nielsens your Puppy Deposit (not the Wait List Deposit)--and you encounter a problem, please Email Shela.