I'm tapering off Cymbalta and onto Zoloft

Generic, or name-brand? If generic, I have a basically full bottle of 50 mg sertraline if you want them.

Pix, there are a lot of details that go into selecting a puppy. Please forgive any repetition here, given I'm assuming you've raised a puppy before.

When you get there, ask the breeder how many people have handled the pups daily. You want to make sure they've been socialized with lots of different types of people, including children and strangers.

Make sure the puppy you are drawn to enjoys being touched all over. Pretend you are a vet and handle/squeeze all the parts: between toes, ears, bottom, 'pits', around the mouth. Some struggle against prodding is normal, but any fear response is a cue to move along. (Fear responses include 'whale-eye', where the dog shows you the white, inner-eye and head-down cowering.)

All puppies are a bit manic, but jumpy-bitey energy is a potential problem. Sit near the pups and see who approaches calmly.

This is important...take someone with you to test sound sensitivity. Have them clap loudly during a lull in the puppies' energy and see who notices, but quickly resets and goes back to playing. That's the one you want. You can also use a loud whistle or some other kind of common noise maker. Do not make the potentially scary sound yourself and do not 'cuddle' a puppy who is reactive. (You haven't hurt them.)

Lastly, check for status seeking by holding the puppy close to you (like, against your chest while you are standing) to see if s/he relaxes into your arms or squirms/struggles. If there is minimal struggle, then make your thumb and forefinger into a U under the pup's chin and direct your gaze into the eyes. The pup should really work hard to break away from your gaze. A dog who stares you down will be more work than you will ever want to do.

The number one, best piece of advice a trainer ever gave me was, "I want people to love your dog for his behavior, not for his looks." Considering how 'unique' Bartleby is, that was a tall order, but he has filled it beyond all expectations. Of course, a big part of that is my dedication to his well-being and consistent training. As big a part though, is his temperament.

I won the lottery, given the random way we came together, but you can too, with a clear eye on the type of personality that will fit YOUR personalities and lifestyle.

If generic, I have a basically full bottle of 50 mg sertraline if you want them.

Steph, if Pix doesn't want them, I'll take them.

I think Tep's comment was directed at someone else, Nora. I don't take either of those drugs now. I used to take Wellbutrin and had both generic (evil for me) and brand (became evil for me after being on generic and then trying to switch back), and I'll send those to you if you want them.

Bonny, thanks! I knew a lot of that (or did at one point) but had forgotten much of it. There isn't a breeder--these are all foster homes taking care of rescues, so I won't be able to ask much about their earliest days--but I can certainly test the rest.

I just found my ex gf's ex gf's laptop. I'm pretty sure it's toast. I forgot I even had it.

I will take any and all generic and brand name wellbutrin and zoloft that anyone has kicking around!

I definitely have some of both for you. E-mail your snailmail and I will send them next week once I'm home.

I wouldn't recommend mixing brand and generic wellbutrin, fwiw. Zoloft and its generic were fine.

I just saw a Twilight tie-in Volvo commercial. That was weird. I wouldn't have thought there was much overlap between the Volvo demographic and the Twilight demographic.

Pix, I'm sorry a read but then glossed over the foster piece.

In that case, there is one last thing, given you won't know how long the litter was together.

Let the puppy bite you.

Check to see how 'mouthy' and/or 'claiming' the behavior is. If the puppy puts her mouth on you but does not hurt by pressing down, that is good. Let her, but then distract with a treat or a toy and praise her for letting go.

If she DOES press down, do not jerk your hand away. I know, counter-intuitive, but it is critical to test for bite inhibition...something only other dogs can teach with any efficiency.

Say "OW!" in a high, quick tone. (like a puppy squeal) If she lets go, you are good. If she does not let go, push your hand into her mouth, triggering a gag reflex and pull away when she lets go.

Think hard about a dog who continues to use you as a chew toy. It can be fixed, but again, will take a lot of work you may not want to undertake.

I wouldn't have thought there was much overlap between the Volvo demographic and the Twilight demographic.

The Cullens like Volvos.