Lockdown unleashed a runaway pandemic puppy economy. Is it here to stay?
Jeff Harder
THE PEOPLE IN OHIO wanted the money at the stroke of midnight. It was June 2020 and Sarah Stuart of Cohasset had already contacted at least 10 dog breeders, from Martha’s Vineyard to Pennsylvania. Some said they might have puppies available in the autumn; some had no puppies, end of story. Finally, Stuart discovered a place outside Akron that reared Welsh terriers, a 20-ish-pound, non-shedding breed with a professorial beard, just like Riley, her beloved, recently deceased wheaten terrier. Stuart, a harp instructor (and, full disclosure, my sister-in-law), joined an e-mail list that would notify her of the next litter of $1,900 dogs.