I did not see my puppy until I picked him up from the airport. It was love at the very first moment. I was bonded with him the first day. He was not shipped--my breeder (Ann Kennedy with Clarion Poodles) doesn't ship her puppies--my breeder flew down to Orange County airport with him in a carrier under the seat in front of her. I spoke to the breeder on the phone and e-mailed with her and felt very comfortable. She came with glowing references or I wouldn't have purchased a pup without visiting the breeder.
See if your mom will be more flexible on color? PLEASE try to impress upon her the importance of not buying a pup from a petstore. Yes, she is right that it is not the puppy's fault, but maybe you could tell her why it's not a good idea for many reasons.
1. Your parents will have to deal with the behavioral problems that come along with puppymill/pet store dogs (taken away from the mother too early, lack of socialization, potty training issues, etc.).
2. They will have to deal with (emotionally) and pay for (financially) the probably health problems that come with a puppymill/pet store puppy. ESPECIALLY a tiny breed like a toy poodle. The puppymills and BYBs just want them SMALLER and smaller... with no regard to health. Many of these teeny pups die too young, or suffer health issues throughout their lives. I saw a neighbor's teeny-tiny designer mix (from a pet store) die of a heart attack at the age of two. It was devestating to them.
3. By purchasing a puppy from a pet store, your parents might save that one puppy, but they are helping keep puppy mills in business. Only when people stop buying pups in the pet stores will the mills dry up.
Why knowingly take all that on when with a little patience and a bit of work, your mom could have a healthy, happy, well-bred, wonderful example of the breed?
When it comes to getting a puppy--especially a purebred--nothing is worse than impatience. I hope she will listen to you! And good luck finding a decent breeder within driving distance!