Well we're getting a slow start this week! A little of this and a little of that... And almost keeping up.
Yesterday I wanted to pause to acknowledge and celebrate the birthdays of my past litter as they celebrated the close of their first year. Generally such celebrations are observed on my GMBD's Facebook page where I try and compile a birthday album from some of the best photos I've received from their owners over time. While not all of my puppy people have joined my FB page, many have and say they enjoy seeing photos of their pups' siblings as they mature. Hopefully tonight I can find the time to compile an album as they begin day one of what will hopefully be a great year.
Yesterday I found myself thinking a lot about the pups and their owners. As my mind wandered, I was steadily working on a project that now desperately needs to come to completion.
As many breeders will tell you, there's a lot more to breeding than just selling pups. I'm here to tell you that's an absolute fact. Some things can wait and some things can't and generally speaking my own needs are those that do the waiting. The needs of the pups -and my own dogs come first.
One of the most important jobs as a breeder after doing whatever is possible to assure they are producing pups who are sound of body and of mind is to assure the pups produced are placed in proper homes and with people who have adequate time and space and equally important, knowledge of what they're getting into. I care a great deal for my pups and like most parents, that care has no end. I want them living their lives in homes where they are thought of as not "just a dog" but as a family member. And they are. Even so, sometimes "stuff" happens. Sometimes it's the "stuff dreams are made of" and sometimes it's just stuff.
Several months back Boss was returned to me. He walked in like he'd always been here and maybe for that reason more than any, he has found his forever home right here where he started @ GMBD's. Boss turned a year old yesterday and is the most docile, sweet natured pup I've ever had the pleasure to know. It was told to me first that the reason for his return was "kind of personal" but then later that he "just had too much energy" and his owners "didn't feel like they could give him what he needed and deserved". Regardless of the reason, I thanked them for returning him according to our agreement when they welcomed him with open arms. My policy, written or otherwise, it to provide a safe haven for any of my pups in the event "stuff" happens and they are finding themselves in need of a new home... whatever the reason may be. When Boss returned, it quickly became evident I wasn't necessarily set up for surprises. He, at 9 months of age, was still intact and Remedy and Majestic were both in season. I had only two areas for separation and realized then and there that that had to change. So, back to the project I mentioned earlier....with the grounds generally back in order after a huge spring clean up and bon fires that seemed as though they would never end, I called to schedule the installation of a slab in preparation for an additional run. The slab went in last week and none too soon. The day after I scheduled, I received word that yet another GMBD's pup, Boss' sister, would be returning.
And tomorrow... Skye will be welcomed home and incorporated to life on the farm.
Yesterday I wanted to pause to acknowledge and celebrate the birthdays of my past litter as they celebrated the close of their first year. Generally such celebrations are observed on my GMBD's Facebook page where I try and compile a birthday album from some of the best photos I've received from their owners over time. While not all of my puppy people have joined my FB page, many have and say they enjoy seeing photos of their pups' siblings as they mature. Hopefully tonight I can find the time to compile an album as they begin day one of what will hopefully be a great year.
Yesterday I found myself thinking a lot about the pups and their owners. As my mind wandered, I was steadily working on a project that now desperately needs to come to completion.
As many breeders will tell you, there's a lot more to breeding than just selling pups. I'm here to tell you that's an absolute fact. Some things can wait and some things can't and generally speaking my own needs are those that do the waiting. The needs of the pups -and my own dogs come first.
One of the most important jobs as a breeder after doing whatever is possible to assure they are producing pups who are sound of body and of mind is to assure the pups produced are placed in proper homes and with people who have adequate time and space and equally important, knowledge of what they're getting into. I care a great deal for my pups and like most parents, that care has no end. I want them living their lives in homes where they are thought of as not "just a dog" but as a family member. And they are. Even so, sometimes "stuff" happens. Sometimes it's the "stuff dreams are made of" and sometimes it's just stuff.
Several months back Boss was returned to me. He walked in like he'd always been here and maybe for that reason more than any, he has found his forever home right here where he started @ GMBD's. Boss turned a year old yesterday and is the most docile, sweet natured pup I've ever had the pleasure to know. It was told to me first that the reason for his return was "kind of personal" but then later that he "just had too much energy" and his owners "didn't feel like they could give him what he needed and deserved". Regardless of the reason, I thanked them for returning him according to our agreement when they welcomed him with open arms. My policy, written or otherwise, it to provide a safe haven for any of my pups in the event "stuff" happens and they are finding themselves in need of a new home... whatever the reason may be. When Boss returned, it quickly became evident I wasn't necessarily set up for surprises. He, at 9 months of age, was still intact and Remedy and Majestic were both in season. I had only two areas for separation and realized then and there that that had to change. So, back to the project I mentioned earlier....with the grounds generally back in order after a huge spring clean up and bon fires that seemed as though they would never end, I called to schedule the installation of a slab in preparation for an additional run. The slab went in last week and none too soon. The day after I scheduled, I received word that yet another GMBD's pup, Boss' sister, would be returning.
And tomorrow... Skye will be welcomed home and incorporated to life on the farm.
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