Dogs have always been a part of my life, as far back as I can remember. Both of my grandpas also enjoyed dogs, and I loved watching them work with their rat terriers . I was fascinated by the idea that a dog could understand the human language! Our family also had a parade of farm dogs and family pets throughout the years. I claimed them all as my special companions, loved them, took care of them, and shed tears when they eventually died, but I really wanted a dog of my very own. A dog that was my responsibility to train. A female, because I also wanted to experience the joy of raising puppies. I wanted an Eskimo Spitz to be exact. And finally, a few weeks after my 15th birthday, my parents brought home a small white ball of fluff. Fluffy was a very timid dog at first, and I spent hours carrying her with me everywhere, desensitizing her to the sights and sounds and textures of life on the farm. She was very intelligent and easy to train, and she seemed to understand exactly what I was thinking and feeling. The term, "Companion Dog" took on a whole new meaning for me! In spite of the fact that she mothered everything newborn or vulnerable (including baby calves, a rescued fawn, and a stray Canadian gosling!), I was disappointed to discover that she apparently was unable to have puppies. After several years, she did manage to surprise us with a healthy litter, but my dreams of raising puppies were put on a back burner until I could afford to purchase another female. Fluffy lived to a ripe old age of 15, and during those years she epitomized everything I desired in a companion dog. Today my dogs are still primarily companion dogs: welcoming, comforting, endlessly entertaining, and highly therapeutic. It's impossible to remain upset at anything when I look into the laughing faces of my dogs!
My first priority is to produce healthy dogs with sound temperaments. My second goal is to continue to improve my breeding lines, looking for correct form and coat. I do all my own dog training, including children in the training process as much as possible. Having children working with the dogs in such a structured way, ensures the dogs are comfortable with little people and won't startle or become fearful and aggressive when a child laughs, claps, cheers, or goes running across the lawn in front of them. I also do my own grooming and nail clipping, making sure they are accustomed to being handled in the same way a veterinarian will need to. My adult dogs are fed Nutrisource dogfood, supplemented with raw meat and homecooked meals. They have a fenced in yard where they are free to run and play. Doggie doors give them direct access to the house. Litters of puppies are raised right in the kitchen, so the puppies grow up accustomed to common household sounds like vacuum sweepers and oven timers. I allow the moms to wean their pups on their own, which lowers the stress for both mom and babies. My puppies are not hand-shy, kennel raised pups. They are confident, comical, people-loving companions!
I love working with my puppies and adult dogs. My adults are always enrolled in on-going training. From teaching a timid Pom to go up and down an open-back stairway, to teaching the Rottweiler to give cart rides to children, every experience helps to develope their "thinking" ability, increase confidence in themselves, and prevent boredom. I take the puppies on car rides at a very young age, begin teaching them the concept of 'heel' when we go in walks, put them through 3 weeks of Early Neurological Stimulation, teach them how to use a swinging doggie door, and so much more. I study their personalities carefully so as to match them with the best family possible.
I also enjoy meeting the people who will become new families for my puppies. I try to do everything in my power to make the transition easier for the puppy, as well as ease the adjustments for the family. Each puppy goes to its new home with a detailed puppy care package to help everyone get through the first few days a little easier. I am only an email or a text message away if my customers have any questions, or need my opinion or advice. I enjoy sharing what I have learned with raising Poms, and can help new owners through the hurdles of training and grooming their new fur-baby. For me, the transaction isn't over when you finally take the puppy home. I'm available that evening when you wonder what time the puppy normally goes to sleep. I'm there next week when you're worried about letting him meet the neighbor dog. I'm there in several months when you aren't sure exactly what's the best age to get your puppy spayed or neutered. I'm there next year when you're not sure which kind of hair cut is best for your Pom's coat. For me, raising puppies is a life-long commitment, not an 8 week puppy-nursery stint. Join us! Welcome a loyal, furry companion into your home! Your life will never be the same!