This blog has been a long time coming... and it is such a lengthy subject I will be breaking it into multiple blogs.

A HOT topic among EVERY dog owner, from breeders to vets, and pet owners to rescues. Everyone has their opinion, and quite frankly, for a select few their opinions are correct! The diet they have "Sir Barks-A-Lot" (the pampered lap dog) may suit him very well, but won't meet the same dietary needs of "Jack"(the working dog).

To truly analyze this topic with an unbiased approach we must all first agree on many things...

1. Not EVERY DOG is the same.
2. Not EVERY HOUSE-HOLD income is the same.
3. Activity levels vary between house-holds and breeds.

AND most importantly...
    4. Some dogs require additional dietary needs due to poor health (THIS should be identified by your
         VETERINARIAN ONLY!).

Let's begin where everyone wants to...diet in the RAW...

• Dogs are decedents from wolves, who hunt, kill, and eat RAW meat in the wild. Wolves are also opportunist, so if they locate a decaying carcass, they will still consume the meat...THIS doesn't kill wolves!
• Wolves  eat raw meat, that's it! Our dogs were made to eat MEAT only, not grains, GMO's, or GLUTEN, and ALL ORGANIC!
• Commercial dog foods are made of CRAP ingredients! "Meat-by-products"?! I mean if I wouldn't eat it, why would I feed it to "Fluffy"?!
• Commercial dog foods are FULL of preservatives this is the leading cause of cancers in our Fido friends, so why would I feed it?
• My VETERINARIAN (who I trust with my dog's life) doesn't know what they are talking about when it comes to nutrition for a dog. They only learned medicine in their DOCTORATE degree, they know NOTHING when it comes to nutrition and dogs...not to mention the only reason they recommend the diets they do, is because they are given "kick-backs" from the dog food companies for recommending their food!!!
• When WE were growing up our dogs were given table scraps and they lived til the ripe 'ol age of 9-10! So table scraps, bones, and ESPECIALLY bacon grease is great for dogs! Our dogs had the shiniest coats on the block!

How many of you have heard one or ALL of the above arguments as to why a RAW diet is the BEST for a dog? I know I have! And there are SO MANY MORE... but here's the TRUTH... shhhhhh, it's a secret...

All of the above are all STRETCHED truths to SOME degree. They have some validity to them that the  "knowledge seeker" CAN find some information which pertains to the above statements. Because of this it SUCKS the "truth finder" into believing the statement as a WHOLE, instead of delving further into research, or REALLY attempting to find the "whole truth, and nothing but the truth"! It's much easier to accept a portion of a true statement than to research the information yourself, to rely on like-minded individuals to agree with your position, or to just re-share information you heard from someone else you felt had a bit more knowledge on the subject matter than you do!

Sooooo... let's start with the first bullet...
Dogs are decedents from wolves, who hunt, kill, and eat RAW meat in the wild. Wolves are also opportunist, so if they locate a decaying carcass, they will still consume the meat...THIS doesn't kill wolves!

Dogs ARE decedents from wolves, BUT dogs have been removed from the wild for THOUSANDS of years and bred a span over HUNDREDS of different breeds of dogs to suits man's different needs. To say a bulldog is a DIRECT decedent of a wolf is a HUGE reach!

The first known breed of dog from a wolf was bred for hunting and sledding purposes. They were the closest relatives to the wolf.

Over the years dogs have been selectively bred to be pleasure animals, to adhere to certain aesthetics and characteristics that today's mankind now enjoy. To say dogs are so closely related to wolves that they can consume the same type of diet is preposterous! This is like comparing TODAY'S MANKIND to that of the CAVEMAN! Do we still eat the same diets humans ate back then? Do we still have the same lifespan we did back then? NO!

The simplistic explanation to this is as either species evolves into something different, so do the abilities to provide better nutrition (i.e. the hunter going from spears, to bows and arrows, to eventually guns). The ability to hunt larger game improved efficiency and decreased our need to harvest sick or susceptible animals.

Well, the same can be said for dogs! As they evolved from their wild counterparts their need to hunt diminished as they relied on humans to provide them with their next meal. This means their need to consume decaying carcasses to survive and the need to eat raw...because let's face it, you know most of men COOK their meat... diminished as well. Don't you think their body's natural defenses to combat any issues with consuming any of these diminished as well???

Now lets talk about topic number 2...
Wolves  eat raw meat, that's it! Our dogs were made to eat MEAT only, not grains, GMO's, or GLUTEN, and ALL ORGANIC.

Number one, wolves DO consume other things in their environment other than meat. They will eat berries and other plant based organisms found in their environment. Wolves do this to maintain a healthy diet, just like we do.

GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms) are nothing more than another "scare tactic" used by many companies to help increase the cost of their foods, by labeling their products as Non-GMO products. When in all honest we, and our animals (including the wild wolf) have consumed GMOs... Now, these GMOs weren't made in a "lab setting" but over the course of years selective breeding led to GMO species and diversity among species that we see today. So, stating that something is non-GMO is really a fabrication.

GMOs today are typically being referred to as being genetically engineered in a laboratory setting. There are great benefits to this (and NO they do NOT contain pesticides!!!). By extracting certain genetic markers from plants that allow a plant to survive under extenuating circumstances, this allows us to "speed up" the natural selection process and allows agriculture to create a greater yield.

Did you know that GMO fields TYPICALLY are treated with LESS pesticides than those that are not???

What about Gluten tolerance in dogs and feeding them all organic??? Gluten intolerance in dogs, just like people, is SUPER RARE! It is something that needs to be diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian. Gluten is a protein that an animal's body needs, unless it is creating a severe reaction...then removal of it from the diet is a necessity.

Organic feed vs. inorganic feed?

Did you know that their is a study conducted by USDA which measures the pesticide residues entering our food system and looking for pesticides that are illegal to be utilized in the US? This study actually shows that organic growers actually have a higher pesticide residue than those crops treated with synthesized pesticides.

Arsenic is organic, is it safe?

My point is be aware of your source of information, do your own research... don't just hop on a band wagon with what a group of people are saying!

The rest to be discussed in a few more blogs...to be continued...

Yappy New Year!!!

As we all wind down from the holiday rush and begin to assume our routine rolls of the everyday hustle we call “life” we are also rolling into a new year!

For some this means New Year’s Resolutions, like starting that new diet and exercise plan we have been saying we were going to start since September! For others it maybe be starting something completely new, like adding a new four-legged family member over the Christmas break.

There was so much excitement and joy to watch your 5 year old and 7 year old open that noisy box and see the excitement on their face when out popped little “Rover”!

You put some time and thought into getting him, but let’s face it, he was a bit of an impulse buy. You know your kids have been wanting a dog for a long time now, and adding him to the family during the Christmas break was perfect! I mean, you DID have almost 2 weeks to work with the little guy on potty training, kennel training, sitting, not chewing on inappropriate things, etc.

Now, where are we…oh yeah, LIFE… now you have another little life depending on you to ensure he grows up to be an outstanding member of canine society.

"Wait, what?! It’s just a dog!"

"He’ll be fine outside when we go to work and the kids will just play with him when they get home from school."

But, your kids have lost interest after the first few days…once they have realized “Rover’s” teeth are sharp, he’s not very fun to play with. He chews on their favorite Christmas toys. He ruined your daughter’s favorite shoes. He’s peed in your son’s room because no one can watch him constantly to help remind him he needs to potty outside…so the wonderful, “Christmas Present”, is losing his appeal.

Now, “Rover” is left to his own devices, outside. You put a dog house out there so he has shelter. You have to remind the kids to feed and water him, but they hate doing it, because he is SO LONELY, that now when they come out for the few seconds to feed and water him he jumps all over them, overzealous and so happy to see a member of his “pack” (Remember he left his mom and siblings to be with you). He’s been outside for days without any attention and he craves it!

Fast forward 6 months down the road… “Rover” is beginning to mature into an adult, but you don’t have time to take him to the vet to have him neutered. So, now, “Rover” begins to roam…searching for a female, searching for attention, searching for another “pack”.

He’s now been picked up by Animal Control for the 3rd time and next time it’s a hefty fine. At this point you have decided you’ll just surrender him, let him stay. He wasn’t turning out to be a good dog anyway. He wasn’t what the breeder said they were, “smart”, he’s actually kind of dumb. He ignores you whenever he is doing something wrong and you get onto him. So might as well just let him stay at the shelter and let him be someone else’s problem. At least he is no longer yours.

The problem is “Rover” is 6 months old. He’s a black dog and he’s at an overly crowded shelter. The chances of him being adopted are slim to none. But at least he’s in a no-kill shelter!

Fast forward 7 years down the road… “Rover” is still waiting for you to come claim him at the shelter. That precious LIFE, that precious “present” you were so overjoyed in giving to your children for Christmas hasn’t forgotten you, but he looks for you every day behind bars. He looks for you every day while he sleeps on a concrete floor. He looks for you every day when he sees another dog being adopted or reclaimed by their owner. He looks for you every day while he hears the cries and non-stop barking of the rest of the shelter. He looks for you…but you’re not coming back.

Guys, I give you this hint of a story to remind you if you were BLESSED to receive a precious gift such as “Rover” for Christmas, or any other time for that matter, remember they are for a lifetime, not just for right now! I know the newness wears off on a puppy very quickly. You can struggle with behavioral issues, etc. but don’t give up on them. You took them into your home. They deserve to be a part of your family, not just something to discard once you are done.

Step up and be an owner! Feed your dog(s) quality food. Take them to the vet, don’t research it on Google or ask for advice on Facebook! Give them quality preventative care including vaccinations, flea & tick preventative, heartworm preventative, etc. GROOM THEM!!! Yes, that’s right, they need baths, brushing, nails trimmed just like we do! If you can’t do these simple things then you don’t need to own an animal, PERIOD!
​
Remember, they are a gift from God that can truly continue to bless your life IF you treat them with dignity and respect!

"The Righteous care for the needs of their animals" Proverbs 12:10

We've all seen it. #AdoptDontShop

This slogan is posted EVERYWHERE now-a-days. Originating from Animal Rights Activists this slogan was originally intended to be used to go after the horrendous puppy millers, but in today's society it is being used against even those of us who do it RIGHT!

So, with this being said, I would like to begin my own slogan "Educate Don't Discriminate"!

As an animal lover from the day I was born, a rescuer of the sick, inbred, neglected, AND a purchaser AND breeder of purebred dogs there are benefits to both sides. BUT, either side being in constant battle with the other does nothing for the potential animal adoptee. So let's break it down...

Let’s discuss a few pros to adopting shelter pet:

1. You are saving a life. Whether that animal is in a kill shelter or no kill shelter you are saving their life. You are saving them from either a long drawn-out sentence of life behind bars all because they aren't young enough, cute enough, small enough, the right color, etc. OR, you are ultimately, LITERALLY, saving their life in a kill shelter situation.
2. Typically speaking adoption prices are cheaper than purchasing a dog from a breeder. The reason I use the term "typically" is I have seen some adoption prices ranging from FREE all the way up to $600+.
3. You won't get hassled from people in society about your decision...you chose right in their eyes! Let's face it in a society that is focused on anti-bullying there is plenty of bullying going around in our adult world that would shame even the toughest of people into conceding. In today's modern technology where your daily life is public, public perception is an every growing dilemma and being right through the public’s eyes vs doing what is right by your family...sometimes, just sometimes, that may win.

Now for a few cons to adopting a shelter pet:

1. You don't know what you are getting behaviorally or health wise. AND 9 out 10 times most shelters don't have any kind of behavioral support system set up for their adoptees. So once you adopt your animal you are on your own.***
2. A majority of animals are spayed or neutered prior to adopting regardless of age. While spaying and neutering a dog or cat prior to 6-10 months of age, or a female prior to her first heat cycle, has been scientifically proven to lessen the chances of cancer, etc.; altering an animal at 8-10 weeks and sometimes even YOUNGER has proven to have SERIOUS complications. I understand the intent of attempting to decrease the unwanted animal population by taking care of the problem BEFORE it’s a problem, but in doing so shelters actually create more harm than good. When you alter a growing animal's hormones this young it really creates an issue with behavior and growth, as many of the hormones needed for these animals to mature correctly have now been removed. Not to mention placing a young animal under anesthesia increases the chance of loss and a major surgery compromises an already under developed immune system. This leads to an increase in post-operative infections, increased chances of communicable diseases (i.e. Parvo and Distemper), etc.
3. Most shelters are focused on adopting their animals vs. finding one suited for your home and family. This is why they have become a revolving door. "FiFi" the 5lb Maltese cross didn't work on your family farm with 3 small children and your cattle you raise? No problem, bring her back...now she bites children, but there isn't any mention to the next family who adopts her for their child who thinks she is the most adorable dog and matches her stuffed pet "Snowy". She bit your child too...no problem, bring her back. See she's in a no-kill shelter, who doesn't have the funds to have a behaviorist evaluate every dog, but they will take her back and try to rehome her, even if that means she will go to another home where she won't work out either.

***According to a study*, Goodbye to a Good Friend: An Exploration of the Re-Homing of Cats and Dogs in the U.S., by Emily Weiss, Shannon Gramann, C. Victor Spain, and Margaret Slater, conducted by ASPCA and released in 2015 to the Open Journal of Animal Science, 47% of surrendered animals are done so due to "pet problems". These were identified in the study as behavioral issues, aggressive behavior, unexpected growth, and health problems. Following that was "Family Problems" with only 28% as so on. Basically, it is a never-ending cycle.​

Now, drum roll...

Let's discuss the elephant in the room...

A few cons of obtaining an animal from a REPUTABLE breeder: (notice I used the word REPUTABLE: def.: having a good reputation. synonyms: well-thought-of, highly regarded, respected, well respected, respectable, of (good) repute, prestigious, established; reliable, dependable, trustworthy):

1. COST! Let's face it, you all think it... I just said it. While cost is a huge portion of why people choose to adopt animals vs. purchasing a purebred, I completely understand, but I KNOW both sides! In today's society everyone wants a deal, I get that! But as a breeder I have to be able to sustain our program with funding obtained FROM our program so we can continue to provide the best animal we can! I can't go to my vet and tell him/her that an owner can't afford to pay my purchase price, so I can't afford to pay for his/her veterinary care. I can't tell the food company that supplies my food that a potential buyer thinks my prices on my puppies are too high, but they love the quality of them because of the nutrition and care they are given...so I need you to just mark the price of your food down for me. And lastly, what is your time away from your family and friends worth to you? Because when a reputable breeder has puppies, kittens, foals, calves, etc. on the ground... we miss family Christmases to make sure your babies are taken care of, we spend sleepless nights up with sick puppies nursing them back to health. There are countless hours that go into each and every loved, little life of a reputable breeder...so, what's the cost worth to you?
2. Well...I don't know the breeder, and I am supposed to send him/her money, typically sight unseen? In today's world of scam artists, there are those who do the same thing in the breeder world. They steal beautiful pictures of puppies, from other breeder's websites, Facebook pages, etc. and pose themselves as a breeder to sell you this gorgeous pup at an insanely discounted price! If it's too good to be true, it typically is. We are a modern society and everything is on the internet now-a-days. I implore you, STALK, your breeder's pages, check with listed clientele. Check-up on reviews. I do feel sorry for those who get cheated in really bad situations, but if you didn't do your homework before you sent your money...claiming ignorance, well, it is NOT bliss in this situation. I myself review my potential buyer's pages. I want to know what kind of a home my puppies are going to, any GOOD breeder would do so...so why not do the same! Your breeder should have some privacy, but if you have a gut feeling something isn't right...then that maybe you should LISTEN! Also, I just want to put this out there... A good, reputable breeder will allow you (AT SOME POINT) to visit their kennel/home. Some, like me, won't allow it until your puppy is ready to go home. These are types of questions you need to ask your breeder. They should become a part of the extended family, so bother the heck out of them, and if they can't be bothered...then MOVE ON. Because if they can't put their best foot forward at the beginning of the "relationship" imagine how it will be a few months from now when you really need them?
3. Dealing with a TRUE breeder vs. a Puppy Mill or a Designer Dog Breeder: A true breeder will tell you about their program, why they select certain dogs, and what type of testings and veterinarian care they provide. A true breeder won't hesitate to provide veterinary referrals or referrals from other clientele to ease your mind about purchasing one of their puppies. A puppy mill or a designer dog breeder does it solely for the income. Likely they won't have an established veterinarian and travel around looking for the best deal on care, instead of the best care, period, and puppy mills typically lack it all together. So, again, this all falls back on do your homework, ASK!

FINALLY...man, Suzanne, you are SOOOO long winded...

The PROS of purchasing from a REPUTABLE BREEDER:

1. Before your animal was born it was loved and cared for. That's right! We reputable breeders love our moms and dads. I for one, will tell you they are a part of THIS FAMILY! There are some breeders that when they retire their breeders, they sell them. I can "sort of" understand this, because they are doing it on a large scale. But because my babies will be loved until the end there will come sometime when we will go a long period of time without being able to produce puppies...and that's okay with me. So long as our family members are happy the last years of their lives, living it up here at our Ranch, we are good with that!
2. Your animal was cared for with dignity, respect, and love. When I see one of my pups I raised, even years later, they still remember my calls and whistles. I have even been told that when owners watch our puppy videos our dogs perk up and "look" for me. Melts my heart. Because a piece of my heart, my kids heart, and yes...even my husband's goes home with every one of our animals!
3. You receive a health guarantee and a congenital guarantee of some sort. When you purchase from a reputable breeder they do their best to ensure they are providing the best, but in a case where something JUST GOES WRONG, they'll make it right.
4. Behavioral support or lifetime support. Not all breeders do this and there are some out there that claim behavioral support, but there is a far difference between having the ability to teach a dog to sit, stay, or come, and having the knowledge to identify behavioral issues...talk to your breeder so you can know the difference! Some offer support for the lifetime of the pet, meaning if for some reason you have to move and you can't take your dog with you, you can reach out to your breeder and they will take the dog back...no questions asked. This is HUGE! We are responsible for every life we place on this earth, so giving them the best paw forward is the best thing we can do for them as reputable breeders.
5. LOTS of recommendations! From food to toys and everything in between. You have plenty of support of knowing what you may need for your puppy from your breeder! And please remember that recommendations regarding healthcare are just that, recommendations! All healthcare related matters should be discussed with your veterinarian!

SO, I hope this EDUCATES rather than DISCRIMINATES on whether purchasing an animal or adopting an animal is the right choice for you and or your family. And maybe next time you see #AdoptDontShop you can follow it up with #EducateDontDiscriminate and refer someone who maybe ignorant to this Blog about our Dogs!

Thanks for reading!
~Suzanne

*file.scirp.org/pdf/OJAS_2015100914300959.pdf

Proverbs 15:14 - The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

This is a frequent question I receive which is either formed in a polite and truly information only inquiry or in a mind blowing comparison of my program to another "backyard" type program. As an open and honest individual I feel the need to break down my program for each of you.

Before we even bred our dogs it takes me several months or years of looking for sires to complement our female(s). Many hours are spent not only comparing physical aspects of potential suitors, but also analyzing their temperament, behavior, and genetics to increase the likelihood of the best family member being produced for you that is also a compliment to the breed standard.

We analyze genetics to optimize a healthy, and happy puppy. We guarantee our puppy's health for a year, but we don't want to have to replace a puppy. We know how exited you are about taking your puppy home. After picking your puppy most of you have already become attached, so sending home an unhealthy puppy or one that has a serious genetic defect is NEVER something which would happen with our knowledge. We take every precaution and pride that we can to ensure you have a healthy puppy.

At this point I now have 2 years invested in one female and male, including testing, food, veterinary care, etc. to even begin to provide you with your healthy, and happy puppy.

Once a sire has been selected it is then nearly a month of time of ensuring my female(s) is only exposed to the sire, but is still exercised and given all the attention she needs to remain healthy and happy. Her health is monitored for approximately 63 days post exposure to ensure she is healthy, happy, and feels safe to whelp her litter of pups and precious babies in our home.

While pregnant our females are on a well balanced and nutritional puppy food and consuming larger amounts of food to account for the growing babies. She is placed on supplements to ensure she has adequate nutrients to support the growing litter and her body. A healthy mother eases the whelping and increases the liklihood she is able to provide adequate colostrum and milk for her newborns.

Now, we also have to invest in special whelping boxes so the puppies can be kept in a clean and safe environment in our home. Whelping the puppies in our homes and keeping them in an active a stimulating environment helps to ease these babies into accepting of the world around them, including our children. 

These puppies are handled daily, socialized with other dogs, cats, and given environmental stimuli. They are not kennel raised where they are fearful of the world around them once they hit the grass at 8 weeks.

Our program consists of TONS of love, compassion for our Aussies and the breed, our love for making our clients' dreams of owning a wonderful family member come true, TONS AND TONS of hard work, lots of sleepless nights (I don't know if you know how hard it is to sleep with a litter of puppies in your room?), lots of money and time spent at the vets office, a LOT of good food and supplements, toys, chewies, and many other stimulating things for our little ones!

All of our puppies also come with a LIFETIME of behavioral support from me. Someone who actually knows behavior and studied under a behaviorist for years! They are microchipped, vaccinated by a VETERINARIAN, receive a health certificate from a veterinarian, tails are docked, dewclaws are removed, they are dewormed and toenails are trimmed every 2 weeks beginning at 2 weeks of age, given their first heart worm preventative, and lastly they are given a bag FULL of goodies which gives you a great start on recommended toys and products for your puppy!

So, my question to you... the next time you think about the price of our puppies and if they are worth it to you... would you rather take your chances on getting the $300 merle puppy who was LIKELY bred and raised in the backyard with minimal handling, no health testing, no analysis of the parents or their behavior, horrible food, and even worse living conditions, and given a vaccination from a feed store? If so, you might wind up spending more than what you would have if you had purchased from a reputable breeder by the time you take him/her to the vet for intestinal parasite overload, parvo, pneumonia, or some other major issue...and in the long run, God FORBID, you may loose your new baby, and not have a gurantee for a replacement.

Just some food for thought from our Dogs to yours...God Bless!

1 Corinthians 15:33 - Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."