What happens when you rescue a dog?

[Haggis for Breakfast]

64. People should research and get to know the breeder.

Some folks want a particular breed of dog and that's okay. BUT, do your homework and know the breeder. Ask other breeders for their opinion too. Check everything out.

My folks got serious about German Shepherds back in the 60s and bought their first male. We bred our stud very selectively. We made buyers sign a very explicit contract, in which we demanded the right to visit their home area and make sure that it was an appropriate place for the pups before any funds were exchanged. Knowledge of puppy and adult health care and nutrition for the dogs was also part of the deal. Also, for the first two years, we retained the right to check up on our pups and if necessary, remove the dog from the home. NO refund. Only had one problem ever. They did have to remove one male from a family. These people had abused and beaten the dog so badly that he became hypersensitive to everything. They allowed their children (not small kids either) to ride him like a horse, damaging his spine. When my folks went for a visit, they observed that the cartiledge in his ears had been BROKEN because the kids used his ears as reins. They took the dog that day. Then they put out the word to all of the other breeders to beware of these people.

Breeding is a two sided matter. As a breeder, you MUST be responsible for maintaining strong bloodlines, care, treatment, training and LOVE for all your dogs, the placement of your pups and some follow-up to make sure they are in good and safe homes. I have always appreciated the thorough professionalism of the approach my folks took to being breeders. They cared for and loved all of our Germans like children.

Though they got out of the business years ago, we all still have several Germans, because . . . well, we just LOVE our Germans. Gentle giants. Loving companions. Faithful friends. Family to the end.