Ever suddenly stop and wonder “what brought me to this decision/place/mindset?” That’s what I did today when I was answering email inquiries about our upcoming litter of pups. A handful of years ago I was a grieving pet owner that had just lost my two best buddies.
Bosco, our German Shorthair Pointer, was getting old and we had been in pain management mode with him for years. He was born with hip dysplasia, diagnosed at 6 months old already having problems, and we spent the next 12 years giving him the best and most pain-reduced life possible. We had therapeutic beds, glucosamine, Metacam, heating pads, and don’t forget the frequent visits to the vet so they’d renew his prescriptions. It cost a lot of money to take care of our free dog. And if I had it to do over again, I would. I miss that big Bean every day.
Winston, a Standard Schnauzer I had rescued, 
was way too young when we discovered he had an inoperable tumor in his bladder. It was the flash of a second between discovering it and him barely being able to pass urine. We weren’t afforded that long period of time where you take special care of your geriatric loved one while mentally and emotionally preparing for his departure. One moment he was here, alive and well, the next we were making the merciful decision to end it.
Neither of those dogs were AKC registered. Back then, I didn’t understand why AKC registration would be important for someone like me that just wanted a pet to love. If I could have spared either of them from all that pain I absolutely would.
And THAT’s why breeding is so important to me now. Way more than just how they look or who the who’s who in their lineage, it’s about breeding the best qualities and temperament into the most genetically healthy line possible. Bad things can still happen – I know that. But I’m doing my part to make sure that the pups I bring into this world have all the cards stacked in their favor. They come from champions because I want their pups to have the health, vigor, and long lives of champions. They deserve it, and if you’re a dog-lover, so do you.
-Darcy