……and Puppy Frenzy Fever

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Just Say Puppies, and Smile

Who can say a puppy is not cute? All puppies and babies are precious. Their lives are held gently by those caregivers who take the risk to bring them in the world. The reason for doing so needs to be defined. Dog breeders should be the kind that approaches the process with a purposeful reason of the best sort. Our breeding philosophy doesn’t embrace those wanting to raise a litter so the kids can experience the joy of it; nor does it include making vacation money. The person who writes they want to raise a single litter doesn’t understand the implications. They are far-reaching, and only those that clean up the mess have some idea of what happens to these pups.

Our Goal the Forever-Home Placement

We are not raising pups to set up other breeders. That seems shocking to some folks. We raise our pups with the intention of weaving the DNA to create a certain outcome. This takes a lot of time, energy, cash, and experience. It is our passion. We enjoy doing it, and meeting all the folks that get a pup from us. Knowing we change their world forever is something special. Ultimately, our goals are to work toward making certain improvements. We are interested in health, temperament, and the whole outcome. Some of our pups have several OwyheeStar generations and lineages woven into their DNA. It is exciting, and challenging. It requires a support network which includes the right vet, other breeders, and professionals. All of this is done to breed for the future, and to find forever-placements for the other pups.

The Philosophy and Landscape of Dog Breeding

Cliff and I are not new to breeding. Raising puppies has changed over the last sixty years. Both of us grew up with dogs. Shela’s parents used to raise a few pups. Cliff grew up with livestock, and was used to raising critters of all sorts. Nevertheless, the Patti Page song of the Fifties (How Much is that Doggie in Window) describes the prevalent atmosphere. People shopped for a pup, and bought their pup of choice no questions asked. We do business in a different mode. Over the years, the philosophy of breeding has changed, and today’s conscientious breeder goes to great length to make a good puppy placement. Their methods might involve any number of things; however, without exception, it should involve a screening process Nonetheless, there are countless pups available via the Intenet, newspaper, and parking lots that are sold with no questions asked.

Society and Trends

Many a person has embraced the cause of the local shelter, and pound pups. We are happy for the light being shed on this need. Accidental breedings are the largest contributor to this problem. In our way of thinking, no puppy should come into this world without a plan. Yes, we realize accidents can happen, even for those being careful. Nevertheless, many of these litters are born to happen-chance encounters of the worst kind. An intact male could literally produce thousands of pups in a lifetime of running free. Despite this fact, breeders are often the target of criticism.  Current trends have made even the most conscientious breeders take a hit for raising puppies. Some clients have been verbally trashed for getting a puppy rather than adopting a needy pet from the local shelter. We heard this called reverse snobbery. That pretty much sums it up.

The Purebred Weimaraner

Purebreds have taken generations to develop. It takes more than a few dogs to keep the gene-pool viable, and to continue to work on improving the breed. To propose that only pound puppies are an option is to say that purebreds are no longer wanted. The pendulum has swung in favor of adopting a rescue first. That being said, we believe it is vitally important for breeders to continue to produce quality purebred pups.

Willow takes Best of Show

What is the Solution?

Responsible pet ownership is at the core of curing the shelter issue. Unless a dog or cat is used for breeding purposes, it should be altered (spayed or neutered) in a timely manner. Some people fail to alter their pet due to not being able to afford to pay for the services. In certain locations, there are clinics that offer reduced prices. There are a few programs that aid those in need of help. There are other-than-money reasons for not getting the pet altered in a timely manner. This often leads to a shoulder shrugging comment to the neighbor about the Doxie and Dobie litter that is on the way. It makes us shudder. The pups may well be cute, and find homes, but this does nothing to solve the problem of the over-crowded shelters. The sad truth is many times a person doesn’t get around to getting their pet altered, or they secretly believe it is cruel. Men (sorry about this) hurt when they think of their intact male being altered.

 Ultimately

We need to see the trend turn toward making sure our pets, and those in our neighborhood are altered. Talk to any ordinance officer and they will share that the vast majority of their calls involved intact-dogs–usually males. Wouldn’t it be great to see more programs to help the elderly, poor, and needy have a pet? They need them too, and the cost to have one is expensive. Seniors have been known to go without food to feed their pet, how on earth could they afford the cost to alter their pet? For those of us who want a puppy it is important to remember we need to get them altered in a timely manner. Our contract asks people to agree to these terms. That is another way in which breeders can be a part of the solution.