So after our pups went all went home last summer we took a break. For the first time in 12 years we had a very hard time finding homes for our pups. Yes, we had 3 litters, but have had 2 and 3 litters at the same time in the past without this issue. I really took it heart. It is my job to find the best homes for our pups and to only breed if there are homes for our babies. Was it oversaturation in the market? The timing? Many breeders swear that the “J” months are the hardest to find homes. Was it that we only take 2 pre birth deposits (not locking a large about into buying from us with nonrefundable deposits)? Was it inflation and all the rising cost of owning and caring for a pet? I try keep my prices affordable to the average family in spite of all the work and care I put into our litters. I want to thank the few breeders who reached out telling me not to be hard on myself that it happens to everyone at some point. But even with that, we gave ALL our girls a break by resting them on their following heats and we as a family took time to regroup.

This was a blessing and just what I needed. I found out my mother had passed away on my birthday just as I was starting to see a doctor to make my health (mental and physical) a priority. A month later we lost our precious Ghost. I was a bundle of out of control anxiety and worries. I was glad to be under a doctors care during this time. My lab work showed I had metabolic syndrome and all that goes with it. My doctor and I agreed weight loss was (is) the starting point and the key to getting healthy, especially with my mom’s passing and my dad having triple bypass. I have spent the last 6 months on weight loss medication as well as eating clean and exercising. I am a little over halfway to my goal weight. More importantly my labs are normal or approaching normal. Essentially avoiding being put on 3 medications in the process. I feel great and have more energy than ever. I am working hard to get everything in the normal range.

In the last 6 months I have taken time for me, my health and self care. I have spent time with my family on outings and adventures. I also picked up a few new hobbies. I started rebounding as my primary form of exercise. I love it!! I got back into reading and loom knitting. I even started playing calm games on the Switch. But the best thing is that in December I started my very own sourdough starter and started baking bread and other goodies! I never thought I would love it so much!

We have decided to continue breeding but keeping our litters low while we test the waters. As many know females will sync up their cycles and we will try to be mindful if/when this happens. As far as offering puppy training sessions, I need to make it known that even with my Puppy Start Right Instructor certification as well as my extensive knowledge in puppy development, socialization and training at this time I can not make this my full or part time occupation. I would like to emphasize that my dogs are my world but not my entire world. I have a teen at home that I home school (we are on his last semester) and I help care for my toddler grandson who lives with me along with my oldest son. That is a full time job in itself. I am also still trying to manage and maintain my health and mental health. Which has to be a priority with my family history. I’d like to be around for awhile. 😀 I still hope that maybe in 6-8 months I can find the balance in my life to offer puppy socialization/training which is my true passion, but until then it is something I absolutely incorporate into my puppy raising program and I am available to answer questions to my puppy families and mentor others on the importance of puppy socialization (done correctly).

So that’s the a quick version on what I have been doing. I want to thank you all for your continued support. I may not always be quick to reply and I get forgetful, but I appreciate all your emails, messages and updates! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

-Missy