A Breeder's Dilemma: When You Have to Re-Home a Dog

I LOVE what I do: the training is so rewarding, but breeding is miraculous! It is so rewarding bringing new life into this world…seeing those completely helpless, adorable pups that resemble a slightly furry wiggly sausage that mews. I am so filled with love for the Mama Dog and all of her little puppers. Every day is a blessing as I watch them change and become the gorgeous interactive fur balls people take home at eight weeks.

Still there are times things do not work out quite so textbook. I have had to re home three of my amazing dogs due to eye issues. A dog must have eyes, heart, elbows, and hips medical clearances plus genetic testing clearances in order to be bred. Then you have to hope they will breed. That is not always a “given” either.

Jazz is mine forever. She will stay with me until she climbs over the Rainbow Bridge as I hold her paw and tell her how much she is loved. How I wish I could do that with all of my girls because I love them totally. I do not know how to hold back a piece of my heart to save the heartbreak. Financially it is a business, and I can not keep all my dogs forever. I dread that day.

Since I wrote this article two years ago I had to re home three more incredible dogs. Sweet Meg had a genetic kidney disorder. When I moved to Napa, I knew I could not take all five of my dogs. Both Brooke and Anya had such love to give. It was difficult for them to only receive 1/5 of me. Both were placed in perfect families. They are loved to distraction and are the Queens of the Castle.

Kimmie is ours forever. She is a superlative dog in all ways. We are waiting for her to come into heat so we can breed her. I am beyond excited to see her pups!

Rosie is Jazz’s daughter. At 19 months she has passed all health clearances with the exception of hips and elbows which can not be done until age two. She is a very special soul who loves everyone and everything. She has all the characteristics of an exemplary Golden. Fingers crossed! If she does not pass I will need to decide what to do. Two of my children have already asked for dibs,but I truly doubt I could part with Miss Rosie. The Heart may win over Business Sense in this case.

Re homing may be a thing of the past. I have shared some incredible dogs with families. I may just keep these three. They are Family.