A Litter of Memories
Maybe I am crazy.
When I tell people we are expecting two litters of Multi-generational Australian Labradoodles this summer they often ask me straight out if I’m crazy. And, even if they don’t verbalize it, I can tell from their body language what they are thinking.
But what am I thinking? Yes we already have very busy lives and raising dogs might seem like the one thing that would “put us over the edge.” But, the fact is, I love it.
This isn’t just a hobby either — it’s the start of a beautiful new business. Like most successful businesses, you do it because you love it. And, especially with dog breeding, you have to do it right: Follow the guidelines of the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA), do all the testing and be best friends with your vet.
More than twenty five years ago I raised golden retrievers. A lot has changed since then like ultrasounds and more comprehensive health tests. But one thing I know won’t ever change is the caliber of people I meet who want to adopt a puppy. Already, I’ve had really great conversations with people who are on our reservation list. I know I will develop warm relationships with them, I can just tell. With my goldens, I met lots of really wonderful people who adopted puppies and they stayed in touch. I shipped golden retrievers all over Canada — several even went to Whitehorse and Yellowknife. Each year, usually at Christmas, I would get photos and cards from families, all expressing appreciation for their much loved puppy.
One of the most memorable letters I received was written by one of our puppies.
“I’ve adjusted very well into my new family. The first two nights, I whined and whimpered a bit, but by the third night I settled in pretty good. Daddy and Mommy left the radio on and the kitchen lights on for the first little while. Now I’m a big girl and I only need the oven light on.
Thank you for taking such good care of me when I was a baby. Daddy says I’m his second favourite girl. Mommy and Daddy are really proud of me.”
Some would say that dog people are crazy. And maybe they are — but they are my kind of crazy.
PS: Thank you Dr. Doug Heffelfinger at Crestwood Veterinary Centre for all your advice. And to find out more about Labradoodles, visit alaa-labradoodles.com
