Why a Breeder & not a rescue?

 

Pretty much all our pups, minus Lada, were rescues.  We've either adopted them from shelters, rehomed pets, or a rescue.  

We love dogs.  We have the ability to make their lives better & the room.  It has always been our thing.  However when we came to Peryn, it changed a bit.  He was from an "Ooops litter".  A couple who bred cattle dogs mistakenly assumed their ACD's were done.  When the new litter was born, they were more concerned with getting rid of the puppies than keeping them.   

They told family & friends the pups were free to a good home. Timing was right & we took him.  It was a learning curve as no matter how much we read up on the ACD, owning & raising one is completely different.   Their monsters.  Take a puppy & make it 10x worse and you have yourself a cattle dog puppy.   
We were lucky that the girls, Athena & Duchess, loved to wrestle & play with Peryn.  It made things a bit easier.   However Rich brought up the fact that there was an age difference between him & the girls.  Approximately 8 years.  Knowing he was an energetic dog, we knew he needed a companion to keep up with him.  We found her online & she fit the mold. Cattle dog, young (9 months younger than Peryn), Female & red.   Best decision ever as they instantly became BFFs & they adore each other. 

Not that we were looking for another, 4 is quite enough, we did talk about future pups. I was securely in the rescue another ACD camp.   Along the way, Rich was changing his mind.  He had met a few Bernese Mtn Dogs though the years. Either at work, the park, in passing, or wherever.  He fell in love with their look, personality, & pretty much everything about them. He would bring them up every so often until finally one day he made the statement that when the time came, he really wanted a BMD. 

I scoffed. I wanted my ACD rescue! I knew of the breed, but not too much about them. Looked them up in curiosity during one conversation and wasn't impressed.   Since it didn't look like we'd have an opening anytime soon, we just let it drop.   Athena was in the obvious stages of DM at this point & we figured when she finally passed. However at this time we didn't think that would be anytime soon.

I definitely was in the mindset that saving a dog via rescue was how we would continue to go.  I didn't want a puppy anymore & these poor souls needed us.   I would NEVER buy from a pet store as they are the reason we have puppy mills and sick animals in shelters.   

Prior to Peryn & Lada, I never gave much thoughts to breeders.  Other than "Why would you pay that much?!!!"     However, after adopting the ACDs & joining online groups I began to see the how a lot of how they acted and what they did could be traced to the breed itself.  It amazed me that how much of what they are is in their genes & bloodlines.   

Now add in that I now have a dog that is a puppy mill rescue with DM (although we didn't know it was that at the time), we begin to see the importance of reputable breeders for the Breed.   I also begin to understand some people want a healthy dog or are looking for certain traits in their pups.  Particularly with ACD's as they are a working dog. 

Essentially I see that the reputable breeders out there due to their love of the breed, are doing their best to create healthy dogs and pro-long the breed.   I can respect that although I could not imagine needing to go to a breeder for a puppy.  We're "done" with puppies.

Losing Duchess was the most unexpected & heart wrenching thing we've ever done.  It was out of the blue & so quick we never had time to accept it.  All our dogs previously were old & having old age issues / knew it was time. It hurt, but it wasn't a surprise.  Duchess was and it devastated us.

We never intended to get another dog as quickly as it happened.  When asked if we would get another dog, we said we would but we were going to wait.  It was shared that when the time came, we'd get a BMD because Rich really was pushing for it.

Volos was a surprise.  Saturday night I am with my friends telling them just that, when the time came we would get a BMD.  In our discussion the girls looked up pics & I explained that it is hard to find one in a shelter setting.   

Very next morning one of those friends sends me a screenshot of something that popped up in her FB feed: A BMD rescue at a shelter about an hour from our home.     We discussed it & said "let's just put in an application for him".   Never would have thought we'd be driving down to bring him home the next day.  

During the time from when the application was submitted to even after he was home, I did my research.   Volos was a loving pup from day one (although you had to allow him his space & time for him to come to you) and I immediately adored the big goof.   

Reading up on the breed was another eye opening experience.  The average life span in 8 years. They have high rates of having cancer.  DM as another possibility.  The breed has many health issues that give it an average of 8 years.    I was horrified. Horrified that our newly adopted 5 year old Berner could leave us too soon.   And lord, another DM dog?   It killed me.

His MCTs don't help matters.  They need to be monitored & removed to prevent them from developing into a worse state.   

Volos--this dog turned me from a "Ehh...not impressed" to "I absolutely love this breed".  As Rich often points out, he knew from the moment he fell in love with the dog that it was the breed for me. 

I love big dogs that I can squeeze tight. I love dogs that have soft fur & big brown eyes. I loved dogs that cuddle.  I love furry floppy eared dogs.  I LOVE his temperament (except his obsession that all toys are his) Voila! BMD!

After we said Goodbye to Athena, we were in no hurry to bring in another. We needed time to heal & were in the middle of a pandemic. 

We did decide we'd look after February. We wanted a young female Berner. That was the only requirement. We were very specific about it being female & young.  In order to fit in with the current pack we required a female to balance out the personalities and a young one to have the energy to play with the pups.

The few female rescues that fit the bill weren't meant to be. Either they were quickly adopted or we weren't chosen.   Plenty of males--no young females.   At this point we had a serious discussion.   
In order to get the dog in the timeframe we were looking for we had to get her this year (2021).  We can hold out hope that we come across a rescue OR...we actually go to a breeder.  

Getting a BMD from a reputable breeder is easily $3000 on the low side.  Add in there are waiting lists at a number of these breeders--10-18 months long.   Additionally a deposit would be required just to be on the list.   We were hesitant because we didn't want to put $ down on something that may take 2 years to happen. 

I put myself on a number of groups on Facebook: Rehoming, BMD puppies, etc.   Nothing but scammers. 

One day Rich is telling a guy at work about my crusade against scammers on these groups & when the guy asks what type of puppy we're looking for -- turns out he knows a breeder!!!

Even better she's taking the female to be bred when we speak.  Her family has been breeding Bernese for years. Her pups average 12 yrs. They're cleared from being DM carriers as well as a number of other diseases.   

This really helped put my mind at ease and we paid a deposit.   I love puppies, but I am not looking forward to training another, but knowing I'll have her for a number of years longer than average helps.     

A rescue would have been great, but finding what we want when we want is not so easy. The dynamic here with the dogs can't have any old dog come in. We need a young female.  That is the only way this current mix is going to gel.    

SO that is essentially why this one isn't a rescue.   
Rescuing is the best way to go if you have the time & space.   Reputable Breeders are acceptable when you have very specific wants & needs.      AVOID BUYING from stores & BYBs.   

NO MATTER WHAT though you should ALWAYS research a breed before you bring it home. A majority of the dogs in shelters & rescues is because someone thought the breed was "cute" and when they begin to act as their genetics dictates, they end up discarded.

 

The hardest part #1 The way things were...

APRIL 6 2020--  Athena's Gotcha Day-- 6 YEARS

Cuddling with Daddy-Day1

Anyone who has followed this blog for sometime has been here for the ups and downs with Athena.   This sweet girl had a cruddy life prior to us and we did our best to love her and give her happiness.   I'd like to think we succeeded.


Her Degenerative Myelopathy has been an unfair -hideous circumstance in this beautiful girl's life.   

How she looked first week with us

After bringing Athena home, she was a very loving and sweet dog. She longed for cuddles and affection.   As she became more confident in our house she blossomed.

She loved playing with other dogs. Her greatest joy was playing with Duchess, MasterChief, Barkley, and then Bridger.   She absolutely loved going to dog parks.

She could run around barking at other dogs, chasing them, corralling young /small dogs, and getting pets from the humans.      

Running at the park

It was at these dog parks that we also got to see the walks she was getting had strengthened her legs. Where she once fell behind, she now was running among the pack. 

She was nicknamed "Referee" because she would often get in between fighting and play fighting dogs.  Barking her way in to break it up.

Barking. EVERY emotion had a noise. Barking was her favorite form of expressing those emotions.  Gun shots from the gun range--BARKING.  Squirrels running by--BARKING.  Other dogs being walked--BARKING.  Happiness at playing with the other dogs--BARKING.      

Enjoying the run

I nicknamed her Ms Barks-A-Lot  or Barky Bark and the Furry Bunch. 

I LOVE THIS PLACE

One area that never changed in all her time with us is her reaction to food.   She would eat almost ANYTHING given to her.  She would snarl and bark at any dog that came near.  She loves her food and she does not share. EVER. This is one aspect that even today she has.   Don't come near her food or treats. She growls and snaps at the other dogs.





Athena really is a pack dog. That became apparent with Peryn and then Lada. She adored playing with them.   Where Duchess had a rough and tumble play style, Athena was more light wrestling.    She was very particular about which dogs she did this with.


In all her time with us, the ONLY dogs she ever played with were : Duchess, Master Chief, Barkley, Bridger, Peryn, & Lada.      AT dog parks she was a run and chase dog.   At home where she was most comfortable, she played with those she adored.
***BFF***BFF***BFF***BFF***BFF***BFF***BFF***BFF***BFF***

Playing with Bridger & MC

Playing with the BFFs

She lives for this.

push push push

Even in the snow

Her most favorite BFF

She loved to get up on the couch and snuggle in next to 

SHE LOVES HER DADDY

you.  For a long while, after work that was our routine.  I'd come home, let them out and then she'd climb up on the couch next to me and cuddle into me.   It was part of my wind-down.

When she wasn't out playing, her favorite thing was her spot. We placed an ottoman in my office and she would climb up on top and lay there. She'd either sleep or watch the neighborhood and bark.    

HER SPOT

This was her spot while we were at work or just out.  If I worked from home, she was there.   The window sill was dirty from her chin. The wall was scratched from her nails...  This was Athena's thing.  

If we weren't upstairs, she was either on the ottoman at the back window--looking out for either creatures or her BFF- MC.

When I would open the front door to let light or air in, she and Duchess would be right there.... watching and barking at EVERYTHING.  

Watching the neighborhood

Napping

Back Window

Enjoying the beautfiul weather

During the summer she loved to lay outside and enjoy the weather. She and Duchess could be outside forever soaking up the sun.

I'm surprised my neighbors didn't kill us for the amount of barking she would do and things beyond our sight.
 Our neighbor Sarah would joke "Oh was that a blade of grass?? BARK BARK BARK"


If she wasn't tied up and she saw someone walking...she had to run after them to say hello.  Even better if they were walking a dog.   

After getting Peryn and Lada, her most favorite thing in the world was to run back and forth with them as they played with their balls.  She didn't have to actually push the ball or chase the ball. She was happiest just running with them.

Rocky!

Toys.  She was particular with toys. She liked the floppy stuffed animal types. The types you could shake and pull out the stuffing. She had a racoon (several actually) and an elephant.  She loved to just nip at it at times.

Duchess had her toys and Athena had hers.  She loved it to the point she would sleep with it.  She was such a happy girl and enjoyed EVERYTHING.
She treasured her toys when she wasn't ripping them apart.  She would be gentle with them in between the tearing apart. Even the tearing apart was gentle.
  

She wasn't gentle with her "roll hides" .   She LOVED these things and would just go to town on them.    Gnaw gnaw gnaw.

 She was never a fan of sleeping in the bed with us.  She preferred dog beds on the floor next to us. At times she would even head to her perch and sleep in there. 
After moving a chair up to the bedroom, next to the bed (for us to sleep in when sick), that became HER bed.  

Her Bed/Throne

Every night she would climb up in bed and sleep.

She was NOT a morning dog. When it came to getting up and letting them outside, she often chose to stay in bed.  I would often bring her her morning treats to her bed because she was NOT getting up.    She loved to sleep in.

She had to be with the pack.   If Rich was in his office, Duchess would often be on the bed in there. Athena would jump up along with her and they would lie there until Rich was done or Mommy did something more important.

early AM photo  ZZZZ

For a long stretch of time, we would take the dogs to the dog park weekly.   Athena was NEVER an easy traveler.   She would whine and moan the whole ride. Barking as we neared the park.    Running free with her siblings or other dogs was what she lived for.

She loved our neighbors.  Some more than others, but she loved getting attention and affection from them.  We had friends from the dog parks whom she loved as well. She had to run up to them when she saw them and get some loving.

Athena's unbridled joy of life was something that always made me smile.   Whatever horrendous things that happened to her prior to her prior to us --were forgotten.   This girl loved everything.  She was truly an in the moment dog.

She came to us via a shared post. She had the most adorable photo ever. I loved it and showed it to Rich.  He saw it and said "I WANT HER."  I didn't even know if she was up for adoption, I just thought she was adorable.  Turns out she was up for adoption AND she was only a few hours away.

on the A Frame

We knew she had some health issues prior to picking her up and that was ok.   We didn't realize there were additional issues until we brought her home (go back to April 2014 posts).   She then began to bloom as we nursed her physical issues.   

Walking with Daddy

Rescues...

I think prior to Volos we had it pretty easy with the dogs we've adopted & raised.   Our first abused dog was Sheba who was 6 months at the time.  She was wary of men and would become agitated at anyone "throwing" or doing the throwing motion.   She flourished with us and was extremely protective of us.   Other than that, she was a good dog and had no other big issues, outside of "puppy" issues.

Athena was our second dog with issues.  Assumed puppy mill escapee-since she was found outside- from the visual evidence it appeared as such.  She was underweight, had infections all over, was missing skin off her backside, and had "callouses" on her underside and elbows from where she rested all the time. Additionally she had distended teets.  We were lucky with her.  She was a joy. She craved attention and loved being doted on. She struggled with stairs-never having done them and long walks and running-as she rarely used them.  While we rehabbed her back to health-struggling with house training--she did well.   Once we able to get her strong enough, she loved going to the dog parks and running with all the dogs. That's all she did and she was happy.    We really had it easy with her.

Right now we are struggling as we deal with the Degenerative Myelopathy. Having to assist her in getting up, walking, going outside, cleaning up after her, making sure she eats--it's a lot of work.  We love her and she's still all mentally there, so we're going to work to let her enjoy her life as long as the disease holds off.  

Back when I still lived with my parents our family dog Max had DM.   Then it was pretty much a death sentence. When he got to the point where he was unable to hold himself up, we had to say goodbye.  Times are much different and there are so many resources at our fingertips.  

The sad thing is though, there are so many people out there that when they get a dog--don't "sign up for" this stuff. When the dog becomes older and begins having Senior dog problems, they take then to be put down or surrender them to a shelter.    What is even worse, there are those who get a puppy or dog without doing ZERO research and return the puppy/dog when they begin to act the say they are bred to.    I see so many Cattle Dog postings for people returning them because they were mouthy or they were herding their children.   THEY WERE BRED FOR THAT!!!!    All some people see is a cute puppy and they want it---end of story.  This is a disservice to the dog and to the people who adopt.  

Foster parents and any person willing to take on the special cases-- to give them a chance at having a good home/life are amazing.  While we could never foster, we welcome dogs into our home --even special cases.

he came into the office willingly

Volos is a special case. We've been pretty fortunate with every single dog we've had before him.  We brought them home and soon integrated them seamlessly into our family.   Volos is the first dog where we have to give him space.   Whomever had him before obviously frightened him terribly.  His flinches when you move a certain way.  He runs from the littlest things. It is killing me that this sweet dog is so terribly frightened.

In my last blog post I mentioned I've been running into some issues with him.   It's very hard not to let it get to me.   I've been spoiled in the past that the dogs we've rescued have been welcoming to be loved on and gotten over any fears rather quickly.     Volos--he loves attention. He still likes it from me--but he's not skittish around me and it kills me.    Believe me I'm aware it takes time --all I want to do is sit there and hold him and just pet him all night long.   I know he wants that--but getting from where he is to that seems like a long way. He's not even been here a month and he still has possibly months before he'll feel at home...hopefully.   

I know he was meant for us. I firmly believe if anyone else had taken him home, they may have given up on him already. He obviously feels more secure with Rich and that is good.   It's just hard to sit back and give him time and space.  Peryn so badly wants to play with him-but Volos isn't there.

There are good signs-- he'll happily greet me in the morning or when I come home.  He has been sneaking toys or my slipper.  He shares the same bowl as the rest of the pack.  Outside he will love up on me like there is no tomorrow. He loves to be out in the snow. 

It's just the isolation that he keeps himself in--saddens me.   Right now he's across the hall in Rich's office, lying there alone.   Peryn is in the basement and the other 2 are in my office with me.   If I were to get up and go to him, he'd leave his room.   I don't want to make him uncomfortable so I don't.   I do pop my head in to talk to him sweetly and give treats--and it is so hard not to try to get him to love up on me like he did a week ago.  

Hoping it's just a phase or maybe a reaction to the pain from his surgical sites.   I really adore this dog and it kills me that we've taken steps backward.    I know this is requiring patience and I will give him the space, but part of me just wishes we could FFWD to that day already…

He really is an easy dog overall.  He is super quiet—still have yet to hear him bark.  He stays out of the way and doesn’t beg. He’s mostly house trained.  He only asks for attention ever so often and we’re happy to give it.   Putting our wants and wishes aside to make him comfortable and help him feel safe is all that matters now.

Pupdate Volos

I promise I will get to the day in the life with a dog living with DM, but I figured I'd focus on the newest pack member-Volos. 
 V O L O S

DAY 0-- It was crazy. Picking the ACDs up from play care and driving down to meet "Scout".  Dogs realizing that he was coming home--the hour ride home, stopping to get a collar and finally making it home. 
Once home it was a zoo!  CRAZY.  Athena barking up a storm, Peryn & Lada watching Volos with trepidation, and poor Volos--completely overwhelmed.

He walked around the house lifting his leg marking (and so began the NOs), then he crapped upstairs, and then the whole crew went downstairs to burn energy. 
Down there he began to poop everywhere and the dogs were being their typical self.

hile down there we grabbed the crate and then set it up in Rich's office. This was going to be his safe space.    Volos learned to use the stairs this day.  He was slow, but he made it all the way upstairs on his own.   Very much like Athena was.   We will have to work on strengthening them.

Eventually Rich sat down on the computer and I went to bed (taking all the psychos with me).   Eventually Volos calmed down and finally laid down.  

He readily went into his crate that night and we all had a peaceful nights rest.

DAY 1-- I stayed home to allow him to get acclimated to the house and the dogs.  Not my wisest move as Peryn & Lada were their typical INSANE selves and wanted to play all day long.  Peryn's intensity seems to freak Volos out.  


We began the day with what is going to be our normal routine. Outside & breakfast.   He did really well and ate heartily. 
Once back inside though, he went to his safe space, Rich's office.  That's fine and expected. 
I left him alone for periods of time and would check on him and get some loving.   

I eventually took him & Lada to the park 2 doors down. He does so well outside of the house. He met our neighbor and her dog.   He loves other "chill" dogs.   As I said, Lada and Peryn are too high strung for him right now.   

Every time I check on him, he's happy to see me and cuddle.  We need to work a bit on the outside thing though. When it's only to go to the restroom, he nearly trips me because he's right at my feet.  

Rich came home and Volos got more loving.  Rich took him & Peryn on short walk around the block.  They came back and Volos made a quick appearance in the living room. He proceeded back to his safe room.     

Rich spent the evening on the computer again with Volos and the door to the room shut so he could either stay in his crate or stay in the room.  He chose the crate.

DAY 2-- Normal day.   I got up for work and let him out of the room. Attempted to take him outside, but he didn't want to be out there, so he stayed against my legs the whole time.   He trips me when he is like that. It's sweet though.   We'll get him used to this life.

I left for work after feeding him and giving him some loving.     Rich made sure they all went out again and loved on him a bit before putting him in his crate.  He goes in easily with no fuss.

That feels gooood!

I came home and proceeded to greet him with much enthusiasm as I could. He was very happy to see me.  I then got Athena up and had to coach him out of the room to go outside.   That was another chore as he did not want to be out there (he doesn't seem to like the tie out ).

We went back inside and I got Athena into her cart.   I then got him out of the room (putting his leash on him seems to make him come out without issue) and the three of us proceeded to head down to the park.    

He loves being able to be outside.  He rolled around in the snow and even sort of ran. 

We came back to the house and I loved on him a bit and then went to my office (directly across from Rich's office).  I would call out to him occasionally and even go back to love on him.

He actually moved out of the corner and came to the doorway to watch me.   He seemed to be contemplating coming across to be with me.  He stepped out of the room once, but eventually went back inside.   

I hope we continue to earn his trust and that he can relax in the house.    

He's currently on the way with Rich to meet the ladies who work at the day care the kids go to.   They are super excited to meet him.   

so we're not over day 2 yet--but he seems to be getting comfortable in his immediate surroundings.   Now if only my psychos could allow him to relax!

Welcome Volos!

What does one do when they're already overwhelmed with helping their older puppy mill rescue with DM and dealing with 2 very active young Cattle Dogs?

We adopt another puppy mill rescue.
Yes this post was supposed to be about a day in the life with a dog living with DM, but fate has other plans.

Long before Duchess passed, Rich made it known that the next dog we got was going to be a Bernese Mtn Dog.   At the time, we were figuring this was years away since we still had Duchess and Athena.  Rich wanted me to know he really wanted one the next time we adopted   

Duchess' passing was so unexpected and such a big blow.  She left a very big hole in our lives.  Her role of stoic big sis and protector was empty.   None of the others were up to the task.   
Rich stated that we need to get a bigger dog. Someone intimidating that could fill in the "scary" part that Duchess did when people went by the house.    A Bernese would do the trick.  I was thinking more of waiting until Athena passed, seeing that she is a lot of work some days.
I think it was more of "Waiting to see what develops" more than anything.

Saturday night while hanging with my girlfriends we were discussing the "next dog".  I told them what Rich wanted and they looked up one since they were unfamiliar with the breed.
The very next day my one girlfriend found a post for a BMD in her timeline (you know your phone is listening) and shared the post with me as a "See our phone is listening"  

Turns out the dog was about an hour away.  Long story short--we adopted him.  He's approximately 5 years old and was used as a breeding dog in a puppy mill.   He's been neutered, but still requires house training.

He is a lover.  A BIG BALL OF FURRY LOVE.   However he is very scared.   SO after the initial "welcome to your new home" we set up his safe space.   It's in Rich's office. We have Peryn's  old crate in there-which is where he'll sleep at night and when we're gone. However, the whole room is sort of his hiding spot.    He's currently in there right now lying down. 

I go to check up on him every so often to give him love and check his provisions.    Physically he's in much better shape than Athena was when we adopted her, though his right back paw is a bit bothersome to him.


Emotionally/Mentally we are just beginning to let him heal.    

He was named Scout, but Rich wanted to keep with the Slavic God/Goddess theme and so he;s now Volos.

cutie pie

Handsome boy

 

Adopting Athena

After we saw her picture, we immediately sent an inquiry about her.   We also sent in the adoption papers along with a request to meet with her so our dogs could do a meet & sniff.

I spoke to the shelter and one, we were approved to adopt her and two, we were scheduled to meet her and possibly take her home on Saturday April 5, 2015.

In the end, we decided not to bring the other two with us.  We knew Athena, would probably be a good dog, Duchess would be the problem.  We wanted her to have time with us before introducing her to the dogs.  

Besides, it was a 2 1/2 hour drive and did not need the headache of 3 dogs in the vehicle.
It gave us time to bond with her in the car. 


We arrived down there around 10:15 AM & they brought her out right away.   It was a bit of a shock to see her at first. Even though they tell you right there in the adoption post, seeing it in person was something different.

She has that patch of dry scaly hairless skin along her spine. Additionally the black belly & knees, and the extended teets, were a bit of the surprise.   It wasn't going to change our opinion, it just made us realize that this poor girl has been through much more.
They mentioned she was probably over-bred based on her teets. 

Looking at the other spots, it looks like she was kept on her belly or laying down quite often.   It seemed she may have been a puppy mill mom.    

While all the dogs were cautious when they met, they're pretty comfortable with each other. In fact, Duchess and Athena have played a little bit.

You can tell Athena was not a house dog nor did she have a good life prior to us. She tends to walk around with her tail down between her legs.  She isn't use to going outside.  We ask her if she needs to go & she waits at the door with the other 2, but then she goes right there.   We will need to work on the house training.



Athena with her new sisters

She was totally unfamiliar with stairs.  She had the hardest time walking up and down them. She still does but she is a bit better with it than yesterday at this time.

She is an absolute sweetheart though. Very affectionate.  She also took very well to her new bed.  

Sleeping on her new bed next to big sis, Sheba

 

We made an appointment with the vet to go over her issues, get her shots and schedule a date for surgery (she obviously needs to be spayed).  We also need to put some weight on her. She's way too skinny. I'd be happy with 5-10lbs but we'll see what the vet says on Friday.

 

 

We adore her so far and we're going to everything to get her healed and feeling safe and happy.  

 

We're going to keep you up to date on her healing & progress. 

 

 

Below are some pictures of her visible physical issues.



patch along her back

 



Knee

A view of her knee & underneath. Black & hanging low



Another view of her other knee & underneath.