Reflection is both hard and healing. Looking back on your life with open lens we can see the good and bad we have done. I am having a reflective season in my life. Recalling the moments I am not proud of and the moments that bring me joy for the things I have accomplished.
In this time of reminiscing I pray that I have sought forgiveness and made amends for those things I am not pleased that I have done. It is a greater mistake to not say you're sorry for mistakes made.
You're probably thinking I thought you would write about Poodles or some dog activity. Oh I will……just musing. I don’t think you can work, love and live with animals without there being heartache and heart filled moments.
As a breeder, I have had so many moments like this. Unplanned breedings to the loss of puppies. The heartache that breeders who love and care for their breed go through. One mentor told me, puppy buyers don’t want to know the hard part of what we do. I wonder about that now.
The AKC emblem on our home page says, “A Breeder with Heart”. Interesting logo…..To be a breeder means your heart will break at times and rejoice at others. It is not for the faint of heart. The things we do for the love of the poodle! Vacations are few, trying to have reliable people to stay with your dogs while you're r gone isn’t easy. Not buying things for us…..but rather the dogs :) Making sure they get the quality food they need, may mean less food budget for the humans. Emergency vet calls that cut the household budget. Purchasing dogs for improve your lines, and then the dog doesn’t pass health testing! There is so much that as breeders we willing give up for our passion of Poodles and to breed puppies that will bring joy to each family.
Funny that family and friends ask “WHY, do you do this?” I suppose it’s a mystery that what is imbedded in the heart of breeders who care. Does it mean mistakes don’t happen? of course they do! Just as in any situation in life. You can do all the health testing, raise the puppies with care and guess what….one day you find out a dog has Addison’s. How? Nature is not predictable. Scientists haven’t been able to figure out the how’s or the why’s of some illness. Just as with humans…..why does one family member get cancer and not another? or any other ailment.
I suppose I am saying this for you the reader to understand what a good breeder vs a puppy mill owner is willing to sacrifice for you. I value each family that has adopted, loved and been owned by a Winters Wind Poodle. There is a deep sense of appreciation when my families come back for another poodle.
If you have read this blog down to this point; thank you. You are the type of individual who will make a great poodle owner. You have been able to hear what happens behind the scenes. The good and the bad. Reality is plume line; to know the reality of breeding and understand that it’s truly heart decision. Yes, Breeders With Heart…..its a good logo.
The photo below is of Maisy, from our Indigo x Siri litter. I think she is being reflective :). More than likely she is wondering how she managed to get up there!
