I embarked on a wonderful journey. My first litter was born on November 22, 1995, and I've never looked back. Little did I know that those 5 little lives would be just the start of something so amazing and rewarding.
Not that breeding dogs doesn't have it's pratfalls. It's a very expensive "hobby", one that you never go into lightly, and certainly not to make money. When done correctly, it is a labor of love, not of profit. Creating lives should always be taken seriously, whether you are talking about children or animals. Finding wonderful homes for those that don't remain here to "carry on" for Ashbrook is a time-consuming reality. You have to be tough enough to say no to that eager family who you feel really doesn't have the time for a puppy, or who's kids aren't really ready for the responsibility. Contrary to popular belief, the sale does not end with the the pick up of the puppy and the cashing of the check. You have to always be on hand to offer advice or a shoulder to cry on for the lifetime of that puppy, or should the unthinkable happen, be willing to take that puppy back at any point of it's lifetime, should the owner not be able to keep it.
Responsible breeders put their hearts and souls, as well as a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears into raising a litter properly. There is nothing like sitting next to the box after you've helped mom deliver a healthy litter of newborns, and staring in amazement at the miracle of life, as well as maternal instinct.
However, often times there are problems, and all doesn't go so well. The majority of mothers seem to like to wait until the wee hours of the morning to deliver. We stay up with them round the clock when whelping is imminent. When we feel something isn't going as it should, a call is made to the veterinarian, and often we pack up and head out. I am very fortunate that my vet has their own 24 hour Emergency care; there is no calling an Emergency Clinic at 2 in the morning for us!
All breeders have experienced loss, and it never gets any easier. Holding that newborn that never took a breath, or the one that you spent days tube feeding only to have it lose it's fight, or to have Mom lay on one is devastating. It all comes with the territory, unfortunately.
However, the good definitely outweighs the bad. There is nothing like the smiles on the new families' faces when they come to pick up their new puppy. That phone call or e-mail (with pictures!) telling me how much they love their new "addition", and how well it's going. Even better is when a family comes back for a second, third or even a fourth (one PA family), because their Ashbrook puppy is so wonderful! Wow, what a feeling! Many of my puppy buyers have become good friends as well.
I never thought 14 years would go by so fast, or that I would be this "deep" in the dog world. I've been blessed by a wonderful dog family, and have incredible friends that I never would have met had it not been for this wonderful breed. I've had many wins in the show ring, and while those are great, there is still nothing like sitting next to a whelping box with a new litter of young lives.
HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY to my first litter of Ashbrook puppies - may you have many more!
Sophie, Ryan, Lexi, Phoebe & Liza, all still alive and well. Sophie still rules the roost here, and shows no signs of slowing down, even after we almost lost her earlier this year.
Ryan went on to win many titles for his owners - Working Dog Excellent, Junior & Senior Hunter, Utility Dog (highest level of Obedience), and Agility titles. Lexi, Phoebe & Liza are all beloved pets, and I thank their owners from the bottom of my heart.
And my adored & treasured Tally, mom of this litter; you taught me so much, but nothing like the unconditional love of a dog. Rest well, my dear; I miss you so much.
