Giving back

Recently I've been confronted and asked about why I have bred these puppies when there are so many animals in shelters just waiting for homes. It's a legitimate question.

We've adopted pets from the animal shelter before. One of the first dogs my husband and I had together was literally rescued from an animal testing facility. He was a beautiful, full-size Walker Hound. I was in love with him because I'd always been a horsewoman and dreamed of fox hunting. He was a good buddy but had so many issues due to his previous mistreatment.

We "adopted" our first Golden Retriever, Champ, from a dear friend. She was a horse breeder and needed to cut down on the number of mouths she needed to feed. He was about 2 years old when we got him. He was literally the best dog we've ever had. Ever ever.

Since then we've been hooked on Goldens. And really, that's our story. We brought Honey into our lives a few years ago and she is such a joy. Every one loves her. Everyone loves her so much that people began asking us if we would ever consider breeding her. And, after several people asking we decided that we could give it a try! But that's another story.

This is about giving back.

My daughter, Chloe, is an animal lover. LOVER. She plans on having a vet clinic and wants to rescue sea turtles. We donate to the sea turtles. We donate to save the whales. We donate goods to the Humane Society (blankets, treats, food). We watch Sea Rescue on Saturdays. Anytime we see a coin drive on a counter for Fuzzy Friends or whatever animal shelter needs help, she is on it. Did I mention the sea turtles? We talk about the sea turtles almost every single day.

Last year on her 8th birthday (56 in dog years!) she decided that instead of presents she wanted her friends to bring toys and treats and food to donate to an animal shelter. We chose Happy Endings Rescue Shelter in Hewitt. It was really so much fun. They took all of us in and we got to play with the dogs and love on them and give our treats and toys. It was a truly fulfilling day.

I think animal shelters are wonderful places and we have adopted animals from shelters and totally support that decision. I believe it's a personal decision you can make and finding a four-legged fuzzy friend is about finding the one who is best for you and your family. That's the bottom line.

And, please support the sea turtles!