For the past few years we have had a very strict visitation policy. We adopted this policy after consulting with many fellow breeders, as well as our veterinarian. Our number one priority is the safety, health and well being of our puppies, our dogs and our family. We have heard many reports of the parvovirus (and other bacteria) being unknowingly brought into a house or onto a property, and the devastating effects it can have on an entire litter (or multiple litters). Parvovirus can be brought in by families who have visited parks, pet stores, a vet office or simply from being exposed to a contaminated puppy or dog. Before puppies are vaccinated, they do not have any immunity to this deadly virus.  

 

Therefore, we do not allow visitations of our puppies or dogs here prior to pickup. We know it is very exciting to meet your puppy, but if every litter we have, with every family bringing multiple people to visit, possibly coming back multiple times, that can be hundreds of people coming to visit the puppies. This creates a very high risk of contamination of puppies that have very low immunity prior to vaccination. The risk that the added stress alone would cause could have a devastating effect on these very young babies as well.

 

We understand that our policy will not be popular with some people, however it would be much more heartbreaking to have to tell families that their puppy is no longer available due to illness or possibly death.  

 

These are our babies, and then become your babies. Our job is to keep them safe, happy and healthy and we take our job very seriously! 

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Another concern that has invaded the breeding community is the safety of breeders themselves, and theft of litters. Unfortunately, there have been many incidents of violence to breeders, particularly those in remote areas, selling exclusive and high-end puppies. Puppy theft, and the potential violence involved, has become a huge problem. We have actually had a concerning experience with this ourselves in the past. As this is also my family's home, I am not willing to put them at risk. Once I have established a relationship with a client throughout the puppy process, only then am I willing to welcome them to my home.

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** TO OFFSET THIS POLICY, WE DO OFFER FACETIME/ZOOM "VISITS" TO ASSIST WITH THE SELECTION OF PUPPIES **

 

Please visit our "Selections" tab to view our selection process.

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Canine Parvovirus Infection in Dogs

 

The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite (anorexia). The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.

 

 

Causes

 

Most cases of CPV infections are caused by a genetic alteration of the original canine parvovirus: the canine parvovirus type 2b. There are a variety of risk factors that can increase a dog’s susceptibility to the disease, but mainly, the virus is transmitted either by direct contact with an infected dog, or indirectly, by the fecal-oral route. Heavy concentrations of the virus are found in an infected dog’s stool, so when a healthy dog sniffs an infected dog’s stool, it will contract the disease. The virus can also be brought into a dog's environment by way of shoes that have come into contact with infected feces. There is evidence that the virus can live in ground soil for up to a year. It is resistant to most cleaning products, or even to weather changes. If you suspect that you have come into contact with feces at all, you will need to wash the affected area with household bleach, the only disinfectant known to kill the virus.

(Source: petmd.com)