How many dogs do you have?  This question is asked to us at the market, at the  
park, at the school, at the vet, at the post office, at any function we attend, at the  
dentist, at the doctor, and at the dump.  I wonder how many other breeders are as  
tired of that question as we are?  Why is it everyone's business?  We don't bother  
anyone, and I always hope that people will just leave us alone.  

    My husband and I both love to watch multiple dogs interact with each other.  I  
hope that we can say for a long time that we have 8 dogs ranging in age from 2 years  
to 14 years.  We have three that we breed.  The spayed grandmas are an important  
part of our lives.  They are the spirits of our life in dogs.  They have given their best to  
us and should have a place of honor in our home.  

    Because of having multiple dogs  we have given up non dog related vacations, hair  
free clothes and a spotless house.  I get a lump in my throat when I think how many  
of my favorite belongings have been chewed up by the dogs.  Each new addition  
selected it's own item:  an antique table leg, a priceless wall hanging, and my best pair  
of high heels.  We only buy old furniture, practical cars, and colors that don't show the hair.  Victor keeps masking tape everywhere hoping to teach school free of hair.  We  
plan everything around what would make it easier for the care of the dogs.  We can't  
take trips to visit family together, or even to go town without checking to see that everyone  is safe and warm.  Life with one or two dogs is so different.  The question is  
"Is it better or worse?"  The number of dogs you collect changes your life forever.  The emotional and physical strain should be assessed with each new puppy.  

    I loved Calgary, Puget Sound, Vancouver Island, Trail, and many other scenic  
places.  All of these places were seen because they involved a dog event.  There is  
always an excitement about going new places with the dogs.  If the scenic place is not  
fun for our dogs, we don't plan to go back.  We check fairgrounds, boat docks and schools in every town.  Our favorite places to go for a picnic involve fun for all ten of us.  

    I love watching each canine personality go through it's stages of life.  Taylor is about  
5.  I think that is my favorite age.  Taylor can now open locked doors.  He goes to  
school with Victor and manages to open the classroom door and wait outside by the  
VW for his master.  Everyone in our small town knows Taylor.  He is the hospital dog.    
I know he wants to be in charge at the hospital.  The elderly people in the town think  
he is so special.  Katie is fourteen; she and I seem to be approaching senility together.  
We both forget what day it is.  She takes her sweet time getting the paper in the  
morning, stopping to smell all the roses.  She lets all the puppies climb all over her like  
she is doing grandma duty.  Maggie, our three year old, is still the baby.  and we justify any mistake she makes by saying she is the baby.  She likes to lay in the crook of your arm and snore, just like a puppy and just like her grandma Phoebe.  
   
    I thought in the beginning we would be able to place dogs that quote  unquote "did   
not work out"  We did it twice, once at 14 months, and one at 2 1/2 years.  It caused   
us so much emotional pain that we have both decided that there will be no more placing.  It sure make Mother Nature's blows easier to take.  We can take the new addition into our hearts like the true pet people we are.  I would like to repeat to all of you new to   
the breed that you should think carefully when you take on a new puppy.  The odds are good it won't be something to be bred.  Are you emotionally able to find a dog with a 
fault a new home outside of yours?  It is difficult to grow in the breed without placing.  You can't keep the best you breed.  By deciding not to place you can keep your sanity, and avoid the emotional roller coaster of placing dogs.  We help our puppy buyers and show our own breeding free to keep in the show ring.  

    We don't board our dogs.  We have found it near impossible to find good dog   
people near our house to care for our dogs.  We can't take trips to Europe, and we   
will never be able to back on the beach in Mexico.  It is so easy to gather more dogs  
then planned.  I know that the homes we found for our girls were perfect, as good as ours, but I want, and my husband wants that when we take on another puppy, that it  
be a commitment for life, regardless of the genetic and show outcome.  The last puppy  
we kept on temperament alone.  She picked us.  She was not the best looking.  We are  
very happy with the decision.  

    In the beginning find the best puppy you can.  Ask a million questions.  Make a long time breeder your mentor.  Visit breeders and dog shows.  Go to obedience trails and hunting tests.  Watch and listen.  The number of dogs you have will control your life.  Decide early on if you are willing to trade dogs hugs for vacations.