OUR PHILOSOPHY

We strongly believe part of the way to healthier dogs--and Berners in particular--is to select dogs for breeding with good longevity and to feed a healthy, raw-food diet and limit vaccines and exposure to chemicals. Our first preference in treating health issues that are not accute or life-threatening is to seek trained homeopathic care or explore other alternative health care options.

RAW FOOD We feed a meat/bone diet consisting of chicken, beef, lamb, pork, vegetables and fish oils in combination with high-quality, no-grain dog food.

HEALTH CARE Where possible, we use homeopathic and chiropractic care to maintain good health.

LIMITED VACCINATIONS  We stay informed about the latest vaccination protocols and give only those vaccinations we feel are proven effective and prudent to give based on our geographic location and likelihood of exposure.

LIMITED EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS We strongly believe natural rearing is one way to better health for a breed that has its' share of health problems. We are in a VERY high Lyme area, so have chosen to use tick products administered for the months when ticks are prevalent in our area.  We tried to use herbal sprays and essential oils, and garlic supplements, but still had dogs that became symptomatic for Lyme's or other tick-borne diseases.  We do not use heartworm preventatives on our dogs, nor do we use fertilizer or weed killer on our lawn.

HEALTH -- AGAIN...

Our highest priority in making breeding decisions is health and longevity.  In a breed with it's share of health problems, this is important to us and we assume it's important to you as a puppy-buyer.  We all want healthy, long-lived companions.  As you can see when you look through the pages about our dogs, you will see lots information about health screenings done.  Understand that health testing is not a one-shot deal.  It's something that goes on throughout the life of the dog.  We also believe that breeding decisions should be made carefully while realizing full-well that there is no perfect dog.  We strive to balance health and longevity priorities with other genetic issues as we research pedigrees.

We also believe in doing all we can to understand what our dogs have died from.  While it is difficult and emotional to do, we feel that it provides important information to help us, and other breeders, make informed breeding decisions.