Breeder`s Poem
I love my little puppy; she makes my house a home.
She is my very sweetest little friend; I never feel alone.
She makes me smile; She makes me laugh; She fills my heart with love . . .
Did some person breed her, or did she fall from above?
I`ve never been a breeder, never seen life through their eyes;
I hold my little puppy and just sit and criticize.
I`ve never known their anguish; I`ve never felt their pain,
The caring of their charges, through snow or wind or rain.
I`ve never waited the whole night through for babies to be born,
The stress and trepidation when they`re still not there by morn.
The weight of responsibility for this body in my hands,
This darling little baby, who weighs but 60 grams.
Should you do that instead of this . . . Or maybe that was wrong?
Alone you fight and hope, one day, he`ll grow up proud and strong.
You pray he`ll live to bring great joy to someone els e`s home.
You know it`s all just up to you; you`ll fight this fight alone.
Formula, bottles, heating pads, you`ve got to get this right,
Two-hour feedings for this tiny guy, throughout the day and night.
Within your heart you dread that you will surely lose this fight,
To save this little baby, but God willing . . . You just MIGHT.
Day one; he`s in there fighting; you say a silent prayer.
Day two & three, he`s doing well, with lots of love and care.
Day four & five . . . he`s still alive; your hopes soar to the heavens.
Day six he slips away again, dies in your hands, day seven.
You take this little angel, and bury him alone.
With aching heart and burning tears, and an exhausted groan,
You ask yourself, "Why do this? . . . Why suffer through this pain?"
Yet watch the joy your puppies bring,and everything`s explained.
So, when you think of breeders and label them with "Greed,"
Think of all that they endure to fill another`s need.
For when you buy your puppy, with your precious dollars part,
You only pay with money . . . While they pay with all their heart.
... Author Unknown....
What should I feed my puppy?
Your puppy will primarily eat Purina ProPlan dry puppy food at least until one year old, then transition to Purina ProPlan adult dry food. You may mix dry food and canned food half and half. As your puppy may have some problems adjusting to a new enviroment for the first couple of days, it is important for your puppy to maintain their appetite. If your puppy isn't interested in their regular diet, you may try feeding them Ceasar selects, found at any dog food supplier. (However, this may ruin him/her for eating dry food again.)
What if I want to change my puppy's diet?
If you wish to use a different brand than Purina ProPlan, mix your preferred brand with the Purina ProPlan for a few days to transitiion the puppy as smoothly as possible. As good as a premium dog food may be, it may not agree with your puppy. Don't be afraid to find a premium brand that fits them best. Look for all natural foods with no by products or fillers. Check out brands such as Ukanuba, Hills Science Nature's Best, Nutro Ultra, also, Petsmarts home brands (Nature's Recipe and Authority).
Why does my puppy need toys and which kind should I get?
Puppies that have toys will be entertained with their things and leave your things alone. Store bought toys are great; but, an empty asprin bottle with a penny in it, a sock tied in a knot, pacifiers, and/or toys your child has outgrown will also keep your puppy happy. The key is variety in their toy selection. Keep in mind that your puppy is similar to a child, don't give them toys they can easily get small pieces off of. Regularly inspect your puppy's toys for signs of cracks, breaks, or tears.
Where should my puppy sleep?
Your puppy will require a secure space where their bed will consistantly be. This space should be kept in a place away from where most excitement will occur. Your puppy will need quiet time too. This is also a part of Crate Training.