I AM A HOBBY BREEDER
My food receipts for a family of four and my dog food bills match
My water bill has doubled my electric bill has tripled
It is I a hobby breeder who when my fridge quit, saved the dog meds and let my food go bad
My feet find the way to the dog and puppy area before I have even grabbed a cup of coffee in the morning. And the adult area is my last stop before bed.. While my friends are on a cruise in the Bahamas and my family meets for Christmas, I am home delivering puppies.
I have not had a real vacation in 7 years, but maybe soon.All plans are made around heat dates, whelp dates and vet dates.
I shower and 10 minutes later my kids say I smell like dog.
My clothes are all stained with fecal matter,urine,after birth and bleach.
I have to remember to clean my shoes before I go out.
I have slept on the floor beside a litter before the 2 week crucial period has passed.
I have bottle fed a litter of 6 feeding every 2 hours and it taking 90 minutes to do for weeks at a time. I have learned to be a proficient at vaccinations,,fluids, bottle feedings and tube feedings.
My vet knows me by my first name
My vet knows it is I who added the vets new wing.
I am a hobby breeder
It is to me that 63 days takes on a new meaning, I am still excited by every new life.
It is i who deliver all my pups. Towels and heat lamps all ready.
Happiness and Sadness sometimes intermingled. Even though it increases my work load, I look forward to the 10 day stage when eyes open, and puppies begin to emerge from the helplessness of newborns. Puppy breath, a first bark and a heart of exploration.
I am not uneducated,unemployable,illiterate or lazy as some animal right folks would imply of breeders. I am a conscientious lover of animals and I have found my niche.
I am not raking in money while I sit on my butt.
Every penyy I make, I make through blood,sweat and tears.
My greatest joy is a healthy puppy and a wonderful home.
The card of thanks and the pictures of my puppy with it's new family is the fringe benefits of my efforts.
I am an animal lover, nurse,midwife, heavy laborer, customer service representative and marketer
AND I am a hobby breeder