Early Spay Neuter

Many of you who know me or have purchased puppies from me know that I am NOT a fan of early spay neuter any longer. The research is out there and more and more studies are affirming the early studies. It is not good for the long-term health of your dog.

As pet owners we have been brainwashed that your pet MUST be neutered or you will produce unwanted puppies. This is not true. This real issue is the difference between responsible pet ownership and irresponsible owners. In many places in Europe spaying/neutering an animal EVER is considered animal abuse and is banned. So the immediate question is, what do they do with all of their unwanted offspring? ....they do not have a pet overpopulation problem in Europe and this is due almost entirely to responsible pet ownership.

Many of you as pet owners will receive a lot of pressure from your neighbors, trainers, boarding facilities, doggy day care to spay/neuter your animal immediately. Many of you will receive pressure from your veterinarian.

Please be an advocate for your dog's health. Take the time to do the research on the peer-reviewed studies (2013-2014). And be willing to say "no!"

I receive calls all the time from pet owners telling me about their dog's ill health. Further into the conversation I can tell you that every one of the dogs who has poor health coincidentally was spayed/neutered early, was given combination vaccines prior to eight weeks of age and received annual combination vaccines. Many of these dogs are eventually euthanized due to their health issues. The veterinary care costs for these animals is staggering.

For the sake of your animal's long-term health please do your homework. Responsible pet ownership in 2015 means protecting your animal's health.

Team Allmark is on "Fire!"

Fire's first dog show in England...a success!

Photo courtesy of Amanda Hutchinson Photography.

Pet Vaccination: Risks and Benefits

Information to help you decide on vaccinations

United States Australian Shepherd Foundation

Plan ahead...when making out your will do not forget to support your breed!

Giving Back to the Breed

Apple Cider Vinegar

My dogs get  this daily... check it out!

How Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help Your Dog

Postcard from Apollo

Environmental Seizures: Part Two

Environmental Seizures: Part Two

This is part two of the three-part article currently being published in the Australian Shepherd Journal.

Environmental Seizures: Part One

Environmental Seizures: Part One

This is part one of a three-part article currently being published in the Australian Shepherd Journal.

Quinn at 7 Months!

Stonepine Quintessential at EdenOak "Quinn" (Ch. Heatherhill No Stone Unturned "Turner"  x  Ch. Stonepine Sheer Silk "Sash")

"Quinn loves to swim and retrieve! She is doing great in classes and we took her on her first trip to a hotel - she stayed in a soft crate! Without issues. She will be going to Ferndale and Ventura at the end of the month. Faith's husband Kevin just loves her; he took care of her while we were in Pomona and he says she is easy...just likes to swim in their pool and he sometimes had a hard time keeping her out of it on the trip to the pasture to run!" LeeAnn

Week Two: Stevie-Deacon Litter

Yes! A second litter! I normally bred one or two litters a year. This is one of the two girls I was going to breed this year. Rather than having a winter litter I decided to do both a the same time. Please check in on my on a regular basis to make sure I am still alive by Week 8! Puppies are gorgeous, healthy and just starting to get mobile. Their eyes and ears should open this week and by next week they will be experimenting with food (puppy formula green tripe).

Week Three: ED-Enzo Litter

It's a big week for the pups; out of the whelping box and into the large puppy play pen. New surfaces, new toys, wide open spaces and starting to eat (puppy formula green tripe). A video is also available at: http://youtu.be/aJuyRb4JtGE

Week One: ED-Enzo Litter

The pups are one week old today. All are doing very well including E.D. who is being a fabulous mom. Healthy, happy, robust puppies who have started their path in life with Early Neurological Stimulation.

The E.D.-Enzo Litter Day One

Thrilled to announce the arrival of the spectacular E.D. (Ch. Stonepine Jaded) and Enzo (Ch. Stonepine Fuel Injected) litter. We kept it simple...basic black! Eight healthy, robust puppies (six boys and two girls).