What a relief!

I got the DNA reports back on my final 2 breeding age Labs today. I always hold my breath when I read them, because one bad gene would mean I'd have to spay and remove a dog I really like from my breeding program.

So far I've been very fortunate, and this pair was no exception. They both tested clear of every genetic defect that it's currently possible to test for. What this means is that I can give a lifelong ironclad guarantee to my puppy buyers against all of these defects. I know before I breed these dogs that they're as healthy as I can make them and my pups new families can rest assured that they're not going to face heartache over things that could/should have been prevented.

Hickory shows as carrying yellow and chocolate color genes, where Ava carries only chocolate. Since Chip carries both, I will have beautiful colored pups out of their pairing.

Finally Marching toward spring

With spring just around the corner, there's hope again; but also much more work to plant and protect and raise what we can so that even if the recession becomes a depression we will be prepared. I'm watching eagerly as the snow melts and ground warms. Seeing blades of green grass poking up makes even the cold days seem a bit easier to bear.

This winter has been a long, cold, harsh one. We've had far more subzero weather than normal and windchills down to -45. We've weathered it and managed to keep safe, managed to keep up with the gas bill, still have food in the freezer and pantry. Once more we have survived.