October 22nd
Our Suki & Thorin pups arrived on 15th October. One week in and they are all doing very well, today, 3 of them reached 1kg in weight.
We have now established that the over use of vaccinations and chemicals is killing our beloved pets, mostly by chemical induced cancers. For the first time, with our own puppy, we will be following the European protocol for vaccination. We know that puppies carry antibodies from their Dam until as long as 16 weeks old. This means that any vaccinations given up to that point may well be useless, so why are we putting these poisonous chemicals in to our vulnerable young puppies? We will give our puppy one vaccine only at 16 weeks old, DHP only, and no dangerous Lepto 4 vaccine. We shall continue to socialise even without any vaccines, the puppy carries antibodies, it will be safe. The only danger will come from other newly vaccinated animals who are shedding live vaccine in their faeces. We shall be just as vigilant as we always are with young pups.
In early 2012, we had a tiny 12 week old Coton de Tulear puppy, she had been vaccinated while with her breeder. Angel was never vaccinated again and was always raw fed. She caught fleas on one occasion that we dealt with naturally, no chemicals. At 11 years old, when she was a little unwell, we had to register her with our vet for a consultation; she had not been to a vet since she was a puppy because she was healthy. We don't just call in for a check up and pay £100 if nothing is wrong. Angel passed away six months later but she had a great life with no unnecessary intervention and no damaging chemicals in her body. This mirrors our other dogs, we do not go to a vet unless there is an illness or emergency. Humans don't just call in to see a GP unless we are unwell, so why is there encouragement to do this with pets? We have become far too reliant on using vets.
​
Following on from last month and the topic of the large consortium veterinary practices who are slowly taking the monopoly of vets as we know them. Click here to read a letter written by one of our local independent vets, who is also very unhappy with the big six. This was written in 2024, I used to see Mr Thompson during the 80's & 90"s with my Cavalier Kind Charles Spaniel. A time when vets really did have our pets health at heart and honoured their "oath".
***************
September 30th
We are currently awaiting our litter from Suki & Thorin due mid October. We have a full waiting list but there is also the possibility of another litter later this year, not with us, but from our breeding.
​
Very sadly, we lost our beloved Neo at the end of summer, just a couple of weeks short of 11 years, our oldest Leonberger to date. What an honour it has been to live with this lovely boy and enjoy our time with him on many holidays. Neo rarely had any chemicals in his body throughout his life and was fed mostly raw food. A huge contribution to his longevity. With the exception of his puppy vacs in Slovakia, he didn't see a vet in the UK until he developed arthritis in his back legs at 9 years old. He will be missed immensely as we go forward without another of our beloved Leonbergers. Neo lives on in his children and grandchildren 🌈
What we know to date about our breed: Early spay/Neuter, (before 3 years) can cause Osteosarcoma and cruciate injuries later in life. They need those hormones for bone growth until fully grown. We follow the principle that they should remain intact unless for a medical reason. Our Leo's generally live longer lives when they remain intact. These are facts, not opinion. Why wouldn't we want our dogs to live as long as possible in an already short lived breed?
​
As pet owners, we are all becoming increasingly concerned with our vet bills, especially as the six large consortiums have taken over the majority of veterinary practices throughout the country. 75%.
Old style independent vets are few and far between, no longer are they prepared to pass on their knowledge and advice without a large bill. So very different than in Europe where prices are much cheaper, we have had vets sign passports and refused payment, hard to imagine here. In early 2023, Neo had an accident and broke his jaw, the emergency vet practice at Meir Park, wanted payment of £245 as soon as we walked through the door with him. In an emergency bloat situation, a friend was asked for £1000 upfront or the dog would have to be euthanised. We are not dealing with the pet loving vets of old, these are big business consortiums run solely for profit. What has happened to the declaration of oath of the vets employed within?
Here is an interesting audio by the BBC File on 4 Investigates
We are at a time where people need to listen more to their breeders, who have many years of knowledge and experience of breed specifics. We may not be qualified vets, but we are passionate about the future health of our puppies. We pass on our knowledge and experience free of charge, without any consideration of making money from them in the future. Sadly, the same cannot be said for many of our new age vets who are often caught between the big pharmaceutical companies and greedy veterinary practices.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
**********
June 23rd
In early January, we had to take back a young girl from our 2024 litter from Coco & Sultan, through no fault of her own. Heidi is now a very firm member of our gang and is learning her pack manners very quickly. These dogs adapt so well to change, it's as if she has always lived with us. Heidi is our 23rd Leonberger in our home since 2006. In 19 years, we have never lost one of our dogs to any form of cancer. We have never had a bloat or tortion situation. Never experienced any cruciate injuries. We don't spay or neuter unless for a medical reason so we have not experienced Osteosarcoma. In the early years, we did lose lose 3 dogs to sudden heart failure, all at 7 years old. Since using taurine supplement from 2015, we have not had this problem reoccur. Our average age is 9 years. Neo is now officially our oldest Leo at just over 10y 9m. We hope he will be here to celebrate 11 years in August 🤞
The summer show scene is well in hand and we are looking forward to another great year with super friends. Our planned summer litter should hopefully go ahead in July.
**********
​
​
March 21st
Another great day at Crufts and Tess was placed with a VHC in a very nice class of young ladies. This show is always very special and is enjoyed whatever the result, it's an honour to take part in the biggest dog show in the world.
This week we have lost a very special boy. Cosmo or Mo for short was rehomed almost three years ago and was loved and treasured by his new owners. In a very cruel twist for this success story, Mo was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma early in the year and lost his very brave battle on 20th March. Our sincere condolences to everyone who had loved Mo throughout his life.
**************
​
​
​
​​​​​​​​​​February 14th
The New Year didn't begin well with the very sad loss of several of our pups. First was Pagency Tishno Snoopy Bear (Snoopy) on 4th January, she was 8 1/2. Pagency Leos Raikou (Morgana) passed away on 6th January age almost 7. Her brother Pagency Nesta Marley (Monty) left for the rainbow bridge on 18th January. All have passed to various forms of cancer. Our heartfelt condolences go to their owners at this very sad time. 🌈
On 30th January, we also lost our own beautiful Holly (Pagency Noel's Vianoce) she had renal failure and went downhill very quickly, she was just 8 years old. We never thought we would lose her before her Dad Neo who is now 10 1\2. Within two weeks of losing Holly, her brother Bear (Pagency Noel's Santa Claus) also passed away to cancer. Bear had fought courageously since August last year. In June 2024, Bear had won Best Veteran at Blackpool Ch show, that was to be his final appearance in the show ring. It was a very proud moment to watch him and his Mum enjoy his achievement. All these beautiful dogs gone far too soon will remain in our hearts forever RIP our precious babies 🧡 The heartache of their loss is eased only by the wonderful memories we have had the privilege to share with them 🌈
****************
