When I first started with the Labradors, I went to visit several breeders. They would NEVER
allow me in their puppy houses OR their kennel area, and I couldn’t understand why and was honestly offended at first.
However, after having my own kennel, I knew EXACTLY why they had their “off limits” policy.. No one took the time
to explain to me why these rules were set, SO I’ll explain it to you, so no one will be offended or think they are being
singled out on a visit.. I truly appreciate a breeder that is careful with visitors around their kennel and their puppies
and “my puppy”. You will find that many breeders, ones that truly care, will have some kind of visitation policy.
All reputable breeders make it a priority to protect their Labradors.
So….
In the best interest
of our puppies and adult Labradors, we are very careful about
preventing the transmission of diseases to them.
We take every precaution that we can to make sure that our puppies are not exposed
to any kinds of disease that you
may carry on your shoes or even on your hands. These diseases can be picked up and carried on your shoes for DAYS, anywhere
a dog has been, parks, pet stores, REST STOPS, parking lots, ANYWHERE. Pet stores that allow pets inside for shopping could mean
disaster.
Therefore as a precaution no one is allowed to touch or handle or visit while unvaccinated puppies are on
the premises.
We love meeting new people and allow visitors. However, We do not allow visitors inside our puppy
house or while unvaccinated puppies are on the premisis. No Exceptions. This house is where current litters and future litters
will be housed and we do not want anything carried in on the puppies or premises. (this rule even applies to my family and
friends, its simply off limits. Very few are allowed in the puppy house). If you have a deposit down on a Heringo puppy, photos
of the puppy or puppies that are available can be emailed to you. If first pick on a male, then photos of all males will be
emailed to you, if last pick males, then the remaining males photos will be emailed to you.
During visitation, We do require that you remove your shoes OR wear shoe covers before entering our
house or around our kennel area. We have plastic shoe covers that we will give you to wear. We also wear these daily in those
areas and also when we go to the vets office, etc. So please be prepared. Veterinarians that may come to our home also wear
them.(Their idea actually).
We do not go around our dogs with our street clothes and shoes on, and the rest of
our family lives by the same rules. Its just way to risky as we have no idea what we have stepped in along the way that we
couldn’t even see, such saliva, urine, or feces from an infected dog OR off someone else’s shoes from an infected
dog,
We hope that all of our families have the comfort of knowing that their puppies have the best possible care and
protection that they can get.
Also we NEVER allow any other dogs or animals around our kennels. PLEASE leave your other
animals at home, As they will not be allowed our of your vehicle. Just Another precaution for our dogs and puppies.
Yes you can see the parents of YOUR puppy in a designated area, but roaming inside our kennels is not permitted, Petting
each and every Labrador is not permitted. Again, this is all for the prevention of possible diseases. YES you can see the
kennel area from the designated area and also the adult labs and conditions, so we are not hiding anything, just being careful..
Kennel Visits are not allowed to those “just looking” as they have been “just looking” around
other kennels also and the risk is to high to allow this.
We are more than happy for you to visit at the appropriate
times, We just ask that you respect our policies.. Its in the best interest of our puppies and YOURS.
Think of
how you would feel for me to call you and tell you that your puppy is sick or has died.. I’ve never had to make a call
like that and hope I never will. While things do happen from time to time, if we can prevent we will. Puppies are like newborn
babies, until all shots are complete, they are susceptible to many different diseases and illnesses.
I will give
you information on one horrible puppy virus and one that can be carried in easily if one isn’t VERY careful…
Parvo- (parvovirus), A breeder’s worst fear.. I’ve never had this at my kennel and I pray I never do..Canine
Parvovirus , commonly referred to as parvo, is a very serious viral disease in dogs. This illness first appeared in the late
70’s and there was a widespread epidemic in dogs of all ages. As no dogs had been exposed or vaccinated at that time,
dogs of all ages died from this horrible virus. Parvo has adapted over time and new strains have appeared.
The
most common form of Parvo is intestinal and most commonly seen today. It causes extreme damage to the lining of the digestive
tract. Parvo likes to grow in rapidly dividing cells and the intestinal lining has the biggest concentration of rapidly dividing
cells in a puppy’s body. The virus attacks and destroys certain portions of the intestinal tract. . And, even with this
form of Parvo, heart muscle damage may also occur.
Symptoms: Loss of appetite, Vomiting ,Lethargy, High Fever, Diarrhea,
often bloody, Foul smelling, liquid yellow stool..
Parvovirus causes severe life-threatening illness, through dehydration,
acid-base imbalance, infection and shock. If you suspect your pet may be infected, it is an emergency and you should contact
your veterinarian immediately. This is critical!!
How is it transmitted?
Parvo is carried by dogs. Adult dogs may
be infected carriers and not show signs. Dogs with the typical symptoms and diarrhea, shed the virus perhaps for as long as
7 days after the symptoms have ended. Generally, it takes 3 to 10 days from the time of exposure for symptoms to appear and
for your dog or pup to test positive. The onset of clinical signs is usually sudden, within 12 hours, or even less.
The
Parvovirus is particularly long-lived in the environment, lasting anywhere from 1 to 7 months, or even a year. Due to the
large amounts of virus particles shed in the feces of an infected dog and the ability of the virus to survive, complete eradication
of the virus is often impossible.
Parvo may be brought home to your pup on shoes, hands, and even your vehicle tires.
It is not an airborne illness. So, even if your dog or pup does not leave your yard, they may get this disease if precautions
arent taken.
STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT PARVO CAN STAY IN THE STOOL OF ‘PARVO
SURVIVORS’ FOR UP TO 6 MONTHS, WITH THE PUPPY/DOG SHOWING NO SIGNS OF PARVO.
Taking
precautions should NEVER stop here, you need and should do the same when your puppy is home and until all vaccines are completed..
Below you will see a wonderful link describing parvo..
Parvo
Parvo in the enviroment
