When I first started in Cardigans , one could break even at $800 a pup . Seemed all the dogs were natural breeders & whelpers . Then science took over ! Every breeding had to be assisted in vet's office after constant monitoring . Almost every pregnancy ended with a c-section , after nights of sleepless worry . Then after delivery , up to a week of sleepless nights until mom was able to nurse on her own ! Until puppies eyes open , weaned , & ears up . . . we worried ! The vet's share would be around $5000 a litter before we even emailed " Litter for sale ! " . Now if we only had 4 in a litter , do the math how much we'd have to charge to break even & have enough front money for next litter !
Financing my love of this special breed was one thing , but at 77 a small army of doctors enter ( 6 to be exact ! ) . I feel fine but have health insurance & eager doctors ! Phased out the rabbits & chickens , as winters were to dangerous working outdoors . Miss the critters , as they added a balance to my Big Ears Project . Now my main project is battling long cold Springs to get vegetable garden planted & harvested . Down to 4 Cardigans , will keep an eye open for special people who might offer a better home than me .
The plus side , I've flown far beyond my Brooklyn start . Met some of the greatest names in the Cardigan World & was part of the breed's history & future for over 25 years . We had something like 48 litters & 275 pups added to the breed . Mother Nature will tell me if this wonderful ride is over , or those furry beasts have other plans !
I have never had a better dog than Harri. A simple thing - he will just lay on his back while I trim his nails. Smart and sweet and sensitive. He takes his job of running this property seriously. And he's a great snuggler in bed.
ReplyDeleteIm lucky to have found you as a breeder. Now that I know the breed, I might pick up that mantle of breeding corgis in my retirement when I get there. Five of my very best friends came from your efforts♡♡♡
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