You would be surprised how often I receive comments on my social media or emails that demand “adopt don’t shop”. I am sure you have heard the phrase. It is a popular campaign slogan that a growing number of animal rights activists are using to promote adopting pets from shelters rather than buying from a breeder.
In 2017, our daughter was with a neighbor and their dogs as she had been many times before. Out of nowhere their lab lunged at her and violently bit her face. He put a large hole all the way through her cheek. Since the initial traumatic event, her plastic surgeon has performed 6 surgeries. In the days following the accident, we learned that the dog was a rescue/adoption pet. He had been living with his family for years without incident. Rescue animals frequently have a traumatic past. The treatment of a rescue animal is unknown and it may take years for bad behaviors to present. The dog that bit our daughter had to be euthanized. This incident has cost tremendous financial, emotional and physical heartache.
We bought our first breeding dog a few months after this incident. Our goal is to provide puppies that are intentionally raised, well-socialized and loved from birth.
Even though our story began very traumatic, we have been blessed by the journey because we know we are putting incredible dogs into forever homes.
Below are the photos of our daughter right after the dog bite, a few days later and 5 years later (after 6 plastic surgeries).
