They’re crazy but they worth it

Every single day we’re practicing different types of training with the babies to prepare them for their loving families who will (hopefully) be up to the task of keeping these pups’ minds and bodies busy and fulfilled.

Tollers are NOT for everyone. They are NOT a great first dog. They can be reactive, shy, aggressive and poorly behaved in different settings and I don’t think the Toller community talks about it enough. Put brains, prey drive and sensitivity into a compact, powerful and athletic little body and you get a crazy redhead called a Toller. We have a mob of them and they challenge us regularly. These characteristics need to be understood and managed with love and compassion; for they are NOT an easy dog.

5 of our house dogs: Mazie, Finnlea, Cannoli, Topaz and Denim

5 of our house dogs: Mazie, Finnlea, Cannoli, Topaz and Denim

A toller story that is Sad and happy and sad and Happy

When he was just 8 months old, Daintree’s Flying Kangaroo, our Australian litter’s Qantas (left) found himself unwanted by his original family. Due to the distance, I had a colleague go and pick him up with a cheque because the owners wouldn’t give him back, but rather held him ransom for a complete refund. Not all breeders have a few grand sitting around so I struggled, but we got him back.

He was a handful but a good dog.

Enter Josh Smith and his mother Cheryl. Josh is a special needs adult with a love of dogs and especially Tollers. He had lost his Toller Jesse and made a beautiful video tribute to the departed boy which made the rounds online. Although I have never met Josh in person, I understand that he is largely non-verbal and that his family didn’t even know that he knew how to make videos on the computer. Until this one... ❤️

Though the Smiths had applied with a couple of different kennels aside from Daintree for a puppy, they knew with their lifestyle and Toller experience that they could manage a slightly older dog as well, so accepted both Qantas and Levi. That was 8 years ago ❤️❤️.

Qantas went on to save the life of Josh’s dad, Cheryl’s husband Paul when he was in distress in his armchair one night by behaving in an agitated fashion until Cheryl arrived from a different part of the house to help. He ended up being okay! We’ve since lost Paul, but the fur boys remain a bonded and valued part of the family. And Qantas is still a handful. ☺️

Qantas and Levi, summer 2019

Qantas and Levi, summer 2019

7 instagram accounts every Daintree dog owner should follow

@puppy_cultureThe puppy raising program we follow for healthier, happier, well adjusted Daintree Tollers.

@puppy_culture

The puppy raising program we follow for healthier, happier, well adjusted Daintree Tollers.

@rodneyhabibRodney Habib, a pet store owner from my hometown of Dartmouth Nova Scotia who has dedicated his life to research on pet health and longevity delivered with humour and backed by science.

@rodneyhabib

Rodney Habib, a pet store owner from my hometown of Dartmouth Nova Scotia who has dedicated his life to research on pet health and longevity delivered with humour and backed by science.

@ZakgeorgeEasily one of the most watchable online dog training personalities with science-backed, positive reinforcement methods everyone can adopt.

@Zakgeorge

Easily one of the most watchable online dog training personalities with science-backed, positive reinforcement methods everyone can adopt.

@kikopupEmily has hundreds of Youtube dog training videos and her methods are positive plus proven.

@kikopup

Emily has hundreds of Youtube dog training videos and her methods are positive plus proven.

@drkarenbeckerDr. Becker has all of the street cred of a Chicago based practicing veterinarian coupled with a true passion for natural, holistic and optimal pet health.

@drkarenbecker

Dr. Becker has all of the street cred of a Chicago based practicing veterinarian coupled with a true passion for natural, holistic and optimal pet health.

@itollerRaising holistic, healthy Toller puppies naturally, we are happy to share behind the scenes and puppy/adult photos and updates on our social media.

@itoller

Raising holistic, healthy Toller puppies naturally, we are happy to share behind the scenes and puppy/adult photos and updates on our social media.

@perfectlyrawsomeLearn a ton about raw feeding here.

@perfectlyrawsome

Learn a ton about raw feeding here.

Now I lay me down to rest

Nobody wants to think about the day their pet will no longer be here. I can tell you from experience it’s horrible.

But I have some heartening news for you. There is a place where caring people are championing the natural process of death for pets, as an extension of the resurgence in natural funerals for people.

Take a look: http://www.restingwaters.com/

I had the most beautiful experience with my beloved Splash at Okanagan Pet Cremation. I spent hundreds on keepsakes and am so glad I did. I have her ashes in my vehicle and my home, and her pawprint on my desk. 

 http://www.okanaganpetcremation.ca/

 

Me with Splash, age 16. She lost an eye to injury.  

Me with Splash, age 16. She lost an eye to injury.