John and Mary Rueckert's Heart O'Gold Shetland Sheepdogs




			It is our belief that nothing can replace the handling and socialization that the breeder provides before you buy a puppy. It is our practice, as soon as puppies can move around and get out of the welping box, to get down on the floor with them several times a day and handle them, make noises, let them crawl on us and pull our hair. We keep them in the laundry room where it is bright and airy, and where they are exposed to washers, dryers, and the general hubbub of our daily routine and the other dogs. They are exposed to tile, wood, carpet and concrete floors. If the weather is warm enough they even get outdoor time on gravel and dirt. This outdoor time, if done correctly, can be critical to preparing puppies for easy house breaking when they go to new homes. As they get older exposure to steps and older dogs is important. All shots are given when due regardless of whether a puppy is sold as a pet at 8 weeks of age, or grown out as a show prospect. Full disclosure evaluations are given prospective owners of puppies they are considering, so that they are aware of exactly what they are buying. Since our puppies are well socialized, crave human contact, and know what good care is (timely feedings, water available at all times, immediate vet care and pain mediation), we are extremely critical of the homes in which they are placed. High priorities are placed on an in home living environment, safe fenced play area, and aptitude or history for the long term training and care of a quality pet lifestyle. All pets are sold under a spay/neuter contract. After the sale we are in the habit of periodic follow-ups with the new owner. This is done to answer any questions and ease our own mind that the dog is adjusting well to its new home. Heart O' Gold puppies come with a health guarantee at sale. All these things are what differentiate a quality breeder puppy from the pet store and backyard (for money) variety. We have worked hard for many years to build and achieve a reputation as a breeder of choice for quality, healthy, well socialized Sheltie puppies. Our experience has been that buyers who rush into the purchase of a puppy with wild abandon, on the whim of the moment, are often disappointed. Worse yet, these are the types of situations that are often disastrous for the animal. We are looking for patient, educated buyers who understand that buying a dog is for life. Dogs are living creatures capable of feeling and an almost unlimited capacity for love. Our puppies have been raised to crave such an environment. We owe them nothing less than the assurance that this is the kind of life they will have. Since we typically breed a litter less than once a year (we have had 8 litters in 14 years), there is usually a waiting list for our puppies. Our criterion for placement is the date on which a prospective buyer appears on our list balanced against our evaluation of their qualifications. If you can offer a quality home environment for one of our babies, we would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns that you might have. Please contact us initially via Email. Our next planned litter will probably be available about summer of 2001. These puppies will be sable and white. Both parents (Logan and Goldie) reside at Heart O' Gold. Although we do not currently have puppies for sale, we may have some adults available to very select homes. If you really want a puppy and don't want to wait until our next litter, we would be glad to recommend a quality breeder with a current litter for you to contact.

			Heart O' Gold Nugget - "Of all the things I miss from veterinary practice, puppy breath is one of the most fond memories." - Dr. Tom Cat · Home · Our Dogs · Puppies · Facilities · Philosophies · Stories & Poems · · Friends & Pets · Sheltie Tetherball · The Grapevine · Seasonal · · Rescue · Sheltie Links · Awards · Contact Us · Site Map · © 1999 - 2001 by John E. Rueckert - All Rights Reserved