Hi Reader,

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It's been an incredible week watching our Maremma families take the next step in their journeys toward livestock protection, family companionship, and peace of mind. Six precious dogs have gone to their new homes, and the updates we're already receiving remind me why I love what we do here at Prancing Pony Farm.

Hudson and Ripley: Setting the Gold Standard in Washington

This week's spotlight goes to Dan, Mary, and their three kids in Washington, who welcomed 13-week-old siblings Hudson and Ripley on Saturday when Dan made the drive down to pick them up. What unfolded over the next few days perfectly demonstrates why we're so passionate about matching the right families with our carefully bred Maremmas.

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The photos Mary shared with us told the whole story from day one - both puppies looking completely at home with the family, the kids absolutely delighted with their new dogs, and everyone getting settled in beautifully. Mary's initial message was simple but said everything: "Getting settled in 😍" followed by "I can't stop taking pictures 😂"

But what really made me feel great was Mary's follow-up email about their first vet visit: "Just letting you know that we took the pups to their first vet appointment today - and they did great! The vet was really happy with their condition....." This is exactly what we hope to hear - confirmation that our health testing and puppy care protocols produce puppies that vets are pleased to see.

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Mary's commitment to doing everything right for Hudson and Ripley really shines through in every interaction. The kids set up a "birthday party" to help the puppies get used to celebrations and new experiences in the house. They're enrolling both dogs in puppy classes they found through the Karen Pryor Academy Find-a-Trainer page, with Mary noting: "They're such a good pair... I had heard that puppy class was really for the humans... so I'm definitely keen to try it!"

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This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, engaged approach that sets our families up for long-term success. When a family is this invested in providing the best possible foundation for their pups, we know we've made a perfect match.

Stoic and Valka: Immediate Success with the Sheep

As a follow-up to last week's brief mention, I wanted to share Milo's wonderful feedback about 13-week-old siblings Stoic and Valka, who went to his sheep farm in Northern California. Just days after arriving, Milo's update confirmed what we see time and again with our carefully bred and socialized Maremmas: "The trip home was good, and the puppies are amazing. They are so sweet! The sheep are getting along great with them, too."

But what really captured the success of this placement was his follow-up message: "Thanks Kim, these two are great. They have taken to our sheep immediately, its like they already knew each other. And they are so loving with us, we are all very impressed with them."

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This immediate integration with the livestock while maintaining strong bonds with the family is exactly what proper Maremma breeding should produce. The photos Milo shared with me show Stoic and Valka looking completely at home, cuddled up with the sheep they're destined to protect.

Luke: An Experienced LGD Finds His Perfect Role

Monday saw one-year-old Luke head to his new role at Sharon and Dave's horse boarding stable, where he's joining two other Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas already on the property. Luke's placement demonstrates how well a more mature Maremma can integrate into an existing operation with multiple animals.

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Sharon's and Dave's updates have been consistently positive: "We made it home, with no problems. He was great in the car," followed by the perfect photo of Luke calmly investigating the chickens - "No problem with the chickens 😉"

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Her detailed update shows how thoughtfully Luke is settling in: "He is doing great! He gets along really well with the girls, chickens, cats, and sheep. He was a little unsure about the horses, but he will be fine. He is super affectionate with us... He is a happy boy... Overall, he is a great fit here. We love him."

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Sophia: A New Adventure Begins

On Wednesday morning, 13-week-old Sophia left for Southern California with Ezio and Beverly. There, she'll be a companion dog and grow up alongside their Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. While it's still early days, we're excited to follow her unique journey and see how she develops in this special role.

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Why These Stories Matter

Each of these placements represents more than just a puppy going to a new home. They represent families facing the stress and worry of protecting livestock or wanting a reliable, healthy companion. Mary's experience—from the successful vet visit to her enthusiasm about puppy training—shows the confidence that comes from working with a breeding program that prioritizes health, temperament, working ability, and lifelong client support above all else.

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These families no longer worry about predator losses or wonder if they made the right decision. They have the confidence that comes from working with a breeding program that stands behind every dog we place.

Your Story Could Be Next

If you're reading this and thinking about your own need for livestock protection or a devoted companion, remember that these families were once in your shoes. They had concerns about finding the right dog, making a significant investment, and whether a Maremma would solve their problems and fulfill their dreams.

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Today, they have their answers.

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Ready to learn more? Reply to this email with your questions, or schedule a free consultation call to discuss how a Prancing Pony Farm Maremma might fit into your life.

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Want to stay connected? Share your livestock guardian dog stories with us - whether you're considering your first Maremma or have been part of our family for years, we love hearing from you.

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Until next week,

Kim

PS If you know someone who might benefit from learning about our breeding program, forward this email to them. The best new families often come from referrals from our current families, who understand the value of ethically bred, properly socialized dogs.

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