Hi Reader,
I'm writing this email from our puppy parlor, where Pele—one of our year-old Maremmas—is recovering from surgery that could very well save her life someday.
Here's what happened:
Romeo and Pele are littermates heading to their new farm up north in a couple of weeks. They stayed here in training for a couple of extra months while their new owners finished building fences and setting up their farm. Since they'll be working as an LGD team, but we don't want accidental breeding, their new owner arranged for my vet to spay Pele before pickup. (Romeo will be neutered later.)
But here's the part that really matters for anyone with livestock guardian dogs or any large dogs...
At the same time as the spay, we had gastropexy surgery performed on Pele. This simple procedure has a 95% rate of preventing death from canine bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Large, deep-chested breeds, such as Maremmas and other livestock guardian dogs, as well as many other non-LGD breeds, have a risk of developing bloat as high as 40%.
I learned this the hard way a few years ago when one of my clients lost their beloved Maremma, Jess, whom I bred, to bloat. 😢 This was such a devastating loss of a beautiful dog and a wonderful LGD, that I wrote about it (and the dangers of bloat) on my blog. You can read Jess's story and more about how to protect your dog here.
Ever since that experience, I have had my vet perform a gastropexy on my dogs during spay or neuter procedures and recommend this to my clients. So I was really happy that Pele's new owner was able to get the spay and the gastropexy done by my vet, especially since my vet is reasonably priced for this life-saving surgery.
The cost difference is startling:
- My vet: $100 or so added to a spay/neuter (total around $700-1100)
- Another client's vet: Several thousand dollars for gastropexy alone, and the need for two different surgeries
But the real value isn't just cost savings—it's what happens next.
Right now, Pele is recovering in familiar surroundings, with her friend and fellow Maremma puppy, Petunia, keeping her company, surrounded by goats and other Maremmas she knows. She's getting round-the-clock monitoring and proper medical care while staying completely comfortable and happy in her natural environment. She will remain here until she is healed and ready to travel.
Compare that to most situations: surgery, immediate travel, new environment, new people, new stress, new livestock to figure out—all while trying to heal.
This is what sets our program apart:
✓ Extra services like veterinary care that can save you time and money
✓ Recovery in comfortable, familiar settings
✓ No risk of accidental pregnancy or dangerous conditions like bloat for dogs who are old enough for surgery
✓ Extended training time that works with YOUR schedule
✓ Flexible timelines for fencing, livestock, or farm setup
✓ Immediate working ability when dogs arrive at your farm
Romeo and Pele's owners aren't just getting two amazing livestock guardian dogs. They're getting a complete livestock protection system that's ready to work from day one.
No recovery time. No medical complications. No integration delays.
Just professional, reliable protection for their farm and family.
Are you interested in this level of comprehensive care for your livestock guardian dogs?
Whether you need older, trained adolescent dogs like Romeo and Pele or would like to reserve a spot in our upcoming fall litter, I'm here to discuss how our comprehensive approach and customized services can benefit your farm and family.
Reply to this email or fill out our puppy application. Because when it comes to protecting your livestock, you deserve more than just a dog—you deserve a customized, comprehensive solution.
Talk soon,
Kim
P.S. I picked the winners in our wether giveaway today. I'll notify the winners by email, so please keep an eye on your inbox to see if you've won. You can also visit our website to check out our available kids.
Helpful articles
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Jess, an Incredible LGD Whose Life was Cut Short by Bloat
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The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your LGDs & Farm Animals Cool This Summer
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