πΆThese Puppy Owners Did Everything Right (Including This One Critical Thing)
Hi! I'm Kim, from Prancing Pony Farm.
Maremma Sheepdog Code of Ethics Breeder ~ Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner ~ Licensed Family Dog Mediator ~ Mini Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat Breeder
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At the Sign of the Prancing Pony
The Prancing Pony Farm Newsletter
Hi Reader,
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This week has been both exciting and bittersweet as our 12-week-old Maremma puppies prepare to head to their new homes next week. Watching these little livestock guardians head off to loving families doing the work they were bred to do never gets old! π
An 11-week-old Prancing Pony Maremma with two of my Mini Nubian puppy trainers
But what makes me especially proud is seeing how well-prepared these new owners are. They've done everything right to set their puppies up for success:
β They researched and chose an ethical breeder who health tests (that's me!) β They're committed to proper training and socialization β They understand the long-term investment they're making β And they've secured pet insurance before their puppy even comes home
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That last point? It's absolutely critical, and something I've been thinking about a lot lately.
The Reality Check Nobody Talks About
I offer my new puppy families 30 days of free insurance through my Trupanion breeder code. If they prefer a cheaper insurance company, I recommend Figo. Other companies are also great options. It doesn't matter which company they use; I just highly recommend they protect their investment in their LGD with insurance.
Even with the most comprehensive health testing and the strongest health guarantee, I can't prevent every health issue, illness, or accident your dog might face, and neither can you. One of my client's dogs needed a $5000 surgery, ongoing vet visits, and months of rehabilitation for a leg injury on her 5-month-old puppy.
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The difference? This owner had pet insurance through Figo. Instead of facing a devastating financial blow, they paid just their deductible and co-pays and Figo covered the rest. And because this injury could put the pup at risk for arthritis in the future, the insurance will be there when he needs it.
Your Puppy's First Year: The Numbers Are Sobering
I just published a comprehensive blog post about this topic because the statistics genuinely concern me:
Puppies are significantly more likely to need emergency care than adult dogs
Parvovirus alone affects over 330,000 puppies annually, with treatment costs ranging from $2,000-$10,000
One in three pets will need emergency treatment each year
The families taking home puppies next week have chosen one of two paths:
Option 1: Trupanion Breeder Codeβ I provide a special code that gives 30 days of free coverage with no waiting periods. Several families are trying this first, then deciding whether to continue or switch to another company.
Option 2: Figo Through Costcoβ For our Costco member families, the 15% discount through Figo makes this an incredibly cost-effective option, often around $60-70/month for comprehensive coverage for a Maremma. (Rates vary, so check online.)
Both companies have paid out claims for my puppy families, and the peace of mind is invaluable.
Your Turn: August Litter Now Taking Reservations
Watching these well-prepared families take home their puppies reminds me why I love what I do. But it also reminds me how important it is to work with people who understand that a livestock guardian dog is both a significant investment and a long-term commitment.
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Our next litter is due in August, and I still have a few reservation spots available. If you're ready to:
Invest in a health-tested, properly socialized Maremma
Commit to force-free training and proper livestock integration
Protect your investment with appropriate insurance (not required but highly recommended)
Receive lifetime professional trainer and breeder support
Join a community of successful LGD owners
Then I'd love to talk with you about reserving a puppy from our August litter.
The families taking puppies home this week didn't just buy a dogβthey invested in their farm's security, their livestock's protection, their family's joy, and their peace of mind. They also invested in the safety net that ensures they can provide the best possible care throughout their dog's life.
That's what separating responsible owners from the rest looks like.
If you're considering adding a livestock guardian dog to your farm, I encourage you to read my full blog post about pet insurance. The information could save you thousands of dollars and immeasurable heartache.
P.S. If you're already on our waiting list for the August litter, now is a perfect time to start researching pet insurance options. I'm happy to provide Trupanion breeder codes or Figo discount informationβjust reply to this email!
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PSS We still have a few free baby wethers. Fill out our goat lead form if you want one, but act fast, before they're all gone!
Maremma Sheepdog Code of Ethics Breeder ~ Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner ~ Licensed Family Dog Mediator ~ Mini Nubian and Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat Breeder
Sign up to receive information about our Maremma and dairy goat breeding programs, our most recent blog posts and farm updates, helpful Livestock Guardian Dog and goat articles, links to the products and websites we recommend, special offers and other content by email.