CuSithe Kennels

11/26/2025

Photo dump from the last few months !!

11/25/2025

Rosettes & RealTalk Special Edition: Let’s Talk About Tail Docking

If there’s one thing the purebred world has in abundance — besides dog hair on every piece of clothing — it’s misinformation.
Docking, cropping, removing dewclaws… the amount of confusion, outdated “facts,” emotional arguments, and half-remembered vet tech stories floating around is unbelievable. And the sad truth? Most of the loudest voices on these topics haven’t whelped a litter for a traditionally docked breed, haven’t studied neonatal development, and haven’t been anywhere near a proper procedure in decades.

So let’s clear the air.
Let’s talk about what’s actually true, what isn’t, and what responsible breeders are really doing behind the scenes.

Because the problem isn’t the procedures — it’s the myths people cling to.

Tail docking is not some back-alley free-for-all. In reputable breeding programs, it isn’t done with kitchen scissors, YouTube bravery, and a prayer. It’s planned, it’s timed, and it’s performed by veterinarians. Full stop.

I own Pembrokes and an Aussie.The docking on my dogs was done professionally before they came to me — no drama, no mishandling.
Clean, quick, correct. No drama. No “butchering.” No trauma. The horror stories people talk about? They come from bad timing and bad technique — not from responsible breeders.

Docking is meant to be done within the first 48 hours of birth. Not a week old or 2 weeks old. Not “whenever someone gets around to it.” Puppies are born neurologically immature. Their pain receptors work, but the part of the brain required for conscious pain — the cortical pathways — doesn’t develop until roughly 14–21 days. Before that, they experience reflexive nociception, not full pain perception.

Dock at the correct time and the puppy is back nursing within minutes. Dock too late and yes, it becomes uncomfortable — which is exactly why ethical breeders follow the proper window.

Breed purpose still matters, even now. Many breeds were developed with docked tails because it protected them during work. Injury prevention is still a reality. And the breed standard — created by the people who built these breeds — maintains those traditions for a reason.

The issue isn’t docking.
It isn’t cropping.
It isn’t dewclaws.
It’s misinformation, sloppy technique, and assumptions being spread as gospel.

If you don’t like cropped or docked dogs, that’s fine — choose a breed that reflects your preference. But painting every reputable breeder with the same brush as the people who ignore correct veterinary practice helps no one.

Let’s keep it real, accurate, and grounded in actual experience — not Facebook folklore

Picture is a throw back to my OG show dog Sensei Multiple Group Placing Group Winning RBP in Top Puppy Awards CH. Kamvalley's Holiday Wish

11/20/2025

I recently had a conversation with a lovely woman — someone I genuinely hoped to impress because she was a potential client. As we talked, she shared why she’d been hesitant to hire anyone to look after her animals. Two dogs, one cat, and a gecko… and a horror story that made my stomach drop.

The sitter she’d hired previously came highly recommended. Just like me.
They presented as professional and kind. Just like me.

Except once they were in her home, everything went sideways.

They did drugs in her house.
They invited strangers over without her permission.
They gave her zero updates the entire time.
And to make it worse, they lost her cat — for three days.

So I asked her the obvious question:
“Did they provide references and proof of a criminal check and animal/child-abuse registry check?”

She looked at me like I’d suddenly grown three heads.

And that reaction is exactly why this post exists.

When you hand your animals over to someone, you’re not just trusting them with a set of keys — you’re trusting them with lives that depend entirely on the person walking through your door. That’s why I firmly believe criminal background checks and animal/child-abuse registry checks should be a standard requirement in this industry.

Too many people can call themselves a “petsitter” with nothing more than a page and a cute photo with a dog. But your animals deserve far more than that. They deserve someone who has taken the steps to prove they’re safe, stable, reliable, and accountable.

A criminal check matters because it shows a person’s history with theft, violence, or other offences that could impact your home, your pets, or your own peace of mind.

An animal or child-abuse registry check matters even more, because if someone has harmed a vulnerable being before, they should not be anywhere near your animals. Pets cannot speak for themselves — so it’s your sitter’s responsibility to show you, transparently, that they have nothing to hide.

On top of that, a reputable sitter should be able to provide personal and professional references without hesitation. Anyone trustworthy will have clients, trainers, veterinarians, breeders, or employers ready to vouch for them. If a sitter becomes defensive, evasive, or refuses to provide these things, that’s a red flag you should never overlook.

I hold myself to the same standard I expect from others — and I will proudly confirm my own clear checks and provide references anytime I’m asked.

At the end of the day, your animals deserve safety. They deserve someone who will show up, care properly, and treat your home and your pets with the respect they’re owed.

Background checks and references aren’t “extra.”
They’re the bare minimum.

And any sitter who takes this job seriously should be ready — and willing — to provide them.

11/18/2025

🐾 Every breeder knows this moment—the little buzz on your phone a few days after a puppy goes to their new family.

The message always starts sweetly:

“We absolutely adore him, but…”

And right then, your heart gives that familiar little ache.
Because you already know what’s coming.
He barks.
He nips.
He cries at night.
He’s just “a lot.”

But what they’re describing isn’t a flaw.

It’s just… a puppy.

A tiny soul who has left his mum, his littermates, and everything familiar—and is now trying to make sense of a whole new world. Of course he’s unsure. Of course he’s excitable. Of course he stumbles as he learns. That’s not misbehaviour. That’s babyhood.

As breeders, we try our very best to prepare new owners for this stage.
We explain the puppy phase, the developmental leaps, the normal hiccups.
We talk about patience, boundaries, structure, and love.
And we strongly encourage training with a licensed facility—because guidance from professionals builds confidence in both the puppy and the family.

We know firsthand that a well-rounded dog doesn’t simply “happen.”
They’re shaped—with time, consistency, teaching, and teamwork.

But some people still imagine the puppy they see online: calm at eight weeks, never chewing a shoe, somehow understanding every cue instantly.

They forget that behind every beautifully trained adult dog is someone who put in the effort—
the late nights,
the repetition,
the gentle corrections,
the celebrating of tiny wins,
the commitment to keep showing up.

So when we hear, “He’s lovely, but I don’t think we’re the right fit,”

So often what they mean is: I wanted the love without the learning curve.

Even the most thoughtfully raised puppies aren’t pre-programmed. They come with wide-open hearts and sponge-like minds, eager to learn your routines, your voice, your energy. They don’t need perfection—they need calm guidance, structure, and time to grow.

Some people think an “easy” puppy is a “good” puppy.
But the truth is: every puppy is good.
They’re just new.
And new things take effort to shape.

Before they’re confident, they’re clumsy.
Before they’re calm, they’re curious.
Before they’re well-rounded, they’re wonderfully messy.

As breeders, we witness it all.
And when puppies come back confused and afraid, wondering why their little world changed again, we hold them close and whisper, “You did nothing wrong, sweetheart.”

Because it’s never their fault when someone wasn’t ready for the work that turns a baby dog into a brilliant companion.

Raising a puppy isn’t instant.
It’s sleepless nights, a few puddles, zoomies during dinner, and tiny teeth trying to understand boundaries.

But it’s also the start of something extraordinary—the trust, the loyalty, and the deep bond that lasts a lifetime.
And that bond grows because someone puts in the time, the training, and the heart.

A puppy isn’t a trial run or a temporary phase.
It’s a commitment.
A promise.
A piece of your heart on four little paws.

If you’re not ready for the messy, magical work of puppyhood, that’s okay—truly. Just wait until you can give your whole heart and the consistent effort they deserve.

Because these little souls depend on us.
And they deserve nothing less. 💜🐾
-Thunderstruck Collies-

11/18/2025

Rosettes & Real Talk: So You Wanna Show Dogs — Part 3
Choosing Your First Show Puppy

Last week we covered finding your breed and your breeder — now comes one of the most exciting parts: choosing your first show puppy. This is the moment where your dream starts to take shape, but it’s also a step that requires patience, observation, and a little bit of instinct.

Not every puppy is “show quality,” and that’s okay. When looking for a future show dog, you want to pay attention to structure, movement, and temperament — but also energy, curiosity, and how they interact with people. A puppy that’s happy to explore, learns quickly, and isn’t overwhelmed by noise or new experiences will grow into a confident, handleable show dog.

Trust your breeder’s guidance — they know their dogs and their lines better than anyone. Ask to see the puppy’s parents, watch how they move, and get a feel for how the breeder raises their litters. A good breeder will guide you toward the puppy that best fits your lifestyle, skill level, and goals, not just the “prettiest” puppy.

And remember: showing isn’t just about winning ribbons. It’s about building a bond, learning together, and creating a partnership that grows year after year.

✨ Next week in Rosettes & Real Talk: Preparing for your first show — tips, tricks, and things they don’t tell you in the judge’s handbook.

11/16/2025

Dear Clients,

Just a quick reminder:
I’ll be away on personal time from January 25th to February 25th.

I’m sneaking off to a very cold, very big city to soak in winter sights, catch up with friends, get properly cuddled by my honorary nephew Viraj during reading sessions, and of course steal as many snuggles as possible from my favourite teddy bear.

This is my first true vacation — no work, no dog shows — in over a decade, and I’m giving myself permission to fully unplug. During this time I’ll be unavailable for bookings, messages may be slower than usual, and all appointments will resume once I’m home.

Thank you for your understanding — I appreciate you all more than you know.

Sincerely,
Dawn

11/10/2025

We have some boarding spaces available the last week of November and the first week of December due to a cancellation.

11/10/2025

Rosettes & Real Talk: So You Wanna Show Dogs — Part 2
Finding Your Breed & Your Breeder

In last week’s edition, we talked about finding your why — the heart behind stepping into the ring. This week, let’s talk about finding your breed and, just as importantly, finding your breeder.

Every successful show journey begins with the right partnership, and that starts long before you ever clip on a lead. Choosing a breed isn’t just about looks or popularity — it’s about lifestyle, temperament, grooming needs, and the type of connection you want with your dog. Spend time around different breeds at shows, talk to exhibitors, and ask questions (trust me, most of us love to talk about our dogs!).

Once you’ve fallen in love with a breed, finding a breeder who shares your values is key. Look for someone who’s not just producing pretty dogs, but preserving the breed’s structure, temperament, and purpose. A good breeder becomes your mentor, your support system, and often a lifelong friend.

This is where your show story truly begins — with the breed that feels like home, and the breeder who helps you build your foundation the right way.

✨ Next week in Rosettes & Real Talk: Choosing your first show puppy — what to look for, what to avoid, and how to trust the process.

11/01/2025

11/01/2025

Rosettes and Real Talk: So You Wanna Show Your Dog — Part 1
Start with your why.

Before you buy that sparkly lead, before you pick out a suit that makes your dog “pop,” before you even step foot in the ring… there’s one thing you absolutely, 100% need: your why.

If you don’t know who Simon Sinek is, he’s the guy who says people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. And trust me, showing dogs is no different.

Ask yourself: Why do I want to show my dog?

Is it for the ribbons?

The recognition?

The Instagram glory?

Or is it because you love the process — the grooming, the handling, the quiet moments with your dog that no one else sees?

Your why is the thing that gets you out of bed at 5 a.m. for a 12-hour show day. It’s the thing that keeps you calm when your dog decides the judge’s table is a personal jungle gym. It’s the thing that keeps you coming back, even when your arms hurt from lifting crates and your sanity is on a temporary vacation.

And here’s the kicker: your why isn’t just for you. Your dog feels it. The judge feels it. Your friends, your fellow handlers — they all notice the energy that comes from purpose.

So before you worry about ribbons, rosettes, or ring-ready poses…
Start with your why.

Write it down. Say it out loud. Let it guide your steps. Let it be the reason you show up, even when it’s messy, exhausting, and a little terrifying.

Because everything else — the handling classes, the grooming, the long drives, the early mornings — flows from your why. Ribbons are just a bonus.



Start here. Start with your why. 🐾✨

10/28/2025

Dory, she's a live life out loud kinda girl !!!

10/25/2025

Hanging with these lovelies for the next week or so.