04/13/2026
JUST A BREEDERS THOUGHTS!!!!
After the delivery last night with Nala I would like to discuss something. I am only going to speak for myself or what I have experienced.
Being a good/reputable breeder is HARD! Plain and simple and it’s not for everyone.
The first two pups were still born. One male and one female. 💔.
This does happen on occasion and it is INEVITABLE. I personally have only ever had one still born in a litter and probably a total of 4 all together before this litter. Of course I will always work on them and do EVERYTHING I can to save them or try to bring them back. But, unfortunately, I can’t save all of them. And, maybe, that’s the way it should be! I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. Even if I might not be able to see that at the time. Nature sometimes knows better!
So being that two pups didn’t even take one breath it is heartbreaking. 💔.
I was panicked thinking maybe something was wrong and more lost souls would follow. I was ready to call the vet and rush her to the ER. Thankfully that was not the case.
No matter how many successful litters we have had it tests me. The thoughts that come to me every litter is if this is what I should be doing, how many heart breaks can I endure, is all the sleepless nights worth it, should I continue and a hundred other things.
Being a responsible breeder is one of the hardest “hobbies” I have ever had. And, honestly, it is not a hobby at all.
It is a full time job even if pups aren’t here. The planning, preparing, coordinating, applications and deposits are all done behind the scenes. This takes up a lot of my time and effort.
I do truly love being a Great Dane breeder.
The life that comes into this world, watching them grow and mature and knowing how much my danes have impacted my life can be passed on.
I think often about not continuing though.
I am not “a spring chicken” anymore nor do I have a lot of support or help.
So no matter how exhausted I am, sick or injured (broken leg or ankle on several occasions while having a litter)or what my plans are my animals and pups have to come first.
My normal job still has to be done (even though I work from home with adults with disabilities) and life’s normal tasks still need to get done also.
I have missed many get-togethers, holidays, graduations, etc because pups lives are more important than those things.
I have only taken a handful of short vacations in the last 15 yrs.
Most people ask the price of the pups and think I make a killing on selling them. I can guarantee you that is NOT the case! Or at least not for the ethical breeders.
Most of my profits go right back into my program. Either from building a separate building for them (which is less stress on mommas and more room for pups to learn), upgrading the area that I have for any returned dogs/pups I get back (all climate controlled), replacing/buying new equipment and vet bills. 
One breeder that I know has done a pretty comprehensive list of what RESPONSIBLE breeders invest/pay. There is a lot of variables to this but basically breeders are getting paid $3 AN HOUR!!!! Who would work for $3 an hour!?!?!
I would be further ahead if I got a part time job. And have more sleep and less stress.
This “hobby” is not easy or glamorous by any means! Honestly, the only reason I continue is because I know what positive impact my danes have had in my life (don’t ask me some days as I would give you $ to take them away just to be able to go out of town for a few days without that responsibility).
This whole process has kinda brought back my faith in humanity. There are still good people out there in this crazy world! And if I can bring the joy that my animals have brought to me to even half (obviously not my goal) of my pup families it keeps me going. Nothing would make me more happy than to know my pups are loved and cared for the way I do with my own.
I may not remember all or each pup that I have produced but I have definitely poured my heart, soul and efforts into each one.
Every litter is hard to see go!
If I was a millionaire they would all stay with me (but I’d hire someone to clean up after them.) 🤣
I never thought that my program would bring as much heartache and joy at the same time as it has.
Nor did I ever think that I would have to wear as many hats at one time being a midwife, nutritionist, cook, nurse/vet tech, maid/janitor, bookkeeper and dog trainer/wrangler (depending on the day 🤣) as I have done.
This post just helps me get my thoughts together, reminds me why I do this and maybe gives you a glimpse of what a responsible breeder does. There is a lot of stress, tears, cleaning and sleepless night for sure.
The remainder seven pups are all healthy. As is momma, Nala. All are females except the teal collar male.
Meeka (my next up and coming female) should be bred this week. So if you are on my waitlist and can’t get one from this litter there, hopefully, is more on the way.
Keep watching my posts for any news or updates from Wheaton Prairie Danes.
Have a great day!

