Corn Moon Medicine Dogs

Corn Moon Medicine Dogs A Choctaw NDN girl on a mission to preserve with integrity and spirit the authentic original NAIDs.

Meet Imaiya 🤎Every once in a while, a young dog comes along who makes you look at everything you have worked toward and ...
09/03/2026

Meet Imaiya 🤎

Every once in a while, a young dog comes along who makes you look at everything you have worked toward and think, Yes. This is where we were trying to go.

This beautiful girl is Imaiya, born last year from our beloved Iksi × Oktusha pairing, and one of the young dogs we are especially excited about for the future of our preservation program.

Imaiya represents something particularly meaningful to us: three consecutive generations raised within our natural-rearing program. For three generations, we have worked intentionally to minimize unnecessary chemical exposures, emphasize species-appropriate nutrition, support the body rather than routinely interfering with it, and make thoughtful, individualized decisions about preventative care. Watching the health, development, structure, temperament, and resilience of these dogs across generations is one of the most fascinating parts of this work.

But beyond what she represents on paper, Imaiya is simply an extraordinary dog. She seems to have gathered up so many of the qualities we treasure in both of her parents. She is beautiful, intelligent, steady, wonderfully easy to live with, and an absolute pleasure to raise and work beside. She has that combination of presence and softness that I love so much in the Native American Indian Dog, striking enough to make you stop and look, but with a temperament that makes you want to know her.

And perhaps that is why this girl is especially precious to me.

There is a tremendous amount of history wrapped up in her parents and in the journey that brought each of them to this point. When I look at Imaiya, I don't just see another future breeding dog. I see legacy. I see pieces of two dogs I dearly love carried forward into the next generation, and the possibility of preserving their very best qualities for generations still to come.

If everything continues to develop as we hope and she completes the appropriate health evaluations, we anticipate Imaiya entering our breeding program sometime next year. There is plenty of growing and proving herself still ahead of her, and we are in no hurry.

For now, she just gets to be Imaiya. 🤎 And I thought it was time all of you got to meet her.

Raising puppies is about so much more than keeping them safe, well-fed and loved until the day they go home. It's also a...
08/17/2026

Raising puppies is about so much more than keeping them safe, well-fed and loved until the day they go home. It's also about preparing them for life. One of the things we intentionally build into our puppy program is individual time out in the world.

As our babies get older and closer to going home, we like to take them on one-on-one outings where they can experience life away from their littermates and the familiarity of home. They get to meet new people, encounter other dogs, walk on unfamiliar surfaces, hear different sounds, practice their leash skills and, perhaps most importantly, learn that they can simply settle and observe.

A quiet Sunday afternoon at a dog-friendly brewery can actually be a wonderful classroom for a young puppy. There is enough happening to provide meaningful exposure without throwing them immediately into an environment that is overwhelmingly busy.

This little lady is just 10 weeks old, and she'll be leaving us to begin life with her new family very soon. So this weekend, she got her own special outing. 🤎

For a couple of hours she watched people come and go, met lots of new friends, greeted other dogs, practiced introductions and learned that being somewhere new doesn't mean she needs to react to everything happening around her.

And goodness, were we proud of her.

She was calm. She was curious. She greeted people and dogs politely without jumping all over them. She relaxed and watched the world around her. She even did beautifully communicating when she needed to go outside for a potty break.

No pressure. No expectation that a ten-week-old baby should behave like a trained adult dog. Just lots of opportunities to make good choices and gentle guidance when she needed it.

This is socialization. It is much more than exposing puppies to as many things as possible. Good socialization is helping them have positive, manageable experiences while they're learning how to regulate themselves within the world around them.

And there's another piece that matters tremendously: doing some of this without the litter.

Soon, her brothers and sisters won't be beside her. She will have a new home, new people, new routines and an enormous new world to navigate. These individual adventures give each puppy an opportunity to discover, I can do this on my own, too.

By the end of our outing, this little girl had accomplished exactly what we hoped she would.

And then? She climbed into the truck, curled up against her Grandpa Uri, and absolutely crashed. 😂🤎

That last part might be one of my favorite pieces of the whole experience. A puppy who can experience something new, take it all in, and then come back down and rest is showing us something important, too.

These outings are a little bit like our final test runs before our babies leave the nest. They help us see where each puppy is thriving, where they may need a little more support, and whether the foundation we've spent these first weeks building is beginning to hold when they step outside our little world.

This girl passed her adventure with flying colors. Next weekend, she'll take a much bigger step into the world when she leaves to meet her family.

And after watching her yesterday? I think she's ready. 🥹🤎🐾

This is why we put so much into these first weeks. We're raising puppies until they're old enough to leave, yes......but we're also preparing them to go home.

Big puppy, little puppy. 🤎🐾There is something pretty special about watching family members spend time together, especial...
08/12/2026

Big puppy, little puppy. 🤎🐾

There is something pretty special about watching family members spend time together, especially when one of them seems to naturally understand how to be gentle with the littlest ones.

These two are both still puppies. She is just three months old, and her handsome uncle is only about nine months old himself. But watching them together, you might think he had been mentoring babies for years.

Not every adolescent dog is ready to spend this kind of time with a much younger puppy. Nine months can be an exuberant age! Lots of energy, enthusiasm, and sometimes not quite enough awareness of where all those feet are going. 😂

But this boy has always been different in that way.

He is remarkably gentle and patient. He doesn't overwhelm the babies or play too roughly. He seems to naturally soften himself around them, giving them space to explore, follow, investigate, tumble around, and simply be little.

That same steadiness shows up in other places, too. He has been an exceptionally natural leash walker from the beginning: little pulling, no need to be bouncing all over everyone, and an overall calm, cooperative way of moving through the world.

And temperament matters tremendously to us. Pending completion of his health clearances, this young man is intended to become a future sire in our preservation program. Structure, health, genetic diversity, and lineage all matter when we make those decisions, but so does the dog standing in front of us.

How does he move through his world? How does he respond when someone smaller and more vulnerable comes bouncing into his space? Can he regulate himself? Can he be patient? Can he be trusted to teach without overwhelming? Those are qualities worth paying attention to.

For now, though, there is no breeding program and no big responsibility in their world today. Just a big puppy and a little puppy, wandering through the woods together. An uncle showing his tiny niece around. 🌿🤎

And maybe that's one of the sweetest ways we get to glimpse the dog he is becoming.

Some things are shared. Some things are protected. 🪶There is something I have been thinking about lately as I spend thes...
08/10/2026

Some things are shared. Some things are protected. 🪶

There is something I have been thinking about lately as I spend these quiet days with our dogs and puppies.

Within our traditions, names can carry tremendous meaning. A name isn't always something given once and carried unchanged forever. Sometimes, as we move through life, particularly through hardship, adversity, healing, growth, responsibility, or a new season, we are given another name.

Not because the journey behind us disappears. Because we are being called forward into something new.

I have always found something incredibly beautiful in that. And perhaps that is why moments like these mean so much to me.

This is Iksi with one of his little ones, exploring the creek and woods together. To someone scrolling past, they may simply be pictures of two dogs. To me, they are something much more.

I get to watch an older dog slow himself down for a baby. I watch the puppy study him. Where he steps, what he investigates, what deserves caution and what is safe. There are lessons being passed between them that require no human language at all.

This is part of how puppies learn their world. And it is one of the quiet privileges of my life to witness it.

There is another lesson here that I have been learning myself. Not everything precious needs to be made public in order to be real!

Much of my life with these dogs happens without a camera! There are walks nobody sees. Creek days that never, EVER become photographs. Quiet evenings, conversations, ceremonies, relationships, struggles, healing, and ordinary moments of companionship that belong only to us.

And I think there is sacredness in that privacy. These dogs are not exhibits and their lives are not performances. And the most intimate parts of our relationship with them do not exist for public consumption.

I am not obligated to turn what I love into evidence. I am obligated to protect it. So when I do open the door and share something like this, I hope it is received for what it is: a small glimpse into something much larger and much more private.

An elder teaching a little one. A puppy discovering his world. A dog continuing his own journey. And me, standing quietly nearby, incredibly grateful that I was allowed to witness it.

These moments are precious to me. They are sacred. I will guard them always, and share them only when I believe they will be truly treasured. 🪶🤎

Raindancer. 🧡There are dogs who leave paw prints on your heart...and then there are dogs who become part of who you are....
08/04/2026

Raindancer. 🧡

There are dogs who leave paw prints on your heart...and then there are dogs who become part of who you are. Raindancer is that dog for me.

At nine years old, she's still as beautiful as ever, carrying herself with the quiet confidence and gentle wisdom that only time can bring. She has helped raise generations of puppies, and watching her with babies never gets old. She's endlessly patient, incredibly kind, and always seems to know exactly what they need.

Today she and one lucky little puppy had some special one-on-one time at the creek. We wandered the water, explored the woods, and before long the skies opened up. We got absolutely soaked! 🌧️😂 Soggy dogs, muddy paws, and the biggest smiles.

Those unexpected moments always end up becoming the ones I treasure most.

People often ask what I hope to preserve in my breeding program. Structure and health matter deeply, but so does this. The calm, steady heart of a dog who instinctively nurtures the next generation. Raindancer has been that teacher for so many puppies, and today it was a joy to watch her pass along another quiet lesson.

Here's to muddy paws, summer storms, and nine wonderful years with my heart dog. ❤️

Hʋshi Tomi ("Sunlight") has found her family. ☀️🤍There are moments in breeding that remind you why it's so important to ...
08/03/2026

Hʋshi Tomi ("Sunlight") has found her family. ☀️🤍

There are moments in breeding that remind you why it's so important to trust the process.

When we planned this litter, every puppy already had a family waiting. As sometimes happens in life, a few wonderful families found themselves needing to postpone their plans due to unexpected circumstances. Those changes meant we found ourselves looking for homes for a few puppies that we hadn't anticipated would still be available.

When it came time to decide which puppy would remain available, the choice was actually very intentional.

Hʋshi Tomi was one of the most adaptable puppies in the litter. Her beautiful human focus, natural responsiveness, affectionate nature, and eagerness to partner with her people made her the kind of puppy who could thrive in a wide variety of loving homes. Because of that, we felt she would give us the greatest opportunity to wait for exactly the right family.

And that's exactly what happened.

After sharing her story, we were humbled by the incredible response and received applications from many wonderful families. We are so grateful for every person who reached out and took the time to learn about this remarkable breed.

One family really stood out. Although they are new to the Native American Indian Dog, they have experience with similar northern breeds, and from our very first conversation, I knew they were the right match for this little girl. The connection felt natural, and it quickly became clear that this placement was exactly what we had been waiting for.

Moments like these remind me that sometimes, when plans change, they're simply making room for something even better.

Congratulations to Hʋshi Tomi and her wonderful new family. We cannot wait to watch this little ray of sunshine grow into the incredible companion we know she is meant to become.

Congratulations, sweet girl. Your greatest adventure is just beginning. 🐺💖🌻

Meet Hʋshi Tomi ("Sunlight"). ☀️Every puppy leaves evaluation day having told us a story. Hʋshi Tomi's story was one of ...
08/01/2026

Meet Hʋshi Tomi ("Sunlight"). ☀️

Every puppy leaves evaluation day having told us a story. Hʋshi Tomi's story was one of connection.

From the very beginning, she showed an exceptional desire to partner with her person. She naturally checks in, maintains eye contact, follows with ease, and seems to genuinely enjoy working with people. Gentle guidance makes perfect sense to her, and she responds thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

In many ways, she's a little comet...just like her mama, Tomi. Bright, joyful, curious, and always ready to share the next adventure with the people she loves.

One of the things I love most about this little girl is that she doesn't simply want to be near you, she wants to be with you. Whether she's following your movements, happily engaging in play, or simply watching to see what comes next, she's constantly looking for that connection.

When we evaluate our puppies, we're not searching for the "best" puppy. We're discovering who each one is and where they'll thrive. For Hʋshi Tomi, that picture became beautifully clear.

She is the kind of puppy I would feel confident placing with a first-time Native American Indian Dog keeper because she offers something that's difficult to teach: a natural desire to partner with her human. She is affectionate without being overwhelming, responsive without being overly sensitive, confident without being pushy, and I believe she is going to be an absolute joy to train.

Sometimes the hardest part of breeding isn't raising the puppies. It's waiting for the family that feels like home.

Hʋshi Tomi is the final puppy from this litter still searching for hers, and we're taking applications as we wait for the perfect match.

If you've been following along and have felt drawn to this remarkable breed, perhaps this little ray of sunshine has been waiting for you all along. 🤍🐺

Every litter teaches us something.One of the questions I'm asked most often is: "How do you decide which puppy goes to w...
07/31/2026

Every litter teaches us something.

One of the questions I'm asked most often is: "How do you decide which puppy goes to which family?"

The answer surprises many people.

Like many breeders, I originally began using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test as the foundation for evaluating my puppies. It's a well-respected assessment that has helped breeders understand puppy temperament for decades.

But after years of living with Native American Indian Dogs, raising multiple generations, working alongside experienced owners, and carefully observing how these dogs mature, I began noticing something important. NAIDs don't always fit neatly into the same boxes as other breeds.

A puppy who pauses to observe before approaching something new isn't necessarily shy. A puppy who quietly watches before acting isn't necessarily lacking confidence.

Many Native American Indian Dogs are naturally thoughtful, observant, emotionally aware, and deeply connected to both their people and their "pack." Those qualities are some of the things that make this breed so extraordinary, but they aren't always fully captured by traditional temperament tests.

That realization led me to begin expanding our evaluation process.

Today, each puppy undergoes a comprehensive assessment that blends traditional aptitude testing with breed-specific observations developed through years of working with these remarkable dogs. We evaluate not only confidence and recovery, but also human connection, handler focus, social and pack drive, environmental stability, pressure sensitivity, prey and hunt drive, emotional attunement, resilience, and the unique characteristics that make a Native American Indian Dog...a Native American Indian Dog.

One of the most important parts of this process is that I don't perform the evaluations myself.

Puppies know their breeder too well.

To truly understand who they are, they need to be evaluated by someone they don't already have a relationship with. That allows us to see how they naturally engage with unfamiliar people, respond to new challenges, recover from surprises, and build trust.

For our evaluations, I'm incredibly grateful to partner with my dear friend Karlei.

Karlei has extensive experience working with dogs of many breeds and has spent years living with and learning the Native American Indian Dog. Her experience, thoughtful observations, and understanding of breed-specific behavior make her an invaluable part of this process.

Evaluating an entire litter isn't something that happens in an hour. It takes an entire day of careful observation, one puppy at a time. Every interaction matters. Every response tells us something. Our goal isn't to find the "best" puppy. It's to discover who each puppy truly is.

Because in the end, the best placement isn't about choosing your favorite puppy. It's about matching the right puppy with the right family.

That philosophy has become one of the cornerstones of our preservation program, and it's one of the ways we hope to honor this incredible breed through thoughtful stewardship.

🤍 Meet Chihowa Yakoke Atuklanchit 🤍Today, I have the incredible joy of introducing the final puppy of this beautiful lit...
07/25/2026

🤍 Meet Chihowa Yakoke Atuklanchit 🤍

Today, I have the incredible joy of introducing the final puppy of this beautiful litter. Her sacred name is Chihowa Yakoke Atuklanchit, which means: "Thank the Creator Again."

As with each of these little ones, her name is more than something beautiful to call her. It is medicine. And perhaps this is the medicine my own heart has needed most.

There are seasons in life when gratitude comes easily. The sun is shining. The path feels clear. Everything seems to unfold just as we hoped.

But there are other seasons...Seasons when we find ourselves learning to give thanks before we have all the answers. To give thanks before every wound has healed. To give thanks because we trust the Creator's goodness even when we cannot yet see the whole picture.

That is a deeper kind of gratitude. It is not dependent upon circumstances. It is rooted in faith.This little girl carries that beautiful reminder.

There is another reason her name holds such a special place in my heart. Several years ago, a beautiful little girl was born who carried the name Chihowa Yakoke: "Thank the Creator." I loved her deeply, and part of me hoped she might remain here. But the Creator had another plan. She was meant for a family who needed exactly the medicine she carried, and watching her life unfold has reminded me that some gifts are never truly ours to keep.

Then this little girl arrived. From the very beginning, she reminded me so much of her auntie. The same sparkling eyes. The same mischievous spirit. The same fearless confidence. The same determination to climb absolutely everything she can find. She has already convinced me that life with her will never be boring. As she continued to grow, it became clear that she would remain here to help carry forward everything we are working to preserve. When her name came to my heart, it felt less like choosing a name and more like recognizing a gift. Not simply, "Thank the Creator." But: "Thank the Creator...again."

Sometimes the Creator brings blessings into our lives that echo blessings we've known before, not because the first gift was lost, but because His generosity is never exhausted. This little girl reminds me that hope is renewed. Joy returns. New chapters begin. And there is always another reason to lift our hearts in gratitude.

Sweet Chihowa Yakoke Atuklanchit, may your life always point others back to the One who gives every good gift. May your courage inspire. May your joyful spirit remind us to laugh often. May your confidence become faithful leadership. And may you never stop giving us reasons to...Thank the Creator again. Welcome home, precious girl. Your journey with our family is only just beginning. 🤍

🌿 Meet Nʋnih Waiya 🌿Today, I have the joy of introducing another precious little girl. Her sacred name is Nʋnih Waiya.Fo...
07/24/2026

🌿 Meet Nʋnih Waiya 🌿

Today, I have the joy of introducing another precious little girl. Her sacred name is Nʋnih Waiya.

For the Choctaw people, Nʋnih Waiya is a place of profound significance. It is woven into our sacred origin story, a reminder of a people who walked faithfully, following the Creator's guidance until they finally arrived where they were meant to be.

When this name was chosen, it became deeply personal to me. The medicine this little girl carries is the medicine of remembering our sacred origin.

Every one of us came from the Creator. Made with intention. We carry immeasurable worth. Yet in the noise of the world, it is easy to forget. We begin to believe we are ordinary. We forget the sacredness within ourselves. We forget to see it in one another, in the land, in the animals, and in every living thing entrusted to our care.

But when we remember where we come from, everything changes. We walk more gently. We speak more carefully. We become better stewards. We choose gratitude over entitlement. We begin to recognize that life itself is sacred. To me, that is the true medicine of Nʋnih Waiya. It is the quiet invitation to come home, not simply to a place, but to the deepest truth of who we were created to be.

Perhaps all of us spend our lives walking with a sacred staff of our own, searching for where we belong, only to discover that the Creator has been leading us all along. And when we finally remember who we are. We realize we have come home.

Sweet Nʋnih Waiya, may you always remind others of their sacred worth. May you help others remember that every life has purpose, every soul carries dignity, and every step we take can honor Creator.

Welcome to the world, little one. May your medicine call many hearts home. 🌿🤍

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Green Creek, NC
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