01/26/2026
** Business Update**
Over the past decade, I’ve been living with chronic pain, swelling, and symptoms that never quite made sense. At different points I was told it was rheumatological, then lupus, and after years of testing and multiple specialists, I finally have an answer.
What I went in thinking might be POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia) turned out to be Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) a genetic connective tissue disorder that disrupts normal collagen production and structure. Because collagen supports nearly every system in the body, EDS can cause widespread effects beyond just joint instability.
EDS doesn’t just impact ligaments and tendons. It affects organs and blood vessels as well. I’ve had ongoing issues with my kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. My blood vessels are fragile and prone to collapse, which has led to blood-pressure instability and clotting issues. Even my eyes are affected — the connective tissue stretching, slowly impacting my vision.
The most serious concern, however, is my cervical spine. Dog training and whelping are physically demanding under the best circumstances, but with EDS, the constant bending, stooping, and looking down have caused repeated nerve compression. Doctors are now concerned that my vertebral artery may be getting pinched, which helps explain why my heart rate spikes and why I nearly pass out when I bend over for too long.
I still have more testing and specialists ahead of me, but I’ve been told very clearly that I must immediately minimize all bending and stooping. That reality makes continuing dog training and breeding unsafe for me.
At the same time, my dad’s health has declined, and I’ve stepped into the role of his full-time caregiver. Between his needs and my own health, it’s become clear that I need to pivot into a career that supports my physical limitations and allows me to stay close to home.
So, with a lot of reflection and a heavy but peaceful heart, I’m sharing that Legend Working Dogs will no longer be offering puppies, training services, or boarding. I will be spaying my females and closing my breeding program. I will keep Airess intact, and if I ever decide to breed her, the litter would be whelped by an outside professional and announced here.
What doesn’t change is my commitment to the people and dogs who have trusted me over the years. As always, I will continue to provide free phone or in-person training consultations for life to past clients, exactly as promised.
We had a truly great run. I am incredibly proud of the dogs, the families, and the community that came out of this chapter. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your understanding as I step into what’s next.
💛
