Autumn is our first
Mastiff and the auntie of every pup that comes through this place.
Whether it be Mastiff or rescue, Autumn gives it love and encouragement
from the moment she lays eyes on it. A more natural mother would
be hard to find. We've learned a lot through her.
I bought Autumn for my husband from a backyard
breeder. I didn't know any different and I had no desire to show.
I just wanted a companion for him and found her in the local newspaper.
It is only through constant socialization from
14 weeks to present that Autumn has learned to really function
in life. She has always been shy (which we took as "aloof"
in the breed standard as a puppy, but it is much more than that).
She almost overloads into anxiety when presented with situations
that she's not prepared to handle. Because of that and severe
Canine Hip Dysplasia diagnosed at 9 months, I am all the more
positive of the necessity to make sure that all testing and breeding
needs to be done with the utmost care. Although it does not guarantee
joint health, it is a beneficial tool that can be used to give
all puppies a fighting chance at long healthy lives.
Now I am not saying that all breeders would not
do what is honorable, but too many people could say "oh well,
she's only a little bit shy" or "oh well, she's only
a little bit off from the standard, BUT her pedigree is good so
I'll compensate with the stud" and it will continue to breed
weaknesses in our breed.
Autumn has been spayed, been through obedience classes,
and is very much a homebody greeting everyone with gentleness
and curiosity.
