An open letter to the fancy:
On behalf of Chelsea and Myself, and the wider group of breeders/exhibitors/handlers that this impacts, we would like to address some rumors that have been floating around.
I will admit that I am disappointed that people in the fancy haven’t had the respect to come and talk to us directly, but chatter behind our backs and spread half truths. This was not the first time hearing of such rumors and so we felt we needed to address it. Our breed doesn’t improve without honesty, and we are prepared to be honest with anyone who will ask. Chelsea and I pride ourselves with open honest conversations.
I would like to address the rumor that one of Tex’s littermates has epilepsy. That is not true.
We are in regular contact with all of the owners of the dogs and no one has shown any symptoms, and are healthy dogs who will be 3 this summer – of course none of us have a crystal ball to know the future, but that is true for any breeding or litter or dog we have regardless of their breed or breeding.
Furthermore, Tex has sired several litters with no issues in any puppies at this time.
What is true is that there was an “oops” unplanned litter that occurred between a brother and sister – two full littermates of Tex’s. The resulting puppies of that litter were placed with that knowledge to the new owners and none of these puppies will sire/whelp a litter. This was obviously not a planned breeding and full littermates made it very inbred which is never ideal.
Last August (2023), one of the resulting puppies from that litter, experienced one single series of mild focal petite activity, on one day.
This puppy was in an extreme heat situation with smoke from local fires present and she was under stress when they occurred. This puppy was checked by a vet, and is being monitored and has not had any kind of seizure activity since. She has not been medicated or treated for this, as it was over by the time she was seen by a vet, with no after effects.
It is unknown if the external circumstances played a part, but it would seem logical since she has not had any issues before or since that day.
We are hesitant to call this “epilepsy” as it has been an isolated event so far, with extreme and abnormal circumstances surrounding it. The vets also agree that they would not categorize it as “epilepsy” at this time for that same reason.
The other puppies, and this one, will continue to be monitored. So far they are all happy and loved members of families. We are thankful.
If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact myself or Chelsea about it. We would prefer honest conversations rather than hearing about chatter behind our backs.
Thank you so much
Sarah
