Zulas Shih Tzu of Maine

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Guardian Program

When our mothers and fathers are not breeding, they live normal lives as pets in our guardian homes. Our guardian home program provides local families with low-cost high quality pure breed shih tzus, and provides our future breeding dogs with loving, permanent homes and their own human family. For more information about the program, and to apply, please read below.
*Must live in the Kennebec County or close by to be considered

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Our Guardian Home program is designed to match loving homes in the Kennebec County Area with high quality puppies who will be future parents in our breeding program. The puppy will remain with the guardian home permanently as a forever pet.(required)

We purchase the dog or puppy, pay for genetic and health testing, and then place the puppy in guardian home for a small refundable deposit of $1,000.00.(required)

We breed our females under the direction of a Vet Specialist in Canine Reproduction. Our female dogs have a maximum of 5 successful litters. (A successful litter is defined as 2 or more puppies.) The dog comes to stay in our home to deliver and nurse her puppies (approximately 6- 8 weeks), and then goes back to her guardian home. Due to the susceptibility of puppies to sickness (Parvo is a tenacious virus that can be brought in easily on clothes and shoes, among other sicknesses), visitations will not be allowed while dog is at our home for her maternity stay. We will provide you with weekly updates via videos, photos, and texts. While in her maternity stay, mom and babies will be exercised in our backyard, and not taken in public areas where germs can easily be brought back to the puppies. We will treat moms and babies for common parasites, and keep a close watch on any signs of illness or distress.(required)

We pay for all pregnancy and birth related expenses. The Guardian home will pay for routine visits to the vet, food (as specified by breeder), and for regular grooming. The dog needs to live inside the home, get regular exercise, basic training, and be well socialized with all ages of humans and other dogs.(required)

Dogs go into heat approximately every 6 months. The latest research in canine reproduction shows that there is a lower rate of cancer when dogs are bred on subsequent heats (if approved healthy and recovered), and then spayed. Thus, on average the 5 breeding’s will happen over the course of 2.5 years. Most females start breeding on their 2nd or 3rd heat, or when they are approximately 18 months old. (required)

One of the reasons we put dogs in guardian homes is so that our home is a peaceful place for our mommies and puppies. For this reason, we are not able to offer boarding while you go out of town. We would like to know where the dog is staying while you do go out of town and be provided contact information for the caretaker. Should the dog disappear or die due to negligence on the part of the guardian home, the guardian home will owe breeder $2500 to go toward the cost of purchasing and health certifying a new dog. (This fee is approximately one third of what a new breeding quality dog costs, let alone the health testing and registration.) If the dog dies due to circumstances beyond control of guardian home, they will not be held responsible. Should the dog die due to a genetic cause or while under the care of breeder, the breeder will work to find an agreeable solution to provide you with a replacement puppy if desired.(required)

If the breeder finds it difficult to reach the Guardian Family, is met with roadblocks or cantankerous communication in any form (comments, phone calls, text messages, etc.) that make this working relationship hostile and/or if the Guardian Family refuses or makes it difficult to do anything the breeder asks as set forth in this agreement or in future communication, the dog will be removed from the home – no question.(required)

The intent of our guardianship program is to place a dog in a permanent PET home. If you are intending to breed now or in the future, or have other unfixed dogs of either gender in your home, please do not apply for guardianship. Should breeding occur in your home or an unfixed dog of either gender be added to your household, Owner has the right to remove the dog from guardian home.(required)

Guardian Home will cherish and love this dog as a permanent member of their family, and will involve them in family activities so they have a rich, full, happy life.(required)

Guardian Home realizes that we live in an unpredictable world, where occasionally changes in policies/procedures may need to be made. In this event, the breeder will notify guardian. Guardian may decide, at any time and for any reason, not to continue with guardian program. This would result in dog being returned to breeder, and original deposit being returned to guardian, without further penalty or demand on either party.(required)

Checking this box confirms understanding of the terms set forth above, and agreement to abide by these terms if a dog is placed with you.(required)