"Sentinel" Program

"Sentinel" Opportunities

Every dog deserves the proper love and attention, no matter if they are a pet or used for breeding!  Because of this, we have decided to start placing some of our breeding dogs in "Sentinel" homes, (often referred to as guardian homes) so that they can receive the proper attention and love they most definitely deserve and not be left feeling neglected.  We feel it is important to limit the number of dogs we have in our care, so that each dog and every puppy that is here gets the proper attention to live a happy life.  Every so often we will have a puppy we purchased or a puppy we kept back from one of our litters available for a "Sentinel" home.  You will be getting one of the best dogs we have to offer at an incredibly discounted rate (or free) in exchange for your assistance throughout the breeding lifetime of the dog.  Read below to find out more about this opportunity and CONTACT US if you believe you may be a good fit to become part of our Storybook "Sentinel" Family

REQUIREMENTS:

 Sentinels must live within an hour drive of breeder's home in Shirley, MA. (**Exceptions may be made if sentinel is willing to drive to us regularly!)

 Legal ownership of the dog (microchip #_____________) remains with the breeder until the dog has produced appropriate number of litters (less for females, more for males) at which time the dog will be spayed or neutered at the expense of the breeder. Full ownership of the dog will then be transferred to the guardian.

 Sentinels has no right to puppies produced by this dog or to semen produced by the dog.

What would be required of you as a Sentinel Home?

Provide the dog with a safe and loving home, including but not limited to:

Containing the dog in a fenced-in yard or on a leash

Provide adequate exercise for the dog to prevent issues such as hip displaysia

Train the dog on basic commands (sit, stay, wait, etc.) or attend obedience classes

Housebreaking

Feeding the dog an approved high quality food (contact us if you are wanting to switch from what we feed)

Do not allow him/her to become overweight

Keep dog socialized with dogs and people of different ages and sizes

Keep the dog clean and well-groomed

Provide the dog with basic veterinary care, including but not limited to:

Yearly wellness visits and vaccines

Any medical issues the dog may have which are NOT related to breeding

Emergency vet costs (NOT related to breeding)

Keeping dog on monthly, year-round preventative medications against heart-worms, fleas and ticks.

Notify breeder immediately when the female dog has come into her estrus cycle and be prepared to meet breeder upon request when dog is needed for breeding purposes or give dog up for approximately a week during breeding period.

For female breeding dogs, keep all unapproved intact male dogs away from her when she is in season. For males, keep females who are in season away to prevent accidental breedings. 

Sentinel agrees to keep in close contact with breeder, regularly sending photos of dog and gives clearance to breeder to use any photos sent for marketing purposes (social media, website, etc.)

Allow dog to make regular visits to breeder's home and/or visit with other members of Storybook's in-home breeding dogs.

What would be required of us, The Breeder?

Provide sentinel with a healthy puppy.

 Pay any veterinary costs associated with breeding, including but not limited to:

Progesterone testing

Cytologies

Ultrasounds/Radiographs

Necessary health testing

Spay or neuter the dog when they are deemed no longer needed for breeding, be it because of age or health standards required for breeding.

Provide lifetime support for the dog.

Try to board dog at our home when sentinel family is out of town.

Assist sentinel with detecting and caring for a female dog in estrus cycle or pregnant.

Pay for the spay or neuter of the dog when it is no longer needed for reproductive purposes.

If sentinel dog is a dog bred by Storybook Cavaliers and it is determined that it shall be spayed or neutered before being bred, breeder will comply with health contract given with each of our puppies. If sentinel dog is from another kennel, the health contract from that kennel will apply.