When you put it all out there — what you truly want as a goal, the Universe (God or whatever you believe in), conspire together to make it happen.  I used to think this was a bunch of hooey – and found out it DOES work this way.  Here’s my story on how it worked for me this year… and how it relates to #60by50.

One of the items on my vision board was adding another Pharaoh Hound (dog) to our family.  We were a family of 3 and it felt like something was missing since our Weimaraner Jake passed away in August 2014.  Our youngest was going to be 3 years old, and I prefer to space my dogs 3-4 years apart (more on that in another post!)  

Keep in mind I ran a nonprofit, all-volunteer dog rescue for over 10 years – and while I will always wholeheartedly support responsible rescue groups, I also do that same for responsible breeders.  Full disclosure – both my purebred Pharaoh Hounds, Kaba and Cayman, are intact.  While Kaba will never be bred, I find it is healthier (through years and years of proven peer-reviewed studies.)  Cayman has sired 1 litter to-date, and I did not keep a puppy from that litter (though I know exactly where each and every puppy he produced lives and that they have wonderful families.) If you are going to judge, move along to another post about travels.  You have been warned.

I wanted a puppy, a male since I only have males in my house, from Cayman but I needed to find an ideal match for him before I would agree to let him sire another litter.  This is not a simple process.  Cayman is fully health-tested (results posted online at ofa.org and available to the public) and he has a CHIC number, which means he passed all the tested required of our parent club (Pharaoh Hound Club of America has guidelines of which health tests this breed should have completed before being bred.)  The female must have all her health testing completed.  Then, since the gene pool is a bit small for the breed, we have to ensure there is not too close of a relative.  And, I want to make sure the female complements Cayman, adding components I would like to improve.  Further, the female must be a show and field champion – like Cayman – has proven their abilities in both venues.  Above all, and the most important aspect to me, is temperament – the female must be very outgoing, friendly, good with children and other dogs, and not overly hyper.  It’s a tall order.

In order to fulfill my goal, I started conversations with several breeders of Pharaoh Hounds, most of whom I’ve known for a number of years and only a few I had met.  One stood out to me, due to his in-depth knowledge of pedigrees and ability to speak very honestly and frankly about the good and not-so-good points of the females.  With that being put out into the Universe….all I had to do was wait (and pray.)

And, today… my prayers were answered – we found the ideal match!  Talking via Facebook messenger (did you know there are FREE international phone calls using this app??!!) – we hatched a plan for me (and Cayman) to go to Norway!!  SOOOO excited!!  Now, we wait, for the ideal time.  But, 2016…Norway… here we come!!

#60by50