On Sabrina: A Factual Clarification

Over the past several months, there has been discussion regarding the circumstances under which Sabrina joined my program/my home. Rather than engaging in online debate, I am choosing to document the facts clearly and directly for anyone who values accurate information.

On Timing of Her Transfer

Sabrina joined my program earlier than the standard eight week placement timeline after mutual agreement between her breeder and myself. I did not request or pressure for early release. The breeder initiated the conversation about timing and asked whether I would be comfortable taking her earlier. I made it clear that I was comfortable with whatever timing she (the breeder) felt was appropriate.

There have been claims that this was “illegal” due to California’s eight week statute. That statute regulates the retail sale of puppies by pet dealers. It applies to commercial transactions. It does not apply to a non-sale transfer between breeders, and in this case, no money exchanged hands. No sale occurred.

The decision was collaborative, documented, and made in good faith.

​On Pick Order

It has also been claimed that I coerced the breeder into giving me first pick of the litter.

That is incorrect.

I had second pick overall. The breeder wanted a male and I wanted a female. She selected first male pick, and I selected first female pick. Had we both wanted the same sex, I would have received second pick of that sex accordingly. This arrangement is reflected in the signed contract and is typical of stud service agreements. 

On Color Selection

There is also a narrative suggesting that Sabrina was selected based on color.

The entire litter was colorful. There were no black and white or "traditional" puppies. Several puppies in the litter carried or expressed additional color traits, including dilute and red. Full DNA panels were completed on the litter.

If color had been my priority, I had options that would have increased color variation in my program. Sabrina does not even carry dilute. She was selected based on temperament and structure.

​At the time, I was not certain whether I would have another opportunity to retain a direct daughter of Calypso, so preserving a female descendant from that line was important to me. This litter was also a distant linebreeding on a dog I deeply admire for his temperament and whose breeder I was very close with prior to her passing. My decision to take a puppy from this pairing was rooted in those priorities, not coat color. I would have retained a puppy from this litter regardless of color.

​Color has never been a deciding factor in my breeding decisions.

Finally,

When I choose a puppy for my program, I prioritize temperament, structure, long term soundness, and alignment with my breeding goals. Documentation exists for the timing discussions, pick order agreement, and genetic testing referenced above.

Operating publicly invites scrutiny, and I understand that. What I will not do is allow misinformation regarding my integrity or decision making to stand unaddressed.

For those who are genuinely curious and approaching this in good faith, I am always open to respectful, direct communication. Serious and respectful questions are welcome.

My program has always been built on transparency, and that includes clarifying facts when needed.