The True Meaning of a "Good Home" for a Breeder

People often make promises like, “I assure you, they’ll have a good loving home.” However, what this means to me as a breeder is profoundly deeper than what many might initially consider.

A “good home” isn’t merely about having a pretty and spacious house. It's not quantified by square footage or the presence of a nicely landscaped yard where a dog can frolic, nor does it hinge on matching bowls or trendy accessories for the pet. Instead, a "good home" encapsulates an emotion—a feeling that transcends material possessions. It embodies a set of standards and an unwavering commitment. It signifies a heart-space, vibrant and open, where a dog is genuinely cherished, understood, and thoughtfully cared for.

When I talk about a good home, I refer to individuals who recognize that this is far more than “just a dog.” This animal is a tangible piece of my heart, a living being for whom I’ve lost sleep and shed tears. The journey began long before they arrived in your life; I prayed over them when they were the size of a potato and celebrated their very first breath. I was there, encouraging their initial latch, filled with hope and joy, celebrating every milestone. A good home is defined by someone who consistently shows up for that dog, even in the less glamorous moments. It’s about the person who:

• Adjusts their daily plans to accommodate the needs of their pet, doing so with a sense of grace and without resentment.

• Gets down on the floor to offer comfort during moments of fear or sickness, providing the reassuring presence that only a loving owner can give.

• Takes on the task of trimming nails, even when the dog squirms and wiggles in protest, understanding that it’s a vital part of their care.

• Demonstrates patience as they navigate the beautiful chaos that often accompanies raising a puppy, rather than surrendering to frustration.

• Remains steadfast and does not abandon their responsibility when challenges arise or convenience wanes.

Moreover, a good home is characterized by someone who seeks to learn and grow rather than pretending to have all the answers. They value personal development, opting for steady progress over shortcuts and choosing love—even in the form of tough love—over momentary irritation. A good home is with those who send updates about their dogs do so not out of obligation but from a place of genuine joy and desire to share. Those heartfelt messages mean the world to me. When I receive photos of your puppy joyfully snuggled in your arms, playing with your children, or cozily sleeping in their new bed, my heart sighs with relief. In those moments, I find peace—because it reassures me that this precious creature is safe and thriving, confirming that I made the right decision in placing him or her in your care.

A good home is also someone who wholeheartedly honors the contract between us—not merely as a set of rules to follow, but as a commitment that ultimately serves to protect the dog. It’s someone who recognizes the weight of the promise: “If life ever takes an unexpected turn, you know this puppy will come back to me.” Not to Kijiji, not to an overcrowded shelter, and certainly not to a stranger, but back to me, the one who nurtured and cared for them. If this won't be possible for me to fulfil I will do everything in my power to help to find a new home for this puppy.

A good home is filled with individuals who appreciate the deep ties that exist between each puppy and the breeder who poured their heart into their care. Behind every playful puppy lies a breeder who felt the weight of those tender moments—who shed tears over the fragile ones, meticulously weighed and monitored each one throughout the night, ensured that the mother was comfortable and well-cared-for, and made sacrifices—delaying vacations, altering personal schedules, skipping family birthdays and weddings—because the puppies needed that attention and love. A good home values these sacrifices. It respects the journey from start to finish and cherishes the puppy, understanding that each moment has been infused with love and intention.

No good home is without flaws; rather, it is a place of presence, commitment, and willingness to learn and adapt. A good home is where love thrives, day in and day out. It is where the owner views their dog and thinks, “You’re not just a cute addition to my life; you are an integral part of my family, deserving of unconditional love and respect.”

This is what I seek when I place a puppy; this is the essence that truly matters to me. Not perfection, not appearances, and certainly not social status. What I prioritize is a genuine connection—a heart filled with emotion and patience, willing to embrace the joys and challenges of pet ownership.

When I entrust a puppy to a new home, I don’t see it as selling a dog. Instead, I’m entrusting a part of my life, a being I’ve held, nurtured, and loved deeply from the moment they came into this world. A good home is one where that love is not only recognized but continued, where the bond formed in those early days persists throughout the dog's entire lifetime.

Yours dearly Anastassia Kibzoun-Shtefan CRIN OR RPN

Passionate breeder and member in good standing of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Japanese Dog Preservation Society/Nihonken Hozonkai (NIPPO), Samoyed Association of Canada (SAC), Canadian Akita Club (CAC) and Grey Bruce Kennel and Obedience Club (GBKOC)

Owner of Last Samurai (ラスト侍、) CKC and NIPPO registered kennel www.facebook.com/1samuraikennel 

Owner of Pawtopia Pet Resort and Rescuewww.pawtopia.ca

Ontario Regional Director of the Samoyed Association of Canada www.samoyed.ca