The Good Breeder Spotlight Column: Melissa
Meet Good Breeder Melissa, and learn how her special connection with the Australian Shepherd breed, led her to create the thriving breeding program she has today.
The Good Breeder Spotlight Column is a place to share the stories that matter most...YOURS!
Each month, we’ll be spotlighting a new member of our Good Breeder community. We created this column to amplify your voices, recognize the incredible work and sacrifices you make for the dogs we love, and provide you with a safe space to share your unique breeding stories.
We’re so excited to introduce you to this month’s Good Breeder columnist, Melissa Lambrecht of Wynter Thyme Manor.
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Good Dog: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background with dogs.
Melissa Lambrect: I am a 4th generation horse trainer and dog breeder. My love for animals is endless. The majority of my life is spent with horses and dogs by my side.
GD: What made you want to become a dog breeder?
ML: I love not only the gift of life, but the genetics and health testing that goes into creating new life for everyone to enjoy. I strive to continue to learn and better this amazing breed.
GD: What brought you to Good Dog, and how has being a Good Breeder impacted your breeding program?
ML: I found Good Dog through a Google search! I was looking for a marketing partner that I felt was knowledgeable, as well as passionate for the well-being of the dogs. Good Dog has been just that and more. My buyers, and myself, feel very comfortable working with Good Dog. The majority of my buyers come directly from you. I thank Good Dog for their amazing commitment to helping Good Breeders find great home for their pups.
GD: Describe your program to us. What makes it special?
ML: My program is based out of our farm. My dogs are eager to greet all the potential owners. The will find me on the farm to alert me when a buyer shows up to visit with their puppy. Buyers love this interaction and always tell me that they had an amazing experience meeting the family tree of Aussies.
GD: Tell us more about the unique history of your breed, and why it's important to you.
ML: In my opinion, this American breed is very unique. Their loyalty, intelligence, and athleticism is absolutely amazing. An Australian Shepherd is more like a family member than a canine. If brought up correctly, they will be not only your best friend, but will also always stand by you and protect you unconditionally.
GD: How did you begin to learn about breeding? What were some of your resources?
ML: Because I was raised on a working farm where my family bred and trained horses, dogs and other farm animals, breeding was instilled in me from birth. Canine health and genetics have advanced since my parent's era, so I took it upon myself to carry on their passion and grow it with every breeding. In addition to my background, learning from articles, and fellow breeders and vets has been a huge help with advancing my program.
GD: What were the challenges you had to overcome when you began breeding?
ML: Nothing is perfect and once in a while a pup will not thrive, or a mom will have difficulty whelping, so off to the vets we go. There is a huge learning curve, but healing a fading puppy or saving a whole litter is just such an amazing feeling. Watching the pups meet their new families and getting constant updates is such a joy in itself.
GD: If there was one misconception you could clear up about dog breeders, what would it be?
ML: I feel like there's a misconception that breeders only breed to make money. I would love for the potential buyers to take the time to interview breeders and choose the ones that actually breed for the wellness of the dogs, both during and long after they have left our care. I believe that through education, buyers can learn that producing healthy and sound-minded dogs takes a lot of money, love, and devotion from breeders.
GD: Looking to the future of your breeding program, what do you hope it looks like in 20 years?
ML: I hope this breed continues to thrive. I hope that breeders strive to produce Aussies with fewer mutations in the bloodlines. Whether it's working a farm, conquering the agility course, or playing the role of man's best friend, I hope this amazing breed continues to prove to the human race how loyal and loving the Australian Shepherd can be. I know I will do my best to be a big part of their future success.
