In Gratitude

How does an individual cross the threshold from a Rhodesian ridgeback owner to a breeder? In my case, and I believe many others, the only way to responsibly cross that great divide is through the support and guidance of established breeders.

In the fall of 2019, my breeder Rosalind Cich of Brondiki RR asked me if I had considered breeding Katie. This inquiry was not entirely far-fetched since my two prior females, Luca and Savannah, had both been bred and their litters whelped by Rosalind. I also knew that before I requested a puppy, Rosalind’s intention had been to keep Katie. Therefore, I was receptive to Rosalind’s suggestion.

Katie’s OFA evaluation was: hips good and elbows normal. Rosalind has worked with Diane Jacobsen of Calico Ridge for over three decades, so I was in their hands regarding the breeding. Katie is a DM carrier; therefore, a DM normal stud dog was essential. Diane and Rosalind discussed the breeding and everyone agreed on Diane’s stud dog Tater via AI. Progesterone testing enabled perfect timing for the AI breeding, and Katie’s first litter was born on April 15, 2020.

In addition to the in-depth support of Diane and Rosalind throughout that first litter, I was introduced to Deborah Cooper of Maijani RR and Lynn Miller of Piney Creek RR. Debbie provided me with essential guidance towards puppy purchase agreements, health testing beyond hips, elbows, and DM, and checked the litter for dermoid sinus. Lynn guided me in calcium supplementation for the bitch during nursing, introduced me to local people inquiring about a puppy, and indirectly introduced me to the Puppy Culture protocol for raising a litter, which I implemented with everlasting gratitude.

In summary, it is through the support of Rosalind Cich of Brondiki, Diane Jacobsen of Calico Ridge, Deborah Cooper of Maijani, and Lynne Miller of Piney Creek that Zolani RR was founded. To each of these individuals, I thank you. A special thank you, as well, to Diane and Debbie for sponsoring me for membership in the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (RRCUS). I look forward to gaining, and thereby sharing, knowledge and insight into the modern day Rhodesian ridgeback.