We bought our collie puppy from a farm
about two hours drive away. We’d read
a lot about the woman breeder from
the Internet, saw pictures of the stud,
the dam, and former Champions. A pet
was all we wanted, but a pure-bred dog
was beautiful as well. Good temperament
was guaranteed. The pup we chose grew big
and sweet by nine months, but at just a year
was very sick from a genetic flaw.
The vets had salves and drops and pills that wore
us out (and cost as much a month as food.)
The breeder never bred the pair again,
and Blazer has become our greatest friend…

– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, Feb. 21, 2013