Retired Service Dog Mommas

We have been a Guardian Home for two wonderful service dog mommas for the past five years. Nika and Kiza live with us and their puppies have gone on to do great things in the service dog training program with 4 Paws for Ability, a non-profit service dog organization in Xenia, Ohio. We have had many adventures with training practice, dog shows, hiking, helping whelp and socialize puppies, and daily fun around home with both of them.

As a guardian home we house, train, transport, and care for the breeder dog and the puppies from the planned litters she whelps become part of the Service Dogs in Training program. Kiza is a rough collie and came to our home from 4 Paws when she was 7 months old. Nika is a Golden Retriever and came to our home from 4 Paws when she was 10 weeks old. Kiza produced two litters of puppies and Nika produced one. They are both now retired from the 4 Paws breeding program and continue to live with us.

A great learning opportunity

Kiza and Nika have been canine partners with two of our daughters participating in Obedience, Showmanship, and Rally classes in 4-H. 

Part of the family

We have had so many opportunities to grow and learn in our time volunteering as a Guardian Home. Kiza and Nika are truly part of our family and we are thankful we could serve in a way that allowed for Puppies in Training to be born and grow to fill the needs of families seeking the help of service dogs. 

Our work with service our service dog mommas and puppies has grown into an enthusiasm for shaping well rounded, strongly socialized puppies. Click below to see the Puppy Enrichment Program for Hycottage Farm Puppies.