Application

Zulas Shih Tzu Puppies of Maine

Guardian Home Info

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At ZULAS SHIH TZU OF MAINE, I have found a solution to raising several dogs and maintaining a breeding business, while providing a Win/Win/Win situation. We place puppies or young dogs into guardianship homes where they live their lives and visit ZULAS SHIH TZU OF MAINE for housing while in season, and eventually to whelp their litters.

Win= This allows me to have more time to train my younger dogs and

an un-crowded HOME!

Win= A family gets a healthy, cream-of-the crop- dog at very little cost

to them, and has many years to enjoy it’s company!

Win= The dog gets the one-on-one attention it likes

What is a guardian home?

The Guardian Program serves as a vital avenue for us to expand our program while maintaining the utmost well-being of our beloved dogs. We aim to provide them with the love and attention they deserve without compromise. Recognizing our limitations, we acknowledge that individualized care in a nurturing environment is essential for our dogs’ happiness. As a guardian home, you become the permanent family for one of our breeding dogs throughout their time in our program. Following their retirement and spaying/neutering, ownership is officially transferred to the guardian family, granting them a lifelong companion. Embracing the role of a Guardian Home affords you the chance to welcome one of our puppies or young adults into your family. Through the Guardian Program, we prioritize ensuring our dogs lead fulfilling lives in homes filled with affection, providing them with optimal one-on-one attention.

Is there a fee involved to become a guardian?

Yes. You can rest assured that you will receive a top-quality dog carefully hand-selected by our team to continue in our program. Your upfront cost is $1,000.

How does transportation work?

Guardians are accountable for all transportation arrangements to and from our facilities. In the case of a female, it is the guardian’s responsibility to ensure she is taken to the vet for an ultrasound if they are unable to bring her to us for the procedure.

What expenses are guardian families responsible for?

Guardians are entrusted with the complete care of their canine companions, which encompasses fulfilling their nutritional needs through the provision of food, treats, toys, and more. Additionally, they are tasked with ensuring the dog receives routine veterinary attention that is unrelated to breeding. This entails maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, administering flea and tick medications, as well as heartworm prevention, with all associated costs falling on the guardians. Moreover, guardians are obligated to cover grooming expenses unless they choose to undertake this task independently.

What are the requirements for becoming a guardian?

When taking on the responsibility of caring for a dog, it is important to commit to teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, lay down, “no”, quiet, and leave it.

Positive reinforcement should be the sole method used for training.

Potty training and crate training should ideally be completed by the time the dog reaches 9 months of age.

The dog should be kept indoors as a family pet and not be left to live outside.

Until fully vaccinated (usually around 16 weeks), the dog should be kept away from areas where other dogs congregate and should not interact with unfamiliar dogs.

Socializing the dog with both dogs and people is essential.

Adequate exercise and mental stimulation must be provided.

Transportation to and from the breeder should be feasible with a notice of 24-36 hours.

Effective communication and cooperation with the breeder are crucial.

In case of a serious illness or accident, the breeder should be contacted promptly.

Participation in another breeder’s guardian home program for the same breeds is not permitted while engaging with our program.

While a fenced yard is preferred, it is not mandatory.

What is the breeder responsible for?

After receipt of $1,000, provide guardian families with a healthy dog, covering expenses such as health testing, breeding-related costs (such as progesterone testing and semen collection), and the spay/neuter upon retirement.

Educate the guardians on detecting a heat cycle and caring for a pregnant dog if needed.

Additionally, offer financial support per litter, lifetime assistance for the dog, and a commitment to rehoming the dog if the guardian family is unable to provide care.

Does it Confuse or Negatively Impact the Dog Going Back and Forth?

Initially, pets often experience a moment of perplexity, questioning the sudden change and wondering about the whereabouts of their family. However, our team ensures that within 1-2 hours, the animals begin to settle in comfortably. We go to great lengths to provide them with a “home away from home” experience, showering them with ample attention. Our guardian dogs are an integral part of our family and share our living space, even opting to share our beds if they so desire. Remember, your demeanor during the transition can significantly impact your pet’s adjustment process. A calm disposition can help alleviate your furry companion’s anxiety, as they may mirror your emotions. Be mindful of your sentiments when bidding farewell, as your pet is likely to reflect your emotional state accordingly.

Are there any specific grooming requirements?

We do not require you to keep a specific groom or cut for your dog, but it is essential that the dog’s coat is well-maintained to prevent matting. Regular brushing and grooming are necessary practices to uphold. During the time your dog spends with us, we hold the authority to provide grooming and bathing services to guarantee their cleanliness, particularly after giving birth. Our dogs play a crucial role as ambassadors for our breeding program; therefore, they should be maintained in top condition as we often capture images while they are under our care. We highly appreciate receiving updated pictures from our guardian families, as we enjoy sharing them with others who appreciate our breeding efforts.

What happens if I decide I don't want my dog bred?

Becoming a guardian home for one of our dogs is a significant responsibility that necessitates careful consideration. It is crucial to understand that we maintain complete legal ownership of the dog until their retirement from our program, and guardians are obligated to adhere to the terms of the contract. Our dogs are meticulously chosen for their exceptional quality to enhance and advance our program. It is essential to remember that being a guardian home is a commitment that may not suit everyone. Prospective guardians are encouraged to contemplate this decision thoughtfully.

Will I be asked to feed specific food or treats?

We don’t mandate a certain brand of dog food, but we do insist that it’s rated a minimum of 3.5 stars on Dog Food Advisor. Additionally, please avoid grain-free options. Ideally, our dogs would be on Royal Canin or Blue Buffalo pet food or are given quality, home-cooked meals. Treats don’t have strict guidelines, but we prefer high-quality options, excluding items like “Ol Roy” or rawhide selections.

What happens if my dog isn't suitable for breeding?

If your dog is deemed unsuitable for breeding by either us or one of our veterinarians, then the dog will be retired from our program. In such cases, you will not be required to pay any additional fees. However, you will need to cover the expenses for spaying or neutering. Following this, full ownership of the dog will be transferred to you.

What are the benefits of being a guardian home?

You are getting a top-quality dog.

The dog will be health tested at the breeder’s expense.

Families are allowed to visit their female and her puppies.

Monetary compensation for each litter is provided.

The breeder pays for spay or neuter services.

Guardians with females get to name the puppies in her litters.

Once retired and spayed/neutered, full rights and ownership are transferred to you.

Knowing your canine companion is blessing families all over the country.

We consider all of our puppy/dog owners family, but when you become a guardian you are truly part of our team.

Zulas Shih Tzu of Maine

Guardian Home Agreement

Guardian Home Contract

Date
By and between the Breeder and the Guardian.
The Breeder:
Zulas Shih Tzu of Maine

Aminah Sadruddin

13 Florence Street

Augusta, Maine 04330

207-458-6804

Full Legal Name of the Guardian, Hereafter known as The Guardian:
Guardian Address:

Terms and Conditions

  1. Ownership and Custody:
    • The Breeder retains full ownership and breeding rights of the Dog and breeding decisions of the dog.
    • The Guardian is entrusted with the care, custody, and control of the Dog.
  2. Responsibilities of the Guardian:
    • Provide a safe, loving, and healthy home environment.
    • Ensure regular exercise, proper nutrition, and socialization.
    • Take the Dog to all scheduled veterinary appointments and follow prescribed medical treatments.
    • Keep the Dog groomed and well-maintained.
    • Notify the Breeder of any health issues or concerns immediately.
    • Guard the breeding interests of the breeders program.
    • Produce the dog to be bred and remain with the Breeder from heat until the puppies are weaned.
  3. Breeding Rights:
    • The Breeder has the right to breed the Dog back to back litters for a minimum of 5 litters.
    • The Guardian agrees to make the Dog available for breeding and any necessary veterinary appointments related to breeding. The Guardian will notify the Breeder immediately of any sign of heat.
  4. Veterinary Care and Expenses:
    • Routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and annual check-ups, will be the responsibility of the Guardian.
    • Emergency care not breeding related is the responsibility of the Guardian.
    • Breeding-related veterinary costs will be covered by the Breeder.
    • Guardian agrees to never administer Leptospirosis vaccine.

    • Guardian pays for tick/flea treatment (Revolution), which is currently approved for breeding dogs.

  5. Travel and Availability:
    • The Guardian agrees to make the Dog available for breeding purposes, including travel to the Breeder’s location or a designated veterinary clinic.
    • The Breeder will provide notice of any required travel at least 5 calendar days in advance.
  6. Compensation:
    • The Guardian of female and male dogs will be paid $200 per litter sold.
    • Payments to the Guardian will be made within 30 days of the sale of the first puppy from the litter.
  7. Duration of Agreement:
    • This Agreement shall remain in effect until the Dog has completed its breeding career (Usually 4-6 litters for females) as determined by the Breeder, whichever comes first.
  8. Termination of Agreement:
    • The Breeder reserves the right to terminate this Agreement if the Guardian fails to comply with the terms and conditions.
    • The Breeder reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and assert Custody Rights over the dog for any reason including but not limited to; the Guardian not providing adequate care, safety, reasonable communication, reasonable effort to notify the Breeder of heat cycles, and so on.
    • The Guardian may terminate this Agreement by providing 1 day's with acceptable notice being digital notice via text and/or call to the Guardian.
  9. Return of the Dog:
    • Upon termination of this Agreement, the Guardian agrees to return the Dog to the Breeder in good health and condition. Within 7 calendar days of text or phone call notification.
    • All papers, medical records, and any other documents related to the Dog must be returned to the Breeder.
  10. Breeding Soundness:
    • The Guardian agrees that the only Veterinary opinion that will be sought for a recommendation of breeding soundness is the veterinarian chosen from the breeder. Any recommendation or opinion from any other Veterinarian about the breeding capability or soundness of the dog listed in this Contract will not be heard, sought, or allowed, in determining whether or not the dog will or should be bred.
    • The Guardian will make the dog available to the Breeder for any Vet checks at the veterinarian chosen by the breeder if the Guardian calls into question the breeding capability and soundness of the dog in this Contract.
    • The Breeder will always have the ultimate right and control to breed the dog and breeding decisions.
  11. Whelping / Heat :
    • The Guardian will deliver any female dog to Zula's Shih Tzu of Maine as soon as there is first sign of bleeding.
    • Females will be returned to the Guardian after breeding until one week before due date, at which point the Guardian will have the choice to keep the female and I will come to their home for the whelping, or the Guardian can elect to have the female returned to Zula's Shih Tzu for whelping.
  12. Miscellaneous:
    • This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings.
    • Any amendments or modifications to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
    • This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Maine in the county of Kennebec.
  13. Damages:
    • The Guardian agrees that refusal to breed the guardian dog in the guardian program, will incur $10,000 in damages to the Breeder and Owner of Zula's Shih Tzu. Refusal to breed a dog in guardian program will result in immediate court filings and legal proceedings for the return of the dog and collection of the damages in the agreed upon amount of $10,000. damages. Refusal of breeding will also result in the forfeiture of the dog back to Zulas Shih Tzu. Failure to return the dog within 10 days of written request will incur an additional $45 per day for every consecutive calendar day past the 10 day time period. The Guardian understands and agrees to these predetermined damages to Aminah Sadruddin.
  14. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Guardian Home Contract as of the day and year first above written.
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