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This is just a short insight into why I chose to breed Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
As a veterinary nurse I once hand-reared two one-day-old large breed puppies. (The mom and dad were both pedigree). It took blood sweat and tears and many a sleepless hour. The male had to be put down after two weeks due to pneumonia and the female "Feebee" lived to 18 months. She was my friend, my companion and my guardian.
She had severe bi-lateral hip dysplasia and had an operation on her elbow at twelve months (ununited anconeal process.) She was on painkillers and arthritis supplements. At seventeen months she started showing hind-leg ataxia and after doing a myelogram at a specialist they diagnosed “wobbler-syndrome”. (Cervical vertebral instability). It is a very painful condition with a very poor prognosis.
I tried very strong painkillers that are used on cancer patients for a few weeks, but her pain and suffering was too much so I put her to sleep. I promised myself that I will never get another dog that I have to see go through so much pain and suffering in such a short time. Although in the pain free times I gave her the world as she did me. I see so many people in practice that go through the same emotions as I did when they discover that their two-year old dog has hip dysplasia and will have to take pain-killers for the rest of their lives. They can’t play or exercise normally.
I needed a dog that could go with me when I went horse riding.
I needed a dog that could protect me.
I needed a dog for the unquestionable friendship and companionship they gave so freely.
I decided on discussion with my vet that the breed with the least veterinary problems is a Ridgeback; hence I got my first Ridgeback pup!
At first I didn’t like her much since I was used to the bombastic nature of my fearless Feebee, however it did not take her long to creep very deeply into my heart. Deciding on a name was the next step. Since I’m Afrikaans I sort off changed the word Amigo (which means friend in Spanish) to Amika. When I required a kennel name for my Ridgies I wanted to stick to the idea of friend. Unfortunately Amigo in the correct spelling has already been used so the next best thing was Ammigo with a double 'm'. Hence Ammigo Ridgebacks were born!
Because of my experience, I strive to breed quality puppies. My Ridgies are hip- and elbow dysplasia free. The pups are KUSA registered and micro-chipped. They are dewormed frequently and have had two vaccinations by the time they go to their new homes.I socialize and expose them to everything I possibly can. A sound CD of thunder, gunshots, fireworks and numerous other scary sounds are frequently played to them from birth. They are exclusively fed on Hills Science Diet and get the best loving care a puppy deserves.
And as they say …"the rest is history".
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