GLORY RIDGE SHIH-TZU
Questions and Answers
updated 7/14/08
Frequently Asked Questions
of Karen DeAngelo
 I have compiled this page to save hours answering the common 
questions people have before they purchase one of my dogs.

I am a born/raised NYer, transplanted to wonderful Missouri in 1978.
FIRST of ALL, I want to tell you that
I am a  Born-again Christian that reflects my
beliefs on my web page.  
I have "rules" of operation and "wisdom" from prayer
in order to have order in my business and family.
I  am not here to be a charity provider of dogs
this is a BUSINESS OPERATION that
 the Lord led me into in 1986.
 I am in breeding to provide a service to you
for a profit.  That's why I do things right,  I don't take shortcuts.
I work  for you, but I am a very serious businesswomen and this is no game.
I am married 33 years to Joe DeAngelo
and we have 6 children (ALL GROWN ) of the same genetic factors :)
and  9 Grandchildren (two in heaven).
That is no "game" either...but can be VERY FUN!
My grandchildren are my puppy socialization team!

This is a copyrighted page. So please don't be a thief and steal
my pictures to slander me. Refer people to this page:
www.gloryridge.com/Questions.Answers.htm
If you have further questions...ASK ME.
gloryridge@myturbonet.com

Here are a list of Questions a National Puppy Site Suggest you ask a breeder and my responses.
There is MORE below it of my OWN.
 

 NOW MY OWN ADDITIONS FROM PAST QUESTIONS:

Q: WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY IN SHIH-TZU? 
 A: I have been raising Shih Tzu’s since 1986.
I built my kennel in 1991 to protect the dogs.
I went on the internet with a website in 1997.
I build my own website.
I do not show. I raise shih-Tzu strictly for pets.

Q. Are your dogs registered with the American Kennel Club?
A. Yes,  all my breeding dogs are AKC Registered and I am in good standing with the AKC. All our male studs are DNA'd with AKC.

 Q: What other types of dogs do you breed?
  A:I only raise shih tzu’s. I have dabbled in other breeds in the past.
       None compare to the shih-tzu.  I am allergic to short haired dogs.
Shih-tzu are NON_ALLERGIC type dogs (no dander, hair like humans).
I know a lot about other breeds and have many breeder friends,
so if you decide a shih-tzu is not for you, perhaps I can help you find a 
good breeder of another breed.
I have a son, Joe, who raises BOXERS,
My assistant raises MALTESE and YORKIES.
I have trained them all. I advertise for them.

Q: Are you picky what you breed.
A:  I FANATICALLY BREED ONLY THE BEST DOGS. My vet says I go overboard.
  I have a passion to develop a distinct line of beautiful Shih Tzu's who
  win the hearts of all who see them. I provide you with a loving pet that
  is very classy, and VERY HEALTHY. My name means something to me.
I won't put my name  on poor  quality dogs. 
Not every puppy is perfect quality, but they are all loved and treated like they are.
 I breed a smaller line of shih-tzu that average 6-12lbs, 8-8 1/2" tall at the top of the back.
 

  Q: What makes the shih-tzu so special?
  A: The shih-tzu molds to it's master if obtained at a very young age. 
        They do not shed.  They love every age person. They bark only for warning.
        They bond with other pets you have. They don't need a lot of space to thrive.
        Shih-Tzu seem to be a dog that allergic people can have (ME, for one!).
         In my opinion they are a most desirable pet.  Smart, loveable, and very healthy. 
          They live 12-15 years on average.
        
   Q. What makes a better pet; Male or Female?  SEE MORE AT www.gloryridge.com/directory.com

   A: Males are more loving than females, but owners of females (who have never owned a 
         male, won't believe it). Males ALWAYS want LOVE. Females are moody about it.
        Our males are ALL neutered before shipped and as easy to housebreak IF YOU DO IT.
        Males vs females FROM OUR KENNEL are no different in this area. We HIGHLY suggest
        MALES if you are taking one of our pups into a THERAPY PROGRAM.
  
  Q: What are your education and background, and qualifications?
   
  A: I am a Hobby- Show Licensed Breeder with the State of Missouri. 
        I attend Canine Educational Seminars several times a year which now goes toward CEU's
        certification by the State of Missouri for Professional Breeders.
        I have been to seminars on canine genetics (many times),  
        canine pediatrics (many times), canine nutrition (many times), 
        canine OB (many, many times),  twice to artificial insemination seminars 
        and many others in-between. I've been to meetings on USDA law and upcoming 
        legislation. I believe that even if I am NOT USDA licensed, that every good breeder
        would follow their recommendations on kennel requirements for the optimum safety
        and well being of their dogs. I don't sell to Pet shops or dog brokers, so I do not
        need a USDA license.   I am not USDA licensed.
        I was on a committee to the USDA for suggestions on air shipping needs. 
        I was NW Representative of the Missouri Pet Breeders Association for a season, who
        are interested in the well being of the pet industry to be educated breeders.
        MPBA and other organizations conduct these free seminars. They are given by some 
        of the best Vets in the nation.  
        I am a member of good standing with the Professional Pet Breeders Association.
        I am keep knowledgeable on the latest canine issues.
        I am a professional breeder  with outstanding references given at anytime.
              Raising my Shih Tzu’s is a full-time home business. I am obsessed with raising 
        GREAT Shih Tzu dogs.
        I consider myself a good breeder, honest and reliable businesswomen. 
        People who tell you this should not be a business probably do so to evade paying 
        taxes. I am a professional and my clients are treated in a professional, but loving 
        manner. I am legal with the US Government, and therefore you should feel safer than
        with some fly-by-night breeder.  
               I am also a Licensed Nurse (for humans) and former DOULA (professional childbirth 
         assistant) . I am currently a practicing Home Health/Hospice Nurse.  
        My son assist me with the dogs  when I am gone.

   Q: Do you raise your dogs to show them professionally?
    A: No. I have no interest in show dogs.  If you want a show dog, see www.fallingstar.com

   Q: Can I buy a puppy from you to raise him or her for breeding?
    A. No. There are too many breeders now. We spay and neuter our pups for pet homes.

 Q. Do your dogs live with your in your house or in a kennel?
A. I have a 12X36 foot kennel building designed specifically for housing,
      breeding and whelping.  It is up to USDA Standards, but 
      we are not USDA Licensed to sell to brokers and pet shops.
     The temperature and humidity is controlled, along with 
      disease, parasite, and flea control.  The dogs have their own doggie doors and 
      runs for exercise.  It is air conditioned and heated to 70 degrees, year round. We
    recently added a  grooming room and puppy room .   We play with the dogs several 
     times a day.   They are raised in the kennel from puppy hood and therefore
     do not get accustomed to the house.   Happy dogs are healthy.  Dogs raised in a
     kennel  environment know no differently.
     When our dogs retire, they are placed in homes to live the remainder of their days.
     They are not housebroke to a home and therefore must be. It takes about 2 weeks for
      the new owner to housebreak them.
     They naturally will be crate broke, and doggie door broke on delivery.
     We place them by age 6. 
   They must be spayed before they leave here, at the new owners expense ($75.)
    Puppies are in-house socialized before leaving for 2 weeks.
    They are usually ready to go home at 8-9 weeks of age.
    Wormings and shots are routinely given,  along with medication for coccidia prevention.
    Vet checked at 7-8 weeks and hernia repairs, pinched nostrils and spays and neutering 
    are all done if need be at that time. We place the pup 1 week after this visit.    
No pup is EVER sent with diarrhea or nasal/chest congestion
          

ALL PROFESSIONAL BREEDERS
go by USDA standards, even if NOT licensed
by USDA.  We do not sell to brokers or pet shops
and are not required by law to have a USDA license.

   A: Let me tell you this. IF you have a dirty kennel you go out of 
    raising dogs faster then you got in. All you see on the news is the
    unregulated bad kennels in Missouri. Other people bad mouth all
    breeders because we reside in Missouri. Well, it's pure garbage. 
    You never see the quality, state-of-the-art kennels in Missouri – 
   the ones with automatic watering systems, air purifiers, sparkling 
   clean white fiberglass walls and ceilings, video-surveillance 
  cameras, clean, happy dogs etc.  I am here to tell 
  you the media neglects to show you these kennels! Missouri 
 strictly regulates kennels! They will haul you into court if you 
  don't comply! We are vet inspected before we can even apply 
 for a license (which is mandatory over 3 breeding females).  
 AKC also comes once a year and inspects the environment along 
 with the dogs. I also am a BRUCELLOSIS-FREE KENNEL. Do you 
 know that this disease is a common VD among canines and is 
 transmitted to humans?  I never  see this mentioned anywhere else!
Most "breeders" do not even  know about Brucellosis.   
   There are 19+ Inspectors in Missouri. 
Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma have 2!!!!
 
  Q: How big do your Shih Tzu's get?
   A: Our dogs are usually 6-12 lbs full grown.  FRAME size mostly determines weight.
       Our shih-tzu are short and square, usually 8" at the top of the back.
              My shih-tzu   a wonderful lap size, smaller than most house cats.
                            
    Q: How do Shih Tzu's get along with children and visitors?
     A: They love kids!  The Shih Tzu is a very loving and trusting dog.    
      All of my pups are SOCIALIZED TO THE HILT BEFORE GOING HOME!!
      We also sell THERAPY DOGS  for the elderly and sick.
      Our dogs LOVE people!    

      Q: Will I need to get the puppy shots?
       A: All our pups have their shots that are current for their age.  
       They are also wormed before leaving our kennel, treated for coccidiosis and 
        giardia, internal parasites. ALL pups are born with WORMS. A breeder who does not
       worm and tells your they have no worms and acts like it's a plague, is a NOVICE.
       Microscopic worm larva imbed in mothers muscles and are released during stress.
       BIRTH is STRESS! Hookworms will kill a pup by  8 weeks! 
       You will need to follow up with booster shots as needed, 
      get rabies and heart worm pills from your local vet when 
      age appropriate.  All pups are fully checked out by a reputable 
      Vet and health certified for shipping. We will give our vets phone
       number to those who request it.  READ OUR VACCINATION PAGE.

       Q: What age do I need to get my puppy spayed or neutered? 
       A: ALL our pet  pups  are spayed and  neutered before leaving.
      It is done by a Licensed Veterinarian. This SAVES you HUNDREDS of $$ in vet costs!
                   Our neutered males have low tendency to roam for love and lift their leg to 
    "mark their territory". Early spay/neuter programs are highly 
    recommended by the TOP vets in the USA, and the Humane Society. 
VETS who  tell you it is NOT good at this age NEED a REFRESHER course.
          There is NO solid evidence that early spay causes the dog any problem later in life.
           This surgery is COMPLETE removal of reproductive organs, so it ALWAYS is PERMANENT!
            One vet assistant actually told a client of mine that it might not "take" and she better have 
spayed there. I thought I'd crack up laughing!!!!!! I WATCH THE SURGERIES 
BEING DONE ON MY DOGS! I have had approximatly 300 puppies altered in the past 5 years with NO 
ill effects.  So those who tell you it is dangerous have NO stats like I do. It is all made up
 to hurt my business.  
      
     Q: Do I have to go to Missouri to pick-up my new pup?
      A: No, not unless it is too hot to ship.
 I will make all of the arrangements to ship your puppy to you via a major airline. 
(And believe me when I tell you, THIS alone is truly great customer service.)  
This is my full-time occupation, and I will provide you with continual communication on
 him/her up, we will look forward to meeting you! 
However, if you have over a two-hours drive, it is EASIER on the 
pup to FLY.  PLEASE trust me in this!   Our air cargo facility and 
is VERY CAPABLE and VERY SAFE.  USDA is there often to 
regulate shipping like anywhere else in the United States. 
Our shipping prices are the LOWEST anywhere.
DON'T BELIEVE AIR SHIPPING ISN'T SAFE FOR THE PUP!
	  
       Q:How much will it cost me to ship my pup?
       A:The shipping changes with the seasons.  Please refer to the
                Shipping page. .   
  
       Q: Do you guarantee your puppies?
       A: Yes. I guarantee my pups 1 years against problems causing death.
                      Our breeders are highly  selective and carefully planned for QUALITY, not QUANTITY!!   
              I DO NOT GUARANTEE DOGS ADULT COLOR  or SIZE or 
ability to reproduce (on breeding dogs)
              
       Q: What is your average litter size?
       A: Our average litter is 4 - 6 puppies.

        Q: How much do your dogs cost?
        A:  See PRICE page.
            

       Q: How do I order a puppy?
       A:  You can e-mail, call, or write to me.
Puppy Application Form Here
   816 470-2301
I PREFER YOU CALL ME.
I want to talk to a VOICE.
  
        Q: How will I pick-out my special puppy when you are so far away?
        A: As soon as the pups are born, I take a picture of them and will e-mail 
it to you. You will be able to pick out the puppy you want most. 
I will also keep you updated, on my web site, with weekly photos 
so you can watch your puppy grow up to be the absolutely most 
gorgeous Shih Tzu you can get as a pet.   Again, my ultimate goal 
is to place you with the most beautiful Shih Tzu you can get!   
Click-on  Shipping Information for current shipping information.

         Q. How many dogs do you breed?
         A. I have about 15 females a year I  breed an
             and currently 4 stud dogs.  We breed age 1-6 years.
              Female dogs throw each other into heat, so you will see several litters born all
              around the same time and then a lull for a month or 2.  

Q. Can I visit your kennel?
A. If you will allow a background check or references from a vet, 
you may come to the kennel by appointment.
         It is for the SAFETY of our shih-tzu!!
Animal Rights terrorist often disguise themselves as customers.
   

I would like you to read this letter I  received from
Missouri Federation Of Animal Owners,
of which I am a member.
Dear MoFed Members,