The Problem Most Dog Owners Face

When life circumstances force people to rehome their dogs, they often discover a harsh reality:

• Shelters and rescues are overwhelmed and may not understand working dog needs
• Rehoming websites are full of scammers and unqualified buyers
• Livestock guardian dogs may struggle with being placed in traditional pet homes
• Time pressure forces desperate decisions that don’t serve the dog’s best interests
• Guilt and stress compound an already difficult situation

The worst part? Many people delay getting the dog they want because they’re afraid of “what if” scenarios.

Our Promise: No Dog Left Behind

At Prancing Pony Farm, we believe you should never have to choose between your family’s needs and your dog’s welfare.

That’s why every Maremma we place comes with our Lifetime No-Fault Return Policy.

What This Means:

If you ever cannot keep your Maremma for any reason – at any age, for any circumstance – we will either:

1. Assist you in finding a new home for them using our network of qualified families
2. Take your dog back and find them a new home ourselves
3. Provide lifetime care here at our farm if an appropraite home can’t be found

What “No-Fault” Means:

• No judgment about your circumstances
• No guilt trips or difficult conversations
• No time limits – this applies for your dog’s entire life
• No exceptions – job loss, divorce, illness, moving, financial hardship – we understand

What We Handle:

• Screening potential new families to ensure proper placement
• Providing transition support for both your dog and their new family
• Lifetime care if needed (some dogs retire here permanently)
• All logistics of rehoming process
• Peace of mind that your dog will be loved and cared for

Why We Do This

Your dog’s welfare doesn’t end when you take them home.

We’ve bred and trained these dogs with specific traits and needs. We know them better than anyone, and we’re committed to their wellbeing for life – not just until the sale is complete.

But more importantly, this is about ethical responsibility.

As a breeder, I make the choice to bring these puppies into the world. That choice comes with a lifetime obligation to ensure their welfare. I would never feel right allowing a dog I bred to end up in a shelter, rescue, or inappropriate situation simply because their original family faced unexpected challenges.

This is what ethical breeding looks like. Taking responsibility for every life you create, regardless of the personal cost.

I’ve kept returned dogs here at significant personal expense rather than see them placed inappropriately. Some dogs have lived out their entire lives here because that was the best option for them. That’s not a burden – it’s the responsibility that comes with being a breeder.

We’ve seen too many working dogs end up in inappropriate situations because their original families faced unexpected challenges, and their breeders disappeared after the sale. Our policy ensures that never happens to our dogs.

What This Means for You

Freedom to commit fully. When you know your dog has a safety net, you can invest emotionally and financially without fear.

Peace of mind. Life is unpredictable, but your dog’s future is secure.

No rescue anxiety. You’ll never have to worry about your dog ending up in an uncertain situation.

Family support. We become your extended family, supporting both you and your dog for life.

Investment protection. While we don’t provide financial compensation, you know your dog will receive the care they deserve regardless of circumstances.

The Investment in Peace of Mind

This policy costs us significantly. We’ve had dogs return and live out their lives here. We’ve spent thousands on veterinary care for returned dogs. We’ve turned down profitable sales to help rehome dogs properly.

But it’s worth it because it means:

• Our dogs are never abandoned or neglected
• Our families can commit without fear
• We maintain relationships with all our puppy families
• We uphold our values of responsible breeding and lifetime commitment

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you refund the purchase price? A: No, this is our own rescue program, not a financial guarantee. The significant costs of lifetime care, veterinary expenses, and rehoming efforts are covered by us.

Q: Are there any restrictions? A: This applies to any dog purchased from Prancing Pony Farm, regardless of age, health status, or reason for rehoming.

Q: What if my dog has behavioral issues? A: We work with all situations. Many “behavioral issues” are actually training or environmental problems we can help resolve. As a certified professional trainer and licensed family dog mediator I (Kim) am better equipped to rehabilitate the dog (if needed) than a non-professional would be.

Q: How long does the rehoming process take? A: It varies depending on the dog’s needs and available families. We prioritize proper placement over speed.

Q: Do you take dogs from other breeders? A: This policy only applies to dogs we’ve bred and sold. However, we sometimes assist with rehoming other Maremmas on a case-by-case basis. (Like if one of our clients has another LGD that they acquired from another source.)