Love Your Livestock: Valentine’s LGD Special for Spring 2026

This Valentine’s season, show your flock or herd the ultimate love: protection from professionally bred Maremma Sheepdogs. Our “Love Your Livestock” Valentine’s promotion combines the romance of the season with the practical reality every livestock owner knows—spring lambing and kidding season is coming, and predators are already planning their strategy.

From now through Valentine’s Day (February 14 at 11:59 pm), we’re offering strategic spring preparation bonuses designed to help you coordinate the complex dance of getting livestock guardians in place before vulnerable babies arrive. These aren’t discounts—they’re premium value-added packages that actually solve real problems you face when adding livestock guardian dogs to your farm.

Why Spring Timing Matters for Livestock Protection

If you’ve been through even one lambing or kidding season, you know the truth: predators have (internal) calendars too. They know when your farm will be filled with small, vulnerable babies who can’t yet flee effectively. Coyotes, foxes, big cats, and other predators don’t wait until you’re ready—they wait until you’re most vulnerable.

The farmers who sleep well during the spring baby season are the ones who plan ahead. They don’t wait until they lose their first lamb to panic-buy a livestock guardian dog. They strategically placed their Maremma Sheepdog weeks or months before the chaos began, giving their dog time to bond with the flock or herd, learn the property, and establish their protective presence.

That’s exactly what this Valentine’s promotion is designed to help you do: plan strategically instead of scrambling desperately.

Let’s Address the Awkward Part First

Before we get to the fun stuff – Valentine’s bonuses and adorable puppies – I need to be really clear about one thing:

During this promotion, dogs go to whoever completes payment first. Period.

Not who inquires first. Not who writes the longest email. Not who’s been on my email list the longest.

Whoever pays first gets the dog.

Why I’m Being Strict About This

Here’s the reality: I sometimes get people who request an invoice and then take several days to pay it. Or they never pay at all.

Under normal circumstances, I give people a little leeway on timing. Life happens. I get it.

But during a time-sensitive promotion with limited puppies? That’s not fair to everyone else.

If I’m holding a dog for someone who’s “thinking about it” while another family who’s ready to commit has to wait, that’s not okay. The family that’s ready loses out. I lose a sale if the first person backs out. Nobody wins.

So for this promotion, the rules are firm:

When you tell me you want a specific dog, I send you an invoice. You need to pay immediately. (I can text you when I send the invoice, if you wish.)

If you pay → The dog is yours. Guaranteed.

If you don’t pay → The dog goes back to available status.

And here’s the part that might surprise you: I may send invoices to multiple families for the same dog. Whoever pays first gets it – even if someone else inquired first or received their invoice first. (I will do my best to let everyone know if there are others interested in a particular puppy, but the reality is that I am usually talking to multiple people about my available dogs, and I can’t predict when someone will decide they are ready to proceed with a reservation, or who is serious and who’s not.)

How to Avoid Disappointment

My honest advice:

Do your thinking BEFORE you contact me about a specific dog.

Talk to your spouse. Check your bank account. Compare breeders. Decide you’re ready.

THEN contact me.

Because once I send you an invoice, the clock starts. And I can’t hold the dog while you figure things out.

When you receive the invoice, pay it the same day. Don’t wait around thinking you have time – someone else might pay before you do.

And don’t wait until the deadline to start this process. If you want the Feb 10 premium bonuses and you’ve never applied before, start NOW. Application review + invoice + payment processing takes time.

What If You’re Not Ready Yet?

Then wait. Seriously.

I’d rather you take the time you need to make a confident decision than feel rushed.

If you’re planning several months ahead, consider reserving a spot on my master reservation list instead. You pay $500 now, the Valentine’s bonuses apply when you eventually choose your puppy (even if that’s in April or June), and you’re not stressing about immediate pickup.

If you’re just not sure yet, skip this promotion. The dogs might still be available later (without bonuses), or I’ll have different dogs available.

What doesn’t work: Contacting me “just to see” and then being upset when the dog sells while you’re deciding.

Bottom Line

This is about fairness.

The family that’s ready to commit shouldn’t lose out to the family that’s still thinking about it.

Payment reserves the dog. Nothing else does.

If you’re ready, this policy actually protects you – once you pay, the dog is absolutely yours. No wondering if someone else might get it.

If you’re not ready, that’s okay. Just know the dog might be sold by the time you are.

Okay. Policy talk over. Let’s get to the good stuff! 💕

The Two-Tier Bonus Structure: Rewarding Strategic Planning

We’ve created two bonus tiers that reward planning ahead while still offering value to those who need a bit more time to coordinate logistics.

Tier 1: Early Valentine Bonus (Payment Received by February 10, 11:59pm)

Premium Package Options – Choose ONE:

Package A: Flexible Spring Transition

Perfect for those coordinating fencing projects, spring weather delays, or complex timing around kidding season. Includes:

• Up to 30 days free board ($750 value) – your puppy stays with us while you finish preparations
• Dial Training Course access ($50 value) – science-based training foundation
• Total Value: $800

Package B: Premium Shipping Package

Everything you need for seamless long-distance livestock guardian dog placement:

• Airport coordination ($100 value) – we handle the logistics and stress of booking your dog’s flight
• Airport delivery ($100 value) – direct to departure
• Dial Training Course access ($50 value)
• Total Value: $250

Package C: Premium Pickup Package

The ultimate start for local families picking up their livestock guardian dogs:

• Curated gift bag of puppy supplies ($150+ value) – things we use for our own dogs
• Blue 9 harness + leash ($75 value)
• Dial Training Course access ($50 value)
• Total Value: $275 value

Note: Bonuses are per reservation. Multi-dog purchases may receive adjusted packages – contact me for details.

Tier 2: Valentine’s Day Bonus (Payment Received February 11-14, 11:59pm)

Standard Package Options – Choose ONE:

Package A: Spring Transition Starter

• 15-day board credit ($375 value)
• Dial Training Course access ($50 value)
• Total Value: $425

Package B: Shipping Essentials

• Airport coordination credit ($100 value)
• Dial Training Course access ($50 value)
• Total Value: $150

Package C: Pickup Starter

• Blue 9 balance harness plus leash ($75 value)
• Dial Training Course access ($50 value)
• Total Value: $125 value

Note: Bonuses are per reservation. Multi-dog purchases may receive adjusted packages – contact me for details.

How to Lock In Your Valentine’s Bonuses

This is critical to understand: bonuses are locked in when PAYMENT is received by the deadline, not when you express interest. This works exactly like any sale at any store—you get the sale price when you complete the purchase, not when you think about it.

Ready to secure your spring livestock guardian dog? Here’s the step-by-step process:

For new clients (never applied before):

Step 1: Complete the application

First things first – if you’ve never worked with me before, you need to complete my puppy application. This typically takes 10-15 minutes, and I review applications within 24 hours.

Don’t wait until the deadline to apply! If you want the premium bonuses (deadline Feb 10), submit your application by Feb 8 at the latest. This gives time for review, any follow-up questions, and payment processing.

Step 2: Tell me which dog you want

Once your application is approved, contact me about the specific dog you’re interested in (or let me know you want a future litter reservation).

Step 3: Receive invoice and pay immediately 

Here’s where timing gets critical. When you tell me you want a specific dog, I send you an invoice immediately.

You then need to complete payment right away (and before the promotional deadline).

Important: Dogs are first-paid, first-served. Multiple families may receive invoices for the same dog. Whoever pays first gets the dog – even if someone else inquired first.

This means: Don’t contact me unless you’re ready to pay immediately. Don’t expect me to hold the dog while you “think about it.”

I know this sounds strict, but it’s the only fair way to handle promotions when multiple families are interested in the same dogs. Payment equals reservation. Everything before that is just browsing.

Think of it like concert tickets:

The best seats don’t go to whoever browses the seating chart first. They go to whoever checks out first. You can spend an hour deciding which section you want, but if someone else buys those seats while you’re deciding, they’re gone.

Same principle here.

I’m not trying to pressure you into a decision you’re not ready for. Genuinely. If you need more time, that’s completely okay – I’d rather you be certain than rushed.

I’m just asking you to be ready when you contact me.

One more thing: This is actually my year-round policy, not something special for this promotion. It just becomes extra important when I’m running a time-limited offer and multiple families are inquiring about the same dogs.

Step 4: Sign contract

After payment is received, I’ll send you the contract specific to your dog. You’ll have time to review and sign this (it can be completed after the promotional deadline).

For returning clients or already-approved applicants:

You get to skip Step 1! Just contact me about which dog you want, receive the invoice, and pay within 24 hours (or before the deadline) to lock in your bonuses.

Payment Amounts Required to Reserve:

• For current dogs (12+ weeks old): $3,500 full payment required
• For future litter reservations or puppies under 12 weeks old: $500 reservation for payment required

All reservations are non-refundable

Current Dogs vs. Future Litter Reservations: Both Qualify!

For CURRENT dogs (our available inventory of exceptional Maremma puppies, adolescents, and adults):

• Full payment of $3,500 is required by the deadline to reserve your Maremma
• Payment by deadline = bonuses locked in immediately
• The dog is yours. Choose your bonus package
• Take your LGD home as soon as you’re ready

For FUTURE litters (Master Reservation List):

• $500 reservation payment required by deadline
• Payment by deadline = bonuses and total price locked in for when you eventually get your puppy (even if that’s months away!)
• Balance of $3,000 due when your puppy reaches 12 weeks
• Puppy reservations can be transferred to any available older dog if that suits your needs better
• Perfect for strategic planners who aren’t ready for immediate pickup but want to guarantee availability and lock in these bonuses and the price

This future reservation option is brilliant for farmers who are still finishing fencing, completing other spring projects, or simply want to plan ahead without the pressure of immediate placement.

Currently Available Livestock Guardian Dogs: Exceptional Dogs at Various Stages

We currently have multiple ethically bred, professionally trained Maremma Sheepdogs ready for their forever farms:

• August litter: 1 puppy (6+ months old) – gentle and sweet adolescent, past the rowdy puppy stage, she does well with both younger puppies and older dogs, living with goats 24/7 
• September litter: 2 puppies, (nearly 5 months old) – past critical socialization period, living full-time with goats, excellent foundation
• November litter: 5 puppies (almost 12 weeks old) – prime placement age for bonding with new livestock and family members

Every single one of these dogs has received our comprehensive socialization protocol, veterinary care, and early livestock guardian dog development. All are living fulltime with goats with exposure to other livestock and all are well-socialized with children and adults. They’re exceptional livestock guardians at different developmental stages, each offering unique advantages depending on your timeline, preferences and experience level.

Investment: $3,500 standard pricing for premium puppies at our regular pricing PLUS strategic bonuses worth $125-800

See Available Puppies

We also have a few started adolescents and fully trained adults, from 1-6 years old. Priced individually according to their experience and training levels.

See Available Older Dogs

Why These Bonuses Actually Help Your Farm

We didn’t create random freebies—we designed packages that solve real problems livestock owners face when adding a guardian:

Board credits give you flexibility when spring weather delays fencing projects, when kidding takes longer than expected, or when you need just a few more weeks to coordinate logistics. Your new livestock guardian dog stays with us, continuing their livestock socialization, instead of you rushing and making mistakes or missing out on exactly the dog you need.

Shipping packages remove the stress and minimizes the expense of long-distance logistics, especially if you’re coordinating livestock guardian dog arrival around lambing/kidding season or weather constraints. We handle the complexity; you handle your farm.

Pickup packages ensure you have the essentials you need for your new puppy from day one—premium equipment, books, and dog supplies we actually use and recommend, not cheap substitutes that create training problems later.

Every bonus is designed to set you up for success, not just add perceived value.

What Does NOT Count as a Reservation (Please Read This Carefully)

Because we want this to be crystal clear and avoid any disappointment:

❌ Sending an “I want it” message before the deadline, but paying after

❌ Invoice sent before deadline but paid after deadline

❌ “I’ll pay first thing tomorrow” on deadline day

❌ Starting application process on deadline day (new clients)

✅ Payment completed and received before the deadline

✅ Confirmation email from us received before the deadline

✅ Application submitted with enough time for review + payment processing

Payment = reservation. Interest = not reservation. This protects everyone and ensures fair access to bonuses.

Your Questions Answered

Protect What You Love This Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s season is the perfect time to give your livestock the ultimate gift: a professionally bred livestock guardian dog who will protect them through every vulnerable spring season for years to come.

Whether you choose a current Maremma who’s ready for immediate placement or reserve your spot for a future litter, you’re making a strategic investment in your farm’s security and your own peace of mind.

Ready to reserve your new Maremma?

• New clients: Complete your puppy application here
• Already approved clients: Contact me directly by email or text to process your reservation
• Questions: Email kim@prancingponyfarm.com 

Deadlines:

• Tier 1 Premium Bonuses: Monday, February 10 at 11:59pm
• Tier 2 Standard Bonuses: Friday, February 14 at 11:59pm

Your flock or herd deserves protection. You deserve peaceful sleep. This spring deserves strategic planning instead of desperate scrambling.

Love your livestock—give them a Prancing Pony Maremma Sheepdog livestock guardian dog!

“Will There Be Future Promotions?” (The Honest Answer)

I’m going to be completely transparent with you: I don’t know if I’ll do this again.

This Valentine’s promotion is an experiment. I designed these bonus packages because I kept hearing the same coordination challenges from families—”I want a livestock guardian dog, but my fencing won’t be done until April,” “I’m ready to commit, but my new livestock isn’t here yet,” “I live six states away, and the logistics feel overwhelming.”

I wanted to test whether strategic bonuses actually solve real problems or if I’m just creating complexity nobody needs.

If this works well—if these packages genuinely help families coordinate successful livestock guardian placements and help me plan my litters better—I might try similar offerings at other strategic points in the year. Maybe fall flock-building season. Maybe pre-winter preparation. Maybe spring again next year, though probably not with identical bonuses.

If it doesn’t resonate? I’ll stick to straightforward pricing and availability updates.

Either way, here’s what I can promise: My email subscribers will always hear first. Sometimes, days or weeks before social media posts. If you’re not quite ready for this Valentine’s special but the concept intrigues you, join the email list. Worst-case scenario, you get weekly farm stories and puppy photos. Best-case scenario, you get early access to future strategic bonuses if we do this again.

But for right now, for this specific promotion? The clock is ticking. February 10 for premium bonuses. February 14 for standard bonuses. After that, we’re back to regular operations.

Have questions or Experiences to Share?

Leave a comment below or reach out directly – I love hearing from fellow farmers and LGD owners!