Sassafras Labradors

Some darling Percy babies @ 5 weeks old.
BPISS Sassafras Sweet Persimmon “Percy” X Smokey Hollow Delicious Chocolate “Della”

Forgot to post, we went to the farmer’s market Sat morning. Gala loved getting a pup cup

A lovely Percy x Lemon daughter 💕

Baby Gala 🍎

Happy Friday from the cozy ‘n sassy Apple, Percy & Peach

Happy Tuesday ♥️

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Please read below

To all new puppy parents: please read this carefully—I cannot stress it enough.

When you bring home an 8-week-old puppy, you’re not bringing home a “small dog.” You’re bringing home an animal in early development whose musculoskeletal system is still maturing.

Their bones haven’t fused, growth plates are open, and much of their skeleton is still cartilage. Muscles, ligaments, and coordination are immature, which is why puppies move awkwardly. That movement isn’t clumsiness—it’s their body learning how to build stable joints and efficient motion.

Puppies benefit from short bursts of play on safe footing—but they’re not built for repetition or impact yet. Too much stress on developing joints may cause subtle damage that often isn’t obvious until adulthood.

Potential long-term consequences may include:

• Earlier onset of joint wear
• Increased risk of hip or elbow disease in predisposed dogs
• Chronic joint discomfort
• Changes in gait or stride efficiency
• Higher likelihood of injury during adulthood

Letting a puppy jump off furniture can seem harmless—but repeated impact adds extra stress to joints and growth plates that are still developing. Long, forced walks may build endurance, but they don’t strengthen immature joints and can lead to fatigue in growing bodies. Slippery floors reduce traction, increasing slips and compensation that place added strain on developing joints.

Occasional mistakes happen — but minimizing repeated stress during growth helps support healthier movement long-term.

Early development is a unique and important window that can’t be fully recreated later.

A strong, well-built adult dog is the result of both good genetics and responsible upbringing. Genetics set the potential—but early care determines whether that potential is protected or compromised. Some structural aspects of development can’t be changed once growth plates close.

There will be plenty of time for hiking, running, agility, jumping, and rough play once your dog’s body is fully developed. Right now, the greatest gift you can give your puppy is restraint, patience, and protection.

Keep exercise controlled.
Choose safe, non-slip surfaces.
Prevent jumping from heights.
Avoid forcing intensity or impact beyond what the puppy’s body can safely handle.

You’re not holding them back—you’re building them for a lifetime. 🐾

Wishing a magical Merry Christmas to all my wonderful families! Hope all the Sassafras babies had a very special day! ♥️💚

Sweet Gala 🍎

I stay very close to my families throughout all the life stages but especially in the puppy phases…. This is a nice read 💖

🐾 Every breeder knows this moment, that little buzz on your phone a few days after a puppy goes home.

The message starts sweet:

“We love him, but…”

And you already know what’s coming next. But he barks. But he nips. But he cries at night. But he’s just “a lot.”

And it breaks your heart a little every time, because what they’re describing isn’t a “problem.”

It’s a puppy.

A baby learning the world outside of their mum and littermates. They’re confused, overstimulated, excited, and scared sometimes all at once, and that’s normal.

But people today want easy. They want the version they see online the one that sits calmly, never chews a shoe, and somehow knows “sit” by eight weeks.

They forget that behind every well-mannered dog is someone who put in the work, the patience, the boundaries, the grace.

When someone says, “He’s adorable, but I don’t think we’re a good fit,”

What they often mean is: I wanted the love without the learning curve.

Even the most beautifully raised puppies don’t come pre-programmed. They come ready to grow with you. To learn your rhythms, your tone, your energy. They don’t need perfection they need patience.

Some people confuse an easy puppy with a good one. But the truth is, every puppy is good they’re just new.

And new things are messy before they’re magical.

As breeders, we see it all. We comfort the ones who come back scared, unsure, wondering what they did wrong. We remind them softly: “You didn’t do anything wrong, baby.”

Because it’s never their fault that someone wasn’t ready for the hard parts that make the best parts possible.

Raising a puppy isn’t instant. It’s sleepless nights, puddles on the floor, little teeth on fingers and the sweetest bond you’ll ever build.

A puppy isn’t a project, or a phase, or something to “try.”

It’s a commitment. A piece of your heart on four legs.

If you’re not ready for the messy parts of puppyhood, that’s okay just wait until you can give your whole heart.

Because these little souls deserve nothing less 💜🐾

Shared from another breeder 🐾

So beautiful

🐾 POEM OF A DOG

I'm the one who's always waiting for you.
Your car has a special sound that I have imprinted on my senses, I can recognize it in a thousand.
Your steps have a magic bell.
Your voice is music to my ears.
If I see your joy, it makes me happy!.
Your scent is the best.
Your presence moves my senses.
Your waking up wakes me up
I contemplate you sleeping and for me you are my God, I am happy watching your sleep.
Your look is a ray of light.
Your hands upon me, hold the lightness of peace and the sublime display of infinite love.
When you leave, I feel a huge void in my heart.
I keep waiting for you again and again.
I am the one who will wait for you all your life today, tomorrow and forever:

I am your dog.