We drove about 90 minutes to a CERF clinic in Sabattus, Maine today.  CERF stands for Canine Eye Registration Foundation.  We were going into an exam to screen for eye problems (genetic and otherwise), and the results will  be public.  I think the results of every test should be public.  This type of openness is the only way to improve the breed through the elimination of hereditary problems. 

I have to admit being a little nervous.  As a breeder, what do you do in the event of failure, especially since Dove already has two litters?  What if Dove is  bad, but Diva is fine?  What if? What if?

When we showed up, the first thing I noticed was herding dogs.  Lots and lots of herding dogs.  There was a pile of 8 week old puppies.  Apparently, they can't be sold (at fair value) until they get the results of the test.

We brought Dove and Diva into the room, and BINGO! instant curiosity.  "Do you show?" No.  "Field Trial?" Hunt Test in NAVHDA.  "What's that?"  It's hunt test that's a little more comprehensive than AKC.  "(Disbelief) Is black a legal color for the breed?"  Um, we're at a police station and I'm not getting arrested.  "No, I mean for showing."  These aren't show dogs.  Black is common in Germany, the country of origin.  Basically, there's no reason to import a black one, unless it's a superior hunting dog.  "Wow, he's big."  That's Dove; she's a she.  "Well, he'd do well in the show ring."

Let me state for the record, that the folks were all very nice.  I really appreciate that they are spending money and time trying to improve their breeding programs specifically, and their breeds generally.  Some of the folks drove five hours each way.  I completely respect that.

OK, after some waiting, we got into the vet's room.  We were in the basement of the Sabattus Municipal Building.  As municipal buildings go, it's very nice.  Apparently the police and fire department use this closet as a weight room [slash] electric organ practice area.  (As someone who's assisted with minor surgery on the tailgate of a truck this seemed a perfect place for an eye exam; but it's funny.)

The first question out of the CERF vet, "Have you had a problem....?" No.  "Because we never see GSP's...." No we just want to make sure.  "Well, that's always good, but GSP's aren't known for eye problems."  And we want to keep it that way. (Thanks Dr. Amanda for putting it that concisely.  I had trouble thinking while sitting on the Nautilus machine.)  For any future or past puppy client, we will go the extra mile for this kind of exam, even if it's uncommon in our breed.  We just want to know that our breeding dogs are as comprehensively screened as possible before passing on their genetics to the next generation.

We don't have the final results yet, but, the vet who did the exam said we are in good shape. It was nice to meet Dr. Marion, too.  Diva's eyes are flawless.  Dove's left eye has some specks.  She said they are NOT GENETIC.  Dovie is getting old and she has a little cataract, and she may have damaged her eyes hunting like her ass is in fire.  We've also seen some arthritis in Dove's x-rays.  It's not uncommon for a girl her age.

As soon as the final results are in, we WILL post them, just as the Penn Hip results are available for review.  Good, Bad or otherwise.  But we are confident we aren't breeding eye problems here at Marshfield Kennel.

We strongly encourage all of our puppy owners to pursue all possible genetic screenings and to make the results public as possible.  We are firm believers in transparency and honesty in regards to our breeding stock.

Special thanks to Lewiston-Auburn Kennel Club for their efforts in hosting this beneficial clinic.  Wonderful group who put on a smooth and efficient clinic.