Donna Connolly shares the spiritual and moral foundation behind Connolly's Puppies: stewardship, honesty with adoptive families, and the 'Pets First' philosophy.
This article is part of our Farm Life & Wisdom guide. For the full story behind these values, start with the pillar guide: 30 Years on 5 Acres in Monett: What Decades of Canine Care Taught Me.
People sometimes ask why I mention my faith on a website about dogs. The honest answer is that I cannot separate the two. The way I care for animals comes directly from the way I was raised and the way I try to live. This is not meant to persuade anyone or to exclude anyone. It is simply an honest explanation of the principles behind everything I write.
Stewardship, Not Ownership
The word I use most often is stewardship. A steward is someone entrusted with the care of something that is not entirely theirs. When a dog comes into my care, I am responsible for their health, comfort, and dignity, whether it is a puppy in a whelping box or a retired dog sleeping by the fire. The book of Proverbs puts it simply: "The righteous care for the needs of their animals."
The "Pets First" Principle
On our farm, every dog is a pet first. They live in the house, they know our voices, and they are part of the family. This principle guides practical choices every day: smaller groups so every dog gets attention, no dog is kept in a kennel for convenience, and no animal is ever treated as a unit of production. When a decision is unclear, I ask a simple question: what would I do if this were my own beloved pet? The answer is almost always clear.
Honesty Above Everything
Honesty is the value I hold highest. That means being truthful about breed health risks, about what a dog costs over a lifetime, and about whether a particular breed is right for a particular home. It also means admitting my own limits. When I stopped raising Bullmastiffs after thirty years, it was an act of honesty: I could no longer care for giant dogs as they deserved, so I stepped away.
Responsibility for the Whole Life
Caring for a dog does not end with a happy first day. It includes the middle years of training, vet visits, and sometimes inconvenient needs. It also includes the final years, when a faithful friend slows down and needs gentle care. A good steward stays committed from beginning to end.
Humility and Continued Learning
I do not claim to have everything figured out. I rely on veterinarians, on breed clubs, and on research. For reliable general information on responsible dog ownership and breeding, I often point readers to the American Kennel Club's breeding advice. Good stewardship means being willing to keep learning.
Applying These Values in Your Own Home
- Commit to the dog's whole life before you bring one home.
- Be honest about your time, budget, and lifestyle.
- Put the dog's health and comfort ahead of convenience.
- Include the dog in family life.
- Ask for help from your vet and experienced owners when you need it.
Whatever your own beliefs, I hope these principles are useful to you. For the practical, day-to-day side of how they play out on our farm, read the full pillar guide, My Seven Golden Rules After 30 Years. And if you have a question, you are always welcome to ask Donna.