51 National Pet Directory | Summer 2023 and nutrition, grooming demonstrations, veterinary presentations, and education on public relations. Throughout the day the children were also busy with their own seminar in the forenoon and completing their puzzles to qualify for a door prize. This year’s IHAW event was graced with beautiful weather and it’s easy to make fast friends here. The IHAW breeder seminar is an event the whole family always enjoys. IHAW president Dwayne Otto shares, “We really enjoy having other breeders attend from out of town as well as we enjoy traveling to your state seminars. I really appreciate the interaction and working together.” When attending an event that goes as smoothly as IHAW it’s easy to take for granted all the hard work that goes into making something like this happen. Countless hours of meetings, phone calls, and paperwork throughout the entire year are required to create such a successful event. We are all incredibly blessed by what these dedicated breeders make possible. A big thank you to the IHAW officers, the seminar committee, KMA members, nominating committee, and the ladies who provided all the wonderful food. And a special note of gratitude to the families who sacrificed time with and support for all the volunteers organizing the event throughout the year. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s event on May 3-4, 2024. For additional questions about the IHAW, contact seminar coordinator Harvey Miller (217- 543-2060) or president Duane Otto (217-549-9063).
52 National Pet Directory | Summer 2023 I t can be a surprise to see the path God takes us down. This has been very true for Gabriel and Joyce Helmuth’s kennel business. “I could never have imagined myself as a breeder with a kennel,” Gabriel reflects. Yet now they specialize in breeding for other breeders out of their kennel in Etna Green, Indiana. The journey for these Indiana natives began in 2018, shortly after they married. Gabriel had bought a Goldendoodle female from his father and she was the first dog they bred. “Both of us have always loved dogs,” Gabriel says, yet at that time “neither of us liked kennels.” However, when a new neighbor started building a dry kennel with solid flooring and beautiful play yards their perspective began to change. “I am an avid Morgan breeder and I love studying bloodlines to try and match stallions with my mares to produce that perfectly built foal. I thought I could do the same thing with dogs and with that type of kennel system, I believe that would be something we would both enjoy,” Gabriel shares. As they considered moving forward with breeding professionally, Gabriel visited three other breeders that had been in the business for over 20 years. He reflects their advice was all different but equally valuable, and highly he recommends visiting with other breeders. In 2020 they purchased a new 14 by 24 foot portable mini barn. Over the next year Gabriel worked to insulate and finish out the kennel and by the end of 2021 the work was completed. For finishings they choose fiberglass panels for the inside walls of the pens with powder coated aluminum fronts and bedliner flooring. The walls and ceiling of the rest of the kennel are drywall, with vinyl tile flooring. There is a total of seven pens, measuring 4 by 5 feet. The outside runs are 11 feet of limestone and then 5 feet of decking along the side of the kennel. The outside runs measure 4 by 16 feet. There is also a 21 inch wide hot water heat pad that runs the length of the kennel in the front part of the floor of the pens. “We place a divider between the pen walls to create a whelping box on this heated section,” Gabriel notes. Gabriel points out one handy feature they installed was electromagnetic locks on all the dog doors. “I can lock any or all of the doggie doors with a simple little remote,” Gabriel says. They also have systems in place to deal with weather extremes. For the summer months there is a 300 footlong, 10 inch underground pipe with a fan that brings outside air through the pipe into the kennel. In the winter they use a small wall heater to regulate the temperature. As they began their professional breeding journey, Gabriel decided to focus on Poodles. He knew this was a breed he was naturally drawn to and could have the passion Business Spotlight A visit to Perfect Match Poodles.
53 National Pet Directory | Summer 2023 DOG & PUPPY COLLARS WHOLESALE & RETAIL • 717-945-9944 John Stoltzfus • 53 Jackson Road • Christiana, PA Rural Delivery Service, Traditional Mail Service or UPS PUPPY PACKAGE Leash & Collar Combo • $6.95 Identify puppies in your litter with a different collar for each puppy. 14 COLORS Available! FREE SHIPPING WITH PURCHASE OF $150 OR MORE! Make Your Customers Happy— Give Them a New Collar & Leash with Their New Puppy! PUPPY COLLARS • $3.25 Fits Most Large & Small Breed Puppies BEST SELLER #101 • 1/2” wide • 5” to 13” neck size #200 • 6 1/2” - 9 1/2” collar • width 5/8” • 4’ leash w/ grip handle #201 • 8” -12” collar • width 5/8” • 4’ leash w/ grip handle #205 • 10” - 15” collar • width 5/8” • 4’ leash w/ grip handle
54 National Pet Directory | Summer 2023 for that good work requires. “My original vision was to have a small operation, specialize in one breed and breed for the highest quality possible,” he shares. Quality for the Helmuths means equally valuing temperament, conformation, beauty, and overall health. This often means taking time and being patient. Before purchasing the mini barn they began looking for breeding stock. By 2020 they had found two female puppies to start their breeding program. Gabriel points out that they spent more on their breeding stock than they did on their kennel structure. He does note that they were buying during the Covid years, so it would be more accessible for folks now. Gabriel underscores “it doesn’t take a whole lot of money” to have a nice kennel. “Make it look homey and neat, which doesn’t have to mean spending a lot. And the small things like landscaping can make a big difference,” says Gabriel. Gabriel and Joyce share all the daily responsibilities of the kennel, which now has twelve adult dogs. Joyce focuses on the day-to-day care of the dogs and puppies. Meanwhile, Gabriel handles more of the business side such as paperwork and customer communications. The kennel is currently a side business, as Gabriel also works at a wood finishing shop. From the beginning, it was important that the business be work they could share together. This was a key motivator when investing in a high-quality facility. “I always wanted Joyce to be as much involved as myself and in order to have her help and enthusiasm the facility would have to be nice and easy to keep clean,” Gabriel reflects. Another big reason a high-quality kennel was worth the investment for the Helmuths was because they wanted to be “100% transparent about the business. I have no problem showing our customers where their puppy was born and how it was raised,” shares Gabriel. In fact, he notes that the decision to focus on quality, both in their facility and animals, has been the thing that has benefited their business the most. Gabriel points out there have been some challenges along the way. One of his biggest is “learning to be a salesperson. I have never done anything in this field before and it does not come naturally for me. This is still, and probably always will be, a challenge for me, but I have definitely made a lot of progress. The reason I am able to overcome this challenge is my love for our breed, my passion for raising puppies, and my belief in the quality of our dogs. When you have a passion for what you are doing and
55 National Pet Directory | Summer 2023 ; Custom Stainless Steel ; Weaning Cages and Accessories ; Kennel Dividers, Gates, and Runs FAX: 610.910.8006 610.273.7972 [email protected] Socializing puppies is the new cool thing to do. Is it effective? We believe the answer is, “Yes!” But, it needs to be done correctly. Learn how with a free info packet on socializing puppies! ADD VALUE-SOCIALIZE! "Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong." -WR Purche
56 National Pet Directory | Summer 2023 have a firm belief in your product, you can sell that product, no matter who you are,” encourages Gabriel. Moreover, Gabriel notes that he often thinks of and strives to live by Colossians 3:23, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." In the early days, the Helmuths sold a few litters to a pet shop and they have had one experience with selling to a broker after a large litter of 12 puppies. However, now many of their puppies go to other breeders, with the rest sold retail through third-party websites. Selling direct to the customer is what they like most about being professional breeders. “Our greatest joys in this business are the joy and happiness our puppies bring to their new owners, and the fellowship and friendships we share with other breeders,” Gabriel reveals. Gabriel encourages those just starting out that, “you can go slow.” When investing in a highquality kennel, there is a balance every business must strike. “You can make an attractive facility without breaking the bank,” Gabriel maintains. For instance, Gabriel chose to go with drywall in part due to it’s affordability. While on the other hand, quality dogs was not something he was willing to compromise on. Gabriel advises others considering professional breeding to “do your research, very carefully pick your breed, and then buy the highest quality puppies you can. Do not buy adult dogs. Get your stock as puppies.” When it comes to which puppies to choose, Gabriel reflects, “breeders tend to always be chasing some rare color or genetic trait. Do not chase these trends. Keep your focus on the whole dog and do not get carried away by one single genetic trait or color. One thing that is often not stressed enough is temperament. Do not breed dogs with a less than ideal temperament. It will cause you and your customers endless headaches.” Frank Perdue, who in 1939 grew a small poultry business to a multibillion-dollar business today, said “If you believe in unlimited quality and act in all your business dealings with total integrity, the rest will take care of itself." Indeed, this is a lesson the Helmuth’s underscore, “being completely honest and transparent is the most important lesson I have learned,” notes Gabriel, “do not try to hide anything from your customers, it is not worth it.” To contact Perfect Match Poodles call 574-354-9571; email gabriel@ upwardprint.com; write to 8811 SR 19, Etna Green, IN 46524. Photos taken by Puppy Connection Photography; contact them at 574-221-0326.
57 National Pet Directory | Summer 2023
AMERICAN GROWN PORK & CHICKEN PREBIOTICS, PROBIOTICS, CHICKORY & YUCCA TO AID IN DIGESTION ORGANIC SELEMIUM YEAST NO BY-PRODUCTS NATURAL PRESERVATIVES NO CORN, WHEAT OR GLUTEN NO ARTIFICIAL COLORING OR FLAVORING FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 2003 What our customers are saying... "Cuts our feed costs 30%-40% per month using Beaver Dam vs. other brands." "Better heat cycles. Less odor and clean up." There is a difference... Beaverdam Pet Food Office302-349-5299 PA NEW YORK EAST COAST Daniel Stoltzfus 610-593-7548 OHIO 330-857-1543 INDIANA / MICHIGAN / ILLINOIS 260-768-7271 DISTRIBUTORS Ask about our FREE Puppy Packs! Dealer inquiries welcome. Contact your local Distributor: AMERICAN GROWN PORK & CHICKEN PREBIOTICS, PROBIOTICS, CHICKORY & YUCCA TO AID IN DIGESTION ORGANIC SELEMIUM YEAST NO BY-PRODUCTS NATURAL PRESERVATIVES NO CORN, WHEAT OR GLUTEN NO ARTIFICIAL COLORING OR FLAVORING FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 2003 What our customers are saying... "Cuts our feed costs 30%-40% per month using Beaver Dam vs. other brands." "Better heat cycles. Less odor and clean up." There is a difference... Beaverdam Pet Food Office302-349-5299 PA NEW YORK EAST COAST Daniel Stoltzfus 610-593-7548 OHIO 330-857-1543 INDIANA / MICHIGAN / ILLINOIS 260-768-7271 DISTRIBUTORS Ask about our FREE Puppy Packs! Dealer inquiries welcome. Contact your local Distributor:
NY DEALER LOCATIONS: Allen Shelter, Ph. 607.236.1070 87 Jenksville Hill Road, Candor, NY, 13743 David Detweiler, Ph. 315.858.5370 294 Guywittes Road, Richfield Springs, NY 13439 Fayette Sales & Service Ph. 315.549.8312 (7:45-8:30 am) 4348 Yost Road, Waterloo, NY 13165 Mid Lake Cavaliers, Ph. 315.673.3464 4000 McMahon Rd., Marathon, NY, 13803 Mohawk Valley Ag, Ph. 518.993.2543 95 Willet Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339 Stutzman Feeds 2975 Drake Hill Road, Jasper, NY 14855 Yoder’s Country Market, Ph. 518.483.8700 950 ST RT 122, Constable, NY 12926 Little Creek Farm General Store, Ph. 607.341.6686 2027 Day Hollow Rd, Owego, NY 13827 Mast Farm Supply, Ph. 315.875.3658 6005 Buyea Rd, Canastota, NY 13032 PA DEALER LOCATIONS: Affordable Pet Supplies, LLC, Ph. 717.327.1329 250 N. Shirk Road, New Holland, PA 17557 Benuel Ebersole, Ph. 717.925.6742 1773 Furniss Road, Drumore, PA 17518 Centerville Bulk Foods, Ph. 717.768.3684 291 Centerville Road, Gordonville, PA 17529 Nathan Zook, Ph. 717.656.4306 425 Enola Road, Newburg, PA 17240 Daniel Glick, Ph. 814.359.7124 952 Hubler Ridge Road, Howard, PA 16841 FurVision Enterprise, LLC, Ph. 717.808.5512 117 Snake Hill Road, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 Hillside Garden Center, Ph. 717.442.3167 1401 W. Kings Hwy, Gap, PA 17527 Honey Brook Farm Supply, Ph. 717.673.0599 815 Compass Road, Honey Brook, PA 19344 Leroy Yoder, Ph. 717.673.0599 223 S. Lancaster Ave., Newmanstown, PA 17073 S & L Greenhouse, Ph. 717.529.6175 1663 Noble Road, Kirkwood, PA 17536 Stephen Zook, Ph. 717.859.8731 2889 Zink Road, Manheim, PA 17545 Steven Lapp, Ph. 610.932.3505 372 Barnsley Road, Oxford, PA 19363 Stoltzfus Pet & Food, Ph. 717.442.2604 552 Cains Road, Gap, PA 17527 OHIO DEALER LOCATIONS: Cherry Valley Stoves, Ph. 440.293.4622 5391 Hayes Rd, Andover, OH 44003, Highland Feed & Supply, Ph. 937.509.1887 10701 East Prospect Rd, Hillsboro, OH 45133 Hillside Feed Hay & Supply, Ph. 419.651.8961 1766 North Reedsburg Rd, Wooster, OH 44691 New Bedford Feed & Supply, Ph. 330.897.6492 33906 State Route 643, Baltic, OH 43804 Old Village Hardware, Ph. 419.752.9811 5 S Kiffin St, Greenwich, OH 44837 Pine Hill Feeds, 419.362.1418 7746 Township Rd 89, Fredericktown, OH 43019 INDIANA DEALER LOCATIONS: Eash Harness Shop, Ph. 574.642.4374 10459 CR 42, Millersburg, IN Miller’s Feed Service, Ph. 260.593.9136 4260 S 500 W, Topeka, IN 46571 Midwest Farm & Pet, Ph. 574.646.2509 535 5th B Road, Bremen, IN 46506 Mesquite Mills, Ph. 812.295.2299 535 5th B Road, Loogootee, IN 47553 ILLINOIS DEALER LOCATIONS: F.D. Miller Feed Co., Ph. 217.543.2346 333 N CR 000E, Arthur, IL 61911 DEL MAR VA DEALER LOCATIONS: DelMarVa is home to Beaverdam Pet Food. For a complete list of store location, please visit our website www.beaverdampetfood.com and look for the tab "Store Locator" Best Ace Family Chain Multiple Locations Covering Delaware Rommel Ace Family Chain Multiple Locations Covering Delaware & Maryland Allen Troyer, Ph. 302.387.9137 2108 Yoder Drive, Hartly, DE, 19953 Mary Jane Martin, Ph. 540.810.4602 861 Dices Spring Road, Weyers Cave, VA 24486 Stauffer Feed Mill, Ph. 301.475.8452 28150 Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown MD 20659
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID NATIONAL PET DIRECTORY LANCASTER, PA PERMIT NO. 1220 National Pet Directory PO Box 522 Quarryville, PA 17566 800.990.9926 Serene Dog 12 gram tube $10 Calming herbs soothe Eases nervousness and agitation For use during times of stress or whelping Help post C-section mamas relax Call Today For A Catalog With Our Full Line of Canine Supplements! Elite Nutrition LLC 8868 N 650 E Odon IN 47562 The National Pet Directory is a quarterly publication. Our mission is to provide breeders and pet owners with useful information. Our goal is to help improve the industry step by step. Call or write to reserve ad space or receive your free subscription. 484-798-2358 PO Box 522, Quarryville, PA 17566 Disclaimer: The National Pet Directory does not intend to provide veterinary advice. While we provide informational content, products & resources, as well as animal education, the information & content within is intended to be used for general knowledge only. It is not intended to constitute professional guidance or veterinary advice. The National Pet Directory is not responsible for the outcome of products advertised within. Copyright © 2019-2023 National Pet Directory™ All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.