Labradors of the Valley

Labradors of the Valley Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Labradors of the Valley, Carmel Valley, CA.

Re*****onOur hearts are shattered…though even that feels too small a word for what we’re carrying. There is a depth to t...
12/17/2025

Re*****on

Our hearts are shattered…though even that feels too small a word for what we’re carrying. There is a depth to this grief that language can’t quite reach.

Ten hours ago, we didn’t know what non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema from choking was. Now it’s a term burned into our lives forever, because it stole the breath and the life of a beautiful little black puppy who had already wrapped himself around my husband’s heart.

One moment he was doing what he always did…nose deep in his kibble, safe, happy, with his littermates. The next, everything changed. What followed was terrifying and traumatic, and some things are too painful to put into words. What matters is that he fought, and so did everyone around him.

Our veterinarian showed us what compassion looks like in its purest form. With urgency, care, and love, they refused to give up. Oxygen tank in hand, a vet tech by his side, he personally rushed Re*****on to the emergency hospital while continuing to care for him, and we followed, whispering into the universe the whole way. For a moment, there was hope.

But the damage was too great. His tiny lungs were overwhelmed, and despite every effort, every skilled hand, and every ounce of love poured into saving him, he slipped away. One moment he was here, alive, loved, ours and the next he was gone, taking a piece of us with him.

We didn’t plan on keeping him. And yet, somehow, he chose us. In his short time here, he made himself completely at home in our hearts. The love was real, sudden, and profound.

Losing him hurts in a way we never expected with only 6 short weeks of time together. The sound of the other puppies feels heavier now. The ache is constant. And the grief is so deep because he mattered, because he was loved, and because for a short, precious time, he was ours.

This may be the end of the road for us because I’m not sure my soul can handle any more heartbreaks that come with raising puppies.

Rest easy precious puppy. I’m sure Koda, Babe, Olaf, Leia, George, and Winston greeted you as they will us someday.

The valley labs are being especially pathetic tonight because I have cheese and one of the crackoons is blocking couch a...
12/16/2025

The valley labs are being especially pathetic tonight because I have cheese and one of the crackoons is blocking couch access.

Let’s get one thing straight:We NEED ethical dog breeders.Not backyard breeders.Not puppy mills.Not “oops litters.”Ethic...
12/16/2025

Let’s get one thing straight:
We NEED ethical dog breeders.
Not backyard breeders.
Not puppy mills.
Not “oops litters.”
Ethical. Responsible. Passionate. Breeders.

Because the truth is this:

Good breeders don’t just produce puppies — they protect entire breeds.
They’re the reason we still have healthy working dogs, therapy dogs, sport dogs, and family companions with predictable temperaments and solid genetics.

Good breeders raise puppies like they’re staying forever.
Socialization, early exposure, enrichment, confidence-building…
None of that is “extra.” It’s STANDARD.

Good breeders take dogs back, every time.
For life.
No questions. No judgment.
Because their puppies NEVER end up in shelters, ever.

Good breeders breed for preservation, for improvement, and for LOVE.

And here’s the part people don’t want to admit:
Without ethical breeders, we’d lose the breeds we depend on and adore.
Service dog lines.
Duty-driven working breeds.
Family-safe temperaments.
Sound structure.
Predictability.
Purpose.
History.

Shelters are full because of irresponsible breeding —
not ethical breeding.

So next time someone says,
“Just adopt,”
remind them:
You can support shelters
AND still value ethical breeders.

Both matter.
Both play crucial roles.
Both are needed.
Because the breeders doing it right?
They’re the ones keeping dogs healthy, stable, and loved for generations to come.

- copied from unknown author-

12/13/2025

They have entered the velociraptor stage with each other. Here’s some short videos of their insanity including puppy zoomies!

I’m not sure it’s appropriate to have this much pride in p**p but I feel like a mama who finally potty trained her toddl...
12/09/2025

I’m not sure it’s appropriate to have this much pride in p**p but I feel like a mama who finally potty trained her toddler…all 8 of them!
Perfectly clean pen this morning and everyone running to use the area after eating.

Now that we has some serious chompers we are getting our first full kibble meal!
12/08/2025

Now that we has some serious chompers we are getting our first full kibble meal!

These “little” guys are not so little! Everyone has hit the 6 pound mark at 4 weeks and has gotten the potty placement t...
12/06/2025

These “little” guys are not so little! Everyone has hit the 6 pound mark at 4 weeks and has gotten the potty placement training down pat! I pulled out the litter paperwork from the last three litters and these guys are huge compared to those puppies. Tomorrow we will upgrade the size of the puppy pen again.

And yes, we have a keeper. I didn’t plan on keeping one even thought I want to keep them all but my husband fell in love so who am I to argue about more dogs?!?😆

The puppies moved up to the potty placement pen today. They have toys and started using the potty area like champs. The ...
11/26/2025

The puppies moved up to the potty placement pen today. They have toys and started using the potty area like champs.
The upside down independent sleeping has begun…so has the ear biting.😂

Little miss pink is being adorable so now I’m holding a puppy and getting nothing done. 3 1/2 pounds at less than three ...
11/25/2025

Little miss pink is being adorable so now I’m holding a puppy and getting nothing done. 3 1/2 pounds at less than three weeks old.

They had puppy mash tonight for the first time. I’m always amazed at how they know it’s food right off the bat. And of c...
11/23/2025

They had puppy mash tonight for the first time. I’m always amazed at how they know it’s food right off the bat. And of course, they cannot eat quietly. I let them stuff themselves fully and then used their food comas to trim the nails of 96 toe beans.

When you’re getting good sleeps💤💤
11/21/2025

When you’re getting good sleeps💤💤

Address

Carmel Valley, CA

Telephone

+18312299969

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Labradors of the Valley posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Labradors of the Valley:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram