Rising Stars: Meet Angie Watson of North Canton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Watson.

Hi Angie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After being a SAHM for years and only dabbling in the workforce when necessary, I found myself with a lot of random time on my hands. My boys were teenagers and definitely still needed me, but it was more here and there, leaving much space in between. I stumbled through a couple of ideas. I began additional school so that my degree in education could actually make me a teacher (that fizzled), then I wrote a business plan for an Italian restaurant to feed my love for cooking (that was REALLY scary), and luckily covid hit and got me out of that one. Ha! Time home with my wonderful husband, our boys, and our sweet dogs reminded me that home is really where I wanted to be. We already had 2 Australian Labradoodles and my husband and I both wanted more. Starting a breeding program to share the love of these wonderful animals seemed like the logical next step. I mean…who doesn’t want to play with puppies all day?! So that was it…we decided that we wanted to find a property with more appropriate space to raise puppies, and after over a year of looking, we found the house we all call home. It has been almost 5 years since we moved and life has thrown us so many lemons…sometimes the size of grapefruits…but the puppies…the dogs…and my kids…they all make it lemonade! I never thought I could love going to work everyday…but I really do.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For me, there was quite a learning curve and an element of “fake it till you make it”. I knew that I had it in me, but there was so much to learn and understand about the world of dog breeding, that it was a lot to take in. And honestly, there was so much that I didn’t take in. I learned to decipher between the stuff that I needed my brain to remember and the stuff that I could learn the next time around. I also learned that it really does take a lot of bravery to put yourself out there. Not only are you investing financially, but anyone with a successful business has absolutely put their blood, sweat and tears into it. For the first couple of years, I would hear in my mind and often say out loud, “if you build it, they will come.”
There were other obstacles that occurred on a more personal level, and the struggle there is to be able to rise above everything else happening around you and continue to run your business with gratitude and integrity. The love and support that I have received from my friends and family has been like a propeller moving me forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an in-home breeder of Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles (ALDs). The ALD originated in Australia and genetics from Labs, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels. They were bred specifically to work as therapy and service dogs for those with allergies, which tells you a lot about the temperaments of these sweet pups. They are allergy-friendly, low-no shed, easily trainable, and human centered. Their coats are silky and soft, they don’t smell, and they love to snuggle! I get feedback from my families who have taken one (or two) home like “He’s the best thing that ever happened to our family” and “the healing has already begun”. This was the unexpected part of things. I knew people would love their dogs, but this was a new level of satisfaction. I use a mix of Puppy Culture and Empowered Breeder curriculum to raise my puppies. It all starts with exceptional care of our mamas…lots of pampering and some extra feedings with only the best food and supplements. I begin handling the puppies almost immediately and work with them daily on developmentally appropriate things. They are exposed in positive ways to as many people, places, and things as possible. They spend time in their crates and are given an early foundation for potty training success. I offer additional training for families who are interested, as well as delivery options. The thing that sets me apart, I have been told, is simply the way I communicate with my families. I am really committed to making the experience of bringing a puppy home a really positive one. From the time the puppies are born, my families receive weekly informational emails, developmental updates on how puppies are doing, and pictures and videos from the nursery. I love making my families part of this really fun experience.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
There are a lot of haters out there who are down on breeders…especially doodle breeders. Let me just say that my clients are contractually required to bring their dog to me if, for any reason, they need to rehome it. They are also required to spay/neuter. I am not a puppy mill…this isn’t a hobby…my program comes from a love of the breed and a desire to see other families experience the goodness that it has brought our family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.EverHeartLabradoodles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everheartlabradoodles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everheartlabradoodles