09/25/2026
Maybe this is a little personal. Maybe it is a little tender. But then again, most things that matter deeply to me are.
Someone recently said, “Wow, you all have a great online presence.” .... and something about Dune (the audacity)... It was meant kindly, and I appreciated it. But it also made me think about how easy it can be to assume that a waiting list, a following, or the interest in our dogs somehow comes down to good photos, a polished website, or seeing Dune sprawled across the couch acting like he owns the place.
And yes, I probably overthink things. I also take things personally. If there is a room to take something personally, I will arrive with a U-Haul and a deposit...
But the truth is, this work IS personal to me.
I have never been very good at building calluses over my soul. I care deeply about our dogs, our families, the choices we make, and the reputation we have spent years building. I care about doing things thoughtfully, and with purpose.
So yes, we work hard on our website and social media. I want families to see our dogs growing up, swimming, retrieving, showing, working, making us laugh, and sometimes creating complete chaos. I want people to feel like they know a little bit of who we are before they ever pull into the driveway.
But I also want to say this gently and clearly:
People do not choose Fairfax Pines simply because of social media.
The algorithm, and website may help them find us. A photograph may make them stop scrolling. A funny Dune post may make them smile.
But what matters is what stands behind all of that.
Dune is a perfect example.
He may not carry a champion title in front of his name. He is getting older now, with a little gray showing, and beneath all of that swagger and silliness he has substance. He has presence. And most importantly, he has an extraordinary love for people.
He has produced many service dogs, champions and the infamous GCH Stone with over a dozen titles... When a veterinarian who directs therapy-dog programs had accomplished dogs to choose from, including titled options, she chose Dune.
Not because he was good on Facebook.
Because of who he is.
And that is really the heart of it.
A polished page can never manufacture temperament. Social media cannot create soundness, structure, kindness, trainability, or character. Those things have to be there when the camera is turned off.
So yes, I am proud of our online presence.
But I am far more proud of the dogs, the families who love them, and the years of thought, care, learning, successes, mistakes, growth, and heart that stand behind it.
The social media is simply the window.
The dogs are the reason people stay.
