Dragon Slayer Bulldogge Kennels - Breeder of Quality Olde Bulldogges

Mike's Memos

CHECK THIS PAGE OFTEN!

I have attempted to trim away the fat, and give you guys what you want - the meat of the subject!

I originated this page as a useful source of information for all dog lovers and family folks. It is a conglomeration of updates, news, and info for our customers, as well as other bulldog fanciers and breeders. It is an open-ended diary of miscellaneous "stuff" that I think would be helpful to our DRAGONSLAYER friends and fans. I will update it as time allows, so feel free to check back once a week or so. I am calling it "Mike's Memos" and I hope that you enjoy stopping by here very frequently.

2/7/09

To Whom it may concern:

I did not know Mike Tucker personally when I called him up to discuss the purchase of one of his adult females. He had an adult OEB for sale on his website for a very reasonable price. After speaking with Mike several times on the phone, I purchased an adult female (Fergie) from Mike Tucker at DragonSlayer Kennels.

When I purchased this female - Mike told me that Fergie was perfectly healthy: She was.
Mike told me that Fergie had a great personality: She does.
Mike told me that Fergie was a beautiful female that was pregnant (bred to his awesome male "Diezel": she is beautiful, and is now a great mother to six healthy, beautiful puppies.
I say all of this as a reference for Mike Tucker at DragonSlayer Kennels - to his honesty as a breeder, a businessman, and a knowledgeable source of information.

Mike stood behind his product, and delivered on time just as he said that he would. I know that there are scam artists out there, and it can be a difficult decision to purchase a dog or puppy from a breeder long-distance. I would recommend a dog from DragonSlayer Kennels to anyone.

Feel free to contact me personally if you would like to know any other details on my dealings with Mike Tucker at DragonSlayer Kennels.

Sincerely,

Mark Pellegrino (845)742-6856

1/05/10

I apologize for not making more regular posts on MIKE'S MEMOS. My job, and duties around the house have prevented

me from being more diligent. However, I do make time to post very regularly on BULLY-WORLD - our bully forum.

Click the BULLY-WORLD logo below to go there and visit!

9/20/09

DSKs Chollo livin the good life! Thanks to our partner in THE PROGRAM Kevine for giving him such a good home!

9/9/09

It has been a while since I last posted on our Memos Page. I often get letters and emails asking questions on our

dogs, from prospective customers as well as happy folks that already have a DragonSlayer. Below is a very kind

letter from Kelly Keith, who has our girl Peaches spoiled rotten, LOL:

Hi Mike!

Its been awhile since I have sent you any emails or pictures. I am sending you some of Peaches and Sherman. There are 2 videos in the one email of them I hope you are able to view them. Peaches is doing wonderful, she was just at the vet with Sherman to get there yearly shots, leas meds, and heartworm prevention meds. She does not like it at all when the vet techs take Sherman out of the room from her. She very rarely barks and whines but when Sherman leaves the room at the vets it is all over, she will bark and whine until he returns. They are both due for a day at the spa again in June, Peaches loves going.

Anyways she is our precious peach, everyone who comes over just falls in love with her and wants to take her home. I tell them she is home. We just opened the pool, until her and Shermans life jackets arrive she is not allowed around the pool. I would be crushed and so heart broken if anything happened to her. She listens so well and is all about making us happy. We love her so much! She is so athletic and loves to go every where with me.

I just ordered dog Hammocks for Sherman and Peaches to put under their shade umbrella in the part of the back yard that is fenced so they can not get to the pool. Sherman loved his last year, Peaches was so stressed and confused when she got here though that she destroyed Shermans Hammock (he loved that thing he even laid on it after she totally destroyed it) so hopefully she will not do that this year and will enjoy the one I ordered for her,

Hope all is well with you, your family and your dogs. Love the black new male you have on the website, he is very handsome! I bet he gives you some really nice puppies!

Talk to you soon

Kelly

Kelly, thanks so much for the updates and pictures. Peaches always was a great gal. I am so glad that she is giving you all great memories, she is a one of a kind girl. Again, thanks so much! Mike

DragonSlayer Kennels - http://www.dragonslayerkennels.com "The Freakiest Bulldogs On The Planet"

No thank you Mike for suggesting her to be placed in our home. I just wish I could have so many more of your dogs at our house. If we ever get another dog it will only be from you, so I hope you plan on breeding such spectacular well tempered dogs for a very long time.

Kelly

8/7/09

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND VISIT OUR MESSAGE BOARD

8/5/09

“It’s always easier to do things the wrong way, but it’s always best to do them the right way.”

CleoMae Dungy

8/23/09

"I would rather play well and lose than play poorly and win."

Chuck Noll

(could be applied to a lot of things, including dog breeding)

7/20/09

Ever see a 10 mo old puppy that looked this nice? Thanks Steve.

Here is DSKs Bruiser, wow what a prospect.

He is 10 mo, 85 lbs, and his future looks oh so bright. Out of our girl Boo2!

Boo2! has shown herself to be a FREAK PRODUCER. This guy isn't in a fancy breeding program,

nor a kennel dog, he is just a big cool family pet, and I wouldnt have it any other way. This is just

a taste of what 2009 shows for DragonSlayer Kennels, keep watching and I will show you more of

Bruiser's progress, and other DSK productions as well. We've got some things coming up that will

really get you thinking....

7/15/09

“The first step toward creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it.

VISION will ignite the fire of passion that fuels our commitment to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve excellence.

Only VISION allows us to transform dreams of greatness into the reality of achievement through human action.

VISION has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our VISION is what we become in life.”

Tony Dungy

7/3/09

Mike,

I took this picture on Sunday afternoon while we were out playing,

He is doing wonderful, just eating, growing and developing a

personality that is just adorable. I think he thinks he is one of us.

THANK YOU again!

Monica Zimmerman (see DragonSlayers Duke below)

5/31/09

Shown here at 2.5 yrs is "DRAGONSLAYERS SYN" owned by Dan and Lisa in San Diego, CA.

SYN is a Vandal daughter, and quite the she-male, wouldn't you say?

5/25/09

Hi Mike,

Just an update on my beautiful Bru. Took her to the vet today for more shots and she tops the scales at 24 lbs. Don't have a clue how much she will weigh in another few months, but she may be as large as her mom. She is an absolute delight. I have her in puppy obedience and does she ever need it. She thinks she is the boss around here.

So far she has never met a stranger and I haven't found anything that she is afraid of. My other animals head for the hills when I turn on the vacuum cleaner, but Bru thinks it's a toy. She is still a traffic stopper. I can't take her anywhere without everyone wanting to pet her and she is such a social butterfly that she eats it up.

I still haven't figured out how to e-mail pictures, but as soon as I do I will send you some.

Carolyn

4/21/09

We have a few select puppies available for homes. Here is an exceptional DSK Puppy that went to Arkansas.

3/16/09

Brandon is back from Afghanistan. Here he is with DSKs Rosco. Welcome back to the USA:

12/24/08

My best Christmas present so far - given by SGT Brandon Kaschel - 101st AIRBORNE DIVISION.

Brandon has one of our dogs, an up and coming beast that you will certainly hear more about.

More importantly, Brandon is currently serving in Afghanistan in the face of the enemy every day -

much thanks to Brandon and the rest of my brothers and sisters keeping our nation secure.

9/11 - NEVER FORGET - REST WELL AND GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE AMERICAN SOLDIER!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

12/22/08

Ruby puppy owned by Lynn Smith

12/5/08

DO WHAT YOU DO

“Champions are champions not because they do anything extraordinary

but because they do the ordinary things better than anyone else.”

Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh Steelers Coach

11/17/08

Wow you guys, it is almost like Christmas already, with all of you sending me updated pictures of your DSK

dogs! It is always very exciting to see the updates as these monsters go from cute little puppies to big, burly

lapdogs, LOL.

Macho II shown at 4 months of age. This guy is REALLY coming along nicely. No ugly duckling here. Macho II is

owned by our friend Bobby, however we have retained breeding rights to him. I really appreciate Bobby's love

for our dogs, when he comes to visit it is like watching a kid in a candy store as he admires them. I am very

excited for Bobby, this is his second DSK puppy, and he always wanted a big beastly male - well, I believe he has

it in Macho II. Bobby sent me these pictures! I just love his shoulders, bone, mass, frame,

well I guess I love everything about this guy!

So, here you have it - DRAGONSLAYERS MACHO II!

11/16/08

Diezel enjoying the good life on a nice fall day. The old man is doing good, wouldn't you say?

1115/08

Take a look at this DSK puppy owned by Steve Vassalli - he is truly amazing even at 6 months. Look at

the bone on this little monster! I will be sure and show updates, and I want to thank Steve for being so diligent

in sending these photos. This boy is out of BOO2!s' last litter. He is what I call a "tight bully" - he has all the

great bully features, without the sloppiness that can lead to health issues, drooling, etc. The first picture shows

this boy at 3 months of age, and the two other pictures below that show him again at 6 months. Notice how his

ears appear large in the first photo, and they seem smaller in the last two photos. This happens in a lot of our dogs:

the head continues to grow and grow, and the ears stay the same. If you get a puppy from us with big ears, all that

means is that he will have a HUGE melon for a head, just be patient, LOL. When finished, this boy will be a rock-hard

muscled up specimen. Stay tuned.

11/10/09

Here are a few quick snapshots of the new Harley litter. Shown at just a few days old, they are big, thick, chunky little bullies.

Harley is such a great momma, she is doing a super job feeding these little guys. There are 4 boys and 4 girls, in a variety of colors.

11/09/08

Honey, I Shrunk The

Bulldawgs!

When you first look at this guy, you'd swear he was a condensed version of our girl Jamie. However, he is not related at all. Here is our latest up and comer to the POCKET BULLY program - "Boomer". He is a 35 pound walking freakshow. Boomer is shown next to the bottle so that you can get an idea of his bone, head, and muscle mass in relationship to his size. Although pictures do him no justice, I thought that it might help. He really is a lot of dog packed into a small package. In bulldogs, it's all about PSI = Pounds Per Square Inch, and Boomer is the shortest, widest, most massive POCKET BULLY on the planet for his stature. Those of you who have seen him in person will attest to his awesome physique. The only thing that outdoes his appearance is Boomer's temperament.

We have two outstanding litters due out of this incredible specimen.

Boomer can be studded to approved females worldwide for $2500.00 USD

11/08/08

Here are a couple of young dogs (under 6 months of age) owned by my guy Lonnie in Cali. Both are DragonSlayer produced.

Lonnie is a big guy (6' 3", 285 lbs) and plays pro football, so he really doesnt have a need for a DragonSlayer for protection,

however he enjoys their company just the same. I look forward to seeing these 2 monster-babies mature. These are "2 more"

that were hard to let get away, but you just cant keep them all. Thanks for the updates Lonnie.

11/7/08

Harley has had her litter!

8 BIG, BOLD, HEALTHY PUPPIES: 4 BOYS AND 4 GIRLS

Stay tuned for photos of these MONSTER BULLIES!

Also, Pocket Bullies on the way, stay tuned!

11/04/08

Photo Update:

BONE, CHEST, SHOULDERS, MEATHEAD @ 4 MO OF AGE.

AND THEY CALL THIS THE GANGLY STAGE?

DRAGONSLAYERS T-Rexx, owned and loved by Brandon and family~

11/03/08

Bumper sticker seen in Dallas, Texas:

"I'll keep my freedom, my guns, and my money. You can keep "THE CHANGE".

11/01/08

Freedom and Jeff

Freedom and I have been together 10 years this summer. She came in as a baby in 1998 with two broken wings. Her left wing doesn't open all the way even after surgery, it was broken in 4 places . She's my baby.

When Freedom came in she could not stand and both wings were broken. She was emaciated and covered in lice. We made the decision to give her a chance at life, so I took her to the vets office. From then on, I was always around her. We had her in a huge dog carrier with the top off, and it was loaded up with shredded newspaper for her to lay in. I used to sit and talk to her, urging her to live, to fight; and she would lay there looking at me with those big brown eyes. We also had to tube feed her for weeks.

This went on for 4-6 weeks, and by then she still couldn't stand. It got to the point where the decision was made to euthanize her if she couldn't stand in a w eek. You know you don't want to cross that line between torture and rehab, and it looked like death was winning. She was going to be put down that Friday, and I was supposed to come in on that Thursday afternoon. I didn't want to go to the center that Thursday, because I couldn't bear the thought of her being euthanized; but I went anyway, and when I walked in everyone was grinning from ear to ear. I went immediately back to her cage; and there she was, standing on her own, a big beautiful eagle. She was ready to live. I was just about in tears by then. That was a very good day.

We knew she could never fly, so the director asked me to glove train her. I got her used to the glove, and then to jesses, and we started doing education programs for schools in western Washington . We wound up in the newspapers, radio (believe it or not) and some TV . Miracle Pets even did a show about us.

In the spring of 2000, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I had stage 3, which is not good (one major organ plus everywhere), so I wound up doing 8 months of chemo. Lost the hair - the whole bit. I missed a lot of work. When I felt good enough, I would go to Sarvey and take Freedom out for walks. Freedom would also come to me in my dreams and help me fight the cancer. This happened time and time again.

Fast forward to November 2000, the day after Thanksgiving, I went in for my last checkup. I was told that if the cancer was not all gone after 8 rounds of chemo, then my last option was a stem cell transplant. Anyway, they did the tests; and I had to come back Monday for the results. I went in Monday, and I was told that all the cancer was gone.

So the first thing I did was get up to Sarvey and take the big girl out for a walk. It was misty and cold. I went to her flight and jessed her up, and we went out front to the top of the hill. I hadn't said a word to Freedom, but somehow she knew. She looked at me and wrapped both her wings around me to where I could feel them pressing in on my back (I was engulfed in eagle wings), and she touched my nose with her beak and stared into my eyes, and we just stood there like that for I don't know how long. That was a magic moment. We have been soul mates ever since she came in. This is a very special bird.

On a side note: I have had people who were sick come up to us when we are out, and Freedom has some kind of hold on them. I once had a guy who was terminal come up to us and I let him hold her. His knees just about buckled and he swore he could feel her power coarse through his body. I have so many stories like that.

I never forget the honor I have of being so close to such a magnificent spirit as Freedom's.

If you're sick I hope this strengthens you.

If you're not I hope it empowers you.

Jeff

10/28/08

They are here! DSK hooking you up with the FREAKY DOGS and KILLER T-SHIRTS - both will be head-turners, and make you stand out in a crowd. It took a lot of time, work, and tuning (not to mention $$$) to get these shirts completed, and I want to put them in the hands of our DSK family and friends. If you want one of these shirts, dont hesitate to holler!

We have two different styles to choose from:

Thanks,
Mike

10/20/08

DIEZEL DOES IT AGAIN!

Testimony by Nicole Hebert:

Hello everyone, I recommend Diezel to anyone who may want outstanding puppies. My female had went to Mike’s at DragonSlayer Kennels and he took very good care of her for the whole week of Aug' 16-22, and she came home happy to see her mom and family once again. The best part: she gave birth to 11, yes I said11 healthy puppies on Oct 17 2008. I give thanks to Mike and his family for taking good care of Dutchess..........

Nicole

10/16/08

Life really boils down to 2 questions...

1. Should I get a dog.....?

OR...

2. Should I have children?

10/10/08

"GREAT BEGINNINGS ARE NOT

as important as the way one finishes.

STAYING THE COURSE means everything."

10/2/08

I just wanted to give my buddy Austin some ink on the Memos Page. I asked him if it was ok, he said yes. These kinds of emails come in often, and I so appreciate them.

Subject: Your website is amazing, and I love your dogs...

Hello,

My name is Austin. My dad showed me your website and I love your dogs. I used to have a "new bulldog" I guess lol and it had a lot of medical problems and I really like that your dogs are very athletic, healthy, and beautiful in appearance. I sat here with my parents looking at some of the pictures of your dogs and it was one WOW after another. I like that they have that really wide chest and big head. But I just wanted to shoot you an e-mail and let you know that I really enjoy your dogs and I appreciate the love and dedication that you show to your dogs. Thank you for your time

Sincerely,

Austin

9/22/08

Diezel doing his thang on the rope!

9/16/08

DRAGGONSLAYERS DIEZEL @ 3.5 YEARS

9/7/08

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

Now go hug your doggies

9/1/08

The best advice I've heard on life:

Two wolves -

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, ' My son, the battle is between two ' wolves ' inside us all.

One is Evil. - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. '

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ' Which wolf wins? '

The old Cherokee simply replied, ' The one you feed. '

8/25/08

An updated photo of "Lilly" one of our Pocket Bullies:

Here is a quick shot I took of Boo2!, she is my idea of

the total package bulldog - and isnt finished growing yet.

Boo2! produced a litter a few months back, so when you

see these pups cropping up in kennels and homes across

the globe, you wont have any doubts where the structure

on them came from, LOL.

7/27/08

T-Shirts! Guys - please be patient. I love giving out t-shirts, however my ace t-shirt guy sold his business, and I need to find another one. So far, nobody has fit the bill to my standards. I am a little bit picky on who does my t-shirt work, because I want to put the best possible gear that I can in your hands. So, I appreciate your patience, and as soon as I get some shirts I will post it up and you guys that have a DragonSlayer Puppy are getting a free T-shirt on the house!

7/26/08

To all of our loyal fans and customers: Thanks for the overwhelming response about our recent and "near-future" litters. I believe that these dogs - The DragonSlayer Bulldogs of 2008 will put a mark on the history of the breed. It is said that fine wine only gets better in time - well, I certainly hope that this applies to our program. I believe that we have done what it takes to see this happen. We have been chipping away with painstaking detail on our program for over a decade now, and it is very gratifying to enjoy the works of our labors that others have seen and appreciated as well.

I would like to share one of the concepts that I have applied in these dogs, and it has never failed me. It was shared with me by a good man: Gary McCoy. Gary and I shared many long talks together about dogs and life. Here is what he said: "Many folks get these dogs, and breed them to get rich. They never want to make great dogs. They just want to make money. All that they have is $$$ in their eyes. They never understand that if you seek to make great dogs, sacrifice to make great dogs, and do everything you can to make great dogs, then your dogs will always be in high demand, and you will not ever have to worry about the money part of it, that will take care of itself."

Well, I can tell you that I am not getting rich off of these dogs - they always have been and always will be my passion, hobby, and love. I will not ever try to "make a living off of my dogs backs" and have no respect for anyone that does. Money can only cure a certain amount of problems anyway, however having a vision, a purpose, and a dream gives you something to live for! I never sought after the almighty dollar. Instead, I did everything possible to produce the absolute best dogs that I could. My close friends and associates will testify to that fact.

I do not take these accomplishments lightly, as my family and I know the sacrifices made to get where we are in these dogs. And your (our supporters) kindness is so greatly appreciated - I am very humbled when I receive the calls and emails from happy and admiring customers. It makes me strive for even greater dogs - and I must say - THE BEST IS YET TO COME.

So, thank you to you guys - each and every one that I have been blessed to have known and helped - it is my true joy. Let me know if I can ever be of further help.

Thanks,

Mike

7/10/08

Taking deposits on DragonSlayers Vandal x DragonSlayers Raven! Pups due Mid-August!

Why do we have some of the baddest blacks in the nation? Been doing it long and strong baby! Vandal throws black all day long - he has thrown solid blacks when bred to 2 different white females - now that is a strong carrying black gene! Raven is one of the TOP black females available - by popular vote, not JMO, so I HAD to do this breeding. Size, structure, looks, and TRUE BLACK - Bringing Jamie, Primo, Diezel (Hugo Blood), Salem - all the best to the table. A full-coarse meal that you cant get up and walk away from.

Vandal

Raven

7/9/08

Here is an update photo of Diezel, next to his offspring that we are calling "Lil Diezel" who is going to his new owner "Monica" in California. I cant wait to see this little guy in a few years.

7/8/08

SNEAK PEAK FOR OUR WEBSITE VISITORS ONLY!

We are calling this breeding "THE RECREATION OF JAMIE"

We have just had a litter of 7 pups - 3 males and 4 females born out of Jamie2 and sired by the closest thing that I have found in all of my travels to THE ORIGONAL DRAGONSLAYERS JAMIE. There are a ton of kennels that have tripped over themselves to get this cherished "Jamie Blood" and even more that wished that they had it! So, I decided to do a phenotype to phenotype breeding and it was a grand slam! I could not be one bit happier with this breeding, and Jamie2 and all 7 puppies are doing great.

At this time, we are not offering any of these 7 pups to the public, however I would be interested in partnering with very heavily screened individuals, in an effort to preserve this valuable blood with responsible breeders that take seriously the advancement of the DragonSlayer Style of dog. I believe that this will go down in history as one of those "breedings that made the mark on the breed."

Here is just a little peak at one these future greats, and trust me, there are more where he came from:

Introducing, at 4 days old...

DRAGONSLAYERS KNUCKLES!!!!

7/7/08

"Do you have any champions in your lines?"

"Do you show your dogs?"

I hear these kinds of questions frequently. While a champion show dog does not necessarily mean that it is a superior dog (in general terms) it does mean that the owner has gone to pain-staking efforts to have their dogs evaluated by a professional judge on all aspects.

Over the years I have been to "more than my share" of shows - as a judge, showman, or simply a spectator. Shows are a great way to get your dogs out in the public, learn more from other dog fanciers, and "prove" your dogs in the ring. As a family, we are very busy, however, I personally attend shows "as often as possible" and we always seem to do very well. Here are a few trophies that we have won over the years:

I am especially proud of the one on the far right, it was won by our 6 mo old puppy "Twister" at the Waco show in Texas. The folks in Waco always put on a nice show, and my daughter had shown Twister all the way to the final circle - going for "Best Of Breed" that day. Well, Twister got 2nd place in that final circle, making her "Best Opposite" - not too bad for a 6 month old puppy going up against grown dogs though! Thanks to judge Wil that day, it was a highlight for my daughter and for Twister!

7/5/08

CONCERNING DOG NUTRITION

Here's an article out of the "Whole Dog Journal" - the Whole Dog Journal is pretty much the "bible" of Canine Nutrition.

What are you really feeding your pet?
Ingredients commonly found in pet foods and treats (even some natural and premium brands),

1. Propylene Glycol- also used as antifreeze- may cause skin and eye irritation; respiratory, immuno, and neurotoxicity; Central Nervous System depression; kidney damage- is banned in cat food.

2. By-products/Digest/Meat (non-specific) - waste consisting of animal carcasses not for human consumption- can include feet, heads, intestines, feathers- also called 4-D animals: "dead, dying, diseased or disabled"- not required to contain any real meat; may contain dogs, cats, euthanized animals (including the pentobarbital used to euthanize them), and road kill.

3. Chemical Preservatives (BHA, BHT, EQ)- carcinogens (cause cancer)- also may cause hives, fever, headache, wheezing, and asthma; may affect kidneys, thyroid, stomach, and reproduction; can cause endocrine, gastrointestinal, liver, respiratory, skin, immuno and neurotoxicity, and aggressive behavior; is banned in some countries.

4. Rawhide and Pig Ears- may cause cancer, sore throat, intestinal blockage and acute pancreatitis. No standard processing exists- companies may use arsenic, lead, mercury, chromium salts, and formaldehyde.

5. Corn- An inexpensive source of fiber that serves as a filler ingredient to add bulk. No nutritional value; a common allergen in dogs.

6. Artificial Flavors/Colors- may cause cancer and kidney problems; unnecessary additives.

7. Salt- enough occurs naturally- excess may lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular toxicity.

8. Sugar- an unnecessary ingredient, added to make the product more attractive. Continuous intake can promote hypoglycemia, obesity, nervousness, cataracts, tooth decay, arthritis and allergies; very addictive.

9. Soybean- poor quality filler used to boost the protein content; may contain MSG; difficult to digest and assimilate, esp. for dogs; known to cause gas build-up in the digestive tract and bloat.

10. Grains- Dog & cats did not evolve to eat grains!! Grains first appeared in pet foods 70 years ago. When consumers wanted the convenience of pet food in a bag and manufactures wanted to reduce costs with expensive carbs & calories.
Grains such as rice or wheat provide low-cost calories but their high carbohydrate content contributes to obesity, diabetes and a host of other health issues.

"A good man is concerned with the welfare of his animals." - Proverbs 12:10

7/4/08

Happy 4th of July! My wife and I are very proud to have served this country in the Armed Forces in the past, and continue serving The United States every day in our current jobs! Everyone have a very safe and blessed day. Happy Birthday America, land of the free!

5/10/07:

Raven:

3/10/07:

From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.” Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a man.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog.” just smile, because they “just don’t understand.”
~Author Anonymous~

2/11/07:

Below are a few of our up and comers. They are all in the 5-7 mo age range. I am very proud of these dogs, they are all third generation DragonSlayer produced.

Peaches:

Molly:

Rizzo:

1/15/07:

The year 2006

Last year was a year of some remarkably good times, and then there were some very tough times here at DragonSlayer Kennels. Many didn't know all of the details, and that is fine. We had some great losses, and some very great accomplishments, both in the dogs and in our family. Some of my friends in the bulldog world stuck with me and really encouraged me. It meant so much.

I want to take few minutes here to pay some long overdue respect to my folks: Richard and Dianna Tucker. They took me in and did their best to bring me up right. And things looked promising. Then, misunderstandings and pride got in the way, and there was a 5-year segment or so that things were "just not right" in our relationship. But last year, in the lowest time of my life, my mom came through and saved me. Man, I really needed it. She came down to our house from out of state and just hung out for a month, and with God's help and her, everything got better. Later, my dad drove his motorcycle 600 miles just to visit with us during that time. Then, when my girl Jamie had her pups, mom and dad faithfully watched over her and the pups to make sure everything was ok.

Let me say something here, I know that we all get wrapped up in these dogs, and they are so very special. But 2006 has taught me that people are more important than dogs and if you have loved ones, you had better hold them dearly, because in an instant you may not have them! So I want to say thanks to my mom and dad for trying so hard in raising me up. Mistakes were made on both sides of the fence, but in the end love pulled us all through. My dad is a great guy, a giver, a servant, a funny, happy, kind man that will tell you like it is, but yet help you any way that he can. He is very creative, always working on something out of the ordinary. My mom, she can cook like none other, always wants to make great memories, and we just talk for hours sometimes. They both come from good stock, their parents were great people too!

Here is what I learned about relationships in 2006: "Don't build walls, build bridges. It is all just building stuff."

It's all about perspective, and how you view things. Are you wearing glasses that see everything in a light of resentment? Or are you looking through glasses that make you thankful for the true gifts that you have? If there is a young person reading this, I know, you think that you know it all. But you don't. So if you have good parents, you better be listening to them, instead of your friends. If you don't, it will bite you. Here is a simple principle, I see it in the Bible, I see it in my life, I see it on the news: Kids that don't listen to mom and dad are kids that don't do very well in life. So listen to mom and dad, and RESPECT them, and you won't live a life of regret like so many do. One more thought while we are on the subject, and this goes for the dogs, parents, kids, and any other relationship that you value. It has become my motto: "HUG EM WHILE YA GOT EM!"

1/13/07:

Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

This is a subject that many bulldog breeders would rather dismiss, and sweep under the carpet. I will probably take some flak here in even bringing this subject up, but we cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand. I am on an aggressive path towards TOTAL QUALITY DOGS. And I will not take shortcuts, or cut corners to accomplish this.

We have to make a stand, in good conscience. Bulldogs are known to have horrible hips, so we most often just shrug our shoulders and accept it. I don't buy that approach. It is the easy way out, no doubt.

But, is this doing the breed any good at all? Why continue to perpetuate a very bad, painful, even crippling trait, when something can be done about it? I have been working on this ailment quietly for some time now. In fact, this subject has been in the back of my mind for several years now, but when you bring it up as a topic of discussion, usually the conversation swings to other things such as color, head size, or whatever. I have honestly been focusing on other aspects in my own program for the most part as well, but we as a bulldogge community owe it to the breed to begin taking a serious look at the hips of our dogs, and find out what we can do to improve the situation, instead of just putting a band-aid over the problem, ignoring it, and pressing on for the latest color fad or "look". If a dog has no hips, it will not move as fluid and comfortably as it was meant to, and to continue to bring lives into this world with the genetics to have poor hips is simply unethical!

These dogs are born into a world that they did not create, and that is not by their choice, but by ours. So we owe it to the future of the breed to "man up" and do the right thing here.

This small article is not meant to give you a complete education on this dilemma. It is only a start of a campaign that I am personally beginning. But, you personally can do endless google searches to educate yourself, and speak to your local vet as well about it. I just want to bring some light to the subject for the general public. Maybe stir some thought about it? Maybe even ban together as breeders and really strive for improvement? I realize that this will not be a problem that we can fix overnight. For breeders and pet owners, I want to simply make you more aware of the problem that DOES TRULY EXIST. AND IF YOU IGNORE IT, IT WILL STILL BE THERE. I have my own feelings as to how it occurs and why, I feel at times it is genetic, while other times it is caused by environment, and in other instances it is a combination of both. While I do not claim to be an expert on the subject, I am a student of it. And if you are serious about your dogs, you will become a student of it as well. So take the time to research, talk around, and grow up in some areas that are for the most part left alone. I have included a few X-Rays for your consideration. Don't be afraid to get your own dog's hips x-rayed, particularly if you have any intentions of breeding! Best of luck! (click images for larger view)

Very poor hips:

Very good hips:

Hips of DragonSlayers Macho:

Below are some more examples of hips:

An interesting philosophy on breeders who don't plan:

The average dog has 5 genetic defects that are hidden (proven at UM)

If you are breeding without forethought or planning, you are adding new or unknown blood each time that you breed, bringing a possible 10 genetic faults together with each mating.

When you bring in a crappy dog that is from crappy lines that has no thought in the breeding practice or animal husbandry best practices...
You get crap.

Not pretty, but it is the truth!

12/17/06:

Here are some updates of my Macho x Jamie pups. Some thick little suckers for sure. So far I am very happy with them. Not For Sale!

DRAGONSLAYERS COCO (VANDAL CLONE)

DRAGONSLAYERS BLUE CANON (BLUE EYE)

DRAGONSLAYERS JAMIE 2 (CAN YOU SEE WHY?) SHE POSES ALL DAY LONG, LOL

12/12/06:

An ancient relic of a momma Bulldogge with her pups:

I like this Olde Tyme Bulldogge...

12/11/06:

Best breeding rules I've ever ran across....

-Author unknown –

1. Remember that the animals you select for breeding today will have an impact on the breed for many years to come. Keep that thought firmly in mind when you choose breeding stock.

2. You can choose only two individuals per generation. Choose only the best, because you will have to wait for another generation to improve what you start with. Breed only if you expect the progeny to be better than both parents.

3. You cannot expect statistical predictions to hold true in a small number of animals (as in one litter of puppies). Statistics only apply to large populations.

4. A pedigree is a tool to help you learn the good and bad attributes that your dog is likely to exhibit or reproduce. A pedigree is only as good as the dog it represents.

5. Breed for a total dog, not just one or two characteristics. Don't follow fads in your breed, because they are usually meant to emphasize one or two features of the dog at the expense of the soundness and function of the whole.

6. Quality does not mean quantity. Quality is produced by careful study, having a good mental picture of what you are trying to achieve, having patience to wait until the right breeding stock is available and to evaluate what you have already produced, and above all, having a breeding plan that is at least three generations ahead of the breeding you do today.

7. Remember that skeletal defects are the most difficult to change.

8. Don't bother with a good dog that cannot produce well. Enjoy him (or her) for the beauty that he represents but don't use him in a breeding program.

9. Use out-crosses very sparingly. For each desirable characteristic you acquire, you will get many bad traits that you will have to eliminate in succeeding generations.

10. Inbreeding is a valuable tool, being the fastest method to set good characteristics and type. It brings to light hidden traits that need to be eliminated from the breed.

11. Breeding does not "create" anything. What you get is what was there to begin with. It may have been hidden for many generations, but it was there.

12. Discard the old cliché about the littermate of that great producer being just as good to breed to. Littermates seldom have the same genetic make-up.

13. Be honest with yourself. There are no perfect dogs (or b###hes) nor are there perfect producers. You cannot do a competent job of breeding if you cannot recognize the faults and virtues of the dogs you plan to breed.

14. Hereditary traits are inherited equally from both parents. Do not expect to solve all of your problems in one generation.

15. If the worst puppy in your last litter is no better than the worst puppy in your first litter, you are not making progress. Your last litter should be your last litter.

16. If the best puppy in your last litter is no better than the best puppy in your first litter, you are not making progress. Your last litter should be your last litter.

17. Do not choose a breeding animal by either the best or the worst that he (or she) has produced. Evaluate the total get by the attributes of the majority.

18. Keep in mind that quality is a combination of soundness and function. It is not merely the lack of faults, but the positive presence of virtues. It is the whole dog that counts.

19. Don't allow personal feelings to influence your choice of breeding stock. The right dog for your breeding program is the right dog, whoever owns it. Don't ever decry a good dog; they are too rare and wonderful to be demeaned by pettiness.

20. Don't be satisfied with anything but the best. The second best is never good enough.

The following article by Jonathan Jeffrey Kimes (Pluperfect Kennels, Kansas City, Missouri) is reprinted with his permission.
Seven Foundations of a Successful Dog Breeder
Listed in this article are some axioms that I have created as a learning tool. These axioms are reflections of the temptations we face on a daily basis as dog breeders. If one were to make a similar list for any human endeavor, I doubt it would differ much from what I have listed. I think this list is one that we should all review from time to time, for it requires maturity and self-confidence to master-something we all should continue to hone throughout our lives. The ultimate payoff is the ability to succeed in and to enjoy our dog breeding careers.

I - ENJOY YOUR DOGS
The primary reason anyone becomes involved with dog breeding and showing is a fundamental love of dogs. We treasure the companionship, the never failing loyalty, the delight they exude. We love to have them on our beds. Their eagerness to face the new day, even when we wake them up at dreadful hours, provides us a wonderment that brings back the exuberance of childhood. They forgive us when we lose our temper, when we are impatient, when we are far less than they are. They bring out the best of ourselves, they nurture the "big" us. Unfortunately, dog breeding and exhibiting can tempt our "little" selves. It can feed a fragile ego until it becomes a raging ego. Often, this need to feel we are better than our fellow man is expressed in our possessions. We need to have the biggest winner, the producer of the most champions, the most champion puppies. We buy, we co-own, we collect. Soon we have no time for dog pleasures, no time to play or rub a grateful belly, no time to stroke a patient brow. Soon we have no room for more dogs; we stack them and crate them and store them as though they were baubles that have no meaning but to make us feel important. We lose our ability to love. Dog showing and breeding is a great vocation. It is creative and challenging and very rewarding. But we must never expect our hobby to take the place of a psychologist's work. We must never expect an unhealthy mental state to be cured by self-indulgence. Far too many people take to showing and breeding for the wrong reasons. Their houses go to ruin, their bank accounts evaporate, their credit hits the skids, their spouses and children are left to survive on their own as the breeder pursues their own manifestation of what they perceive to prove their self-worth. Being a dog breeder is a huge commitment. It means we should assign ourselves the role of lifetime student. It means we will be humbled in countless ways and in countless circumstances. It means our lessons will be of the hard knock variety if we are to truly learn them. It means frustration, long hours, late nights and early mornings. It means never getting to sleep-in again. It means finding friendships - some of which will last for a lifetime and some of which will founder, being built on social advantage. It means being quoted and misquoted and having words put in your mouth. It means being given ample opportunity to be as "small" as a human being can be. But, hopefully, it can provide an opportunity to learn to be "big," to be generous, inquisitive, and adventurous. We should never ask ourselves if we are envied or important or successful. Those questions are meaningless. At the end of the day, we should ask ourselves, "Am I proud of the person I've become? What we must always be are dog lovers. We must be their advocates. We must ensure the life of every dog we breed and every dog we own is fulfilled and an illustration of humanity at its nest hour. Our vanity must not be stroked by having our pictures in a magazine or seeing our name on some ranking system. Our self-worth must come from knowing we provide our dogs a life of love, of pleasure, and of happiness.

II - BREED FOR IMPROVEMENT NOT WINNERS
It is easy to become lost in the purpose of breeding quality dogs. For some, the attraction of the bright lights, the glamour and the glitz cause them to stray from the path. Developing a bloodline that is well considered and that is a positive influence for the breed takes considerable discipline. Too often, the seemingly slow and carefully orchestrated effort to improve a breed is crossed up with the immediate desire to breed that one big winner and become famous.

The breeder's pledge must be to harbor and safeguard the breed. No breed is in perfect shape when the breeder happens upon it and none shall be perfect when they leave. But to leave a breed in better shape than it was when you came upon it is the greatest compliment. To improve type, movement, temperament and health must be the bottom line for every committed breeder.

Such accomplishment takes a long-range plan that is carefully thought through. It requires dedication and purpose. All too often, we are sidetracked by our desire to breed to the latest big winner, and then to the next and the next. Before long the pedigree is a long list of "who's who" that have no relationship to each other, other than they found success in the ring. What is key to learn (and to believe) is success in the ring is not an automatic indication of the dog's true quality. We all wish one indicated the other but that is too easy. It would require the removal of human fallacy to be accomplished!

Dogs do not excel for all the same reasons. Consequently, you can't simply breed one big winner to another and produce more big winners. Every feature and their nature of inheritance must be studied and understood before you can "manage" the inheritance variables. Once you gain this skill, you are on the road to producing a great line of winners.

III - TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE
The breeding of fine purebred dogs should be considered the pursuit of perfection - it is not the maintenance of it. All dogs have faults, all dogs are less than ideal in some ways and areas. If not, the "ideal" has not been well enough conceived. It is very easy to fall into the trap of being defensive about one's own dogs. This usually happens because what we assume to be correct is challenged by another as being less so.

This disharmony causes confusion in our mind and ultimately unhappiness. To right ourselves, we often become defensive and try to rid ourselves of that which is causing us the discomfort - namely the opin-ion that does not complement our own.

We must realize that "truth" is the ultimate standard by which our decisions should be made. In most cases, a roached back is a roached back, whether we choose to recognize it as such or not. Consequently, the best way for us to not be put into a position of being unhappily surprised is to pursue knowledge relentlessly to ensure our opinion is as accurate and close to the "truth" as possible.

This knowledge is gained in many ways, one of which is learning from fellow breeders. We must fight the urge to make up our minds about something and refuse to consider another viewpoint. Indeed, we do not make decisions based on facts when we are first learning, we are depending upon what we perceive to be the expertise of others to provide that for us. If that so-called expertise is, in fact, faulty, our whole knowledge base is called into question. And that causes us great anxiety.

The best place to sit is in the seat of the knowledge seeker. Whenever provided with an opinion that is different than the one You currently hold, always seek to under-stand the viewpoint of the other. Why does the person perceive something differently than you? Understanding another's point of view can be the road to greater knowledge. If you shut that door and do not entertain the prospect of learning something different than what you think is truth you will never actually recognize the truth and you will not succeed in your goal.

Quite honestly, you should be more critical of your dogs than anyone else could possibly be. That is not to say you should attribute faults to your dogs they do not possess, but your evaluation must be as detailed as possible and you must strive to see clearly their true faults and virtues. From this comes the map to success.

IV - DEAL WITH OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DEAL WITH YOU
Sounds a bit like the golden rule that we learn in childhood. Yet it is amazing how many people forget this very important axiom. In dealing with others, regardless of the matter, think always of the other person's position. I have heard repeatedly, people state how they were burned in a co-ownership agreement. All too often the agreement is geared toward benefiting one party (often the seller) over another. Written agreements somehow are tainted as being only needed in a contentious situation. This is the first misconception. Not having a written agreement should be the very rare exception, not the reverse. Too often, should a worthwhile puppy be produced from one of these undefined arrangements, the fight is on for possession. Before contemplating selling a dog on a co-ownership or leasing it or offering stud service for a puppy back, you should think through what exactly you expect and desire from such an arrangement. Too often, these business dealings occur in the spur of the moment during a telephone conversation, and the deal is struck before either party has really had an opportunity to think it through. For some reason, rather than rethinking the situation, we tend to try to follow through on such an ill conceived arrangement only to end up bitter enemies in the end. If people would stop and think about the likely end result, they would realize the best possible thing to protect the friendship is to have a written understanding.

It is very rare a litter is going to have more than one star if any at all. Consequently, it is important to under-stand who is going to own that super puppy, should it appear. People are too willing to tear apart relationships should one person seem to benefit a bit more than another. This is too sad and is reflective of the self-benefit motivation that all too many find as the driving force for their actions. When pressed, it is far better to give than to receive.

It is far better to let the other seemingly benefit than to destroy a relationship and acquire the reputation of being disreputable and self centered, if for no other reason than it makes you grow as a human being, which is probably a fair trade off in the long run.

V - BY GIVING YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE
Another pitfall breeders often experience is the inability to celebrate others' Successes. While certainly we feel the route we are taking is the best way to approach that utopian plateau of breed perfection, there are actually many routes to that same goal. It takes nothing at all away from our own accomplishments to recognize the accomplished efforts of other breeders.

This inability and unwillingness to appreciate other's efforts usually comes from having made a decision not to breed to certain bloodlines or deal with certain persons. When such a kennel then produces a success, it is difficult for us to acknowledge such an achievement for we tend to find that inconsistent with our opinion of that particular person or family of dogs. It takes quite an honest and secure person to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

While it is probably good advice to hold our criticisms closer to our chest, recognizing another's achievement only brings good things. By being someone who can see the virtues in breeding lines other than your own, you gain a reputation of fair-ness and objectivity that is a very rare pearl in dogdom. You may find, over time, your point of view and your philosophies are taken with much greater weight when others do not perceive them to have originated in a mind consumed with self aggrandizement. Thus, by doing so you lose nothing and yet you gain so very much.

VI - MAKE USE OF OTHERS' ACHIEVEMENTS
One of the worst situations a breeder can find her/ himself in is to partition themselves off from another kennel or bloodline. It is highly unlikely that all improvements toward the perfection of a breed are going to come from one single kennel or bloodline. Like flowers in the field, they will spring up in various places. The clever breeder is the one who knows how to pick from allthe field those who will make the ultimate, sublime bouquet. And to do this, you must be able to use the strengths of other kennels and bloodlines. Breeders will tend to have certain biases; and quite honestly, there are certain strengths and weaknesses in most bloodlines. While you may feel you have achieved the highest ground in certain areas, there will doubtless be other areas in which your dogs and bloodlines are less strong than others. Not to recognize this fact is to ensure you will plateau quite early in your breeding career. And by that I mean you will stabilize and go no further. You must always keep a watchful eye for that very special bloom that will enhance your bouquet.

It is this sophisticated combining of families without losing the good points of your own bloodline that strengthen a kennel and move it forward in breed importance. It takes careful consideration, orchestration and pruning to come to fruition.

VII - YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR MORALS
My last axiom addresses the whole issue of morality. It has many facets and many ways of expressing itself. Spreading rumors, the accuracy of which might be doubtful, is one very good example. Selling dogs on co-owner-ships as a means to control other breeders is certainly another. Accusing other lines of genetic problems while being less than entirely honest about your own is yet another. In all, it goes to the very core of who we are. Do we know right from wrong? Do we practice right in all circumstances? Dog breeding is not about that one great win or that one great winner. It is about breed improvement over time, it is about protecting a breed. Too many people are in search of some kind of sign of their self worth and they think they will obtain some special level of respect and honor if they have a big winner. Dog breeding is a lifetime's work. It is a continuum of which, no matter how quickly you want to "put yourself on the map," will ultimately be a reflection of your true character. To wit, you can't fool all of the people all of the time.

There is no honor in "adjusting" reality to give you the appearance of achieving something you have not. Politicking for wins will not make your dogs any better than they are. Faking your dogs will not make them any better than they are. You may think you can fool the world, but you will ultimately pay the price. No one wants to be a pretender. And yet, some of the worst pre-tenders are people who seem to be infatuated with spreading rumors about other people and dogs. These people live in glass houses and invariably they know it. The breeding of dogs is not about how you impress the neighbors, your peers or anyone else.

It is the expression of your love of dogs and your personal pursuit in creating an art. You cannot lie about the art you create; you cannot lie to yourself.

While this list, I am quite sure, sounds like a sermon from the mount, it encompasses the many pitfalls that we dog breeders face every day. Some of us are equipped to navigate these disturbances better than others, but all of us CAN navigate them. We are all tested from time to time, even the most educated, psychologically balanced, intelligent and honest amongst us. There are times when it feels much better to zing someone who has been hurtful, to control those whom we feel do not have the proper motivation, to become the ones who attract the adulation. Only through careful thought and well-considered action can we hope to become better people and therefore better dog breeders.

12/1/06:

If you would like a DragonSlayer T-Shirt, don't hesitate to give us a holler. They really are nice shirts, and we would like all of our friends and partners to have one.

| DragonSlayer Bulldogge Puppy Purchase Agreement |

DragonSlayer Kennels
Located 1 Hour East of Dallas, Texas
Mike Tucker | Cell (903)440-0553 | E-mail us: mike@dragonslayerkennels.com