At Willow Lane Farms we like to keep a diverse population of dogs to help create the healthiest, most unique and well rounded companion Canines possible! In order to do this, they can't all live with us. Thus the Guardian ( or Foster) Program was created. Many of our Moms and Dads live with a Guardian family. On occasion, the dog will come back to Willow Lane for a Romantic Staycation or to birth and raise puppies. After this, they return to the Guardian family until the process needs to repeat. When the dog retires, the Guardian family becomes the legal owner of the dog and the dog stays with them for the rest of their life! It is so much nicer for the dog to retire into a home that they have always known. 

Some Frequently asked questions:

Q: How long are the females in the program?

A: Our females will have 2-4 litters depending on their health, recovery and mothering abilities, and we like them to retire in their 5th year of life.

Q: How long are the males in the program?

A: The males have FAR less physical commitment to reproduction, so they have a bit longer career, generally until age 7.

Q: Does it make the dogs anxious to return to the farm...will they miss their family?

A: I'm sure the dogs will miss their family, however it is our experience that the dogs enjoy their visit to the farm with all of the activity and other dogs to play with. Families' concerns are eased when they see the dog happily playing with their new friends.

Q: What kind of costs are involved?

A: The costs to the Guardian family are the regular maintenance and health responsibilities, like regular vaccinations, a healthy diet and grooming etc. All costs associated with health testings and reproduction are the responsibility of Willow Lane. When the dog is ready to retire, the Guardian family is financially responsible for having the dog spayed or neutered.

For more detailed info on our Guardian Program, please contact us!

The dogs listed below are just some of the dogs available to approved Guardian Homes.

1 yr old Mini Multigen Goldendoodle 

Lyric is a funny little dog! She loves playing with her canine pals, but is a quiet and lovable companion with humans. She walks on leash and is a clean dog who holds her business overnight. Her tight wavy coat is extremely low to to non-shedding. She is about 30 pounds.

May is a 1 year old Golden Retriever. She is a big lanky dog with a huge heart! She likes to be active but is happy to curl up on the couch. She is good with kids and other dogs. She is crate and leash trained and knows basic commands. She is going to mature about 80 pounds.

Mira is a 1 year old Golden Retriever, a sister to May. She too is an active dog but will gear her activity level to yours. 5km walk? Yes! Netflix on the couch? Sure! She is an absolute goof ball and entertains us daily. Like her sister she is very smart and has trained easily.

1 yr old Moyen Poodle. 

He is a bit of a wall flower, but once he warms up, he is such a loving little dog! He is leggy, but only weighs about 22 pounds. He would do best in a home with another dog for a buddy, or a home where someone is generally home.

Fern is a 10 month old Flat Coated Goldendoodle. She is a big sucky baby with a very laid back personality. She is a medium height, but has a stocky build and will likely mature 55+ pounds. She is crate trained and likes to go for walks.

Phoebe is coming 2 years of age and is a Mini Poodle! She is a bubbly, loveable girl eager to please. She likes cuddling. going for walks and playing with her best friend Greta ! 

2 yr old Standard Poodle. 

Lexie is a hilarious goof ball! You should see her smile! She is very lovable and smart, walks lovely on leash, is clean and loves people!

Maeve is a Standard Poodle who will be 3 later in 2023. She is a very people oriented dog who is very sucky and lovable. She is a very clean and obedient dog with excellent leash manners. She has a petite build weighs about 40 pounds.

Emmy Lou is  2 years old. She is a Black and Tan point standard poodle weighing about  50 pounds.  She is very smart and has a humorous, quirky personality. She likes to go for walks and play with other dogs.