Born 4 years ago, one of seven
Unique, daughter of our Mojo
Thriving and loving
The 4th of the pack
Easygoing that you are
'Running' your middle name
Forever being sweet
Loving to cuddle and kiss
You stole our hearts

Happy Bday my Butterfly 🦋 

Living in a pack at Sunnyside, where humans and animals coexist, offers numerous advantages. I’ve experienced these firsthand and cherish my place within this wonderful pack. Now, it’s time for me to delve deeper into these (science based) advantages and understand why they have such a profound positive impact on our well-being.

Dogs and humans have thrived side by side for thousands of years — not just because we share homes and snacks, but because we share something deeper: the pack instinct.
That invisible thread of belonging keeps both species grounded, balanced, and joyful.

In a pack, everyone has a role. Your dog feels safe because you’re there to lead, feed, and rest together. You feel secure because your dog never lets a leaf fall unnoticed. You move as one — walking, exploring, even relaxing in sync. It’s not just exercise; it’s emotional alignment.

The pack connection also works wonders on a biochemical level. Shared routines, calm touch, and mutual trust boost oxytocin — the same hormone that deepens bonds between parents and children. That’s why your dog’s gaze can lower your stress, steady your heartbeat, and fill the room with calm energy.

And then there’s the fun part: dogs remind us to socialize, to move, and to rest. They teach patience, empathy, and presence — lessons most humans forget between emails and errands. In their world, every walk is teamwork, every meal a ritual, and every nap a shared peace treaty.

Living as a pack isn’t about control; it’s about connection.
When you and your dog truly belong together, training becomes communication, walking becomes rhythm, and life becomes — simply — better.
“Alone, you can fetch. Together, you can thrive.” 🐾

Our sweet Evie
Very social indeed
Likes to ‘talk’ in the morning
Runs like a greyhound

Jumps like a deer 🦌
So elegant and with agility.
Playing ball 🏀 is her forte
Finding it first of all is her drive.

She is still pretty skinny
And so I also call her “Spriet”
(which is skinny in Dutch😀)
She loves Jessie🩷
And sometimes me too😉

Happy Birthday 🎉🎈🎂 sweetie.
And I wish you many, many more.

Love you 😘❤️

Guess what? Our little Sien, Bee Seen Honey of Sunnyside Frolic White Flock, turned 6 months old today!

I made a small compilation you can watch HERE.

Can you believe it? She’s already grown up so much! Sien looks just like her mom, and she’s got a personality that shines through.

She loves to play with all the other dogs, but Jane and her mom are her absolute favorites. She’s also gotten really attached to a ball. We started letting her play fetch with the big dogs about a month ago, and she’s been having a blast.

One of Sien’s favorite things to do is play with her leash, or even better, her mom’s leash. When we go for a walk with Sien and Jessie, Sien takes Jessie’s leash in her mouth and ‘drags’ her mom wherever she wants to go. She’s so proud of herself! And the way she walks with her head held high is just too funny.

Sien’s playful nature and happy spirit come from her dad, for sure. But she also has a little bit of her dad’s destructive side. We know this will go away eventually, so we make sure to store most of our stuff away. But sometimes we forget, and yes, paper, pencils, remote controls - nothing is safe for her.

Cats and chickens are still her favorite things to chase, even though she’s getting better and better at staying away from them. We’re teaching her some redirecting cues, like ‘look’, ‘turn’, ‘touch’, and ‘let’s go’, to help her focus on the things she’s supposed to be doing.

With her witty and loving character she sure is a welcome addition to our pack. But don’t let her beautiful face fool you, because she can be feisty too!

Love you Sien and can’t wait to see you further grow and become your own Self.

ps. Last week we finally, it really took forever, received Sien’s registration with FCI. Because they did already send me the original, which I never received btw, I got a duplicate.

Sweet Jessie, my heart dog
Born 5 years ago, during Covid
In a country far away.
One of 11 puppies.

And now 5 years later,
Mother of 2 puppies yourself.
My best dog friend,
my partner in crime.

So Happy Birthday sweetie
I wish for many many more
Because having you in my life
Is the best!!!

Love you🩷😍

Evie and Mojo have been dating. In a couple of weeks we'll find out if we can welcome puppies mid November. Stay tuned.

Here at the Bed and Breakfast we like to serve our guests fresh organic eggs. However some of our 14 laying hens are already far over their 'prime laying eggs time'. To anticipate on the risk of an egg shortness, we decided to add 8 new 'white pearl leghorn' chicks. Sien is of course very curious about them and she has met them multiple times now. Let's hope that by the time this little once are old enough to free range, Sien outgrew her 'chicken-chase fase':-))

I’m always on the hunt for natural supplements that can make my dogs’ lives better. When we lived in the Netherlands, I used to take Mojo to the beach three to four times a week. We’d go for walks, runs, and play fetch with a tennis ball in the sand. But playing with the ball and the sand was really taking a toll on his teeth. I didn’t realize how bad it was until he started to stop chewing bones and even playing fetch hurt him.

I took Mojo to a dental vet, she told me Mojo could get special caps to protect his teeth from getting worse and decaying. But these caps would need to be replaced every other year to keep working. I was worried about how often that would be, so I started looking for a natural supplement that could help reduce his inflammation.

Green Lipped Mussel came up as a great option. Unlike some pain meds that can be bad for his liver and kidneys, green lipped mussel is a gentle and natural way to ease inflammation. After a couple of weeks of using green lipped mussel, we noticed a big difference in Mojo’s condition. He started chewing bones more often, and playing fetch was his favorite thing to do again!

Green Lipped Mussel is not only anti-inflammatory, but it also offers other amazing benefits for your furry friend. Here are just a few:

* Joint Support and Mobility: Green lipped mussel is packed with rare omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and ETA) that work together to reduce joint inflammation. This is especially helpful for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or general stiffness. Studies have shown that regular supplementation can improve mobility, reduce limping, and make your dog more willing to play.

* Supports Healthy Cartilage and Connective Tissue: The mussel is rich in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are the building blocks of cartilage and synovial fluid. This means it not only soothes existing joint problems but also helps keep your dog’s joints healthy and functioning properly, even if they’re active.

* Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA, DHA, ETA): Omega-3s are essential for hormone balance, improving sperm quality in males, and aiding in ovarian function and uterine health in females. They’ve also been linked to better fertility outcomes across different species, which is a huge plus for me as a breeder.

* Rich in Nutrients for Overall Wellness: Beyond joint health, green lipped mussel is a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support skin, coat, and immune health. It’s a true whole-food supplement that can help keep your dog healthy and happy.

* Safe and Well-Tolerated: Most dogs tolerate green lipped mussel very well, with minimal risk of side effects. It’s often available as a powder you can sprinkle over food, soft chews, or capsules, making it easy to add to your dog’s diet.

So, if you’re looking for a natural way to support your dog’s joint health and overall well-being, green lipped mussel might be just what you need.

Some of these tricks Sien already learned, like target touch, shake paw and place. 'Look' also is already in her tool box however this one AI didn't include but is as helpful to have her focused on something other then the 'thing' that makes Sien anxious and that's why I mention it here. But she's not a pro yet. Coming time I'll work with her (and the pack) and hope to write a couple of blogs about her progress and the things we encounter. One thing is for sure; it's going to be FUN!!!

Just the other day, I came across an article about someone seeking a new home for their mother’s six-month-old border collie puppy. The puppy had a penchant for chasing chickens, even killing them, and couldn’t leave the cats alone in the house. I was shocked because unless you have an elderly, sick, or otherwise physically incapable sheepdog, these puppies will inevitably chase. That’s what they’re bred for! Every shepherd is bred to ‘shepherd’ and herd, so when something moves, it needs to be chased.
 
Now, let’s talk about our household. We have two indoor-outdoor cats. Whenever we bring a White Shepherd puppy into our home, the same scenario unfolds: ‘Cats are fun and need to be chased and herded.’ This is no different with puppy number six, Sien. Even Evie, who is now 22 months old, still isn’t always gentle with the cats.

So, I’ve decided to write a blog post about how to help them live in peace. With patience and the right approach, they can learn to coexist peacefully—and even become friends. We have living proof of this here at Sunnyside.
 
Start Slow
Let them smell each other first—swap blankets or use a gate for safe viewing. Keep early meetings short, calm, and supervised. Reward both pets for good behavior.
Give the Cat Space
Cats need places to escape. Use shelves, cat trees, or a room the puppy can’t access. It helps your cat feel safe and in control.
Train the Puppy
Teach basic commands like “sit” and “leave it.” A calm puppy helps the cat relax. Interrupt overly excited behavior early on.
Watch Body Language
A wagging tail doesn’t always mean friendly. Look for signs of stress: hissing, pinned ears, growling, or lunging. Step in before things escalate.
Supervise
Don’t leave cat and dog unattended, especially the first couple of months. If you can’t supervise, make sure they can’t get together by putting the puppy in her crate for the time being and/or locking the cat in a separate room and/or putting it outside.
Separate Resources
Provide separate food bowls, beds, toys, and (of course) the litter box. This reduces competition and tension.
Let the Bond Grow
Not all pets will cuddle, and that’s fine. Respect grows over time. Some just coexist peacefully—others form real friendships.
Conclusion:
With time, structure, and love, cats and puppies can thrive together. Go slow, be patient, and celebrate small steps toward harmony.

This week Sien turned 15 weeks already. Time for her to have her third DHPP and final shot. With a huge needle she also got her micro chip put in. Normally I would have this done before the pups leave at 8 weeks for their new homes, but because Sien is staying, I wasn't in a hurry.

That said, with this microchip Sien can be registered with the FCI. So that's also what I did today. Within a couple of weeks Sien will have her FCI (Puerto Rico) registration number and she will be registered with her beautiful pedigree name: Bee Seen Honey Of Sunnyside Frolic White Flock.

In 2024, we welcomed our first litter of puppies! It all started as a duo, but one of them, America’s Adventure Of Sunnyside FWF (Venture), ended up as a solo pup. At just 9 weeks old, she found her forever home with her new family. Her ‘mama’ and I chat almost every day. We share stories about the dogs, pictures, and all the exciting happenings. And guess what? Venture is often called the ‘best pup ever’ in those stories! I love that, but I also realize that for her new family, Venture is the perfect pup. But if she had gone to another family, a family with different interests and needs, she might not have been the perfect pup for them.
 
So, I’m curious to know what people hope to find in a White Swiss Shepherd puppy. What are the qualities that new families look for in their ‘perfect’ pup?
 
Based on over 30 puppy questionnaires, the most common qualities include medium to high energy, intelligence and trainability, loyalty and companionship, affection, and good behavior with children and families. Less common but still important mentions include size preferences, low-maintenance grooming, and interest in dog sports or training activities.
 
So, if you value these qualities in a dog, you’re more likely to end up with the ‘best pup ever’ when choosing a White Swiss Shepherd puppy. But remember, not all puppies are the same, especially when it comes to temperament. It’s super important to chat with the breeder and find the individual puppy that fits your expectations the best. Because at the end of the day, it’s about setting you and your puppy up for success!

Sientje has been busy this week. First she had to go to the vet to get her second DHPP vaccine. She weights 21.8 lbs at 11 weeks now, she's getting heavy! But her weight is exactly what she needs to be. I didn't make a picture of this time visit though.

Mid week we went to the Tractor Supply and Sientje got to ride in one of the red carts. She sat like a princess looking at everything and everyone. And when asked politely people where 'allowed' to pet her:-)))) She enjoys being patted. Forgot to make a picture and I am sad about that. Hopefully next time.

After the Tractor Supply we went to the Occoneechee State Park to look at the boats on Buggs Island Lake. It's only 10 minutes from the Tractor Supply with the car, and Sien enjoyed the ride. She wasn't to sure about boats getting launched on their tailors, and also the hot weather isn't her best friend, so we didn't stay too long.

The day after we went again to the park, this time Martijn also was with us, and we walked a short distance around where the old plantation used to be. It was nice being protected from the sun by the many trees.

And today we went to Siens first puppy class in Henderson NC (30 min drive from here). We gave her time to explore the new surroundings, meet the instructor, Savannah, and playing with some new toys. After a while Sien laid down and fell asleep, while the instructor and I talked about a lot of things. Hopefully next time there will also be one or more other puppies Sien can interact with. Because She knows how to interact with the older dogs, but she has never had the opportunity to play and socialize with dogs her size and/or her age. Will be continued.

On the way back Sien laid in my lap and fell right away asleep.

We’re raising another puppy! Number 6 in 7 years. This time, she’s born here, so I already know her pretty well. And she’s been handled and trained since she was a tiny pup, so we don’t have to start from scratch.

Puppy Bee Seen Honey, aka Sien(tje), is now 10 weeks old and she’s doing great!

But one thing though, she seems to have a hard time with, is learning not to bite in EVERYTHING. And I mean EVERYTHING. Her mom, Jessie, and I are her biggest victims, biting in Jessies legs, snout, and my hands, arms, and legs. It hurts because of her super sharp baby teeth.

Anyway, as I said, I have some experience with puppies biting because all our dogs did this, some more than others. And when your puppy bites in your hands a lot, it’s totally normal, especially during the teething phase (usually up to six months). But it’s really important to teach her not to bite too hard early so she can grow up with good behavior.

Here are some 'do's and don’ts' I do to help Sien:

Do Not:

* Yell or hit: This can scare her, confuse her, and damage your bond with her.
* Yank your hand away suddenly: This can make her chase you or make the situation worse.

Evie, for example was a real challenge when it came to putting on her harness, collar, and leash. I had to learn the hard way how to approach her slowly, speaking to her in a soothing tone, and offering treats to distract her. Now, she’s totally fine with it. She’s learned that it’s okay for a human hand to reach out to her. She doesn’t have to grab or bite in order to stop the hand from doing something she doesn’t want to.

Here are some things you can do to help your puppy stop biting:

1. Redirect the Biting:
    * When your puppy starts biting, immediately give them a chew toy.
    * Offer a variety of textures, like rubber toys, frozen carrots, or teething rings specifically designed for dogs.
    * Praise your puppy right away when they chew the toy instead of biting you.

2. Teach Bite Inhibition:
    * When your puppy bites too much, say “Ouch!” in a high-pitched voice and let your hand go limp.
    * Immediately stop playing and turn away for 10-30 seconds.
    * This is how puppies learn boundaries from other puppies.

3. Implement Timeouts:
    * If the biting continues, calmly remove yourself from play for 30 seconds to a minute.
    * Repeat this each time your puppy bites too hard to help them understand that biting means losing playtime.

4. Maintain a Calm Play Environment:
    * Over excitement can lead to biting. Avoid rough play, especially with your hands.

5. Use Deterrent Sprays (Optional):
    * Bitter apple spray can be put on your hands or furniture if your puppy keeps biting.

I try to use all of these methods, except for method 5. Sometimes it’s hard to keep a calm play environment when there are other dogs around. When that happens, I call for a timeout.

Consistency is key:

* All family members must respond the same way to biting incidents. If they don’t, your puppy will get confused.

Additional Tips:

* Enroll your puppy in a puppy socialization class to help them learn bite inhibition and manners. Next week I start with Sien puppy group classes and this will definitely something I want to address also.
* Provide mental stimulation with puzzle toys and sniff walks to reduce nipping from boredom.

Sweet handsome Mojo
Every day you bring joy
Valuable to our life
Endless love and affection
Noble as always.

We love you to the moon an back💗🩶💗

And also happy birthday to your brothers Raaf, Julius, Rowan, Bailey and sisters Rami, Kira & Forest!

*** We took Mojo for a drive through the country and afterwards treated him and us on a ice cream. Mojo was the happiest dog<3<3<3

It was time for little Sien to receive her first vaccine, DHPP (without Lepto). So, yesterday, at seven weeks old, Sien and I visited our favorite vet. However, we had to wait longer than usual, so Sien fell asleep when I turned on her “relaxing” music. It was quite amusing! Regardless, she received her vet check and emerged as a healthy pup. She did exceptionally well.

Before our visit to the vet, I had to acclimate Sien to the car. This involved her being in the car, in the car while the engine was running, and finally, in the car while I was driving. Since the vet appointment was earlier than I had anticipated, I had to give her a crash course. Fortunately, she handled it well. With the help of the treats I had with me, she acted as if she had been in a car frequently instead of only three times.Can't be happier with this champion!

For more updates on Sien, you can visit her litter page.

Writing blogs is something I like to do. Don't find always the time for it, but today, being a rainy day I published my first outcross program NeverendingDog project blog. You can find it HERE.

Yeah!!! Evie has no dysplasia! Got her OFA results in today and I am very happy with the result. Another step closer to breeding with her this Fall.

Went with Evie to the Health clinic at the Durham Kennel Club (NC) and had her elbows and hips x-rayed by Blue Ridge Veterinary Imaging. They are the best! No sedation needed. According to the vet Evie didn't show dysplasia. Now I have to wait and see if OFA also thinks so. I hope so!!!

Since I started to plan my breeding program it also was a wish for me to simultaneously contribute to the preservation of this beautiful breed. I am aiming to improve the White Swiss Shepherd breed through outcrossing with another breed. This approach, while deviating from traditional breeding, is driven by a commitment to enhancing genetic diversity, reducing inbreeding, and improving longevity and birth rates.

Because it takes time to start breeding, but also to formulate a plan, it is until now that it were only plans. But this will change this year and our own Jane is chosen to be the female foundation dog of this project. If you want to know who the male foundation dog is, check out my website NeverdendingDogProject and find out.This website also includes all the information about this project and my motivation. 
I am very excited to embark on this journey! If you want to participate one way or the other, please call or email me, so we can see what we can do.

On April 1, Jessie & Mojo became again parents. Pup Bijke, dialect Dutch for little bee, was born. This time it was a 'au naturel' birth and all went very well. Bijke weighted, just like her big sister Venture, below average but she's is growing every day. We started the first socialization exercises and Bijke responses are great. Of course she can't see or hear anything yet, but her nose is already put to work. I decided to keep this Furry wonder, for now. Because honestly I don't think I can give up another singleton pup. In the following weeks I'll put all about Bijkes progress, growth, socialization, etc here on the website.

By naming my B-litter the Beehive, I am asking attention for the bee population decline. Bees, these little hard workers are in trouble and thus mankind is in trouble.

Because without bees our ecosystem would be disrupted big time. Without bees we have almost no pollination and thus no fruit and crop diversity
Without bees we do not have the very nutrient honey.

What can you do? Like me you can draw attention to the bee population decline, but there are other things you can do. I included an image

Berger Blanc Suisse, when translated literally into English, simply means Shepherd White Swiss, or more commonly, White Swiss Shepherd. This may seem obvious to you, but unfortunately, many people are unaware of this distinction. Consequently, unscrupulous breeders exploit this ignorance by selling their white shepherd puppies as Berger Blanc Suisse, or White Swiss Shepherd. The reason behind this practice is simple: they can charge higher prices for these puppies.
 
For instance, Dances with Wolves Ranch is a breeder that claims to breed with Berger Blanc Suisse (BBS) or White Swiss Shepherd (WSS), but they fail to register the puppies with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). As a result, these puppies are not officially recognized as either BBS or WSS. Surprisingly, they charge an exorbitant price of $6,500+ for these non-registered puppies.
 
Another example is the ‘kennel’ bergerblancsuisseshepherd.com
 
When looking for a BBS/WSS puppy, ensure both parents are registered with the FCI. If not specified, ask if the puppies will be registered.
 
Registration with the FCI is crucial. It indicates that the puppies are bred according to FCI standards and may turn out to be the desired dog.
 
Breeding with purebred, registered, and health-tested parents is expensive and time-consuming, often resulting in a loss before the first puppy is sold. However, it’s worth it for the quality of the dog. Any breeder who doesn’t register puppies, health test parents, or socialize them during the first eight weeks is prioritizing profit and may cut corners.
 

Already one year has past
Since we welcomed our first litter
Starting as a duo
Continuing as a solo

So fragile, only half in weight of
What is average.
But she survived and flourished
A little fighter, and so beautiful!

Americas Adventure is her name
'Best pup ever' Venture for the ones closest to her.
Living her best life!

Happy Birthday to you Venture! You are in our hearts, always<3<3<3!!!

Evie her parents are both White Swiss Shepherds registered in the Dutch department of the FCI, but for some reason her breeder decided not to register their litter with the FCI, but only with the UKC. I had hoped to register her myself once her ownership was transferred, but that wasn't the case because they told me she was too young when she left The Netherlands.

But now I have her registered with the FCI as a White Swiss Shepherd also. Had to send 3 pictures of Evie to proof she is within the FCI breeding standards. Because she doesn't have a FCI 3 generation pedigree, her parents are according to the FCI formerly 'unknown'.

But I'm happy she's now also part of the White Swiss Shepherd!!!