WHO WE ARE
How It All Began
This dream of raising Aussies started clear back in 2005 with an adorable blue merle puppy named Gus. Out of the #1 ASCA Hall of Fame Kennel, Las Rocosa, Gus not only taught us everything in the beginning – he also became the beloved resident ranch dog on our family’s cow-calf operation in the Nebraska sandhills. When we were married in 2008, I knew I would have to find the perfect match for Gus if my husband’s dream of raising puppies would ever come to fruition. After months of searching, I went on a cross-country trip to bring home the world’s sweetest black tri female, Mia. I will never forget standing in our barn, holding this little ball of fluff and fur, waiting for my husband of just one year to follow my trail of hints and discover us waiting. Of course, he delighted in our beloved Mia and the rest is history. Not yet parents together at that point, our dogs were truly our babies in every conceivable manner – eating the best food we struggled to afford while we survived on ramen and pb&j, lining up and waiting their turns for teeth brushing before bed each night, and going absolutely everywhere we did – no matter what. As dreams often do, this one grew and evolved over time and on January 14, 2011 we welcomed our very first litter - we were hooked! We have been very intentional to breed minimally and only when we’re able to pour everything we have into raising an outstanding litter of pups. We’ve learned and improved our program with every litter and we are so proud to stand by our commitment to this incredible breed of Australian Shepherds.
Why Choose Wray Aussies
We are passionate about breeding high quality, outstanding companion and show prospect Australian Shepherds! Two of the things that matter most to us in our every day lives and are at the heart of our program are integrity and transparency. We believe in raising each and every puppy as if they were going to be our own beloved furry family member - from the first discussion in planning each litter to the nutrition and care our momma dogs receive to the extensive health testing we require of any breeding dog and during every moment of each puppy's precious 8 weeks in our home - we intentionally navigate every single decision in order to produce pups that will grow into the very best dog for your home. We raise the puppies right inside our home and implement the Bio Sensor Puppy Stimulation and Puppy Culture programs while they grow and develop, and conduct the Volhard Puppy Aptitude tests to provide insight into each puppy's unique temperament. Before we even consider breeding, our dogs pass genetic tests for numerous diseases that run in Australian Shepherds as well as certifications against any hip or elbow dysplasia. We really encourage new owners to ask for proof of these important health clearances before investing in their puppy as it has become commonplace for breeders to claim they are cleared with no ability to support it. We are here for you for a lifetime and believe the greatest privilege is getting the opportunity to place another puppy in your home in the future because we earned your trust and confidence!
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Our Family Story
A Deeper Look - Our Faith
The most important thing in our lives is our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are so blessed to share this amazing truth - God loves each and every one of us so much that He sent His One and Only Son. Jesus came into this world as a vulnerable human baby; He lived a life free of sin and chose to surrender His life under horrific circumstances - through death on a cross. He did this out of His immeasurable love for us, in order to bear the sins of the entire world and pay for all of them as the ultimate sacrifice - so that we may be FREE indeed. Even though I grew up believing this, I did not actually understand my freedom in Christ until later in life. Praise God - this freedom has the power to break every addiction and heal every hurting heart. I can say with bold confidence, I never dreamed of the life I now live. I believed I was not worthy to be married to an amazing man, raise precious children and watch God's goodness all over my life. How did that toxic mindset I once had actually change? I started to believe in God's perfect love for me and I told Him I didn't want to stay in the life I had made for myself; I saw myself through my Father's eyes and the free gift of His love lifted all the weight I had always tried to carry on my own. Matthew 28:6, "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.."
Life On The Ranch
We are located in central Texas - a beautiful and easy drive from Dallas, Austin, and Houston. One of the things we look forward to each day is seeing the inspiring sunrises and the breathtaking sunsets while we do chores and giggle watching our Aussies boundless energy and silly antics around the farm. They love to be helpful and they are always supremely confident that they are - herding the chickens into the coop at night (or causing utter chaos), supervising the children while they play (also known as adding to chaos), competing with our horses for speed while we train and gallop through the pastures (see above, chaos); and ensuring we deliver the proper amount of feed to all the livestock (resulting in: chaos). We can't imagine life any other way - there certainly is never a dull moment on the farm! We are constantly amazed at God's glory all around us - discovering the surprises that await us on each adventure around our property; taking in the awe and wonder as new life begins through our baby calves, chicks, and puppie; and riding the highs and lows of life as the seasons change and we all grow together - His mercies truly are new each day!
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11