Corn Moon Kennels: Native American Indian Dog Preservation Project

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Corn Moon Kennels: Native American Indian Dog Preservation Project

A Choctaw NDN girl on a mission to preserve with integrity and spirit the authentic original NAIDs.
(2)

11/07/2024

The Legacy Litter is three weeks old! They are walking around fairly well, and starting to behave a little less like toddlers and more like young dogs. That means it's time for their names, which are given as gifts in a traditional naming ceremony. There is a sacred reciprocity that comes with this gift of a name: the charge to rise to their full potential as Medicine Dogs.

Some of you know of this tradition, and you eagerly await the announcement of the puppies' names, and some of you will be learning about this for the first time. For those who are new here, it's traditional. Most Indians will die with many different names. We give names for important events in life, and we give names to bring strength or character traits we wish to see one grow into. Just like all the others, these puppies and their families have been prayed for, and they will bring great medicine to the ones who receive them!

Remember, Native American Indian culture is incredibly diverse, with multiple hundreds of different tribes spanning from Mexico all the way into Canada and Alaska. Each tribe is its own sovereign nation, and thus will have its own unique language. As a keeper of the Chahta language, most of my pups are named in Chahta, but if I honor another tribe by naming a pup in their tongue, I will always tell you the source of the name! As always, we protect the sacred by never photographing the ceremony. What is sacred is secret! These photos are taken after the ceremony is complete.

Turtle Island, meet the Legacy Litter in order:

1. Tokahli, whose name means Gunfire.
2. Chihowa Kowi, whose name means The Creator's Forest.
3. Uni, whose name means To Bloom.
4. Iti Ataiya, whose name means The Leaning Tree.
5. Haiaka, whose name means Wilderness.

There is a significance, a medicine, and a deep intention behind each of these names! Let us know if you're curious about any of them!

10/15/2024

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of The Legacy Litter! Born on Indigenous People's Day, 10/14/2024, Snow is carrying forward the proud legacy of her mother, Raindancer. She has gifted the Native American Indian Dog Preservation Project with six vibrant puppies, each as uniquely colorful as our heirloom squash varieties!

Initially, we only accepted three reservations for this litter, expecting a smaller first litter from Snow. However, with these multiplied blessings, we will be reaching out to some of you who’ve been patiently waiting for puppies from other pairings to offer the chance to welcome one of these special babies into your home. If you’re seeing this post and would like to express interest, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

10/09/2024

Hurricane Helene Aftermath Update from NC:

First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been sharing our stories of what’s really happening here. The reality on the ground is vastly different from what's being reported. Your continued efforts to spread the truth through social media are helping to expose the slow response and the underhanded dealings that are happening. Please keep sharing—your voice matters, and the best disinfectant is sunlight!

Gratitude for Donations: A massive thank you to those who have already donated supplies! Your generosity is deeply appreciated. Special thanks to:

Brian and Melva for the funds to buy straw,

Mike and Susan for the chainsaw,

Joe and Tiffany for the water and non-perishable food items.

These supplies are truly lifesaving, but I want to let you all know—there’s still significant need. After a lot of effort, I’ve established a solid connection here in our county to distribute supplies statewide. The team, based out of our airport, has finally started receiving flights loaded with supplies. This is such a relief! People from across the country have stepped up in ways that brought me to tears. It’s overwhelming to see the kindness pouring in during such a desperate time. While disasters can reveal the worst in some, they also bring out the best in others—and I’ve witnessed some of the purest acts of generosity.

A Personal Story of Strength: Last night, I spoke with Jimmy, who leads the team coordinating the distribution of supplies. He broke down, sharing the heavy burden he’s been carrying. His wife’s father was tragically lost in one of the mudslides, yet they’ve continued their efforts, pushing through unimaginable grief to help others. This is the kind of strength that humbles me.

How You Can Continue to Help: The situation remains critical. Jimmy and his team anticipate at least six months of ongoing need and have secured a warehouse to store supplies, thanks to the generosity of a local owner who offered the space rent-free for six months. Right now, there’s a crew of men from Texas running a chainsaw and mud pit team, cutting people out and digging them out, whatever’s needed. They’re in need of more volunteers, so if anyone feels called to come help in North Carolina, now is the time!

Additionally, Jimmy’s group (local church members) is tirelessly receiving and distributing supplies. They can use any extra hands for this effort as well. If you’d like to help from a distance, here’s a list of the supplies we need most:

Tyvek suits

Respirators

Goggles

Industrial rubber gloves

Empty 5-gallon buckets

Square/flat shovels

Buddy heaters

Propane tanks

Insulin and needles

Non-Rx medical supplies

Socks (all sizes)

Blankets

Diapers (all sizes)

Bottled water

Non-perishable food items: canned soup, peanut butter/jam, bread, oatmeal, granola bars, etc.

Meals for Volunteers: There are currently 30-40 volunteers working to extract people and distribute supplies, and they need meals! I’ll be helping by making sandwiches and baked potatoes with fixings for the crews. If you’d like to donate funds for meals or coordinate a catered meal from a local restaurant, please reach out to me!

Donated Items: Please keep in mind that many of these items don’t need to be brand new. Gently used supplies are just as valuable! People are cleaning out closets, thrifting, and donating what they can. Every bit helps. 💘

Prayers Needed: Lastly, I ask for your continued prayers. It costs nothing but your time. Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, those with family still missing, and the many who have lost everything. Please remember the volunteers working around the clock, many with only a few hours of sleep each night for weeks. They need strength, clarity, and resources to keep going. Pray for more supplies, financial donations, and shelter for the displaced.

Thank you all for your support—whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing our story. Your love and generosity are felt in every corner of this effort. I love you all! ❣️

09/26/2024

This post might not have any dogs, but it's still all about them in its own way. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look into what life looks like when I’m not caring for our pups—it’s a lot!

For years, my family and I have been striving for a simpler, cleaner way of living, especially since moving from Washington State to the foothills of North Carolina. We said goodbye to TVs and WiFi, started cutting out processed foods, and made a real commitment to growing as much of our own food as possible. But here’s the thing: producing your own food sounds simple in theory, yet in a world driven by convenience, it’s anything but. It requires tapping into those old skills buried deep in your DNA, dedication, and a level of discipline I haven't put into practice since my days in the army.

The same values go into raising our dogs. Everything we do—our commitment to natural, intentional living—is part of how we nurture our puppies. Take pumpkin, for example. It's a staple in a young pup’s diet, and this season, we were able to grow 100% of the pumpkin we use to nourish our dogs. Not only do we have enough for our family's needs, but we’ve been blessed with enough to provide for future litters well into next year. And, of course, we’ll be saving the seeds to carry on this cycle of sustainability.

So, while this post may not show our dogs directly, know that the work we’re doing here every day is for them too. We’re committed to giving them—and the families that adopt them—a foundation built on the same simple, intentional practices that guide our lives.

09/23/2024

Yesterday, the Seventh Generation Litter turned three weeks old! They are walking around fairly well, and starting to behave a little less like toddlers and more like young dogs. That means it's time for their names, which are given as gifts in a traditional naming ceremony. There is a sacred reciprocity that comes with this gift of a name: the charge to rise to their full potential as Medicine Dogs.

Some of you know of this tradition, and you eagerly await the announcement of the puppies' names, and some of you will be learning about this for the first time. For those who are new here, it's traditional. Most Indians will die with many different names. We give names for important events in life, and we give names to bring strength or character traits we wish to see one grow into. Just like all the others, these puppies and their families have been prayed for, and they will bring great medicine to the ones who receive them!

Remember, Native American Indian culture is incredibly diverse, with multiple hundreds of different tribes spanning from Mexico all the way into Canada and Alaska. Each tribe is its own sovereign nation, and thus will have its own unique language. As a keeper of the Chahta language, most of my pups are named in Chahta, but if I honor another tribe by naming a pup in their tongue, I will always tell you the source of the name! As always, we protect the sacred by never photographing the ceremony. What is sacred is secret! These photos are taken after the ceremony is complete.

Turtle Island, meet the Seventh Generation Litter in order:

1. Holitoblichi Lawachi, the first born, whose name means Blessings Multiplied.
2. Ashi Ninak Iklana, the second born, whose name means The Midnight Child.
3. Isht Ahollo, third born, whose name means A Miracle.
4. Nan Inla, fourth born, whose name means A Mystery.
5. Hashi Himmona, Raindancer's final puppy, whose name means New Moon.

09/18/2024

CHIEF UPDATE: [*****TEAR JERKER ALERT*****]
"Thank you Corn Moon Kennels, the NAIDPP, and Becci. To say "thank you" doesn’t do it. I am struggling to find the words to describe the feeling of gratitude and fortune, and uncontainable love that I'm feeling when I say "thank you" for Chief Wahu! Something I say so often to so many does not apply to this especially thankful feeling that compels me to say thank you, all of you, and to Chief Wahu for making all of this possible. Those two words can't describe the feeling I wish to express when I say "Thank You for Chief Wahu!" But I want to try.

I am Eternally Grateful for his presence in this world, to be in my life, to be given this opportunity to introduce him to people who could have gone their whole lives never knowing him otherwise. To meet him is to know him and to know him is to experience him. Chief is love, gentleness, kindness, support, and absolute ethereal beauty.

Thank you EVERYONE for EVERYTHING all of you did to get him from where he was. For noticing him! For the lengths and efforts and expenses taken to get him to a better place! To allow me the opportunity to foster him to earn the chance to adopt him forever. I've been saying for years, "I am a person in need of a dog in need of a person." I have been sending that plea to the universe for years and it has been difficult and lonely to wait. But, something kept telling me I needed to and there were a few occassions recently that I tried to interfere. Thank the Stars I wasnt able to! This was happening before it happened! That impatient, lonely feeling I had for years, now seems as if it was a brief tempest that passed in a day and I can barely remember it now.

Chief Wahu & Becca"

Chief came to us so afraid, so damaged, so hurt. It took a lot just to bring him out from where he was, but that was only a beginning for the long road ahead. He has faced it with such courage. He has tried so hard every step of the way. Thank you, also, to for the first part of the journey, and to for the generous donations. Today, this sweet and special boy is a little bit hurt, but he's a LOT more free! I'm proud of you, Chief!

09/18/2024

UPDATE ON BINESHI:

This darling girl will arrive in North Carolina on Monday, September 23rd, to begin her month-long course of prolotherapy treatment. I currently have a handful of fosters living with me, so a wonderful friend who has one of Kana and Haklo's sons stepped up to the plate to help. We will share Ms. B's care equally - two weeks each - to make this important therapy happen for her.

For those unfamiliar with prolotherapy, AKA regenerative injection therapy, it can be a promising treatment for young dogs with hip dysplasia. This non-surgical option involves injecting a solution, often a sugar-based substance like dextrose, into the affected area, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process, particularly stem cell production. For dogs with hip dysplasia, prolotherapy can help strengthen the ligaments and tendons around the hip joint, improving stability and reducing pain. Over time, this can enhance mobility and help delay or even avoid more invasive treatments, like surgery.

Since young dogs are still growing, their regenerative abilities tend to be stronger, making prolotherapy particularly beneficial for them. The treatment can support joint health early on, providing relief from inflammation and helping to slow the progression of joint deterioration. Moreover, it’s a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications, making it a safer option to explore for dogs that may not be ideal candidates for surgery or other treatments.

I have received a few inquiries about donations for Bineshi and her treatments. If you are moved by her story and would like to help financially, please contact me privately. For those who want to help in other ways, we welcome your prayers, well-wishes, and encouragement! Tag us and to send your words of encouragement, shout outs, prayers, and more for this brave little warrior! We are all rooting for you, Ms. B!

09/17/2024

This Mama. The best of all my Mamas. I can't wait to learn if her daughter inherited the same traits. So sweet, tender, and caring with her little ones. She seems to know this time is the last. She usually gets anxious if I pick up the babies and hold them above eye level - like when I weigh them - and I usually need to send her out of the room so I don't stress her too much. This time, she's allowed me to do whatever I need to without so much as a flinch or a whimper. She has worked so hard. She is relaxed now, and just enjoying her last time. With that said, I look forward eagerly to her new role as a grandmother, and my right hand to teach the weaning pups all they need to know about proper manners! Thank you again, Omba, for everything. My amazing friend. 🐺💓🥹

09/15/2024

At the Native American Indian Dog Preservation Project (NAIDPP), our team of dedicated tribal breeders is deeply committed to the health and safety of the dogs that enter our care. Recently, we undertook a large rescue effort, bringing in a dozen NAIDs, and I feel it is important to share what we encountered.

The condition these dogs were found in was nothing short of heartbreaking. Physically, they were suffering from severe neglect:

- Flea infestations and matted fur

- Malnutrition, leaving them underweight

- Intestinal parasites

- Broken, rotting teeth

- Various signs of mistreatment

However, their emotional scars were just as deep, if not deeper. These dogs were terrified of everything—every sound, every movement, every person. They displayed clear evidence of past abuse:

- Fear-induced urination and defecation

- Cowering, trembling, and flinching at any attempt to approach

- A desperate urge to flee

Rescuing and beginning the rehabilitation of these dogs has required a tremendous amount of resources—thousands of dollars spent to provide medical care, safe boarding, and emotional rehabilitation. Though we’ve made progress, these dogs have a long and difficult road ahead.

Let me be clear, this isn’t about placing blame or damaging reputations, but rather about being a voice for those who have none. The suffering of these dogs deserves recognition. Their pain deserves to be acknowledged. The harm they’ve endured cannot be ignored, and they need compassionate advocates to step forward.

A Glimpse into One Dog's Story: Bineshi
Among the dogs we rescued is a six-month-old puppy named Bineshi. She was placed with a wonderful family in the Rocky Mountains, who worked hard to help her overcome the fears instilled by her past. But at just five months old, Bineshi developed a limp that turned out to be a severe issue with her hip. Her condition was so advanced that her hip was no longer in its socket.

Bineshi has been in constant pain. She cannot run or play like a typical puppy her age. Her mobility is so limited that she and her sister have resorted to lying on the floor to play, using only their mouths because movement is too painful.

Veterinarians believe she will need a full hip replacement to give her a chance at a normal life. However, she is still growing and must wait before surgery can be performed. In the meantime, she is undergoing physical therapy and may be a candidate for an alternative treatment called prolotherapy. This innovative procedure could offer her much-needed relief, but it requires specialized care, which we hope to provide by bringing her here to North Carolina - 1,800 miles away from her new home - to one of the few veterinarians in the country skilled in this treatment.

Bineshi’s story underscores the importance of choosing breeders who are dedicated to the health and well-being of their animals. These dogs did not choose their circumstances, and their best hope lies with the caring individuals who have stepped up to give them the love, care, and attention they need.

If you're moved hearing about Bineshi, and you feel called to help, please consider sharing her story. Bineshi deserves the chance to live without pain and experience the joy that every dog deserves. Her story deserves to be heard. She deserves to be seen!

The journey for these dogs will be long, but we are fully committed to giving them the chance they were denied, and I'm confident we can do just that thanks to the dozens of wonderful people who has stepped in to help! Our gratitude remains constant for all the good we have seen pour out of a heartbreaking situation.

09/09/2024

Our final week with The Spirit Litter is closing! 😔 I could not be more proud of these pups, could not be more pleased about the families they're heading home to be with! The words of this song, "Take Care," remind me of the beautiful relationship each family will experience with their sweet, precious little Medicine Dogs! "I'll take care of you. You'll take care of me. Whatever we are going through, we can let it be. We'll take care of it just you and me." Here's to the amazing life you little life-changers are going to have - and give - to your new families! Don't forget to ALWAYS take care of each other!

09/03/2024

Thank you, Raindancer, for the blessing of one final litter. Your legacy has honored more than three dozen families. The world is a better place because of you.

08/27/2024

Six weeks old now! The countdown to home is on!

08/22/2024

The rescue updates are starting to roll in! We are officially one month out, and the dogs are beginning to thrive in their new homes. Here is an update on Chief, who went home two days ago with his new family in Asheville, NC, after spending two weeks with Corn Moon to get healthy, and work on some socialization:

"Chief and I have been so busy. He is doing great. We've been on walks all day! He's already walking beside me rather than behind me, and the leash is always loose. If he didn't have it on, I know he would be right there, zig-zagging behind or keeping stride at my side.

By midday today he wasn't jumping up at every movement and was even keeping his head down resting when someone walked by. When I sit on the couch he's sitting right by my side. I think he's going to open up my son's heart, which was part of how great the timing of Chief coming into our lives when he did has been!

His tail is no longer tucked. He's met A LOT of people!. He hasn't had any problems being inside. I even left a trash big out and he didn't want anything to do with it. He's settling in. He's truly wonderful. Has the most gentle soul I've known. Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏"

More updates to come soon!

08/20/2024

Five weeks old, and starting to enjoy the outside!

08/17/2024

These little guys!!! I love how much they've grown, and I can hardly believe they're already just four weeks away from going home!

08/11/2024

Four weeks old tomorrow, and already a pro at bath time! Look at these precious little faces! 😭🥹

08/05/2024

Today the Spirit Litter is three weeks old, and I could not be more tickled and proud of them! While we were gone to New York over the weekend (rescuing some other NAIDs), they started walking! That means it's time for their names, which we give them in a traditional naming ceremony.

Some of you know about this tradition, and you eagerly await the announcement of the puppies' names, and some of you will be learning about this for the first time. For those who are new here, it's traditional. Most Indians will die with many different names. We give names for important events in life, and we give names to bring strength or character traits we wish to see one grow into. Just like all the others, these puppies have been prayed for, and they will bring great medicine to the families who receive them!

Remember, Native American Indian culture is incredibly diverse, with multiple hundreds of different tribes spanning from Mexico all the way into Canada and Alaska. Each tribe is its own sovereign nation, and it deserves to be recognized as such. As a keeper of the Chahta language, most of my pups are named in Chahta, but if I honor another tribe by naming a pup in their tongue, I will always tell you the source of the name! As always, we protect the sacred by never photographing the ceremony. What is sacred is secret! These photos are taken after the ceremony is complete.

World, meet the Spirit Litter in order:

1. Ofí Hullo (black and white), the first born, whose name means Sacred Dog.
2. Hokli Okhish (apricot and white), the second born, whose name means Medicine Keeper.
3. Issito Iskitini (wheat, red, and white), third born, whose name means Little Pumpkin.
4. Onnachi (chocolate and white), the last born, whose name means All Night Long.

Address

Rutherfordton, NC
28149

Website

https://cornmoonkennels.com/, https://form.jotform.com/smi.rebecc/prospective-pup-owner-questionnaire

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Videos

Although the babies have graduated from their heat lamp, providing one after bath time is important to maintain warmth while the babies dry since they won't be able to fully regulate body temperature for a few more weeks yet. Here is an example of the saintly patience of my most motherly dog! You can almost feel the mayhem. Hats off to her! Glad we trimmed nails before this feeding! #naidpp #naidnation #naid #nativeamericanindiandog #cornmoonkennels #ndndog #preservationproject #watchmegrow

The Seventh Generation Litter is two weeks old tomorrow! Look at the little spitfires in this bunch! All this personality packed into these rolly Polly little things! 🥹😇🌞❣️

Listen to this cute little dream! 🥹🥹🥹 (And ignore the hubby in the background 😉)

Seven weeks old today! New experiences: swimming in the creek, and picking pawpaws! #naidpp #naidnation #naid #nativeamericanindiandog #cornmoonkennels #ndndog #preservationproject #watchmegrow

It has been my greatest delight of 2024 thus far to train this precious little baby, Chela Losa (Black Fox) - Kana's first-born - before she goes to her new home in New York this weekend! Omba (Raindancer) is the best teacher, showing her how to play and roughhouse a little bit without actually hurting her. It can be scary watching dogs play sometimes, but often, the natural and organic interactions between an older dog and a puppy can do wonders for teaching a puppy basic manners. I will truly miss this little one and all the sparkle she brought us! #cornmoonkennels #naidpp #naid #nativeamericanindiandog #preservationproject #naidnation

#cornmoonkennels #NAIDPreservation #naidpp #PreserveOurHeritage #naidnation #PreservationEfforts #preservation #NativeAmericanIndianDog

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The favorite start to my day! These little angels 😇 make it all good every single time!

He is already shaping up to be my best, #1 helper! 🥰 For all who are following this journey to healing, Cara's boy, Caden, is the one of her three who is the most bonded to Blue. Blue is what we in Choctaw Country call his Shadow Protector. Caden could use some extra love if you think of him this week. Saying, "See ya later" to Blue Boy was especially hard for Caden. He has been feeling physically sick because of it! 🥺 Please pray, and if you think you might have some time, send little Caden (and his brothers) some love at @cevans117 😇

Meet Blue! From our Summer Moon Litter, Blue is back in our home again for a short time. His Human Mama, @cevans117 is going through treatment for kidney cancer. She had to make the heart wrenching choice to send him back to live with us for a little while during the time she will receive treatment and surgery. What tragedies can sometimes do is bring out the best in people. We saw our amazing group of NAID Preservation Project families come together to share money and resources to get Blue here expense-free for Cara and her family! Amazing! Please follow along on our socials to watch Blue's journey with us. We will work on training and behavior conditioning, and he will also help us raise his younger full-blooded siblings of the Smoky Medicine Litter! You can simultaneously follow Cara's journey, which happens alongside Blue's, and will no doubt be difficult, but so triumphant! If you would like to help Cara in any way,from donations to encouragement, you can message her privately. She is tagged here. 🧡 *The orange heart is in support of renal cancer fighters and survivors.* 🧡