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Raised with care

Raised with purpose and care

We're Joni and Norma Jean, family-run breeders in Wakarusa, IN. Every puppy is raised with daily care and family involvement.

Boston Terrier resting in the grass
100%
Health-tested parents
3
Breeds we raise
1–2
Litters at a time
Saint Bernard puppy with brown and white markings
How it began

Our story

Raised on the Farm. Raised as Family.

We are a family of nine living on a third-generation family farm in Wakarusa, Indiana. Our children range from about 11 years old down to just a few weeks old, so family life here is always active.

We have been raising dogs for more than 11 years. We started because we simply loved dogs and wanted the opportunity to raise puppies as part of our family and farm.

Our mission

Why we do this

Our goal with every litter is the same: happy, healthy puppies and families who are genuinely ready for a lifelong companion.

"There is nothing quite like the steady companionship of a good dog by your side."

Why We Chose Our Breeds

We have always loved Boston Terriers and Cocker Spaniels, and those breeds became an important part of Paw Print Acres. Later, we wanted a larger dog that would fit naturally into life on the farm. That led us to Saint Bernards, and they quickly became part of our breeding program as well. Today, Paw Print Acres raises all three breeds with the goal of helping families find healthy, well-cared-for companions.

Raised With Family & Farm Life

Our puppies grow up surrounded by the normal activity of a busy family and working farm. They experience people, children, household activity, and farm life from an early age. We believe those everyday experiences help puppies become more comfortable and prepared as they transition into their new homes. Our farm animals include horses, cows, sheep, chickens, and cats.

Our Family

Our farm means a lot to us because we are now the third generation of our family to live here. One of our family dreams was to someday have twins — and that dream came true. When we aren't busy with our children, dogs, and farm animals, one of our dream vacations is to travel together out West.

How we raise our puppies

We do the hard work — so they're ready

Every litter follows the same structured path before going home.

1
Weeks 0–3
Whelping and first weeks

Whelped in a clean, climate-controlled whelping area and monitored closely.

2
Weeks 3–7
Socialization

Daily handling and developmentally appropriate exposure — sounds, surfaces, people — building a confident, calm adult.

3
Weeks 7–9
Foundation training

Weaning is complete, and puppies are starting to learn to go potty outside.

4
Week 9+
Going home

Well-adjusted, confident, and vet-cleared — ready to give unconditional love and steadfast comfort.

Visit us

A family-run program in Wakarusa, IN

Located near Wakarusa, IN, Paw Print Acres raises puppies in a caring, structured environment. Daily care, socialization, and real-life experiences help give each puppy a confident start.

We proudly serve families near South Bend, Elkhart, Chicago, Columbus OH, Indianapolis, Detroit, Louisville, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Lexington KY, Cincinnati. Because our program is intentionally small, visits and placements are scheduled in advance through our waitlist.

Our standards

Health first — always

Every breed we raise comes with its own known health considerations, and we take them seriously. We are intentional about our dam and sire pairings, and both parents complete health screening before any litter is planned.

RDB Certified
Responsible Dog Breeder certified program.
AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.
Committed to AKC health, education, and responsible breeding standards.
Intentional pairings
Thoughtful dam and sire selection with full parental health screening.
Raised with daily family contact
Every litter is raised with daily handling and family contact.
Every puppy leaves with
30-day Peace of Mind + 2-year genetic health guarantee
Veterinary exam & up-to-date vaccinations
Starting to learn to potty outside
Microchipped before going home
30 days of complimentary Trupanion coverage
Lifetime breeder support — call us anytime
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Paw Print Acres follows responsible breeding standards by health-checking and genetic testing parents, socializing and foundation-training puppies, ensuring vet care and safety, and offering lifelong breeder support.

Every home needs a companion

See who's available now, or join the waitlist for an upcoming litter. We love getting to know prospective families — phone and FaceTime introductions welcome.

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