Pick Wisely. Love Endlessly.

Hi, I’m Magge, the heart behind Picking Your Pup.

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I’m a recent graduate of Oregon State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences with a minor in Agricultural Sciences, focusing on companion animal and equine science.

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My education is paired with a lifetime of hands-on experience working with animals, especially dogs. I’ve worked with over 40 dogs, raised many from puppies, and spent more than six years in 4-H training and showing dogs.

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Much of my experience has been with misunderstood breeds, particularly German Shepherds, dogs that are often chosen for their appearance without fully understanding their needs. German Shepherds are intelligent, sensitive, and driven, especially during their first few years, when they need structure, patience, and realistic expectations. While many gradually mellow with age, they still need consistent physical and mental stimulation to truly thrive.

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My dogs have shaped my understanding of the human-dog relationship just as much as my education has. My heart dog, Tucker, a deeply sensitive German Shepherd, taught me the incredible depth of connection you can share with a dog. My Australian Shepherd, Scout, has a very different personality and a different kind of relationship with me, but the love I have for her runs just as deep.

 

Both of them have taught me how meaningful the right match is, and what it means to love and work with two entirely different beings. They’ve also taught me that choosing a dog isn’t just about finding the dog you want, it’s about finding a dog who will thrive in the life you can provide.

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That’s why I created Picking Your Pup: to help people look beyond a breed’s appearance and find a dog whose needs, temperament, and lifestyle are truly the right fit.

 

Whether you choose to adopt shop responsibly or adopt responsibly, responsible sourcing matters.