About Us
Welcome to Island Canines! We are Nathan and Clint, a passionate and dedicated couple from Newfoundland, now proudly calling Nova Scotia home since 2018. Our journey started with a love for animals, which blossomed into a full-time commitment to breeding exceptional, well-socialized, and healthy puppies. Nestled on our family farm, we share our lives with a diverse array of animals, including horses, goats, chickens, emus, geese, peacocks, and, of course, our cherished dogs.
At Island Canines, we believe in the power of the human-animal bond. Our goal is to breed puppies that not only make wonderful family pets but also serve as therapy and service dog candidates. Each puppy we raise is nurtured with love, care, and attention to ensure they are ready to bring joy and comfort to their new families. Whether you are looking for a loyal companion or a potential therapy partner, our puppies are socialized early to ensure a smooth transition into their forever homes.
Our dedication extends to serving families across Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, offering them the opportunity to welcome a healthy and well-adjusted puppy into their lives. Through our online presence and remote work, we have created a lifestyle that allows us to focus on what matters most: our family, our farm, and, of course, our dogs.
Our Mission
At Island Canines, our mission is simple: to breed dogs that embody the perfect balance of temperament, health, and structure, making them ideal companions for loving families. Our breeding program focuses on producing puppies that are not only friendly and loyal but also have the qualities needed to serve as therapy dogs or service dog prospects. We prioritize low-to-non-shedding coats, endearing personalities, stable temperaments, and robust health in every dog we raise.
From the moment they are born, our puppies are given the highest standard of care. We employ Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to foster their physical and mental development, ensuring they are confident, well-adjusted, and socialized with a variety of stimuli, including children, other dogs, and different animals. This early socialization is crucial to their well-being and prepares them to thrive in their forever homes. We believe that providing a solid foundation during their formative weeks ensures our puppies grow into the well-rounded and happy companions that will enrich the lives of their adoptive families.
Healing Through the Love of Dogs: From Paramedic to Breeder
The life of a paramedic is one of unwavering commitment and selflessness, often marked by the daily confrontation of trauma and crisis. For Clint, these years of service on the front lines took a toll on his mental and emotional well-being, leading to the silent and invisible battle of PTSD. The weight of these experiences became overwhelming, creating an ongoing struggle that was difficult to navigate.
In search of solace, Clint found comfort in the companionship of dogs. Their loyalty and unconditional love offered him a safe space to heal and rebuild. What began as a form of comfort soon became a passionate pursuit to breed and raise dogs—companions that could bring peace and healing to others as well.
The journey of raising dogs became a lifeline for Clint. Each dog brought healing, not just for him but also for the families that welcomed them. The joy of training, the bond formed during playful moments, and the simple pleasure of a dog's presence have helped Clint rediscover a sense of purpose and joy. Through these dogs, he found a pathway to healing, and with that, a renewed appreciation for the simple joys in life.
This journey from paramedic to dog enthusiast has strengthened our belief in the healing power of dogs. Their unwavering love serves as a constant reminder that healing is possible, and hope can be found in the most unexpected places. It is through this journey that we continue to breed dogs that will offer the same comfort, healing, and joy to others, just as they did for Clint.
We hope that our story inspires others to find the same peace, comfort, and companionship that our dogs have brought into our lives