Rutledge family farms is a little different. We do things not because we have to, but because we love doing it. It seems simple and a little silly, but it makes all the difference in the world. If it is raising puppies, or harvesting honey that love is infused in everything we do.
Let’s start with a little story. I have raised Dalmatians since I was in college. I can’t tell you exactly why I have always wanted Dalmatians, but I have. My first Dalmatian was Isabelle, but most knew her as Isa (eye-sa). She lived with me in Athens while I attended Ohio University, and joined me as I grew and traveled. She lived with me for nearly fifteen years, and in many ways, still does.
Years later, my two sons and I sat outside waiting in line to speak with Santa. I honestly don’t know what my youngest son Alex, then six, was going to ask for, but I do know that we discussed it, and it seemed perfectly reasonable. It might have been a telescope. Whatever it was, I was excited and approving. When he finally got up to see santa, I could see that they were having a pretty serious conversation. At one point Santa shot me a glance, something that communicated the idea of “are you sure you are