Rebecca Cox | VomSirius Working Dogs

At VomSirius Working Dogs, breeding is a lifelong responsibility.

I’m Rebecca Cox, founder of VomSirius Working Dogs, and I believe the job of a breeder does not end when a puppy leaves for its new home. It does not end at 8 weeks, 8 months, or even 8 years.

It is a commitment for life.

That commitment was recently tested again with Mia, an 8.5-year-old German Shepherd I bred, who returned home to me with the plan of eventually reuniting with her original family.

Just two weeks after coming back, Mia experienced a life-threatening emergency.

When Minutes Matter: Mia’s GDV Emergency

Earlier that evening, Mia seemed normal.

She had dinner at around 6pm. A few hours later, she was resting on the bed while we ate dinner. At first, the signs were subtle. She made occasional quiet moaning noises. She came up drooling a little. Then she attempted to vomit, but nothing came up.

When I checked her stomach, it felt firmer than it should have.

That was enough to act.

By 8:30pm, we were on the way to the emergency vet.

After an after-hours consult and X-rays, Mia was diagnosed with GDV (gastric dilatation and volvulus), commonly known as bloat with a twisted stomach. This is one of the most serious emergencies seen in deep-chested breeds such as the German Shepherd.

Without immediate surgery, dogs with GDV often do not survive.

The surgery quote was over $5,000.

Mia is 8.5 years old, but she is otherwise healthy, active, has good hips, and still has a loving family waiting for her. The decision was easy.

Surgery was approved immediately, including a gastropexy to help prevent it from happening again.

By 10:45pm, Mia was out of surgery and in recovery.

Thankfully, there was no damage to her stomach, spleen, or bowel.

The next day, Mia came home on strict crate rest and a bland diet for several weeks while she healed.

She is now recovering well and, once fully healed, will retire with the family who have been waiting to welcome her back.

Why This Story Matters

Mia’s story matters for two reasons.

The first is education.

Early Signs of Bloat (GDV) Can Be Easy to Miss

In many dogs, GDV does not begin with dramatic swelling or obvious collapse. Early signs can include:

• restlessness
• drooling
• repeated attempts to vomit
• vomiting white foam
• discomfort or inability to settle
• a firm or tight abdomen

If something feels wrong, it is always better to act early. Fast decisions save lives.

The second reason Mia’s story matters is because it reflects exactly what I stand for as a breeder.

A Breeder’s Responsibility Should Last for Life

At VomSirius Working Dogs, my dogs are never disposable and never forgotten.

If a dog I have bred needs help, I will always do my best to be there.

Mia is 8.5 years old. She came back to me. 

She needed urgent care. I approved emergency surgery because her life mattered and because my responsibility to the dogs I breed does not come with an expiry date.

That is what lifetime breeder support means in real life.

Not just words on a website.

Not just promises made when puppies are young.

But real support, real action, and real accountability.

Ethical German Shepherd Breeding in QLD

As an ethical German Shepherd breeder in Queensland, I focus on more than producing puppies.

My goal is to breed dogs with sound temperaments, strong nerves, working ability, and the structure to live active and fulfilling lives. Just as importantly, I believe ethical breeding means standing behind every dog for life.

That includes:

• carefully planned breedings
• long-term support for owners
• taking dogs back when needed
• helping with rehoming where appropriate
• making decisions in the best interest of the dog
• remaining accountable for what I breed

This is the standard I hold myself to as Rebecca Cox founder of VomSirius Working Dogs.

For Owners: Know the Signs of GDV

If you own a German Shepherd or another deep-chested breed, learn the warning signs of bloat and GDV.

Do not wait for severe swelling.

Do not assume they are just uncomfortable.

Do not ignore repeated attempts to vomit.

If your dog is drooling, restless, trying to vomit, bringing up white foam, or has a tight abdomen, seek emergency veterinary attention immediately.

Minutes matter.

Mia’s Story Is Still Being Written

Right now, Mia is healing.

She is resting, safe, loved, and on the road to recovery.

Soon, she will go back to the family who have been waiting for her.

And that is exactly how it should be.

About Rebecca Cox and VomSirius Working Dogs

Rebecca Cox is the breeder behind VomSirius Working Dogs, a German Shepherd breeder in QLD focused on producing capable, stable, well-raised dogs with lifelong breeder support.

VomSirius Working Dogs is built on the belief that ethical breeding is not only about what you produce, but what you stand behind.

If you are looking for a breeder who values responsibility, honesty, and lifetime commitment, that is what you will find here.

To learn more about VomSirius Working Dogs, upcoming litters, or our approach to ethical breeding and lifelong support, get in touch here.