As someone who spends most of her days surrounded by wiggly pups and watchful mothers, I didn’t expect to find inspiration in the Vatican this month. But when I read about the election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American-born Pope—it got me thinking about leadership, legacy, and how we guide those who rely on us. Whether you’re tending to a global congregation or a litter of Labrador Retrievers, the principles of good leadership remain surprisingly similar.
Leadership Starts with Presence
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, has a rich history of service, humility, and global outreach. He spent decades in Peru, working directly with communities and understanding their needs—not from a perch, but from eye level. That kind of grounded presence resonates with me deeply.
At Bazurto Kennels, raising champion-grade Labradors isn’t about standing above—it’s about kneeling beside. Each pup is a world unto itself. They need someone who’s fully there: to watch, to nurture, and to understand what’s not being said. Leadership begins with presence—whether it’s from the Pope’s balcony or the floor of a cozy puppy den.
Consistency Builds Trust
One of the things I admire about Pope Leo XIV is his reputation for consistency. In a world that changes by the minute, he has always remained steady—firm in values, flexible in approach. It’s a lesson I carry into every litter we raise.
Puppies thrive on consistency. It’s what makes them feel safe enough to explore and grow. At Bazurto Kennels, we follow carefully structured routines that provide comfort and predictability for our Labs—from the timing of feedings to the tone of our voices. Just like faithful communities look to their Pope for stability, puppies look to us for cues about how the world works. And we don’t take that lightly.
Compassion is the Core of Everything
Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural message was one of love, dignity, and unity—a call for compassion in a divided world. And that message translates beautifully to what we do here.
Our Labs aren’t just future champions—they’re future family members. Compassion drives every decision we make: how we socialize them, how we match them with families, how we advocate for ethical breeding practices. Our Dogs aren’t products. They’re personalities, each deserving of a lifetime of love.
It takes compassion to guide a litter through their earliest weeks, and even more to let them go when it’s time. But just like Pope Leo XIV is called to shepherd souls, we’re called to shepherd lives that come into this world trusting us completely.
Embracing Diversity, Just Like the Church
What struck me most about Pope Leo XIV is his global background—French, Italian, and Spanish roots, years in Latin America, fluency in multiple languages. He’s a blend of many worlds, and that blend gives him reach and relatability.
In a way, Labs are like that too. We raise both white and black Labrador Retrievers, each with their own temperament, lineage, and strengths. The diversity within the breed is part of what makes it so incredible to work with. There’s no one-size-fits-all puppy, just like there’s no one-size-fits-all path to leadership.
We make it a point to celebrate that variety—to recognize that each pup, like each person, brings something different to the table. And when you’re open to that, you create something stronger than uniformity: you create unity.
A Call to Responsibility
If there’s one thing Pope Leo XIV and I definitely have in common, it’s that we’ve both answered a calling. His might be spiritual and mine might be fur-covered and full of squeaky toys, but both require long hours, difficult choices, and a deep respect for life.
Being a breeder comes with tremendous responsibility. It means saying no more often than yes, it means prioritizing health over hype, and it means carrying the weight of your decisions far beyond puppyhood. Our Breeding Philosophy is built around those principles, because like the Pope, I believe stewardship is sacred.
Hope for the Future
As the world welcomes a new Pope, I find myself hoping for a gentler, more compassionate global conversation. And in my own small corner of the world, I’m committed to raising Labs who reflect that same hope: dogs who are kind, intelligent, resilient, and ready to love.
Whether you’re watching history unfold in Rome or watching a litter take its first steps, leadership matters. And I believe that when it’s rooted in care, consistency, and connection, it can change lives—furry or otherwise.
Thanks for letting me share a little bit of heart with you today. If you’re curious about our pups or want to know more about how we raise them, you’re always welcome to get in touch.
