Hi, I’m Janeth Arias, the heart behind Once Upon a Yorkie™, formerly known as AZ Yorkie Mom. I’ve been raising Yorkshire Terriers with love, purpose, and deep intention since 2006. As my husband lovingly says, I’ve become quite the storyteller, not just through words, but through the lives, legacies, and little paw prints that begin here and end in the hearts of families across the country.

Our journey began with our beloved original Yorkie, Kaluah “Papash”, my loyal service dog and constant companion. His calm, loving nature had a way of melting even the hardest hearts. Due to my husband’s government career, we traveled often, and wherever we went, Kaluah left a trail of smiles. Strangers became admirers, and many would say, “I want a Yorkie just like him.” It was through him that the dream of Once Upon a Yorkie was born, not just to provide families with exceptional Yorkie furbabies, but also to serve those in need of compact, hypoallergenic service dogs and emotional support animals.

With years of hands-on training experience, I’ve continued to grow that mission, supporting families in need of service or support furpups by offering guidance, foundational training, and help navigating registration. Whether you’re looking for a loving companion or a purposeful partner, I walk alongside you on that journey to ensure a successful and meaningful bond.

Here at Once Upon a Yorkie, each chapter begins at home, where every pup is raised in a warm, family environment. Our homeschooled boys play a vital role in early socialization, play, and training, making sure our grandpups are nurtured, loved, and handled daily. They grow up in a space full of laughter, learning, and gentle structure.

We’re honored to be recognized as an accredited member of the Breeders Society and the Better Business Bureau, and our kennel is proud to be the Preferred Breeder with the Continental Kennel Club (CKC). These affiliations reflect our ongoing commitment to integrity, excellence, and the well-being of each pup in our care. One of the most special parts of our process is letting each grandpup choose their future family. I’ve found that when a puppy leads the way, the connection is stronger, the transition smoother, and the love deeper, just the way a happy tale should unfold.

I’ve also been blessed with a natural, heartfelt sensitivity to the emotional needs of my animals, a deep, intuitive connection that allows me to truly understand each grandpup’s unique personality. This gift helps me soothe them during moments of uncertainty and gently observe as they begin forming bonds with the family they’re destined to call their own.

But here’s what truly sets Once Upon a Yorkie apart: this isn’t a “get a puppy and goodbye” kind of experience. When you welcome one of our grandpups into your home, you become part of our extended family. I offer lifetime support, whether it’s a quick question, a concern, or simply a need to share one of your pup’s quirks. I’m always just a call or text away, and no question is ever too big or too small.

Thank you for considering Once Upon a Yorkie, where every journey begins with love, and continues with care, connection, and a story that’s uniquely yours.