12/9/08 email from buyer of Makui;
8-2-07 litter (purchased at 1 yr of age):
Everything is still going wonderfully.  He still struggling being alone during the day, but I had the last 3 days off to work with him a bit.  He has met with great approval from the members of the search team he has met and is starting to come out of his shell here at home.  He is a wonderful dog and I feel very fortunate to have come across him.  Thank you very much.

12/4/08 email from buyer of Makui;
8-2-07 litter (purchased at 1 yr of age):
He did escape from his kennel today at some point, though touched NOTHING in the apartment other than his bone.  He is still the fantastic dog I have been talking to you about for weeks and the new things I am teaching him he is picking up remarkably fast.  He already responds to his English commands.  Dont think I am even for a moment considering giving him back.  Todays breakout does nothing if not reinforce the trust i have been developing with him.  He appeared to have been out for several hours, and with the possible exception of getting on my bed, he did nothing wrong that I can find.

12/2/08 email from buyer of Makui;
8-2-07 litter (purchased at 1 yr of age):
Makui is doing fantastic.  He was great meeting several new dogs yesterday including a couple of new search team members and he is adjusting to the apartment well so far.  He slept in his crate last night all on his own (I left it open but did not tell him to use it, and found him in it when I woke up).  He is also very attentive to me either in the house or outside, on our walks yesterday he was frequently off leash and never strayed more than about 25 yards before turning to look and run back before heading out again to explore.  When he is on lead, he heels without command, which earned him much praise from everyone he met.

12/2/08 email from buyer of Sable;
9-28-06 litter:
Sable is a great great dog.  She is without a doubt the most loving animal to ever be a part of our family.  I will have Kathryn send a picture of her, but she is beautiful.  She is also an unbelievable character.  Sometimes I think SHE thinks she is human.  Sable has incredible drive to be around people.  With four teenagers, we have lots of kids come to the house and Sable just loves it.

9/9/08 email from buyer of Jasmine;
8-2-07 Litter:
She is something! LOL!  Mostly a joy, sometimes a pain, but we love her.  She is CRAZY about her tennis ball and chuck it!!!  She really hates to drop that ball and give it back to you, she would much rather chew on it (sound familiar?)  I do feel a lot  more safe with her there while Troy is working at night.  She notices the slightest changes to her environment and she isnt afraid to voice her concern.  She really has a vicious bark, but seems to like everyone.  We had some strangers come on the yard and her and Troy were down at the barn. When I walked around the corner of the house, with the strangers not too far behind, she came running and barking right past me and towards them, with the hair standing straight up on her back of her neck.  I told her "no" and she settled right down.  That made both of us more cautious when new people come on the yard.  We really work on her commands so we know we have total control at all times.  We are so proud of her!  She is exactly what we wanted!

8/11/08 email from buyer of Luke;
8-2-07 Litter:
Luke and Xtra are a barrel of monkeys:  constant romping fills our house.  Luke is the most affectionate GSD we've ever had, and continues to be our "pride and joy".  He has the most tremendous sense of humor!  It is impossible to be sad for very long with him around.  We are so pleased with him, every single day.

Email from buyer of Luekah;
9/28/06 Litter:
Shellie, Luekah did wonderful today.  We got a 98 and placed 1st! (Rally).  Had a tie for 98 but our score was faster by 30 seconds.  Everyone was so proud of him.

4/1/08 email from buyer of Luke;
8-2-07 Litter:
Just wanted to pass along the luke updates.  We started Beginners Obedience 2 wks ago.  He's doing so well! He focuses well, works hard, learns very quickly, and LOVES those hot dogs!  His neutering was no problem for him and he healed very quickly.  We submitted the paperwork for his AKC registration.  His registered name is Flomar Pride N Joy ("Flomar" is from the movie Martian Child, several of our dogs have had movie themed names) and Pride N Joy is what he is :)  His house manners are lovely, and he is THE most affectionate GSD we've ever had.  He's 8 months old tomorrow!  Getting big.

2/17/08 email from buyer of Dakota;
9/28/06 Litter:
I was sitting at the computer just fooling around, when Dakota came around looking for attention.  I realized I hadn't emailed you thanking you for giving us such a wonderful companion.  Dakota turned 1 in September and has really become everything we were looking for when Heide found you on the internet.  I sure didn't think we would ever find a replacement for Jackson who we had lost.  Although Jackson and Dakota aren't alike in all ways, we are so happy with the new and ever evolving Dakota.  Thank you for providing us with the perfect companion.

1/21/08 email from buyer of Luke;
8-2-07 Litter:
Luke was quiet all night in his crate next to my side of the bed.  I noticed him checking on me a couple of times, to see if i was still there.  He was a very good boy, not a peep out of him after lights out, and clean and dry this morning inspite of yesterday's relative insanity.  He's had a great morning, playing with the other dogs and with my younger daughter.  He already knows which door is the go potty door, and he's sitting nicely for petting.  We are really happy with him Shellie!  Thanks.

1/21/08 email from Buyer of Luke;
8-2-07 Litter:
He is wonderful!  He's getting along with all the other dogs so far, even the ruling matriarch!  He has very good manners for a puppy, does his business well, and is so outgoing.  The kids and extended family love him too.  We did well to get Luke from you.  Thanks.

1/20/08 email from Buyer of Luke;
8-2-07 Litter:
Thanks for the training tips!  After he initially balked at coming home with us, and leaving you and Loki this morning, Luke was wonderful all the way home.  He snuggled right down into his car nest next to me, slept touching me, and had no car sickness nor accidents.  He pottied well at rest stops along the way.  He had some treats when we ate lunch, and after initially mugging me for my food, he realized he wasn't going to get any of mine.    He settled right down and left me alone while I ate.  Introductions to the other dogs went ok.  Both of my human kids adore him.  He was pretty happy with them too.  Right now he is having some quiet time in his crate, and soon it will be bedtime.  He did fine on the leash today at rest stops, no problems at all.  I think he will be very easy to train.  Thank you so much for driving half way!  It was a joy meeting you and Loki too.  Please know that your little boy will be very safe and well cared for here.  We love him to pieces.  You've done such a beautiful job of raising him.  He's a gem

1/9/08 email from Buyer of Juno (9-28-06 Litter) and Bear (8-2-07 Litter):
Bear is doing really good.  He is probably going to be the best well rounded dog of them all.  His personality is just great, we are just finishing up puppy class and everyone just adores Bear.  He is very friendly with everyone, yet he is so calm and confident, and he is very smart.  Juno is still the boss and still letting everyone know it!!

11/27/07 email from Buyer of Sable;
9-28-06 Litter
Shellie, Sable is a wonderful dog.  Sable is by far the most loving dog I have ever known.  When I travel and come home, she actually comes up and puts her paws around me and gives me a hug just like a person would do.  Very calm with a great personality and absolutely fabulous with the kids.  Sable and our chocolate lab have become best friends.  They love to play, run, and fake fight.  At night, they sleep together on a couch all snuggled up.  The older dog Tobie has taken Sable under his wing and it looks to us like he is training her as the next protector of the family.  When strangers come into the house, he has taught her to stand (just stand) between family members and the strangers.  He is teaching her where to position herself to see what is going on outside of the house.  I will try to get you some pictures soon.

11/21/07 email from Buyer of Saturn;
9-28-06 Litter
Saturn is doing great!  She's grown so much over the past year, it's hard to believe she's the same little girl.  She's very adventurous and curious about everything.  She recently discovered a different type of animal- a skunk! She smelled to high heaven for a few days, but she seems to know to not get too close.  Other than that, she is a wonderful addition to our family.

10/8/07 email from Buyer of Tegan;
8-2-07 Litter
She came to work with me last week and spent the whole day romping with the kids here, and I took her to the nursing home for a visit.  She is getting along with Tikaani (our husky) well, and has earned a new respect for cats.  She seems to be learning fast, but potty training seems to be an issue.  I guess we'll have to double our efforts there.  She crate trained in a few days, and will relax and lay around the house when everything is calm.  She loves Garrett (2 yr old), and they are doing well with one another.

10/9/07 email from Buyer of "Jasmine";
8-2-07 Litter
Things are going great with "Yellow".  We have named her Jasmine, we call her Jazzy for short and she already knows her name.  SHe is adjusting well.  She is potty trained up to 6 hours, sits for treats, and chews on everything.  Troy loves her to death and she follows him everywhere he goes.  Our yellow lab who was scared of her at first, has now started wrestling with Jaz.  They race and chase constantly which is good for us cause it tires he out enough so she is pooped and doesnt protest when we put her back in the kennel.  She is so inquisitive and curious that it gets her face swatted everytime she gets close to a kitty.  We are really enjoying her, thanks!

10/8/07 email from Buyer of "Bear";
8-2-07 Litter
I think things are going pretty well with the new puppy.  I live his personality, he is just adorable.  He really like our 5 month old dane, she is gentle with him and tries to get him to play with her.  Juno is very harsh with him, as expected.  He does try and stand his ground with her.  He likes our cats too!  They all just have to get adjusted to each other, but I am very pleased!  I think we are naming him Bear.

6/25/07 email from Buyer of "Luekah";
9-28-06 Litter
Luekah graduated from puppy dynamics and L O V E S what agility equipment they allow him to use in the class.  He also graduated from beginning obedience and is a joy to work with.

5/24/07 email from Buyer of "Juno";
9-28-06 Litter
Juno is doing great!  She is so smart and very well behaved, especially compared to other dogs in our neighborhood.  I am always so proud of her when I take her out for walks because she behaves so much better than most of the dogs we come across.  She loves to play ball and frisbee and go for rides in the car.  My Dane passed away a couple months ago and Juno has helped me with my sorrow.  Keep me posted on the next litter.

5/23/07 email from Buyer of "Sable";
9-28-06 Litter
Shellie, she is a great dog.  A very loving personality which absolutely needs to be with people all the time.

5/23/07 email from Buyer of "Ripley";
9-28-06 Litter
I wanted to update you on Ripley.  He is doing great and has grown into a very beautiful fellow.  We attended a cadaver training this weekend to start introducing him and he had wonderful responses.  He had clued into the scent right off the bat, and then really surprised us all by giving offering the indication (sitting) on his own, by Sunday!  We had an IPWDA trainer there certifying teams, and I look forward to next year when Ripley and I can get our certification.  He is great with my kids and I have not seen any aggression with him against any people or animals.  One of his favorite games is "tag" with our pygmy goat.  They chase each other around, and when he wants to quit, she comes up, buts him, and then takes off.  Needless to say, I couldn't be more pleased with how he is growing up.  Mary T

3/13/07 email from Buyer of "Sable";
9-28-06 Litter
Sable continues to be an excellent dog. She is a beautiful animal with tremendous personality.  We are also finding this spring that she loves the mud.  For a dog that does not like the water at all, it is interesting she would love the mud so much.  At times it looks like she is trying to bury herself in it.

3/6/07 email from Buyer of Juno;
9-28-06 Litter
I wanted to let you know that Juno is doing great.  She is such a joy and I am so glad to have her.  It was confirmed yesterday that my 11 year old Dane has bone cancer and probably doesn't have much more time with us.  Juno  brings the joy in this difficult time...she has been so respectful of the other dog and is very obedient and so ready to please us.  I am looking forward to training with her and can tell she will do very well.  Please keep me posted on the status of a future litter, I may be ready for another Shepherd.

2/2/07 email from Buyer of "Sable";
9-28-06 Litter
Shellie, Just an update.  Sable continues to be a great dog. Just had her 4 month check up and she is just over 32 lbs.  She continues to be a very loving dog that interacts well with the entire family and friends that come over.  Best disposition of any dog I have ever owned.  Totally unafraid, yet analyzes everything that happens around her.  Also by far the most obedient dog I have ever been around.  When she is doing something wrong, it is simple to correct her behavior by just saying "no".  We will begin training with her in a few weeks.  I am hopeful that she will be obedient enough and trained well enough so that she can go on walks with my kids and Margaret without a leash.  It certainly seems right now like she is heading in that direction.

1/26/07 letter received from Buyer of "Multi";
9-28-06 Litter:
Dear Shellie:  Finally sending you an update on the puppy "Multi" my husband purchased from you in December of 2006.  Please know this was a complete surprise for me, and I and my family couldn't be more pleased with our new puppy.  She is a wonderful addition to our family.  I am amazed at how intelligent she is and an extremely quick learner.  We have had absolutely no trouble potty training, and teaching her the basic commands.  She is almost done with her puppy vaccination series and is growing strong and healthy.  I am writing to you today to let you know that we have decided to have her spayed by 6 months of age instead of having her bred first.  I hope this wont be a disappointment for you, but we are just not set up to breed and raise puppies and would rather focus on our puppy alone.  I have taken photos, and will send some to you upon their development.  Thank you again for such a wonderful puppy and we hope to enjoy her for many, many years.

1/21/07 email from Buyer of "Sable";
9-28-06 Litter
Shellie I just wanted to give a quick update on Sable.  She is a great dog. Extremely calm and loving yet afraid on nothing.  All of the kids love playing with her.  She is extremely patient with them and we have yet to see her reach an anger point on anything.  She went to school with Kathryn this week and did very well in a very chaotic situation.  We begin puppy training with her in the middle of February although she is very obedient even without formal training.  She has fit in well with the other dogs.  As we suspected Toby, the sheltie has established that he is king of the house. Sable seems fine with it.  Her ears are straight up now and she has grown a ton in the last month.  Her paws are huge and she is getting very long.  Looks like she is going to be a pretty good sized
girl-which is what we wanted.   We will get some pictures to you.  It looks to us that she is going to grow up to look almost exactly like her mother.

1/10/07; note from Buyer of Dakota; 9-28-06 litter
Shellie, Thank you for a wonderful dog.  We love Dakota and are spoiling him.  Thanks

1/12/07; email from Buyer of "Ripley";
9-28-06 Litter
Hi Shellie, I wanted to send you a quick email to let you know how Ripley is doing.  We started tracking last weekend and he is doing great!  He gets excited when he sees his harness come out, and before we even get to where the track will begin, he puts his nose down looking for a trail,  We've also done run-aways and live finds with him and he just loves it!  My daughter (4 yrs) will even go out, lay a track and hide behind some sage brush at the end is so he can find her.  She loves helping and he loves finding her.  Thanks again, and I'll send you a picture of him at work! 

12/26/06; email from buyer of "Purple", aka "Sable"; 9-28-06 Litter:

She is doing great.  She has a very calm personality yet she seems totally unafraid of anything.  I was concerned that coming into the Christmas commotion it was going to be a lot for her.  So far she does not seem overwhelmed at all.  She studies all situations and then reacts very calmly which seems to me is going to be a very good personality for a large active family.  She is also very obedient.  This morning when I was taking her down to my office we passed a room that had the food for the older dogs in a bowl in it.  She wanted to go to the bowl but when I told her to follow me she, reluctantly, did so without any further prompting.  Pretty amazing for a little puppy who obviously likes to eat (she has devoured her food whenever we have put it in front of her and loves to get hold of the older dogs bowl when given a chance).  I think we are going to go with the name Sable as it seems to fit her.

12/26/06; email from buyer of "Multi", aka "Saturn;
9-28-06 Litter:
Hi Shellie:They've named her Saturn (because of the ring on her tail).  She is doing wonderful!!  Everyone loves her and she is such a good little girl!  Denise absolutely adores her and she has quickly become the newest member of the office staff.  She lays down right in the middle of the office and watches everyone.  Thanks so much!  Marlene.

11/29/06; email from buyer of "Blue" aka "Ripley";
9-28-06 Litter:
Shellie, I wanted to let you know that Ripley (blue) is doing so well, we
couldn't be more pleased!  He is adjusting great!   As to him not
retrieving at his temperament test, he has turned into a retrieving
fiend!  He wants to retrieve until he lays down exhausted!  We are
having a great time with him. He was pretty hilarious with the snow we got this weekend.  He kept putting his nose down into it and running around with snow balls in his mouth and snow all over his head.  Mary T

11/29/06 email from buyer of "Blue" aka "Ripley",
9-28-08 Litter:
This email was sent to Cel Hope, owner of the stud dog, Caz, sire of the 9-28-08 litter:
Cel, I picked up the pup on Thanksgiving Day.  I am so very impressed with him.  He has been fantastic with my youngest two kids (almost 2 and 4yrs), and he has adjusted well to our cat and goat!  I expected some food aggression after being with 9 other pups, but there hasn’t been any! He didn’t retrieve during his temperament test, but now that he has figured it out, he doesn’t want to stop!  I’ve been surprised at how great a job he does at letting us know when he needs to go outside.  I’m not really a puppy person, but this little guy is changing my attitude!  I can’t say enough about what a great job Shellie did socializing this pup!  He has taken on each new experience with great curiosity and calm!  Also, as I couldn’t meet each pup, Ihave to thank her for her honesty in looking at each of the pups and selecting the best one for our family.  As you also had such an important part in the breeding of this dog, I would also like to thank you for your dedication in breeding the best temperament into each these pups!  And let’s not forget how handsome he is.  I can’t wait for him to be full grown to see what he will look like.  Mary T

11/24/06; email from buyer of "Blue" aka "Ripley",
9-28-06 Litter:
Shellie,  Well, first impressions are that he is an incredible pup.  I couldn't be more pleased with how he and the youngest kids are interacting.  He is incredible soft with them.  We haven't even had a soft play bite yet!  I have already started working with him as far as removing food from his mouth.  I expected, with 10 pups, that he would be territorial about the food, but, although he really gobbles his food, he has let me take it away and put my hand in the bowl while he is eating. Although he did get me up a couple times last night, each time he did have to go potty outside.  Even today, he definitely lets you know when he needs to go. Housebreaking is going to be fairly easy with him. Both my husband and I are very happy with him, he appears to be very smart and easily trained.  Best of all, he is a cuddler and wants to always be with us.  Each time he has fallen asleep, he has either had his head on top of your feet, or full body laying against you. Thanks again, and I will of course keep you posted. As far as naming him, we are calling him Ripley.  Mary T

11/25/06 email from Buyer of "White", aka "Jersey"
9-28-06 Litter
White doesn't have a new name yet but I believe she will earn one very soon.  She has no fear of anything.  She thinks she is equal to my other dogs already and she especially likes to try to beat up my Dane.  She is very smart and also very, very, very curious.  She is doing so good with potty training too.  She seems to have a heart of dedication and soul of spunk.  It is really fun to watch her explore new things.  She has decided if it fits in her mouth and she can lift it, then it must be hers.  We have made several laps around the living room trying to retrieve things like my cell phone and the remote.  Feisty doesn't even begin to describe her and I truly believe I got the perfect dog for me!!!!