August,
Updates and Testimonials
Hi Everyone,
It's easy for me to fall behind in sending out the wonderful updates that come in daily. You are the people who make the hard work involved in raising puppies worthwhile. I hope you never feel ignored even when I am late in getting back to you or in posting your updates and photos.
This email from Lee in Arizona, who has a chronic health condition which requires a service dog, sums up the direction I want to go with the breeding program. His Candle Hill Shepherd is Knick Knack Paddy Whack Give Your Dog A Bone (KKPWGYDAB) Vom Haus Kohl, otherwise known as Knicky. Lee's other service dog is Boomer, a 190 lb Mastiff,
"I just wanted to let you know that Knicky's coloring is changing about every two to three weeks and she is simply gorgeous! She is an amazing swimmer, everyday for hours on end. She looks like a Mercedes and runs like a Ferrari. She opens and closes all sixteen doors. She had a habit of pooping under the living room Grand Piano from time to time (white carpet no less!) but has been a solid little bathroom (outside in our prefered space) beauty for about three weeks. I have her in a service vest and have begun her introduction to the public. She's a doll. I wanted you to know that Boomer is a constant curiosity to the public due to his size and draws a lot of 'love'. On the other hand, Knicky is becoming quite special. Arizona is home to many retired individuals from around the US and Europe. With Boomer, people ask about the breed. With Knicky, people ask about the breeder. People regularly approach me to tell their stories of showing German Shepherds and share the pride of their awards perhaps three decades ago. They're obviously far more knowledgeable about the breed than I am. The constant comment is 'you didn't buy this pup in the US. Knick Knack Paddy Whack Give a Dog a Bone is vested and in public in Phoenix Arizona. Her demeanor easily doubles her physical stature in any situation. She is very quickly becoming a class act. I love my 190 lb Mastiff, and all that he does for me. Knicky is without question, extremely special. She will be the talk of Phoenix."
There is much in this email which makes me smile. One thing is the realistic perspective on the prizes found under the Grand Piano. People who are realistic about their pets make the best puppy families. But you also see patient perseverence in that now Knicky is trained to go where she is supposed to. It is no wonder that Knicky is blossoming under the care she is receiving. The many fine remarks on Knicky's public reception, yes, also makes me smile. :>) Thank you, Lee, for your continued thoughtful updates and very real encouragement.
Another email which will brighten your day is this one from Colby of Montana, the owner of Hunter, a male pup out of Strongheart and Daila, January 2008:
" Hunter is one smart puppy. We have been working on the "stay" command. I
tell him to stay then I take his toy walk across the lawn about 20 yards set it down on a stump walk back to him and stand in the heel position and then tell him to go get it. He understood exactly what to do and just waited for the command. I hope you like the video
Thanks again for Hunter he is exactly the dog I was looking for."
Be sure to click on the video of Hunter rolling over on command. Keep in mind he was just five months old at the time. http://www.youtube.com/v/NhTiYc5AcsI Since then, Colby has continued on with Hunter, achieving his CGC, Canine Good Citizen Award at only six months old. The photo below is Colby and Hunter at their CGC Evaluation with another handler and her shepherd. Hunter is the sable shepherd on the left. The second photo is also Hunter this time with his little friend. Congratulations Colby and Hunter!
In other Candle Hill Achievements, Annie, of Atlanta GA, achieved her CD title. Congratulations Robin and Annie! Here is Annie relaxing with her little friend.
Meanwhile, many of you have been asking about Leo, the F Litter pup out of Gerta and Strongheart who was posted on the puppy page for sale as a K9 patrol dog. The happy news is that now his owner/trainer is also moving into the K9 department and may be able to work him as her partner herself.
Ashley writes, 7/30/2008, "Wow. Where to start. We've been working a few weeks w/VPCA (Virginia Police Canine Association). In 2 weeks, Leo has mastered all 4 odors. He will alert BEAUTIFULLY on marijuana, cocaine, heroine, and meth. . All in all, things are going just great. You'd be so proud of your boy! I looked at his puppy pictures the other day. Hard to believe that little floppy eared pup has grown up into such a powerhouse. Small though he may be, he sure packs a punch. And of course, has drive to spare! "
Don't you love happy endings!
Finally, a word about our last litter. This is the solid black crew from Strongheart and Ulrika and what a wonderful bunch of puppies they are.
Wade from Idaho, the southern part of Idaho that is a day's drive from here, writes: My early impressions are that he is very loving, quite bright, absolutely determined, and so far not afraid of anything. He has a softness to his personality that everyone loves. He also has tremendous ability to focus and when he sets his sites on something, it's hard to break his concentration and focus. Perhaps it's where he is in his development, but he approaches everything new head on. He's quite bold and has a real presence for a pup. Very different than our Border Collie and Lab were as a puppies. Loud or strange noises, motion, and different scenarios don't frighten him in the least. He has his first vet check tomorrow, so we'll see how he does on his first official outing in town.
Beemer with his new kids, in his new house, and meeting his new horse friends.
There are many more pictures, fabulous pictures, which you all have been sending me. We are working to get them up on the Updates pages, so be sure to check there often. I am so grateful for my puppy families. The other day, at a dog training event, while with an Aussie Breeder, when I remarked favorably about my puppy families, she exclaimed, "But you really do have the best puppy families!" I'm so proud of you all!
I almost forgot. One more picture:
This is Dakota, photographed just yesterday. Are you ready to make guesses at how many puppies she is going to have? How about when? Expect to hear from us soon with the birth announcement.
My very best to you all,
Elizabeth