Testimonials

 I began saving these in the fall of 2002, after the loss of two dogs and an entire litter had me wondering if I could continue on.

Cel, I attended a disaster/cadaver training over the weekend and met a 2yr old Caz X Ashi daughter named Thunder (Cel's note, Thunder is from the O Litter.)  What a beautiful dog!  Not only gorgeous, but did extremely well at the training.  Not only was I impressed, but the woman who put on the seminar... was also impressed.  Although she wasn’t familiar with your dogs, she said that if my pup is similar to (her), I shouldn’t have any problem training it for SAR, or anything else.  (Thunder's owner) was also wonderful and spoke very highly of you.  She told me that when the time comes (hopefully not for years!) that she needs another GSD, she wouldn’t go anywhere but to you.  I must admit, although everything I had read and researched on said that this was a good pick, not having seen Caz or Rogue still made it feel like a bit of a gamble.  It was nice to see one of your dogs live and in action.  Any doubts are gone. What a great advertisement for you!  Being able to see one of your pups and hear such wonderful things about you and the dogs you have raised has me so excited that I can hardly wait for the litter to be born!  (eventual owner of Celhaus "grandkid", September 2006)

Everybody is so impressed with these two dogs.  They both are so naturally driven it is amazing.   When people ask me about their history and if they are related, I say
"Oh,  yeh.... They sure are!!! I waited two years for Monty.  We wanted a second puppy so bad from Ashi and he was worth waiting for." (two-pup owner, litters H & P, December 2006)

I just finished reading your tribute to Ashi.  I now have images of a "memory" of Ringo's mom that I didn't have before. Thank you.  You know, I first found your website just a few days after my Two Ponies had passed and learned so much and felt some of the pain eased.  When the time was right to get another dog I found your pages again and was blessed that you had a pup available and that you (and Glory, Droll and Ashi) trusted me to take care of him.  I can't imagine life without my singing boy.  He has challenged me to be a much more active owner (even gotten me into the show ring and into a dog club!) and loves dinging me with the biggest stick ( read LOG) that he can carry on hikes.  Thank you for including me into your family. (owner of one of the H litter, November 2006)

Cel, just got a chance to cruise to your webpage, and found the very sad news.  Cel, I'm so sorry that you lost Ashi so early! ...  You and your girls (and boys) always were and always will be an inspiration to me.  it's because of you that my house is now graced with furballs and nose prints. (November 2006.  She has GSD's gotten from someone else, not me)  

I’m so sorry to hear about Ashi, she was really a great dog.  Ashi can be proud of her grandson...  I’m sure she is very happy up there looking down at all her kids and grandkids.  (owner of one of the W litter, November 2006)

Cel, You are a wonderful person.  In spite of your heartbreak and I am sure some anger which would be totally normal, your entire behavior throughout this whole mess has been so fair and caring.  What you wrote both on the Website and in the e-mail  just shows how much class you have - truly.  It was informative, loving towards Mem'ry and ethical towards the people who have or will buy the puppies.  I truly salute you :-).  (comment on my handling of Mem'ry coming down with EPI and having to be placed as a pet rather than used as a stud dog, May 2006)

Just had to say thank-you again for the opportunity to raise Tallie.  She has been and is a joy.  It was one year ago today we picked her up!  She is in Beginners II  and we just started Therapy Dog Class.  Her next class will be for her CGC.  (February 2005; Tallie was a rescue I handled, a neglected 4 month old pup)

Dear Cel,

I have written several times asking for advice on Gunnar.  I hope you remember.  So many of the things that you have recommended have worked, and with amazing results!  I wanted to take a minute to let you know how much your advice has helped!  I had a problem with Gunnar running off while we were outside here at my shop in Casper.  You suggested a long inexpensive piece of rope that I could use to "bring him up short" if he would ever attempt running off.  It's worked like a charm.  I am happy to say that I have been able to shorten it as you suggested, and he hasn't even attempted at running off in well over a month.  Just prior to the holidays I had emailed you about a problem with separation anxiety.  Gunnar is with me 24/7 and was having a really hard time with being home alone.  I started out by leaving him alone for short periods of time, 5 - 10 minutes.  Slowly, I began increasing the time alone.  At first, he would get into things like the dish towel near the kitchen sink, or items left on the counter, etc.  He is now able to be alone for up to 5 hours at a time, without getting into ANYTHING.  Of course I don't leave him home alone for that length of time every day, but I know if I had to I could.  He is 8 1/2 months old now, and I'm sure that plays a big part in the changes, but I also think that your advice has made a big difference!  (February 2005, Gunnar is a GSD gotten from someone else, not me)

 *****

Everything I see on your website and in the e-mails we've exchanged have convinced me 100% that you are the breeder that I will go to when we are ready for our own GSD.  I wish we could have one now, but my husband and I both work full-time and we wouldn't want to have our dog be home alone for such long hours during the day, it wouldn't be fair.  Still, I think about getting one all the time!  Hopefully I'll be able to stay home with my kids here in a couple of years and as soon as that happens, I'll be sending in my deposit!  Please, until then,  keep me on your list for updates and litter information as it brightens my work-day immensely.  Thanks again - you're an absolute credit to the breed.  (November 2003)

 *****

I haven't known anyone in all my years that came close to doing the terrific job with pups that you do. . .  (Nov 2003)

*****

Congratulations on your litters.  Every time you e-mail I get this strong urge to be "owned by a German Shepherd" again.  (Our Celhaus pup) is such a joy to us.  I thank you everyday for giving her to us.  She is a character.....very impish.  Still steals my kitchen towel daily.  Once she is sure you have seen her, the "game" begins.  I am sorry I haven't said thank you often enough!!!  (pup owner, November 2003)

*****

Although you don't know me, I've finally been compelled to send you an email. For a long time I had planned to email you just to say thank you, it's high time I finally do it. I've been a constant visitor since last year, when I started looking for my first dog.  I'm glad to see that you found the boost and strength to continue your breeding after the loss of three of your dogs.  I know I cried when I read about it, I can't even imagine how you must've felt.  Thank you for teaching me so much about GSD's, thank you for giving me the courage to go out and find "my girl" and adopt her on her last weekend at the shelter. (she was 4 yrs. old then) We had our issues, but with training, food, and TLC, she's become my (almost :>) "perfect" dog. We just started our next obedience class, and with a bit of luck we hope to pass the CGC test at the end of it.   Thank you for a wonderful webpage!! I'll look forward to new reports, and will cruise by on a regular basis.  (October 2003)  

*****

I ran off a copy of your response (to an all-breed rescue person concerning GSD reactions to the betrayal of being abandoned) to put away with all the other information I collect for future reference--it is nice to review when I have a problem.  I kept it because it articulates so well what I sensed but could not quite put together when I was researching GSD rescue.  I had just enough experience to know that these dogs would have deep emotional problems coming into foster care, but I was far too inexperienced to label it and know how to deal with it.  That is why I did not go into rescue with my favorite breed without any backup.  I did not know you and there were no experienced rescuers anywhere in the area.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned from you over the past year (since she got one of my pups).  My instincts are fairly decent, but I just don't have the experience to identify as accurately as I would like the problems that come up with this breed.  Because of you, I have reached a level of enjoyment with my pup that I did not know was possible.  She is truly becoming my partner and I delight in her every day (well not EVERY day).  Your guidance and encouragement have given me the confidence to tackle new things that I was not sure we could do.  However, I still may return her until she is completely through this juvenile thing....... 

*****

I must not tell you enough ! You are the best......:)  I have never
had this level of support or caring and I bet every darn one of your puppy buyers feels JUST the same. :)  (pup owner, August 2003)

*****

Hello again.  Just returned back home from a short trip last evening and checked out your site again.  Your new pups are beautiful healthy looking individuals.  Their dam is very beautiful and appears in splendid condition.  A credit to you!  Based on everything I have read on your pages, it is very obvious to me that you are a responsible breeder - any and all dogs living with you are indeed fortunate to have such a caring and dedicated human for a companion and care giver.  I will be visiting your site again soon & often.  Thanks for the privilege.  (fellow GSD fancier)

*****

Today we celebrated her first birthday, or at least sang Happy Birthday to her, and promised a bigger party when things aren't quite so hectic.  She received a nice big bone and new chew toy, and I've worried more about her birthday than I do for some acquaintances. haha. :)  My family and I just can't get over what a beautiful,
energetic, curious dog she is.  (I'm sure you hear this description of all your dogs!)  I figured today would be a good day to thank you again for all the time and effort you've put into breeding such super dogs.  You are in our thoughts and prayers frequently .  (pup owner, March 2003)

 *****

She is the funniest puppy I have ever had.  Constantly curious and aware.  Both Doug and I notice she sits in the backyard and tracks planes flying overhead...she misses nothing.  She also learns very very quickly...and retains things amazingly well. I just love  her personality...she has a great sense of humor...and just when is is being a total dervish and you are ready to throttle her she will turn into the sweetest little cuddlebug on the earth....she sleeps at the foot of the bed and when she is super sleepy and tired she creeps up to my side and likes to suck on my fingers until she falls asleep.  How can ANYONE resist that?  (pup owner, June 2002)

 *****

I must say, all the docs who have examined her have one thing to say:  besides her deafness, she is one of the healthiest and sound GSD's they have ever met. That's saying a lot.  (owner of a pup whose inner ear  was attacked by a virus, causing deafness when she was 5 months old)

*****

I just wanted to send an email since it was a year ago today that we brought her home.  This year has gone by so quickly, but it's really been enriched by having her around.  Thanks again for being such a great friend and breeder; just knowing you are an email or phone call away is a great reassurance.  (pup owner, June 2003)

*****

Thanks much for "heads up" regarding latest pictures of your 4 beautiful pups.  Their eyes and coat glisten!  Each & everyone of them presents a picture of health, a tribute to your intense efforts assisting them in their development both mentally and physically.  All the interaction with the Nursing Home residents and other visitors provides such great benefits for both the humans & the young developing canine packages of energy.  (fellow GSD fancier)

*****

I have become attached to each of them via the net and it has been wonderful watching them come along via your outstanding updates - written & photo.  If I were in your shoes, it would be very difficult indeed for me to send any or all of them away to their new homes.  Even when going to the best of homes, the separation brings forth multiple emotions.  Looking forward to next weekend and your upcoming narrative explaining the litter's progress.  It has been very nice watching the litter grow and reading your excellent descriptive comments, Cel.  Again, best wishes. . .  (fellow GSD fancier)

*****

He has been such a joy to have around, I can’t imagine my household without him.  Sometimes I think he’s a little too smart for his own good, but it has made his training a breeze.  I couldn’t have asked for a better temperament.  He also has his father’s good looks!  ... Thank you so much again for being such a great breeder.  It is because of you that I have such a terrific friend and companion today.  (pup owner, Christmas 2002)

*****

I will be lost without Smokey in my life and I hope he is here for many many more years. Smokey is doing well perfectly healthy and spoiled rotten. He was real fun round Xmas because he has a favorite squeak toy that he just loves and so I got him two new ones and he of course found them before Xmas even though they were on a shelf in the closet. We still go everywhere together and if there is somewhere he cant go I don’t go. My health has pretty much ended all my SAR work so now we do a lot of fishing and that type stuff. He still prances around and I think is a very happy dog and a very loving dog. He is king of the house and he knows it and lets everyone know. He still will play as long as you will play with him never getting tired or giving up. He is the smartest dog I have ever been around and still am amazed with how much he comprehends.  (pup owner, Christmas 2002)

*****

The last time the boy went with me for some work and fun in Boulder he did great as usual, and was a magnificent ambassador for the GSD breed...his looks and love and happiness in people and places...He moves like a dream and his tail is a flag that says: "I'm soooooo  smart and my head is screwed on straight isn't life GREAT!??!".  He is maturing more in his head, too.  He's nosing more...and concentrating harder.  I've let him just be...I didn't push for what I felt he was too full of puppy joy to try.  Funny how they age. :^)  He's wonderful Cel, and his protection instinct is coming in more.  He barks more forcefully and stands and then listens for whatever is out there and thinks.  I can tell he is growing more in his head.  He's much less the teenager doofus now.  But I still call him Roger Ram-Jett sometimes and Jim is still trying to get him to say "Rryy Rowve Rooooo"...he's almost got it, ha ha.  I'm so proud of him Cel.  And **you** should be proud of the pups you produce.  You do great work and have given so many people so much joy and love.  The pups that come from your home are living examples of quality over quantity.  They exude it, they breath it, and you should take comfort in that.  Everyone who sees Druug has the same reaction: what an amazingly beautiful and wonderful dog, he looks and acts like no other dog I've ever seen.  That's not a fluke, Cel.  That's your love and care before they are born, and the work after to get them on the right road (and my work too, a little, ha ha). Be assured that many people love you for this.  (pup owner, Christmas 2002)

*****

Abbey & Bob are inseparable.  What a joy this beautiful girl is to us.  She has such a wonderful “wacky” personality!  Makes us laugh a lot!  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (pup owner, Christmas 2002)

*****

She is really one in a million… how so much personality got packed into that little body I will never know. Doug and I spent quite a lot of time laughing uproariously.  Actually she is much much fun to have around.  It’s impossible to be sad while living with this manic elf.  I have not had a bath alone since we brought her home....she lurks by the side of the tub and pops her dratted ball in when I am not paying attention...then after what she considers a suitable waiting period… she launches herself in there after it....and is ever so pleased when she finds it amid all the bubbles.  Showering is the same… she still slips in the end of the tub and sits there waiting for me to shoot some water on her to catch...I am fine with that... and even getting less self conscious about her stare....:)  She makes me laugh every day.         (pup owner,  Dec 2002)

*****

Asa has been a very faithful and perceptive companion this year (during the illness and death of my mother).  He has sensed when I have needed extra kisses or a few more minutes of cuddling.  And his joy for a game of retrieve has brought many smiles and laughs during difficult days.  (pup owner, Christmas 2002)  

*****

I also just wanted to mention that I am forever grateful to you for taking the time, effort, and tears to raise such beautiful, vivacious, smart, and curious dogs.  Cody has filled my life with more happiness and love than I ever imagined she would, and really is a saving grace when life isn't going so well.  I'm sure that a lot of the owners of your other many puppies feel the same way, and it's certainly not easy to find puppies as well bred as the ones your dogs have produced.  Thank you so much. :)   (pup owner, Feb. 2003)

*****

I have never, ever, met a person more committed to loving and giving the very best of care to her dogs than you.  You have a track record of love and health in your dogs that few people on the planet can claim, period.  If ***I*** had to come back as a dog I'd move heaven and earth to be one of yours and I'm not joking.   (pup owner, on the loss Jubilee’s litter, Oct 2002 )

*****

If it wasn't for you and your crew my mom would be without Diva.  She is not only her protector but her love.  My sister and her family have moved in with my mom for the time being and my sister just said to me last week what a wonderful dog Diva is.  Of course I have always known that because I am her "aunt Mary".  You have the friendliest, sweetest, best German Shepherds around and that is because of you.  The time and love you spend on your dogs shows.  People all over are in debt to you and your dogs.  I am one of those people.  Thank you for making sure people like my mom have the opportunity of knowing the love of her dog.  If there is anything I can do just let me know.    (daughter of a pup owner, on loss of Bless)

*****

Sadie is the perfect (of course I am biased) dog for me being a first time handler.  She is such a quick learner and is so far ahead of me it is crazy.  My little girl is so patient, forgiving and understanding it is great.  Sadie's strength is her OB and tracking.  I think her tracking will be her strong suit if I only can figure out how to teacher her to track.  And if we can become team trackers.         (pup owner, Feb 2003)

*****

I would be heartsick should you decide to stop breeding. The obvious true love that you have for your dogs combined with the expertise which comes only from doing is so RARE in the GSD breeding world that the loss would be incalculable. In my opinion, the breed is in trouble, serious trouble, and breeders such as yourself must continue if there is to be any hope of rescue. Irresponsible and uninformed breeding of GSD's is not a problem, it is an epidemic! The more I study and read and check out shows and trials, the more frightened I become.  Can you think of another breed of dog whose demise would have more relevant impact on the human race than the German Shepherd Dog? Please don't give up. I think I told you before that I have carefully checked out dozens, no, tens of dozens of breeders in these past 5 years since Larry died .... you are one of the BEST.    (a friend, on the loss of Jubilee’s litter)

*****

Yes it makes perfect sense the way you wrote it...and it gives me great comfort to have you tell me you have seen it in some of the other pups...there is always that niggling thought of "EGADS I wrecked my puppy" know what I mean???  Can I tell you how wonderful it is to have a breeder be able to share this info with me?  I was always pretty much on my own before to figure things out... and even though I have had a few GSD's they are ALL a different kettle of fish!  At any rate I do adore her...and we will work this out....or.......I am sending her home to grandma for a little *talk* .  LOL    (pup owner, November 2002)

*****

     “Dear Cel, I spoke to Mom the other night.  She told me that Bless and Glory had passed away.  I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss.  You knew them better than anyone but to an outsider they, like the other Shepherds you have, were so beautiful and talented.  I believe that you have a gift of knowing how to bring out the inner beauty and abilities of any animal that is fortunate enough to find its way into your heart and your home.  They come to you with their own talents and beauty, and with your guidance you help them to be all that they can be.

“My belief that we are responsible for the health and happiness of the animals we have comes from watching you.  I’ve watched you give endless time and effort.  I’ve watched you pour your heart into your dogs.  The result is seeing some of the most splendid Shepherds ever.  I want to thank you for letting me come to your house when I was a child.  I was taught by observing you that there are definite ways to treat any animal.  I take issue with how I see other people treat their pets.  They let them roam, running the risk of getting hit and left to suffer.  They risk their pets contracting diseases or getting shot.  Or even allowing the continuance of more strays by not doing the right thing (neutering) and giving the animals only a life of misery.

 “I also learned how smart animals are.  How much they really love to learn.  I see how happy and content my own animals are from following simple steps.  I don’t know what you do in the way of knowledge and training, but I do know what’s right.  These steps increase the health and happiness of our four legged friends.  I’ve seen it in my own home and it comes from being around your influence.

 “I know by what I’ve seen that your Shepherds are beloved and the good, fulfilling lives they have being your family.  People and our animals are with us for only a short time and we always want more time and memories.  But that they come to us at all, as remarkable as they are, whatever time we get is truly a gift.  When I come home I always want your home to be a definite stop; it’s always on my wish list of places to visit because I enjoy our visit and I love seeing your dogs.  They shine from the inside out.  I think that furry and four legged creatures have a great friend and benefactor in you.  Once again please accept my family’s condolences.  I will remember Bless and Glory as amazing.  Love, Angie.”   (from a now-grown daughter of long-time family friend, living in Tennessee , March 2003)

 *****

We continue to grieve with you over the losses of Glory and Droll and Bless.  We too hope they are playing together.  Andi and Druid continue to be very healthy…  We hope to provide a hope for at least one or two (or three) more, so we will be in touch.   (owners of two of my pups, March 2003)

*****

Just thinking of you and wanted to send some pictures of your beautiful, precious grandson!  He’s our special boy – very alert and full of expression.  (pup owners, March 2003)

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