SEE A PROFESSOINAL EVALUATION BY GUIDE DOGS ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE PAGE

Robin,

I flew to Iowa in June 1998 to choose and pick up my Royalair puppy. You

had two litters at the time for me to choose from and it was an agonizing

decision because they were all so wonderful. I chose a male and flew him

home to VA; named him Spirit. He is now 6 years old and is the most loved

and lovely dog. He has educated several people who were previously

extremely afraid of dogs that dogs can be trusted and loved. His reaction

to fear is to take it on as a challenge to win that person over--and he's

done it every single time! People stop me and ask me about him. If they

know anything about German shepherd's, they know that there is something

different about him. I explain your policy and vision for the breed and

explain the differences to them. They are always impressed and can see the

healthy results that appear so correct and balanced. For the folks that

are not afraid of dogs in general but are a bit timid with German

shepherd's, I tell them that he looks like a German shepherd but acts like

a Lab. That gives them the confidence to approach Spirit and to become a

friend.

Last June, my son married. There were people all over my house and Spirit

was in heaven! At one point he was in the corner made by two sofas at

right angles to each other. There were two young children on each sofa

leaning over him with three additional children on the floor. He was

completely hemmed in. One would think he would become nervous, but one

look at his face and instead, he was in rapture! He would like my house to

be filled with people all the time.

By far he's the best dog who has ever lived with me. He is constantly

impressing people with his intelligence and understanding of the world. He

totally lives up to his name, Spirit. He is the joy in my everyday life

and a loyal companion. He like to show off his tricks--lots of basics but

the one that the kids seem to enjoy is "spin" (around to his left) then

"OK, now unwind" (around to his right). He works almost entirely with hand

signals which is handy when I'm talking to someone and want him near me or

want him to 'sit' or 'down' or 'quiet'.

I was sorry to hear about his sire, Falco. My heart goes out to you. I

don't know what I'll do when Spirit passes, but I'll be comforted knowing

that he has more than accomplished his self given mission in life to

convince everyone he meets that dogs can be loving and kind and gentle and

generally marvelous creatures.

Thanks,

Marsha Mills (was Sherland in 1998)

Hi Robin:

Real glad to hear from you.  Your note was great - and reminds me of our two pups and how lucky we were to find you when we went looking for our German Shepherd Dogs.  We can only echo Marsha's sentiments.  Our brother and sister pair are a real hoot - they keep us young and going, and they are great together.  They are very calm - which is good because they are inside dogs.  As you know, we have a very big yard (for city standards), but when we're inside - so are they.  They sleep at the foot of our bed and only awaken us when they've heard something or a thunder storm is approaching (that is Grafin will - Kaiser, I believe would sleep through a war he is so laid back)....

We take them everywhere with us - they have command of the complete back of our Jeep Cherokee.  They travel well and always look forward to a ride.  They have developed quite a vocabulary.  Many words we have had to spell out rather than say a-loud, and some words we have had to start spelling backwards because they figured out what the original spelling was too. 

They are very smart and know much of what we say.  Many times we have caught them listening intently to our conversations, and reacting to what was said.  Kaiser is especially fond of the word "bath" - which we could not figure out because he does not particularly like the act of getting a bath.  Then one day when he gave Teresa a sloppy lick across the cheek and we caught ourselves referring to it as giving her a bath - and it clicked - he associated the word bath with giving his favorite person a kiss.  Ever since, we have had to particularly careful of how and when we use that word.....  These pups have a true cognitive process - they think things out, and they solve problems.

Teresa is a real sight to see walking two german shepherd dogs at the same time.  Many times she has been stopped by folks asking about the dogs.

Dear Robin,

Thanks so much for the puppy you sent us-We are calling him Nico. He is the most etraordinary puppy I have ever owned and he has captured our hearts lock, stock & barrel.He came through his journey without problems, we have had him out for socialization at the local park where a camp of 12 kids between the ages of 6 & 9 were playin g. Nico ran right over and included himself in the playing to the delight of the campers and their counselors .Everyone had the opertunity of petting him and the counselors remarked to eachother about one youngster who had problems-that her face lit up when she was petting Nico.The Next day he wound up playing with young girls (5-8) years of age. Who took turn holding him as if he were a doll. The adults we’ve met have all commented on how friendly, calm and relaxed he is.He has already learned to come and is getting used to the leash. He is very easy to train! We’ve also got him learning to retrieve a ball as well and he can really run! As far as his housetraining, he uderstands that he is immedialty supposed to do his stuff.(we thank you for that!) He has had only one accident so far. We are amazed how easy he is to take car of for a puppy.

Peter Diamond, NJ

Hi Robin, This is Steve Fillmore I purchased a female from you a year and 3 months ago. It has been a struggle for me the dog is doing fine. I started training at 7 months for Search and Rescue and then the guy training me got a job promotion and I just wasn't satisfied with the training time so in the meantime my friends and I went on a pheasant hunt in Northeat Kansas and one of the guys with us happened to be a k-9 officer and I told him my story and he told me about a dog trainer in Lawerence, Kansas so I called him and told him about my dog and he said bring her up. So I did and I said I wanted to do Search and Rescue with her so we started and he was impressed with the drive and nose she had. This went on for a couple of weeks I went up there twice a week. So I knew I had something special and he ask me if I ever thought about having her be a detection dog, so we done a test to see if she had it in her and she did. So now I'm doing the tracking and doing narcotic work with her and now he thinks she would be a Schutzhung dog so we are just getting started with that. I'm sorry that this is long but I just wanted you to know just how wonderful she is, not only to me but to my community. Dixie is to me as Falco is to you. Once she is State certified in narcotics and has a tracking and Schutzhund title I will get back with you. Thank you for the wonderful dog that you brought into my life! Steve Fillmore

Hi Robin - I just wanted to give you an almost one year report on Nick. He is fantastic!! I little hyper at times, but truly charming and a joy to have as a member of our house. He is growing up to look exactly like Falco. He sits on our couch exactly like the picture of Falco on your web-site. I took both of them to the vet two weeks ago and he weighed a whoppig 82 pounds of pure muscle!! (about 8months) maybe we could get together sometime and I can show him to you?

Linda Quinn

Robin,

Merry Christmas! Widus is a great dog! He seems to be everyones envy in our nieghborhood Here’s a picture of how he’s grown, He is 13 months and is 120lbs.

Lu Brevetti, CA

Hope you enjoy the photo's- must mention last feb Kieth and I went to the mall shopping, we were gone for about 31/2 hrs. when we returned the dore was about 4" open.Joshua was right there waiting . a few things wer upset but nothing taken.I don't think they got to far. A few others in our area had items stolen. When we leave he is always inside.I can't say enough about my Joshua.

Barb , Michigan

Hi Robin:

I wanted to keep you posted on Zest's progress in her training with Guide

Dogs of America. As you know, she is now 9 months old.

She came into season for the first time August 17. GDA likes us to have

them stay in their kennel while the females are in heat and so during the

three weeks Zest was there, they took the opportunity to do hip x-rays and

her evaluation. I do not have a "good-fair-excellent" reading on the

x-rays

yet, but suffice it to say they were good enough for her to continue in

the

program and since she was in heat when the x-rays were taken, it is

probable

when she is not in season, the rating will be even better.

Her evaluation was also done and a copy is below. At the time she was

having a second bout of panosteitis in her left front leg. Both lasted

approximately 2-3 weeks and were managed well with anti-inflammatories and

rest while in the kennel.

Puppy Temperament Progress Report

This is an evaluatiuon by guide dogs in CA

Recommendations and Summary:

Generally Zest was easy to manage and control on the evaluation walk. She

was not hat interested in environmental stimuli. She did not show any signs of

fear while out. She did well around traffic and noises. She walked well on leash and

maintained a loose lead for the majority of the walk.

She did go out to sniff distractions and needed corrections for this

behavior. This is the area where she needs the most work. She should be corrected for

attempting to go and sniff the environment when she is on leash with you. The only time

she should be allowed to sniff the ground is when she is given the GET BUSY

command and when she is on free play. Even when she is sniffing for the GET BUSY

command it should not be excessive and she should not be allowed to "lock

in" on smells.

She had average interest in strange dogs that were barking at her. She

alerted to them but was easily managed past them.

Appeared to be pretty stable.

Health Comments: Lameness throughout walk. Puppy raiser was aware prior to

eval and it was diagnosed as panosteitis.

I plan on having Zest temperament tested by the GSDCA when she is a year.

Could you send me a copy of her pedigree? I don't have a current picture

ofher, but she looks a lot like her father and is a good retriever. Her

sister Zealand, who looks like her mother, is also still in the program

and both are attending the obedience class taught by Bob Penny. Bob is in

charge of temperament testing for the GSDCA and has been involved with

GSDs for more than 50 years.

Ann and Zest ^~^

Hi Robin,

Just happend to see your ad in the German Shepherd magazine and I

just found your website........love looking at your pictures. You might

remember me....Pam Thomas from Des Moines, Iowa......we purchased

"Tasha" from you in July of 1990....she is the most beautiful

Silver-gray shepherd that anyone has ever seen.

Anyone and everyone who meets here is amazed at how wonderful she looks

even at her age. Just wanted to let you know that is Tasha is still

with us and remains in good health......will send you a picture of her

soon. Thank you for raising such wonderful animals!

Sincerely,

Pam Thomas Tasha wa 11-1/2 when that was sent-she lived to be 13 1/2

Robin,

Just a quick note to tell you that Liberty is the finest dog I have ever

had. She's my fourth German Shepherd, too.

She weighed in at 54 pounds the other day. Still lean and growing faster han her fur can keep up.

Linda has had her to Doggie Kindergarten twice now and she is doing

really well, the teacher keeps asking if she has any search and rescue

dogs in her family tree. Everybody including my dad thinks she's a he, because of her size. The

smallest any of the doctors (even when we got her), said she would go 90

pounds, her Kindergarten teacher is also a doctor and a (doggie shrink)

says probably 100. Take Care, Linda and Dave Huff

. Hi Robin ---

Just a note to let you know that Rosie (of Falco and Emma) is doing

spectacular. What a wonderful dog!

She is in her second round of training and is responding quite well. She is

a bit of a rebellious teen on occasion: refusing to come when called,

harassing the cats and other such misdemeaners. But overall

she is perfect. And very, very beautiful.

Congratulations, Robin: You breed tremendous dogs.

Doug, Sally, Jacob & (of course) Rosie.

Minneapolis

Hi there Royalair German Shepherds,

I was so very excited when I came across your web. Wish I had a picture of my Joshua. He looks just like his daddy luke. Love him very much. He is a house dog but likes to play out doors. He is spoiled....very spoiled and wants for nothing. I prayed for a very special dog, with all the mix up I sometimes was little doughtful, but in the end god did answere. I would not give him up for anything.

God bless, Barb grant, MI and Joshua von Grant.

Dear Robin,

Could find a picture with a smaller boy and a bigger dog! Sophie is doing well. She’s still leading the good life protecting her boy and her cats. She’s finished beginning obedience(won the Blue in fact) Hope all is well with you

Judy

Dear Robin,

We just wanted to write you and let you know how our puppy is doing. He is one of Kira and Falco’s boys. He is about 4 months old now and he is so good. He’s not quite house broken yet but he’s almost there. I’ve enclosed a picture of Ranger for you to see. He has beautiful markings and very large paws. I can’t wait to see him full grown. I take him to puppy kindergarten. He’s extremely intelligent and learns very quickly. Were almost done with the class and are signing up for puppy advanced classes. It’s amazing how smart he is. We are very happy with him.

Randy & Jill Guzz0

Dear Robin,

As you can see Spirit is growing up just fine. He still has to grow into his ears though! He’s such a good dog even though he is in a slightly defiant stage. Actuallly he’s quite obedient for his age. But still so easily distracted. I sent the one where the snow is on his nose because he reminded me of his dad on in that photo. Thought you might enjoy seeing the resemblance. Spirit is a real people dog and adores kids. He doesn’t understand yet that he is frightening to some of the kids , but I’ve seen him belly crawl up to a group to be closer to their level. I don’t think I broadcasting to much to say he is very smart with such a sweat personality. Although I remind him dailey that german shepherds don’t cry, He’s extremley vocal and I’m sure he thinks I’m talking. As you can tell we are enjoying each other , Thankyou for breeding such a terrific dog!

Marsh Sherland

robin,

just a note to let you know about cassie. she is a big hit at the park. lots of people ask if they can pet her as they walk by. several people have expressed how beautiful they think she is. i have met more people in the last three weeks when i take her as opposed to the three years that i have gone there to run. she is very friendly with everyone and enjoys all of the attention. she continues to grow. i had to go buy a new harness for her tonight. the pink one was going to be too small soon. she sleeps in my bedroom now on a pillow and blanket. she likes to go for a drive. it was raining the other day and she just wasn't sure about the windshield wipers. thanks, i do appreciate what a good pup she is.

randy

HI! Here are 2 pictures of Rex- who is now about 2 1/2 years old- youcall a few weeks ago and inquired- he has been in good health and has acompanion- a lab- Daisy who is a year younger- is a happy boy- thanksagain for sending us such a great companion-

Ilsa Werrion

Hi Robin,

Just happend to see your ad in the German Shepherd magazine and I just found your website........love looking at your pictures. You mightremember me....Pam Thomas from Des Moines, Iowa......we purchased" Tasha" from you in July of 1990....she is the most beautifulSilver-gray shepherd that anyone has ever seen.Anyone and everyone who meets here is amazed at how wonderful she lookseven at her age. Just wanted to let you know that is Tasha is still with us and remains in good health......will send you a picture of hersoon. Thank you for raising such wonderful animals!

Sincerely, Pam Thomas

robin,

just a note to let you know about cassie. she is a big hit at the park.

lots of people ask if they can pet her as they walk by. several people have

expressed how beautiful they think she is. i have met more people in the

last three weeks when i take her as opposed to the three years that i have

gone there to run. she is very friendly with everyone and enjoys all of the

attention. she continues to grow. i had to go buy a new harness for her

tonight. the pink one was going to be too small soon. she sleeps in my

bedroom now on a pillow and blanket. she likes to go for a drive. it was

raining the other day and she just wasn't sure about the windshield wipers.

thanks, i do appreciate what a good pup she is.

randy

HI! Here are 2 pictures of Rex- who is now about 2 1/2 years old- you

call a few weeks ago and inquired- he has been in good health and has a

companion- a lab- Daisy who is a year younger- is a happy boy- thanks

again for sending us such a great companion- Ilsa Werrio

Hi Robin,

Just a short line to fill ya in on Reco. The ear is coming up and he is

looking good!!!!!

He started school last night. I should say we all started school because me,

Bob and Reco are all going and learning. Its just basic obedience for now. He

did really well for the 1st night and you could tell he was really getting

into it. The instructor said Reco is the first German Shepherd Dog that's

she's had in class for a long time that has such a good disposition. She said

the ones coming though lately have really been nippy. Im so proud of my fur

kid!!!!!

Hope you and your family have a nice Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

Thanks again for our boy.

Cyndi Robinson