Totana Piper HIll German Shepherds

Breeding for Conformation and Trainability

CLIENT LETTERS

Here are just a few letters from satisfied clients.
1-14-12

Hello Barb     I dont know if you will remember Kaitln and I but we bought a female from you. She was born March 8, 2010 and is the daughter of Gretta Gerbo and King Kong. Our Mya is the BEST dog anyone could ever ask for and is the love of our life!! Mya is extremely obedient, loving, healthy and Beautiful! She is the spolid rotten princess of our household. We were greatly thinking about another puppy in the near future. We would love if you would keep us updated on your breeding program. Since our Mya is such a love we are set on only buying Totona Piper Hill puppies.     We would also like to extend our sincerest and deepest sympathy on your loss of Frank, and King Kong. I hope 2012 brings you great happiness and good health. Happy New Year best wishes. P.S open the attachment to see the beautiful girl the your breeding program created! Doug and Kaitlin

12-24-11

Hi Barbara, Happy Holidays! I hope that you and your family are happy and healthy. I wanted to say thank you again for bringing Roxy into our lives. She is such an amazing dog. She is so beautiful, which you probably expected, given you breed her, but she is really show stoppingly beautiful. Everywhere we go people stop and greet her and oooh and aaah over first her markings and profile, then after a minute or two of interacting with her, they remark on her temperment and personality. I don't know how much of a dogs temperment and personality can be predicted by their breeding, but Roxy is amazing. there really is no other word for her. She is gentle and loving and SMART. She is a natural with the nursing home residents when i take her to work with me. Always licking, never nipping, and very gentle with her paws. she leans on peoples legs rather than jumping. she already comes, sits lays down and stays reliably, very good for such a young puppy. She crate trained easily and often sleeps in her crate during the day when she's tired out from playing. she is a love bug, she "asks" with those big soft brown eyes to come sit in my lap, which is my favorite time of the day. I know she'll continue to get bigger, but i hope she always enjoys snuggling as she does now. she is also remarkably graceful and sees the world as her agility course. we have introduced her to some of the agility course elements and she takes to the see-saw like she's done it for years! I'll have to get a video to send to you. She runs around the yard and under and over the kids toys and swingset with such grace, you'd think we had trained her to do it. And she has a little bit of acrobat in her too. she does this silly thing where she sits and starts to bite or scratch an itch and goes into a full somersault. If  i can, i'll video that too, but i never really know when she'll do it. She's on track with her vaccines and worming and has had no loose stools or upset stomach. She is long and lean and at her last weigh in she was 26.5 pounds, that was 11/26, so I'm sure she's bigger now. Her right ear went up soon after we got her, and her left ear just went up thursday. she is so beautiful, with such soft shiney fur. No one can resist petting her, not that any of us would even try. she loves to play in the water at the edge of the pond, but hasn't gone swimming yet. her fur dries quickly which is an extra bonus for me. She makes every day happy and special, i feel like i've had 2 months of christmas mornings already. I can never thank you enough for such a precious gift, but i hope to spend many years trying. Happy Holidays, Love Alicia

2-7-11

Dear Frank and Barbara:   Almost 10 years ago we brough home a puppy from your kennel that grew into truly an amazing dog, Totana's Piper Hill's Magdeburg (Maggie).   She was the M litter of Fellsway Mel Gibson and Totana's Alara of Piper Hill; 4/13/2001.  I wrote to you a few years ago commenting on her herding ability.  We worked in 4 states and even in Canada.  She was a natural and loved tending her flock.  We kept duck and chickens at home for the dogs to work, but her favorite stock was sheep.  Although I never trialed her, and spent most of my time and money on my crazy australian cattle dog - she had the talent; the temperment; and the confidence of a great dog.  He ability to use force when needed, and to tolerate pressure was amazing, and yet she was the gentlest bomb proof dog, gently moving ducks and tending our one year old son.  She could have been a schutzhund dog, the more force she encountered the more fun she had.  The old timey vet that we use took one look at her and would say "that's a very good shepherd you got there"; while my dog friends who know the herding breeds would marvel at her calm controlled moxy.  It's one thing when lay people comment that you have a nice family dog; it's quite a compliment in the dog world when exceptional temperment is recognized.  As far as her body, the caine chiropractor that we brought her to for just "preventative maintenance" (her hips and back were great) thought her structure to be quite good.  She knew Jello Von Der Wienerau, her great grandfather and cared for him during his last days.  She also excellent temperment and fine structure, stating "An American Shepherd, you don't know how lucky you are."  We were lucky, it was a honor and a priviledge to own a dog like Maggie.  She taught many a puppy good manners and was my household co-leader.  Wondering about her siblings?  I saw on your website one of her siblings was mentioned in another client letter.  Sounds like it was a hell of a litter.   We lost her today to Anal Sac Cancer, something that the vet says is quite rare that in nearly 35 years of practice he has only seen about 3-4 cases.  Seeing that it is so rare, he suggested that we let you know.   She died in our arms, she would have endured anything for us, but we did not want her to feel the pain that was beginning.  After 10 years of service to us, we gave her the gift of rest.   I see you are bringing in more German lines?  What are you looking to add?  With a one year old we have no time for a working puppy yet, but will most probably be back.  Thanks for giving us the gift of our girl.   Deborah & Robert

2-24-11

Hi Barbara!

I'm not sure if you remember me or not, I got Zoe from you and your husband 4 years ago. I just wanted to write in to let you know what a wonderful dog she has turned out to be. She has such personality! She can be serious and goofy all at once! Zoe has brought so much joy and happiness into my life and the lives of my family and friends. Everywhere we go, people always comment how beautiful she is. I thought you would like to see her all grown up so I attached a few photos. I hope all is well with you guys! Thank you!!! Kate

3-22-11

Hi, Back in 1997 with  the  pending  loss  of  our  German shepherd Kelsey (Marge Dolmar’s Kennel) we  visited  your  kennel  and were  fortunate to have one of your puppies, Totana’s Valkyrie of Piper Hill (our Kasey) from Totana’s Big Red  and Bobcat.After  almost  14  years  of devotion, fun and  companionship (and  an ACL  repair) we  will have  to put  her down from a lingering spinal condition. Her temperament had always been superb!So, at  this  time  we  are  checking  on any current availability or  future litters  you  may  be  anticipating.  Please get back to  us  with any litter news.  The house will be empty  without a shepherd!Thanks,Dave, Kathy and Trent 

August 18, 2010

Dear Barbara, I am not sure how many of these type of letters you get but I have been very fortunate to be the proud owner of Totana Piper Hill's Pistolero.  Pistolero was his registered name but to me he is Yukon.  I purchased Yukon from you Sept. 11,1996.  I came all the way from NY to get him.  When I picked him out I did not know his name.  It was fitting his name turned out to be Pistolero because I am a police officer and a pistol is a tool of the trade.   Another odd thing (odd in that it seems Yukon's path and my path were destined to cross) is that Yukon had the same birth date 7/6  as a woman I would meet a year later...that woman became my wife several years later. Yukon was put to rest today.  It has been a very emotional day.  He was a loyal playful friend.  Yukon was the best dog.  Everyone always commented on what a striking looking dog he was and how much of a "people" dog he was.  I don't think I ever met anyone that he didn't make smile or happy.  I will miss him dearly. Yukon battled his arthritis as long as he could.  He gave me everything he had.  The pain finally became too much for him and he could no longer stand for very long.  His eyesight got bad due to cataracts and his depth perception suffered.  It never stopped him from trying to get to where I was.  He always had an eyeball on me or what I was doing.  Whatever door I went out to go to work or elsewhere, that was the door he would camp out at faithfully waiting for my return.  When working midnights, if I went to go take a nap upstairs during the day while my wife watched tv...he had to come up and lay down next to the bed.  Sure he got into mischief when he was younger...and most of it sure made me laugh.  I swear I think sometimes he would get in trouble really loved me to chase him around.  As a real youngster I had cooks spaghetti sauce and had it on the counter to cool.  Well "Italian Yuke" as he was known after this incident found away to put his front paws on the counter and put his head in the sauce pot.  He ate it all with out any sign of disturbing anything other than the sauce was gone.  He also stole a sandwich or two in his younger years...ok ok maybe more sandwiches than that!  He settled down quite a bit when he was 2 years old and I bought a rescue GSD and brought her home for Yukon to have companion while i was working.  I was nervous at first when I brought her home because I thought he would be territorial but he was a real gentleman and let her get used to the house and yard and even let her play with his chew toys.  They hit it off and were friends until the day of Keisha's passing three years ago.   After Keish's passing Yukon slowed down quite a bit and began showing his age.  Even though he slowed he never failed to be apart of the family and always wanted to be where I was.  In the end I would carry him so that he could be where I was.  The vet and their staff have always commented on how they wished all dogs behaved like Yukon because it would make their jobs so much easier. Yukon will always be my little buddy.   I wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to purchase such a fine dog.  I am sorry for such a long letter but I really felt I owed it to Yukon to note what a great loyal friend he was.      He was a very special dog and meant the world to me. I have attached a picture of him and I. Sincerely, Jason M

July 2010

Dear Barbara & Frank,I have found your website and contact information and hope you do not mind my writing. We were fortunate to own one of your beautiful Shepherds, through adoption. When a dear friend passed away leaving her then 4 year old female, pampered house pet, her family encouraged us to adopt her dog. This very special animal was so sad and missing her owner and bringing her into our family was the most wonderful thing we ever did.Her paper name was “Totana’s Lana of Piper Hill”, although her original family never provided us with her papers, we knew them to be serious and excellent breeders at the time. “Lana” or “Lanie” was the dearest, smartest, most loving and protective pet we’ve ever had. I come from a family of Collie Breeders myself, and was completely hooked on Shepherds from then on.Lana was the most well trained, instinctive, almost human in our eyes. She had the most amazing way of communicating with us, vocally and otherwise. She was constantly under my feet, needing to be at my side every moment, something I do miss. She too survived her 13th year, as I see some others of yours have as well. She was only a few days shy of her 15th birthday, 1 year ago (she was born 6/2/94), when we finally had to let her go. She had suffered with nerve damage to her back from a fall 2 years prior, arthritis in her hind quarters, and loss of hearing. It was the hardest thing we’d ever had to do, but we knew that letting her go was the only fair way to repay her for her lifetime of protecting and loving us.Our Daughter now 8, grew up with Lana. From the day we brought her home from the hospital, Lana took responsibility for her. We set down the infant seat on the floor as our vet advised us to. Lana immediately began to shake and whimper, sniffing her out. Having had 2 litters of puppies herself, she felt the maternal instinct even then. After a few days of running to the baby at every sound, an exhausted Lana finally realized that someone else would take care of this pup. She slept for days after that!I just wanted to share our story with you and let you know how much our family, appreciates the breeding that came from yours. We are just now, 1 yr later, finally able to contemplate getting another dog. We know we will never be able to replace her, but we’ll try to find one with similar traits.Thank you and best regards,Jill M

Feb. 2010

Hi Barbara,We took one of your babies almost eight years ago,she was the offspring of Quella and  Dakota. We call her Anja she is very healthy and happyand I want to thank you for breeding such wonderful dogs. She has brought so much joy to us. I am attaching a few pictures so you can see how beautiful she is.These pictures were taken a month ago.Thank youRichard BOld Mystic Ct.

May 2009

'm attaching a couple of picture of Miss Dakota.(aka "Helena". She's a perfect fit here.  Her big sister Cheyenne is like a mother hen..she has set down her rules, though, and Dakota obeys!  Dakota is very smart!!!!!!  She learns so quickly.  Dr Kellogg and all the folks at the Vet love her.. She has a sweet dispostion but as all puppies, she can be a terror.  She just tore up my yellow pages while I was in the shower.  I will send more pictures as she grows.  Thank you so much for this beautiful puppy! Barbara W

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Lopez,I’m writing to you about our GSD, who was born in the “Z” litter on July 9, 1999. We picked him out from the litter while on a trip to Connecticut from our home in California. His registered name is Totana-Piper Hill’s Zoltan, but he is “Otto” to the family.  We call Otto our firstborn because he is one year older than our oldest child. He has been an outstanding big brother to our kids: affectionate, playful, and protective. At times he has borne a great deal of loving abuse: like when my daughter put her ballerina tutu on him, or when my son forced a coonskin cap over his head. In fact, his nature has been so forbearing from the start, that while still a puppy our vet recruited him as a blood donor for the clinic’s blood bank for dogs. This blood bank supplies blood and plasma to most of the veterinarians within a hundred mile radius.Otto served for over six years as a blood donor. While most of the donations were a monthly routine, there were several occasions when he was called in without notice to help a dog who had been savaged by a wild animal (we live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California, with mountain lions, black bears, and rattlesnakes), or who needed fresh blood due to a special procedure. It always made us proud to think that Otto was helping to save someone else’s friend. During the emergency calls we frequently met the owners of the dog who needed the blood, and received their grateful (and sometimes tearful) thanks.  Through it all, Otto became a favorite with the clinic’s staff because he would submit to them patiently, and never uttered a single bark or growl in protest.Unfortunately, shortly before celebrating Otto’s 9th birthday we discovered a lump on his side. After a biopsy and ultrasound he was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, which has already riddled his spleen. We considered surgery to remove the spleen, but since the cancer has already spread to other parts of his body, this is not an option. This diagnosis has taken us by surprise because Otto has been very healthy, with no prior health issues other than the occasional foxtail embedded in his skin. Although we are saddened that he will soon leave us, we hope to make his remaining few weeks/months as happy for him as he has made the past nine years for us. We wanted to let you know of his history and to thank you for breeding such a wonderful companion for our family.  Warm regards,The Linder FamilyMatt, Jane, James, Ellen and Otto

Hi - I am writing to tell you a story and to thank you for doing such a wonderful job breeding your Shepherds. My sister purchased "Totana's Jewel of Piper Hill" from you about 11 years ago. She moved and eventually this sweet pup named Pepper became mine. Last night at approximately 6:45pm she passed away from what seemed to be either a heart attack or a stroke of some sort. Throughout the Pepper's life she was a fun, happy, and healthy dog, bursting with energy. She never had any health problems up until the minute she passed. Her hips were as strong as could be. She always seemed to know intuitively when there was trouble (ie. people who I thought were friends she growled at a few times - turned out to be stealing from me) Otherwise she was so sweet. So at approximately 6:30pm I arrived home from the airport after picking up my fiance (we live together). Pepper was so happy to have us home. She was ready to play ball and run around out in our yard. After we all greeted each other, a few minutes passed and she came stumbling in from our kitchen to the living room, where we were, as if she was drunk. For a moment I thought, oh no she injured her hip. I jumped out of my chair and ran to her as she collapsed to the floor. My fiance called an emergency vet, and during the few precious minutes on the phone with her, Pepper faded away, in my arms. With dignity, and pride, she died quick and painless in my arms, in her house, with the family that she loved. Today I buried her in my backyard with some of her belongings, with a nice headstone. I am honored to have known such a great dog, and a great friend. It's going to take some time, but when I'm ready to own another dog, I will be calling, I just wanted to commend you on your very fine Shepherds, and share my story with you. I hope this message brings joy and not sorrow, after all Pepper always had a smile.-RB-

Dear BarbaraThank you for the privilege of owning another one of your fine animals.  Sincerely,           -MJK-Hi Barb, Just wanted to give you a follow-up on one of your puppies.  "Porter" is now 2 years old, (born August 18, 2004) and a big, beautiful boy.  He has touched our hearts in so many ways.  He is a kind, loving, affectionate, intelligent boy!  Where ever we go, we get sooooo many compliments on how beautiful he looks.  I want to say what a fantastic job you did.  Cosmo and Barbie should be proud parents.                                                                                    -L.P. & D.I. Canada-

Hi Barbara/Frank, I apologize for not communicating with you sooner, as it’s been absolutely insane at work.  Lucky is doing great, he received a clean bill of health from the vet and his second shots.  He is absolutely wonderful, has the same build as his mom, and the most amazing temperament, he is incredibly calm and smart.  I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful addition to our family, he is truly special.                                                                                                                -N.I. Connecticut-

Hi Barbara,   I just took this picture of John Henry. I got a new comforter set and he couldn't wait to try it out!!  Isn't he precious.  I tried to get rid of the flash eyes but sorry don't know how to do it.  He is so handsome even with those eyes!!  The perfect dog!!   We love him more and more  everyday!!  We're so lucky you bred such a wonderful dog.   His intelligence is astonishing.  Everywhere we go people comment on his beauty and size and of course he amazes everyone and us with his intelligence.  He is just amazing!!   We can't thank you enough for letting him join our life.  You should be so proud. We are and love him so much.  Jean

Dec. 2007

Hello Barbara, I have been wanting to write you for some time, but finally have a moment to do it.   In October of 2006, we were lucky enough to get one of Apache and Trial by Fire's puppies.  I have to tell you, he is an amazing dog - sweet  tempered and playful.   He is wonderful with our 7 and 9 year old boys, and has just fit right in to our family.  In addition to being strikingly handsome, he is very intelligent.  His training has been quite simple.   We brought him on our boat a number of times this past summer, and he loves to be in the water, especially if there is a frisbee and other dogs around!   You may remember when I first came to meet you, we had just lost our beloved 8yr old shepherd to a splenic tumor.  Sarge has done wonders to help our entire family through that loss.  After just a over a year of having him, we can barely remember life without him.   I have included a picture of Sarge, in one of his favorite spots at home - on the leather couch, watching TV.  I know he looks like a dog, but I don't think understands that he is actually a dog!   We would like to thank you for breeding such wonderful shepherds.   Happy Holidays to you and your family,  Beth R

January 2008

Barbara,   It has been almost 7 years since I got my baby Piper.  She was one of Fellsway Mel Gibson's and Totana's Alara of Piper Hill puppies.  My husband had retired so getting her was great.    My husband Bob passed away about 15 months ago.  Piper and I have done well.  She is my hiking partner and my companion.  She is absolutely in love with our mailman and greets him every day.   I meet more people  who know just by looking at her that she is "one of Barbara's dogs". She is beautiful like her mom and dad.  Thank you for such a wonderful animal.  She is my salvation.   Cordially,   D. B.

Hi Barbara & Frank,  I have owned for 3 years a wonderful shepherd bred by you, named "Totana's Gimba of Piper Hill" by Dolmar's Galen out of Opera Von der Kahler Heide whelped 3-24-98.  Somehow the "Gimba" got changed to "Kimba".  I have owned shepherds all my life, but this one is super special. I acquired her through a NJ based German Shepherd rescue after my last beloved shepherd died of hemangiosarcoma.  Kimba's owner could not take care of her any longer because he had suffered a stroke, and advertised her for adoption.  I met her and instantly fell in love. I am a veterinarian, working mainly on horses and have a farm with horses and another old 1/2 shepherd mutt (another rescue at 10 years old). My dogs have always gone with me on farm calls.  Kimba fit right in, with no fear of the horses, donkeys etc.  She even goes on night check to check on mares and foals and is very gentle with the foals. She is extremely intelligent, loyal, super disposition,loving,friendly dog with not a mean bone in her body. At nine, her hips are still excellent, although I did have to bring her to surgery for a tumor that grew on her chest-the size of a golf ball, and for anterior cruciate repair. She is probably the best dog I have ever owned .  She stays close and follows me everywhere.  I just had to look up your web site (which is very well done...).  I hope that you might have any close relatives of her, as I just love this dog, and would love to have similar breeding in a puppy.  I hope she lives til 20 but I know the unfortunate reality of the lifespan of large breed dogs (of course her buddy the muttsky is a healthy 14! KImba is still quite young at heart too, but I do see her slowing down a bit...) I was intrigued to see a half brother (Totana's Cosmo of Piper Hill-same sire Dolmar's Galen) as one of your stud dogs. Kimba looks a lot like Cosmo. I'm not really looking for anything in the very near future,(I hope ),  but I was hoping you could possibly keep me in mind or let me know if any close  pedigree puppies  come about.  I do not show and would only want "pet quality" with the same great temperament and conformation. I am enclosing a picture of Kimba.   Thank you very much, and I am very impressed with your breeding program. Sincerely, Diane Simoncini, DVM   Allentown, NJ

Hi Barbara, I thought that you might want to see photos of Lola who is one of GI Jane and Cosmo's pups from the May 15 litter last year, She's a great girl and she has a fantastic temperament. My grandkids enjoy dressing her up and she is very good with them. She is not bothered by anything really except other dogs (she had a bad experience at the dog park when she was younger which did not help).She will lie down and sleep at a birthday party with 20 kids running around and not be phased at all, She is in good health and she weighs 62,5lbs I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful dog and to let you know that she has good home and is loved very much. Thanks again,L. M.

November 2008

Hi Barbara, I don’t know if you will remember  me but I picked up our beautiful new puppy from you back in late August. We have named her Bailey and she is a super dog! She was born in the litter on June 30th so she is not quite 5 months old yet but is so smart and has the BEST temperament. I bring her to visit my office on weekends, I work in a police department so they are very crazy over German Shepherds and I have actually been told that my dog is a great advertisement for you as a breeder b/c of her striking beauty and super great temperament. We also visit my uncle in a nursing home and she doesn’t even flinch at the wheelchairs and walkers and very calmly and patiently accepts all of the attention lavished on her by the residents, she is quite the star! I have included some pictures for you some from when we first brought her home and the last one is from just this morning, and we want to thank you so much, I tell everyone who asks how great she is and am sure it is because you are so knowledgeable and careful in you breeding. Hope you and your family have a great holiday season and thank you once again!Anne Healey

Jan 2009

Hi Barbara! I was just going through a pile in my office and came across your Christmas card from last year. I realized that I never sent you the picture of Chris and Carly with Zahra. I am sending it to you now with two others from that day as well. Zahra is from Schatzie and Cosmo's litter and just turned 4 this past September. She just had a check up at the vet and is in excellent health with the exception of a minor injury to her cruciate ligament no doubt from chasing her ball (her most favorite game). She should be just fine with rest and time to heal. It is killing her though because the neighborhood kids have been here playing and sledding during the Christmas break, and that is what she lives for... those kids! She is protector and playmate not just for our children, but for all who enter our yard and home.  Zahra is everything we could have ever hoped for and more. Thank you Barbara, she makes our family feel complete! K. K.

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