About Our Legacy
About Mary Ann
Mary Ann Marcellus is a professional dog trainer as well as a breeder. By combining herknowledge of dogs as a trainer and as a breeder, she can provide you with the best dog foryour needs.
Mary Ann has trained dogs for over 30 years and owns her own training centre which shefounded in 1992. She is the head-trainer for EAGLE HILL OBEDIENCE CLUB & KennelMaster for GUARDIAN ANGEL SHEPHERDS . Unlike most trainers and breeders, this is MaryAnn's full-time job and passion.
Continuing education is a priority for Mary Ann. Books, DVDs, Audios & Seminars keepMary Ann on top of the ever changing dog world. She has travelled throughout Canada andthe U.S. to attend talks, seminars and clinics given by the world's top behaviourists, breeders& veterinarians. "Education is the key to success!"
Teaching is something that comes naturally to Mary Ann. Her quiet and consistent ways withthe dogs are also felt by her clients. "Mary Ann is a wonderful teacher! Very patient andunderstanding. She'll work with you until you understand it. She's wonderful!" "Mary Ann isvery approachable. She never makes you feel badly and is always there with encouraging words."
As well as instructing at her club, Mary Ann teaches the Animal Health Technicians at OldsCollege. The AHT students are assigned individual dogs as part of their learning experience.
Mary Ann teaches the students dog behaviour, psychology and obedience so that they havehands-on experience before leaving college. This practical knowledge gives them ahead-start in their profession. It has been a wonderful success story for both students andanimals. The dogs are obtained from local humane societies and rescue shelters. The dogsare spayed/neutered, vet checked and trained by the students and are then adopted out tonew families. Imagine! It's a win-win-win situation! Students, owners & dogs!
Highlights in Mary Ann's career always involve helping dogs, help people. Mary Ann hasbeen involved with placing service dogs from Hearing Ear Dogs in Colorado, training Karelian Bear Dogs to keep Polar Bears & Grizzlies out of Northern oil installations and Environmental Impact Lodges as well as training Therapy & Service Dogs.
Mary Ann is always surrounded by her personal pack of German Shepherds. The packconsists of Kahlua (Grandma), Merlin, Isis, Indy, Liberty, and Ebony. Diesel & Timber live withher adult children but are close by for those who want to see them. All the dogs live in thehouse with her but also have numerous large outside yards to run and play in safety. MaryAnn does not believe in raising dogs in kennels and isolation from one another. Her packlives as nature intended; together.
Mary Ann is a member in good standing of The Canadian Association of Professional PetDog Trainers, The German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada and The Canadian KennelClub.
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When it comes time to pick your cute, cuddly ball of fur, I will make sure that the puppy that goeshome with you is exactly what you were looking for. I will also provide a free Puppy Kindergarten Course with every puppy! What better way to get started than that!
My dogs stand head-and-shoulders above the rest because I feel that the dogs not only need to look good, but must be able to DO something as well. That's why so many of my dogs go into Search & Rescue, Service and Therapy Dog programs. I only compete in Obedience trials.
I do not show my dogs in conformation because it would be a waste of time. Most North American judges are looking for over-angulated, light boned dogs. Mine do not resemble that description in any way. (Please see Work vs Show page)
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If you would like a Canine Partner for Life, you've come to the right place.
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Have you ever seen a German Shepherd working? I believe it is one of the most beautiful sites in the world. Man & dog, working together towards a common goal. It could be a Search & Rescue team searching a disaster area, or a Therapy Dog giving kisses to terminally ill children. Maybe it's the family pet accompanying his child to the store. It doesn't really matter what it is. It is a site you will never forget.
I want to create more of those scenes.
In 1991, I finally found my perfect girl. It took me nearly 20 years in the dog industry to find just what I wanted. Her name was "Guardian Angel". And an Angel she was. The perfect combination of bloodlines, brains and looks. She achieved several obedience titles, did demonstrations at elementary schools and at my obedience club, attained her official Therapy Dog status and was an
all-around talented dog. I believe she could have done anything that she put her mind to. My kennel is named after her.
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I used to be able to say "Four generations on site as well as both parents." It saddens me to say that "Grandma Angel" has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at 14 1/2 years old. For all those lucky enough to meet her, you know she will be very sadly missed. A donation in her name was made by Olds Pioneer Veterinary Clinic towards research in companion animal care. Thank you everyone!
Shaolin's Guardian Angel 1991 - 2005
Guardian Angel's True Justice 1997-2006
Diesel Vom Haus Marcellus 2003-2012
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We miss you all!
We are located near Olds, Alberta, Canada and are
very proud to produce the BEST
German Shepherd for your needs! .
Our dogs are all house-dogs, NO kennel raised dogs at Guardian Angel Shepherds.
We breed for temperament first but our dogs can work or play all day! Sound in body and mind. All
of my puppies have gone on to become Search & Rescue dogs, Therapy Dogs, Competition Dogs or
valued family protectors. A true credit to their beautiful breed.