Reference Letters
A few of the many letters I've received from Guardian Angel Shepherd owners:
SUBJECT: GUARDIAN ANGEL SHEPHERDS
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my complete and utter pleasure to recommend Mary Ann Marcellus and Guardian Angel Shepherds to anyone who is considering adding a German Shepherd puppy to their family.
This year, after years of downtown living, I moved to the edge of the city and to an environment that was conducive for getting a German Shepherd puppy I had been thinking about for quite a few years. We had grown up with a German Shepherd at my family home and she had the most wonderful temperament – I knew that this was the breed of dog I wanted to have in my own home.
After much research including surfing the web and talking to people, I was led to Mary Ann and Guardian Angel Shepherds. After some initial emails and conversations, I made the trip to Olds to see the new litter of Justice and Kahlua and to talk further about my acquiring one of the puppies.
When you first visit Guardian Angel Shepherds, you will be left with no doubt that Mary Ann is 100% devoted to her canine family and that she is extremely diligent about determining who is going to get one of her puppies. There is a pretty thorough screening process including an extensive questionnaire which Mary Ann uses not only to determine the suitability of the person for adopting one of her puppies but also to determine which puppy is best suited for each person she approves.
Mary Ann invests an extraordinary amount of time in monitoring and recording the behaviour and personality characteristics of each puppy in the 8 weeks after they are born. It is through this process that Mary Ann determined that ‘Light Green’ was going to be the best dog for my lifestyle. She couldn’t have been more right – ‘Light Green’ is now called Shiloh and I can tell you that I could not imagine her not being a part of my household. From the moment I picked her up, she exhibited the most delightful personality and is truly a joyful dog, well-adjusted dog.
I found that the guidance and advice that Mary Ann gave me was invaluable. She sends you on your way armed with a wealth of information and guidance and I was able to check with her about any questions I had – they were many at the beginning!
If you are thinking about getting a German Shepherd puppy, look no further! From my personal experience, I can assure you that by dealing with
Guardian Angel Shepherds, you are dealing with a company and individuals who are devoted to promoting and raising happy and healthy dogs
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If you would like to ask me questions about my experience, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Debra R. Lamb​
Dear Potential “Angel” Buyer:
If you want a strong, spirited and vigorous Shepherd…buy a Guardian Angel!!! My husband and I purchased a puppy from MaryAnn in October 2005 and have had nothing but great experiences with both Lexx (our puppy) and MaryAnn.
We purchased a German Shepherd because my husband works shift-work and we wanted a guard dog for the nights when I’m home alone. Lexx is a very smart dog and quite quickly took it upon himself to make sure that “no one comes near mom unless I say so!!!” While he’ s very protective, he is still very gentle, cuddly and loving. Lexx immediately began to learn “sit”, “down” and “stay” from our older Shepherd and I very much look forward to expanding that obedience training in the new year.
MaryAnn is very knowledgeable about the growth and training of a Shepherd; when we came to pick up Lexx, we had a whole list of ‘instructions’ before we even left her house!!! Every question or concern that I’ve ever emailed to MaryAnn, she has quickly responded with an answer…and she’s always right!
So if you are looking for a dedicated, intelligent and vigilant Shepherd (that still LOVES to cuddle in the morning), I highly recommend that you buy a Guardian Angel! You’ll be glad you did.
Sincerely,
Brandi Seutter
Our attention was brought to Guardian Angel Shepherds when we first saw a picture of two magnificent German Shepherd Dogs on the internet. We were looking for a GSD puppy from a European line at the time and couldn't believe our luck when we found out that these two beautiful dogs were the parents of a new litter of 10!
We were very impressed by the professional way that Mary-Ann of Guardian Angel Shepherds handled the whole transaction. There was absolutely no commitment made by either party until both were satisfied that 1) the puppy was right for us; and 2) we were right
for the puppy. After a pretty thorough questionnaire and personal meeting; it was Mary-Ann who would determine which puppy (if any) that we would be best suited with. Not only did we meet the parents of this litter, but we were also fortunate to meet "Angel", the grandmother.
It really wasn't until we had had the puppy for a few weeks, that we realized just how important that decision really was. We were eventually matched up with a wonderful black and tan puppy, whom we named "Ruger". Mary-Ann had carefully taken into consideration that we had a large property that could handle a high-energy dog, that we were looking not only for a companion but for a protector; and the fact that we had no children. Ruger has turned out to be a perfect match.
Even though Ruger is only 18 weeks old, he has shown to us that he is capable of being the dog we want and more. With some formal training, we are looking forward to bringing out the attributes that this generation of GSD has to offer.
Our biggest thanks go out to Mary-Ann and Guardian Angel Shepherds for bringing Ruger to our family.
Kim & Phil Hornsby​
Hi Mary Ann
Just want to tell you how Zena is doing, she is the dog I was looking for always stays close and is a great companion and so smart, I have never had a dog that was as easy to train. She had her spay surgery last month without any problems. I got the books you recommended lots of good information there. I took your advice and got her a big crate it was hard at first to lock her up when she couldn't go with me but it works. She now takes naps and sleeps in it at night with the door open.One other thing that is different about Zena is that she seems to really trust me, she allows me to examine her paws and ears without a struggle must be due to the start you gave her. I am sending a picture it's not very good but will get you a better one.
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Brian
Hi Mary Ann
It has been to long since I sent an update on Zena she is a year old already. She is a beautiful well behaved dog and is a better companion than I had imagined she would be. I don't know how you do it but she is exactly the type of dog I told you I was looking for. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Brian
The following is an email I received from abrand new puppy owner after an 8 hour triphome with her new pup.
Hi Mary Ann,
We made it safe and sound with no vomit or bathroom accidents! Chassis travelled quietly and when she would start to fuss a bit, We would take a potty break. She would pee right away and then we would be right back on the road for another couple of hours. Pretty amazing for a 7 week old! She had a good supper when we got home and has been having a grand time exploring and greeting everything around here since. We are all so impressed with how you have raised her so far! so relaxed and confident. I'll keep you posted on the next few weeks.
Thanks for everything!!
Julie
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49 Cimarron Meadows Road
Okotoks, AB, T1S 1T6
It is with great pleasure that we write this letter of recommendation for Mary Ann and Guardian Angel Shepherds. Three years after the passing of our previous shepherd, we started to consider another dog. We knew we wanted a shepherd but as I was a home care provider for 6 children plus our own daughter, we knew we had to be extremely careful about the dog we brought home. Our research brought us to Mary Ann’s web site and we were impressed with her knowledge, training abilities and obvious love of her animals. After several emails we had a visit with Mary Ann, at this visit we learned so much about what a good breeder and trainer could do to prepare our future puppy for our home. We were somewhat surprised with the extensive questionnaire and the fact that Mary Ann herself would eventually pick out which puppy would be ours. Still our gut feeling told us that Mary Ann would know exactly which puppy would have the temperament of both being gentle, but still a guardian for our family.
On May 15th 2006 we brought Jake home. He is the delight Mary Ann promised us and was, after only 2 weeks already obeying several commands. We truly believe that Jake’s intelligence is not only from his breeding but also the excellent start Mary Ann provides right from the puppies’ birth.
Jake is now 3 and a half months old and a pleasure to have in our home. He’s gentle with the children, yet alerts us to people on the other side of our high fence. Our family now gets a lot of exercise, which is rewarded by a calm, relaxed puppy until his next scheduled exercise time.
Sincerely,
Hazel, Mark and Katie Gray
Hi MaryAnn,
Here's a picture of Ulla. Haven't talked to you in a while and wanted to let you know how well she is doing. She is growing up so nicely and getting a bit calmer each day. We are going to school at Petsmart, it's easier for me to go to someone in the city. I had gone to our previous trainer for basic obedience but she was having lots of cancellations so I switched to Petsmart. I like their concept of training; they teach you the lesson in the training room and then you go out into the store and practice out in all the distractions of food, toys, cats, birds, people and all the other dogs that people bring into the store. We
are in intermediate training level now and she's doing well. She is a quick learner and loves to learn.
And you wouldn't believe (you probably would!) all the compliments we get on her. She is such a beautiful dog. And can she ever jump, straight up into the air! At the rig she knows how to open the door. It has one of the bars at waist level and she stands up and hits it
with her front feet. The other day we sent the medics dog outside and I locked the door just before Ulla came running after her. She jumped up with all 4 feet as high as the bar. She is like a gazelle. When she has her obedience lessons well learned, I am contemplating agility. She is fast and very agile. She's a wonderful dog and we are so thankful that we have her. We are having such fun with her. Just wanted to let you know how's she's is doing and that we are so happy with her.
Susan and John Barker
We would highly recommend adding a new family member from Guardian Angel Shepherds. The entire process was handled in a professional manner. We were updated on the growth of our puppies and we were matched with the perfect puppy for our family. We have had many compliments about our puppy from strangers we have met at various parks, stores etc. We have told everyone where she came from and would recommend Guardian Angel Shepherds to anyone looking to add a shepherd to the family.
The Bakers
Hello , just wanted to touch base. Our Indie has really become one of us, she is just like family, she cracks me up. She listens real well to all of us, but she is definitely Donna's girl. She has been nothing but amusing because she is so smart. With her puppy like attitude she has done next to nothing for damage , as she loves to pack our boots to the steps for you after you have taken them off and when you leave you can get her to pick it up and bring it to the door if you just ask, I swear she understands English better than most kids. We just love her to death, our vet says she is incredibly healthy and loves going there , she appears to feel no pain and when she gets her shots she does not even flinch. She always ask now to go out to go to the bathroom and she is so polite about it that sometimes I miss her asking and we have had the odd mess , but for a young girl of 4 months and 2 weeks she is awesome, at the rate she is going we expect to have her cooking and typing by the time she is 2...hahahaha, it sure does feel that way. She is so kind, a little ramy with the other 2 little dogs but she is finding the tolerance level quite quickly. Indie is family , you sure do know how to pick for families, she is everything I would want in a dog and that goes double for Donna.
Thank you Ken Iredale
Hi MaryAnne,
I just thought I would get in touch with you and send a new picture of Ulla. She is a wonderful dog and so much fun. She is a “girly” dog John says; she likes to have her nails painted and be told how pretty they are and when the hairdryer is going she is right there for a bit of blowdry. And on the other hand she shows her presence, no one will walk in the door without us giving permission to her to accept them and then they can come in. The meter readers never go in the yard without ringing the bell first. Nobody goes into our backyard if we aren’t there. I feel totally protected with her around, she sleeps beside my side of the bed, and loves to be right with you all day long. She is my travelling companion when we are driving and again, I feel totally protected. And then on the other hand she loves her “babies” (stuffed animals) and will run and jump and play with them just like a little puppy. We are told by many what a beautiful dog she is!
Now you have had many puppies over the years and I am sure they are all as wonderful as Ulla and I wanted to send a little note of congratulations to you for breeding such great dogs. Looking at the Family album shows what gorgeous dogs they are. Anyone that has one should consider themselves lucky. I know I do! We’re so thankful to have her in our life.
Have a Merry Christmas and good luck with the next litter!
Susan and John Barker
Mary Ann
It is been awhile since I have written but I am a regular visitor at your web site to keep up to date with the news and check out the pictures. If you weren’t five hundred miles away I would visit to meet your dogs especially Diesel and Indy. I think Zena would have been very much like Indy. I got my first purebred german shepherd 18 years ago and have had three more since then, not a very good record. My first got cancer at eight years the second at only six then there was Zena and now Ruger. I loved every one of them but Zena was special. From
the moment she stepped out of the crate we where best friends I can’t put it into words there was just something special that I think was a once in a life time experience. Although she has been gone for over two years now I still think of her almost every day. The statement on your home page - this will be the dog by which you judge all others is very true for me.
Thanks for your time I know you are going to get really busy in the next few days. Best of luck to you and Indy with the litter.
Brian
Note: Zena was tragically killed by a car two years ago. Unfortunately accidents happen and sometimes there's no one to blame. Brian now has a new Guardian Angel
Just got back from my 6 week Obedience and Master Trainer Course and quite a nose on her! Although dubbed the “Cadaver” dog, as she liked to find any furry bodies along her tracking course, this was in part due to her ease on the course and deciding that she could follow the track and find small beasties at the same time. By the end of the 3 weeks of tracking, she flew through her industrial track (little to no grass on concrete, crossing roads with traffic constantly passing) with ease. She did equally well in her drug searching portion where I learned that trusting her (staying out of her way) and letting her work was the key to everything we did in this course. As for the Personal Protection portion of the course, she was truly a natural! The dogs are pre-tested to see what category they fall into ie: no protection; bluff dog; personal protection; attack; running attack etc. In our group there were mostly shepherds and shepherd crosses and she was immediately rated as the one who could go through all phases of protection work right off the mark. These types of dogs are highly regarded for protection and police work. Although I’m sorry that she had to leave her original home, I’m thrilled that she was able to become part of our family. Here's a couple of pictures enjoying her new family.
Robin
Hi Mary Ann,
I'll burn you a photo cd, and make a point of seeing you soon. Of course please do share them. I can't wait for you to see him, and see him work. Ron didn't before he passed....I think he'd very proud too. His overall abilities even amaze me. I used an 'overlapping' technique. Meaning,
he was introduced to SAR sims, UD scent and evidence search articles while he was still very young, doing Basic Puppy. Before he completed a CD level, he was working on CX retrieving and hand signals. And so on. Lot's of socializing , a little protection test or two, a mock CD trial. All
before he was 8 months old. Wonderful temperament! He can go from hanging out with buddies kids one minute, to a SAR dog or perform Police dog duties in a nano second. Have I got stories for you!!. You must come into Olds 2nd weekend in June during the Ride for Sight weekend. We'll be "On Duty" patrolling and performing security functions, again this year. Hey... what a great forum for a full blown K9 demo?? Hmm...Ill see what the organizers say.
Ron ​
The following is an email I received from a family who adopted one of mydogs 4 years ago. The names have been changed to protect theinnocent. I do not put this letter on the internet to embarrass theowners, far from it. I feel very badly for them and have since talked tothem. They talked about the possibility of putting the puppy down as theaggression has become so bad. I've agreed to take the pup for a monthof training to try and solve their problems. The reason I put this letter up is so that people can see that beingpatient and waiting for the right dog is essential. Whether it be my dogor someone else's.
Hi Mary-Ann: I'm writing to you because I'm not sure where else to turnand with your tremendous experience I'm hoping you can help us out.Kandie who is now 4 years old is a beautiful dog and our pride and joy andwe are so happy we got her from you. We had no trouble training her. She's an absolute pleasure. We wanted another german shepherd and solooked again at your website and saw you had an extensive wait list solooked elsewhere.
In hindsight a big mistake. We got another pure bredshepherd from a breeder who has now moved to New Brunswick andwe're sorry to say we were not impressed. Anyhow, her name is Rover andshe was born 5 March 09 so just over 6 months old. We've had her sincethe first week of May. She ended up with a bad gastroenteritis after thefirst month then a bladder infection so had some set backs. I've taken herto petsmart for dog lessons for which she did really well other thanbarking at a few dogs for the first few minutes with which the trainerbelieved she just wanted to play. We just finished that group of lessons 2weeks ago before she was spade. Here's the big problem. Each time shehas to poop or has pooped she becomes very aggressive and wants tobite your ankles. We've used bitter apple which seems to phase her alittle and stop, however since she's been spade, her episodes of wantingto bite have increased.
I try and have her go through her sitting, downexercises, etc which seems to calm her down a bit but many times itswrestle her to the ground, try and keep her pinned until she realizes whois boss and by then we're battered and bruised which seems to be anecessary evil but it doesn't stop. We have also had a problem with herplaying too rough with Kandie. She'll latch onto the back of her neck andbite hard and not let go. As a result I purchased a soft nylon mussel whichI put on her when they are outside for short play sessions so Kandie doesnot get hurt hoping Roxi would get the message. Kandie is very good atpinning her to the ground to show her dominance over her. We have hadto block off the kitchen to have her spend her time there when we're nothome because she gets so very excited around the other 2-Kandie andour 8 year old shepherd cross that she tries to jump on them and theydon't want anything to do with it.
Kandie tries to protect the older dog,growling etc ensues. I have had Rover on a leash in the living room, haveher sit in front of the others etc but the excitement factor seems to be toohigh and the others take off. At night she stays in her kennel outside ourroom where we are in full view. Kandie sleeps on her bed only about afoot away when she hasn't jumped up on the bed with us. It is very clear tous that Rover would be perfect for a one dog family that doesn't havesmall children. I'm hoping it doesn't come to having to find another homehowever that is something we may have to consider. When she is in thehouse and the others are outside she is a perfect dog. We walk her byherself 2-3 times a day until very tired, she has no problems with meetingpeople in the street.
She likes to bark at the occasional other dog thatpasses, but still working on that. I don't know if you have any suggestionson how we can better manage her biting but we're at a total loss and reallywant her integrated with the others but I'm not sure how realistic that is. I'm now trying short periods of time with just Kandie and Rover togetherwhile Sarah is outside but they only last about 10-15 minutes before theplay becomes rough and once again Rover tries to bite too hard onKandie's neck. We would really appreciate any insight or suggestions youmay have. We still live in XXXX which is about 3 hours away. Please let usknow what you think or if you have any suggestions on how to help us.
Thanks xxxx and xxx
Hi Mary Ann,I know I’ve said it again and again but I have to say it again, thank you forbreeding and putting countless hours of work into raising your pups.Everyday I think that Cai is such a great dog in so many ways.As you know, we have a German Shepherd that was bred specifically forpolice work. I have spent four solid years training her and working with herto shape her into a suitable “house” dog and to be honest, it’s still a workin progress! She will never lose some of what she has had ingrained intoher. I am looking forward to raising and training Cai and am sure that it willbe a completely different experience. Even now, as my husband gets readyto go to work Cali gets all hyped up thinking she’s the one going to work!Cai looks at her like “what is the big deal”. Although they’re both “working”lines, they’re so different already.
Cai will play play play and then when we’re watching TV or I’m on the computer working, she will lay down besideme. Cali is the opposite, she can’t sit through a half hour TV show, nevermind a movie!!!Cai has a wonderful disposition and a real willingness to please. I am sothankful that when she came to us she had never had a “bad” experienceand had never been reprimanded - she is very easy to train, despite beingthe one with “attitude” in her litter! I’m happy and proud to train her withpositive methods.
She is a pretty fearless pup and things that she is a bitcautious of don’t take her long to overcome. We started up one of oursnowmobiles the other night and she wanted no part of being close to it.With very little “work” she is now climbing up onto the machine when it’srunning! The other thing I am proud of her for is going outside at 12 weeksold in the Arctic winds of 110km’s/hr and blowing snow to go to thebathroom....when we were coming back inside the wind was pushing usbackwards, I was worried that it may have a negative effect on her askingto go out again later - it didn’t she went right to the back door later askingto go out.
She has been a breeze to house break, despite getting her inthe dead of winter in the Arctic!People had asked us “why we didn’t get to choose our puppy” I’veexplained that you do “puppy testing” and match the dogs the best you canto the most suitable families, depending on the persons experience, whatthe dog is going to be doing etc. I am in favor of your methods and afterhaving been through your process and having had our pup for a fewweeks now, you do a wonderful job and clearly know what you’re doing.In the past I’ve had police dog handlers ask people to contact me to askabout my experience with Cali before buying one of their dogs.
I’d be morethen happy to be a reference to you in the future should anyone want toadopt one of your dogs. And please, if you have someone that thinks they’d prefer a “police” bred dog over one of your dogs, give them my phonenumber! As much as they are fantastic dogs and I love and adore Cali, theyare a lot of work and most people would have no idea the half of it.Once again, thank you for the compassion and dedication that you put intobreeding your dogs. Breeders like you are few and far between.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Werrell
Dear Mary Ann and Mark
happy Christmas and only good things in the New Year.Star aka. Miss Red(Spirit ) is doing just swimmingly she is a beautifuladdition to our family. This coming Tuesday is her final puppy obedienceclass and we fell pretty certain she will pass with flying colors.She isabsolutely wonderful in every way which speaks volumes about herbreeding and early life experiences .Linda and I feel that we have a dogthat is limited only by our dreams and aspirations .We could not be happier!Like you we have been having computer challenges but hope very soon toget some pictures of Star off to you.We will keep in touch.All the best of the season and thank you.
Rick Horsley and Linda Anton
Hi Maryann,I don’t know where the time goes. Gypsy just turned 2 yesterday, so I thought I’dsend you a couple of new photo’s taken in the last few weeks. As you probablyalready know, it’s so difficult getting a good shot of an all black dog. These turnedout quite good though.She’s doing really well, we just love her. She is such a great companion. I knowyou are really busy as I’ve been reading your website. So, don’t worry if you don’thave time to write back.
Take Care!
Joanne and Kim Larsen
dog came up to Vigo and his sister Mescha. The dog was acting quite aggressively towardsMescha for some reason and Vigo got in between them and told the other dog where to go. Wewere very impressed....he's not aggressive or dominant in any other way so to see him be soprotective like that was neat.He is now 6 months and 68 pounds. Mescha is 3 years and only 67 pounds. She's still tallerand longer but Vigo is just solid. We couldn't be happier with Vigo!
Take care,
Meghan and Jack
Hi MaryannWe have been thinking about maybe adding to our pack with another shepherd. Ursus is now byherself as we had to put the sharpei down due to medical reasons. We have talked about it buthavent committed just yet, if we do decide you would be our breeder of choice. We have beenpraising you as the breeder in everything you have done for your dogs and the puppies, in thecare you give them to selecting the right pup for the right family. We love our dog and are soproud of her temperment as well as her intellect. Thank you again. We will continue to visit yoursite to see when you are expecting a new litter and will let you know when we are ready to add toour pack.
Trudy & Al Blair
Kinga is doing so well and really is a treasure to have. I can’t believe how smart she is.To anyone who is thinking of bringing in a German Shepherd puppy into their home GuardianAngel Shepherds is the place to go. Mary Ann takes the utmost care and concern to makingsure you get the best puppy for your family. I was a little nervous about letting someone elsechoose who would spend the next 15 years with us but it was the best thing we could have done.Mary Ann watching and knowing those puppies better than anyone knew exactly the right dog forour busy home. When she got to our house she fit in right away and could sit and lay down andknew her name within 2 days I couldn’t believe it. She even was potty trained within 2 days. Iknew right away that we got a puppy from a home where they really take proper care of theirdogs and love doing what is best for them. I would definitely say if you are thinking of adding aspecial little one into your life this is the way to go. Thank you so Mary Ann for always listening toour concerns and being a wonderful resource to learn about and love our puppy.Hope you enjoy the pictures I will continue to send updates and pictures as she grows.Thank you so much for our special little girl.
Sarah Tisdall