I usually do not do reviews or testimonials,but to not do one in this case would be a serious and grave injustice to Brenda Bailey and the extreme dedication and hard work not to mention overall love and devotion she has for her dogs at Coastal Roots German Shepherds in Giants Lake, Nova Scotia.
My search for a German Shepherd began just under a year ago, with a small break in there for the untimely passing of a family member.Now my idea of the perfect shepherd is what people these days call "old fashioned shepherds", and thats dogs with big bones,great colors and lines,a straight back and of course the perfect temperment.After looking at numerous dogs and puppies as well as meeting and talking to many breeders and people where there was always 1 or 2 things and in some cases more, that just did not entice me or give me the feeling I needed to get the puppy.My search continued and I came across an ad on kijiji where she showed pics of the adult dogs not the puppies, .The ad gave me her website to which is a very impressive and well put together site with an abundance of pictures and information on it, not just the usual pictures of puppies and prices like on other sites. My initial contact with Brenda was inquiring about a male puppy, and begin the extensive list of questions and requirements that I require in purchasing a puppy.Our conversation was very lengthy and many questions and answers were both asked and answered by the both of us.She informed me that at the moment there were no pups available but explained her planned breeding schedule for this year. Our conversation continued and she told me of a 9 month old female pup that was going to be a keeper but due to un-planned and unforseen circumstances could possibly be available,at this point I told her about the rest of my dogs,especially my very high energy white standard poodle, "Casper", along with 16 year old Duncan, a labradoodle and Riley, a 14 year old shih tzu.I told her my initial reason for another dog was I wanted a playmate for Casper, as I strongly believe that dogs do better in pairs or groups,(they are pack animals).The conversation continued and she sent pics of the dog to which I immediately knew I wanted,I immediately told her that I would like to have this little girl named "Jazz" if I could, knowing she would not only be a perfect companion for Casper, but fulfill my wish of having the GSD of my dreams that because of various circumstances, I was never able to have.
Well I will honestly say that Brenda telling me I could have Jazz made me the happiest I've been in a long long time.So plans were made for meet and pick up and during that time Brenda shared a vast amount of pictures and info with me which of course made me all the more excited and happy. So it was set and Casper and I were off to meet Jazz, now I must say the meet went pretty much as I expected, and in saying that I must add it went perfect, Jazz barked for approx 1 hour but after some treats and talking she warmed to me and started to play with Casper as well,all was fine,when she was barking I sensed Brenda might think I would change my mind but I told her that if Jazz didn't react that way to a stranger and strange dog in her house I would of been surprised. So with that Brenda and I talked some more about various things and she showed me the very impressive pedigrees and bloodlines for the dogs, which of course I will be very proud to add to my wall, and we concluded our business.So with a 2 and a half hour drive, and evening approaching and possibility of tricky weather I loaded the dogs and turned to say goodbye to Brenda,(quick note:anyone who questions the love Brenda has for her dogs........should of been there that day), but she assured me she was happy that Jazz was going to a loving home with other fur-kids and a loving dad that knows about dogs,with that said I was off.Now for a dog that barked for an hour she was an angel in the truck,not a peep,in a strange vehicle with a stranger and strange dog , this perfect little girl said nothing the whole trip.I will admit that arriving home would be a little anxious as I wondered how she would get along with Duncan and Riley but she quickly put my mind at ease,we walked in they all did the dog sniff greeting and all was fine,oh and it took 2 days before she made any noise. Over the next couple of days her most redeeming quality became even more evident,and that is her temperment,Jazz is an absolute sweetheart and is smart beyond belief, as is evident in the way she knows and accepts that Duncan is the alpha dog in house and treats him with the respect he deserves,she also knows who is the overall alpha of her new pack which has made this transfer an absolute dream,it couldn't of gone better or easier. I have to now thank you Brenda from the bottom of my heart, because the gift that you gave me has made me so extremely happy.I still sit here and can't believe she's here,and she's mine, and that she is so perfect, again I can never fully express how thankful I am.
On a closing note, and strictly but firmly and I'll stand behind it 100 percent, my opinion of getting a dog from you Brenda was a most enjoyable, satisfying and easy thing to do.In my search I can honestly say that I seen no dogs that looked better, had the pedigrees yours have,the bloodlines and not to mention you, your knowledge,dedication and love you have for your dogs made this a truly enjoyable experience, and I don't believe a person looking for a world class german shepherd could find a more beautiful well balanced dog with a great temperment, not to mention a truly great breeder/person than you and your dogs.They might find one thats equal, but I believe would be hard pressed to find one better. I will be sending you updates and pics as you would like because this day and age it's not a hard thing to do or take long to do.
: From Duncan,Riley,Casper and me,Bernie,we want to thank you for letting Jazz come into our lives.(she's one of the family now),and she is loved beyond belief.
Bernie from Dartmouth Nova Scotia Jazz from Utah/River litter!