On August 26th, 2016, Mark wrote:

“Elizabeth:

In the fall of 2013 we lost our rescue dog Geronimo and our collie Cheyenne to hip dysplasia.

After much research we chose the German Shepard breed, which led us to Candle Hill Shepherds. Cardinal stood out as a majestic male and we knew we wanted a puppy from him to join our family. It so happened that they had bred Cardinal with Mokka. So on April 16, 2014 we left our home in Western Montana on a journey to pick up Montana’s Sparkling Red Reba.

Reba is everything and more we wanted in a dog. Her ability to communicate, or talk dog to us, is inconceivable. She will sit and woof until we begin to ask questions. Do you want a bone; do you want to go outside; do you want a treat, do you want to go out on the deck? If we ask correct question she licks her lips telling us yes and that is the answer. So the question is who is training who?

We live in the country, on 35 acres, which means we spend a lot of time outdoors. Reba will keep watch over us to make sure we are alright and then wander off to explore. However, never out of ear shot. After a bit of time here she comes, to check on us and get in our way until we stop whatever we are doing and pet her. When the thunder starts Reba will come and get us, wherever we maybe on the property, and continue to woof until we go inside. Her caring nature is no more evident than when a robin’s nest fell out of a tree and Reba brought us the lone egg and dropped it in Shirley’s hand unscathed and intact. How incredible.

She is very protective of our family but yet friendly to strangers when she feels there is not a threat. Reba will not allow strange dogs to be around us but she knows when our son and daughter-in-law bring their two dogs to visit everything is good. Candle Hills’ motto is so true: ‘Our goal is to produce a dog a burglar will run from but a child can hug.’ We thank you for the joy you have brought to our family…She is more than a dog; she is a member of our family. Have a wonderful day.

Sincerely

Mark & Shirley”