I get so many spontaneous texts and emails from my puppy buyers, I decided to start saving them and make a "Reviews" or "Testimonials" page on my website, so here goes!
From a Visitor:
I am just reaching out to tell you how truly impressed I am with your breeding philosophy and the way you raise your pups. My parents are so excited to add a Vizsla to the family. I just wanted to let you know that my neighbors got a Wirehaired Vizsla yesterday and I was able to identify so many red flags after learning so much from you. Poor girl came with fleas, had never been in a crate, peed the crate and panicked because she had never experienced water or a bath before, and to top it all off... the dog was delivered to their home. They never saw her living conditions or even met the breeder.
All this to say, I sincerely commend your ethical breeding standards and can see the night and day difference between your pups and this pup. I have raved about you to all of my rescue groups. I am honored that my parents will one day have a Firelight Vizsla and I’m excited to be a part of their journey knowing that these puppies came from such a nurturing environment. Shannon M.
Hi Karen, I just want to say good morning! This year has been so incredible. I can't tell you how much I have learned along the way and how thankful I am. Tank is doing great.
Margo A. (Brooklyn NY)
"You gave me the tools (over 63 lessons) to properly raise the 5th dog in my family's life. I have got to be the best so Emma can reach her potential. I cannot express the happiness and love that I have for her. She is special because of what you do for the breed and it shows in her." John J. (Alabama)
Hi Karen!
Just wanted to let you know that Jane and Berra came up to train and she is amazing! What a pretty girl And smart in all Jane asked her to do! Her ability to figure things out and willingness to work with great effort is amazing!
Congratulations on breeding such a nice example of our breed and finding such a wonderfully perfect home! Looking forward to watching her grow up! Anne S. Dog Trainer (NC)
Chaffee is adjusting so well! He has had only one accident in the house in the last two weeks and definitely knows to go outside. He is starting to let us know as well by going to the door.
He has learned to sit, come, lay down, and come up on the couch. He also shakes perfectly. He is learning to stay but gets so excited by the treats it is hard for him but he gives it his best shot. Chaffee is our little shadow-always with us and wanting to help out, even if that means climbing into the laundry basket to help with laundry.
He is charming everyone in our neighborhood and plays with the cocker spaniel of our neighbors next door. We are absolutely crazy over him. Shailee and Egor (Atlanta GA)
I know I’ve probably said it so much and maybe you are tired of hearing it LOL but she is truly the perfect puppy. It’s only been a few days and I have so much hope that she will be successful as a Service Dog because she shows so much promise!! And it’s all games to her. BH (Upstate NY) 8 week old Puppy sleeping in her carrier on the plane
I mean to reach out every time Brix gets compliments from neighbors, family, friends and just about every other person he meets! If we got a dollar every time we were asked where we got him, we could’ve bought him a brother or sister by now 😊 he’s handsome, happy and spoiled as ever.... Hope all is well! Sam M.
Thanks again for considering us; so nice to see breeders like you focusing on what is important. Our nearly year long search has come to an end. Our best to your current litter and to all those that follow! Tim Q.
Aug 4 at 12:17 PM
Hi Karen!
We are diligently reviewing the homework assignments and appreciate all the great information. I’m not going to lie, we were a bit overwhelmed with changing what we thought we knew about the proper way of taking care of a dog, but your program of information you provide has helped us turn being overwhelmed into an actionable and knowledgeable plan!
We are so excited about our new addition and appreciate everything you do to keep us updated on their progress! The pics and movies are awesome! We couldn’t be happier with our decision to work with you and your program! Mike E.
Karen,
Wow! Thank you for your generous sharing of so much helpful information.
You have a really excellent program - the best I’ve seen.
What are the odds we would be able to get one of the fall litter pups?
Thanks again, Bill
Good Morning Karen,
Well…it is certainly a full-time job keeping up with the homework. I mean that in the best possible way. I am very impressed with all the articles and videos you have shared on NR, eating raw, puppy culture, etc. The reality of what is in processed dog food made my hair curl.
I lost two dogs to cancer and Theodore had heart problems, seizures and also stage 4 kidney failure. After reading and listening to all the info you provided, I am sad because I feel that if I had know this earlier, Theodore would still be here, happy and healthy. Ellie F. Charlotte, NC
Iris is doing so well. She is super smart and loved by everyone. Just wanted to let you know. Ashley H.
Its been a while and we have been so busy I have not had a chance to email you. However, here are some pictures of Dunkin I think you would like. I have wanted to tell you for a while now, you really know how to match up the doggies with the owners : ) You picked the best puppy for us and he has been such a great part of the family, his temperament is just like Aidan's. Jenny & Kyle A.
Because of the personal nature of this Testamonial I did not include the names of the Owner, who suffers from PTSD, or the Dog. This is an excerpt from a card the Owner sent me, after the decision was made to get a one of my puppies to be trained as a Service Dog:
"I now had so much purpose - the first time I watched the "Puppy Culture" film, I felt so hopeful for the first time in years. The months flew by and suddenly she was in my arms. It was moving and life-changing. Just maybe I could overcome this lifelong battle with this invisible illness/disability.
From the moment we got home, I was on a schedule for the puppy. Consistency was so important for her. We slept well (I've always had trouble sleeping prior to getting her), ate well (I would now not forget to eat because she ate 3x a day, at the same time everyday), and just basic things.
She gives such unconditional love and brings so much joy to my life. I no longer feel "trapped" in my head. There is hope! Things are going so well and I'm excited for the future and am so grateful that you are a part of our lives.
His Training is going wonderfully. He's so smart and well behaved. He's also very relaxed in our home and seeks his crate out even when it is not bedtime. Of course he is still a puppy so his exuberance gets the best of him and when he is in that excitement he finds it hard to follow directions, but it will come with time as he is more respectful every week. I truly beleive it is the extra time you took with him during Day 3 through 16 with the neurological stimulation as well as the desensitization while he is with mom. Even when we scold him he just wags his tail and we melt.
Good Morning Karen, it's Ellie, Stephen's mom. I've been meaning to reach out to you to thank you yet again for creating such an awesome animal. Johan and I regularly get together with other Vizsla owners for off leash walks a couple of times a month. An entire group anywhere from 4 to 10 of us will meet at a park or nature preserve.
While obviously this breed is very sweet by nature, Stephen is exceptional and it's not just because he's mine. I see idiosyncrasies in most of the other dogs, not major or even that off putting, but just something the owner's have to deal with i.e. separation anxiety, food obsession/aggression, nervousness, etc.
Steven will happily give another dog the marrow bone right from his mouth and nothing upsets or bothers him. I've had many dogs and he is by far the sweetest and happiest. Thank you, thank you.
He's really smart and very curious - it's a fun and keep you on your toes Combo!
Jennifer D. Kannapolis
FYI- He’s been wonderful. Potty PERFECT. Wakes me up at nite if he needs to go. Gets right to it. Eating well as I figure out his likes. Accepting of time in his crate and I can now leave him alone in crate and go out for a couple of hours with no objections or crying.
Steve K.
YOU SEEM LIKE SUCH AN OUTLIER IN TERMS OF QUALITY, LOVE, AND EFFORT YOU PUT TOWARDS YOUR DOGS, THAT I HAVE TO BE A PART OF IT! you have made this whole process amazing .
Anthony G. PA
I just read You being interviewed by Sue from LIGHT OF DOG. The more I read about you, ur approach, ur ethics … the more excited I get !!! I spent months looking for right breed, but more importantly… THE RIGHT BREEDER - MY SEARCH IS OVER !!!!
Greg G.
We believe we are in the right place to find our new puppy family member. We are all very impressed with your methods of rearing and healthcare. I am an animal chiropractor and my wife is a dietitian (who specialized in canine and feline nutrition). We are so committed to the natural lifestyle for our pets.
Mark D.
Your Homework lessons have been received and are so appreciated - it is so clear how much care and expertise you have! Also, the pictures (of the puppies )are incredible - thank you so much.
Chelsea S.
Denise mentioned your natural views on puppies, and I am a very big proponent of that, especially after what happened with Hank and for the fact that I don’t vaccinate my children. I’m not sure why I didn’t apply that to our dogs over the last 19 years, but I get it now. Hank was also like my child, and I hate so very much to think that I could have prevented his issues by abstaining from vaccinations or neutering at 16 months.
Laz is amazing and so very loved. Thank you for helping create such a precious dog. He is perfection and is just such a good puppy.
Angie B.
Karen,
I am so appreciative of all you do! I love all the information you’ve sent out and soak in every word. The training videos are wonderful. I’ve grown up with cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, and even a sheep and never knew most of what you’ve sent out. I’m so excited to not only meet my new baby, but you as well.
Colleen W.
Wed, Sep 23, 2020 at 1:13 PM
Karen, I am so very Grateful to have found you as my Pup, Sierra’s, breeder. Your work is amazing and the research you have done and continue to do is making a difference in whether a pup survives, or thrives! Thank you and I am taking the responsibility of continuing her education very seriously. Looking forward to this journey,
Lee B.
Hi Karen,
This is excellent! As are all the photos and lessons! Thank you so much for being a supportive and responsible breeder, a constant reminder of why I wanted to work with you! 😊
Meaghan L.
Everything is going great, she is perfect. She spent time the summer in Chicago, a week in Cincinnati, Vermont for the fall, and we are now in Florida for the time being! She is growing up so quickly but importantly very healthy. You have no idea how many people i have told about the raw diet and have convinced several friends to only feed raw.
Michael B. San Francisco CA
Hobbes is doing very well. He has been an amazing dog for our daughter. They absolutely love each other. I couldn't have asked for a better tempered, or more loving dog, to raise her with. Even with the boundless energy he has, he impresses us every day with how well he does with her. She seems to love him as much as we do, and there is no question that she is his favorite. (I have attached a picture of him cuddling the baby with my husband.)
Tabitha M.
I knew we were a good match when I read about all the care you put into breeding and researching the healthiest ways to raise dogs. We all want healthy pets and it’s not random for a breeder to consistently breed them. And since I kept your contact info, you know I was waiting until I was ready and wanted to make the right choice :)
I’m in no rush and am also happy that you will pick for us as you will know their personalities best and what we will need. Waiting for a healthy well-matched pup is most important. I’ll look forward to discussing more in the spring when I know if we will be in the suburbs or still in the city.
I look forward to working with you! Lee C.
Hi Karen,
I thank God every day that we found you and that you have shown us the right path to take with Tank. He is doing really well and we have continued to feed raw, it’s super easy and I truly feel it’s super beneficial.
I do not do heartworm prevention, I do not do flea and tick prevention. I feel we are following his naturally reared path and he seems to be so much more resilient than other dogs.
In fact there was a kennel cough outbreak among a bunch of dogs he was with and he was the only one not vaccinated that did not get it . He was most definitely exposed because every dog in the group had terrible symptoms except him. I’m a true believer and thank you so much for your homework assignments and education throughout !! Margo A. NY
Ginger (purple puppy), did a great job on our long drive home and slept well in her crate last night. Thank you for all the foundational work you did with all the puppies.
Justin H.
Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into your dogs. Your homework articles are enlightening. Your weekly progress report and pictures are something not only I, but also my daughter and husband, are the highlight of our week. All three of us are looking forward to coming and getting Lucy.
Have a good day. Liz S.
As you can see, Lucy is adjusting to our family very well. She is so perfect. I hope you feel all the good energy that I send to you each time I’m with her...which is pretty much all the time!
She’s doing great with potty training and sleeping at night. I’m still in the room with her, but I am thrilled with her progress.
Liz S.
Previous Vizsla Owners who have now found me:
Karen, I cannot explain to you how awesome your dogs are. River is by far the best dog we’ve ever had and now the (new) puppy Ryder and he are just absolutely in love with each other. They are best buddies. Thank you so much for loving and breeding these beautiful dogs.
Sue A. CT
I will have to admit that I believe you exposed Waylon to a lot of situations right from the start. Probably valuable lessons. He seems to be the most well-adjusted Vizsla I have owned and so far, the healthiest.
Rhonda and Jesse A. AZ
Then and now pics. He’s becoming the very best dog ever. He goes everywhere with us. He’s great with all other dogs, animals, kids. Everyone comments on how beautiful and well behaved he is!
Laura P.
Crazy how times flies, hope you have been well. Given Scarlet just turned 2, I wanted to send along a few pictures from the last few months! Scarlet continues to be the most incredible addition to our family (I am about to tear up just writing this) and honestly wows everyone she meets. I can't thank you enough for blessing us with the most incredible creature (really human) I have ever met. It's only a matter of time until I can convince Ale she needs a sister (or 2) but she keeps saying we need more yard space!
I have to tell you we have been so fortunate with Scarlet's incredible health. Not sure if it is the raw diet or what but all of my friends with dogs are taking them to the vet so often and honestly, Scarlet has had no problems. The only real vet visit was to get spayed a few months ago! I have been a huge advocate of the raw diet and find myself probably being too aggressive with the kibble feeders telling them they are poisoning their dogs haha! MIchael B.
Karen,
I’m thoroughly enjoying all of this science regarding immunity. The hygiene hypothesis has destroyed the microbiome and immune system of so many humans. I’m not sure why I’ve never thought of this as it relates to animals. Of course it does!!
Thanks again for all of this education and support.
Dannette K. (an Integrative Pediatrician!)
Thank you Karen.
We appreciate it all. SO MUCH.
We have so much gratitude for all that you do. You were truly the answer to our prayers with our boy Briggs passing at 9 from cancer. We could ONLY get another Vizsla if we supported someone who truly did it the right way to better the breed standards, and all dogs health overall. All the things I felt in my gut with Briggs(food, over vaccinations.) I now I confirmation about. Knowledge is power🥰.
You have gone above and beyond our expectations! 🐾💖🙏🏼👏🫶
Renay B.
Again, I just want to thank you for giving us the best dog I could ever ask for. He is truly the MOST amazing animal i’ve ever known. People everywhere stop to comment and pet him…he is truly a light to so many people, I just don’t have words for it! I will keep you posted! Megan R.
Dear Karen,
I just wanted to tell you that we appreciate everything you are doing for those beautiful, precious puppies. It brings me to tears how wonderful you are. We have been following along with the lessons, bought one of Dr. Becker’s book (we are a bit better in print), with recipes for the raw food diet and are transitioning our Weim now. Looking forward to meeting you and meeting our new little guy. Yours - jj
Update on our Hagen! He is a big boy now. Almost as tall as our senior Vizsla. He plays, points, swims, is fully potty trained, and is doing well with his on-going obedience training. His first hunt test with AKC is this weekend!
He is just a dream dog and we still couldn't be more in love. We have met quite a few Vizslas at various NAVHDA training weekends that we've attended and none hold a candle to the dog that your breeding created. We are complimented all the time on his confirmation, how well he naturally hunts, and his obedience with recall. Thank you Karen, he is just a dream. Nicole P.
I am Scott’s wife and I’m writing to tell you how very much we appreciate all of the homework lessons that you’ve so graciously taken the time to prepare and send to us. I only wish I had known all of this information when we adopted our first dog 14 years ago! We are so excited about our puppy and will raise him just as you would have us do. We are also looking forward to meeting you! Thanks for everything that you do and for allowing us to adopt from you. We’re so grateful to have found you.
Yours truly, Gina 😊
I really do appreciate the attention to detail you are using in the rearing of these pups. If only this was the norm rather than the exception.
We are so excited- See you soon!
Greg & Meg
Hello! I am looking for a puppy to add to my family. I chose you because I am a professional dog trainer of the past 10 years and have worked with several dogs from your litters and they’ve all been nice stable dogs. Ryan F.
Karen,
Thank you very much for your professionalism and expertise. So wonderful to see how you care about your dogs and dog owners. This was very thorough information, advice, and explanations that are very helpful. Best regards, Wanda P.
Hello Karen, Thank you for getting back to me, we are excited and looking forward to having another Vizsla. Also so glad the pup is coming from you and Firelight. With all the researching I have done, Firelight kept popping up as very reputable and close to me. With any luck Ill find a place in the mountain’s and be closer. As you know I’m wanting a puppy from a good line of Hunters besides very loving, smart, and handsome. Thank you, Les
The training materials have been great. Based on the way you raise and breed your litters, was one of the main reasons we wanted one of your pups. The effort you put into being a good breeder is remarkable. Please keep our deposit for a litter next year. Jeff W.
Good morning Karen. I have made it through the emails and have spent the past 2 weeks researching dog vaccines and dog diets. We would love to do things better than we have in the past and with a mentor like you, I feel like we can.
We have been "interviewing" other breeders and although they all have beautiful dogs, I am drawn to you because of the effort you put into the health of the dogs. I can only imagine how healthy a puppy can be if his parents and grandparents were raised with such a good diet. Allen S.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the reply and for the wealth of information. I appreciate the time, energy and focus you have put into your dogs and breeding program.
As someone who generally tries to feed my family based on Paleo concepts, and really limit processed foods, I understand and am intrigued by the natural, raw approach you take with the puppies.he is thriving and is amazing with the victims and disabled people I work with.
About Yaz, a Therapy dog: His sensitivity to both other dogs and people’s moods and needs is amazing! Megan R.
First I wanted to thank you for responding to my email so timely. I am most appreciative. Second, I had to tell you that as I read through the initial informational stuff you sent, I was quite refreshed to see that you Naturally Rear your puppies. In all honesty, I stumbled on your listing on the AKC website, but after looking at your web pages, I began to feel hear that little voice that tells me when I've landed in the right place...Naturally, I want my dog to be healthy, UN-vaccinated, and appropriately nourished. I will read your emails with fervor, and would love to speak with you further as your availability would allow. Mark F.
Karen,
The more I study your emails and the Puppy Culture videos the more I learn. You provide an amazing start for your puppies. I am just beginning to understand how much effort, energy, research, time, care and love you provide these little ones. You are providing them with an amazing foundation for a most fantastic life. We are very excited about taking one of your pups into our life. I believe that I will do a good job moving our new family member into the next phase of their live when he comes home with us.
We want one of your Male puppies from your next litter!
Kind regards, Mark and Carol
My wife and me don't want to use vaccinations. I'm a chiropractor and she is Acupuncturist, so I'm personally excited that there are even breeders that feel same way etc. --
Doug G.
It is so nice to know that trustworthy, dedicated and quality breeders are out there. Few and far between, sadly.
We have invested our time and research and feel committed towards a litter when the time is right with you, hopefully spring time. I have learned so much through this process as we prepare for our first Vizsla.... grateful for the opportunity to learn, prepare and be patient.
I am just truly appreciative breeders like you are out there. Passionate and honest because after plenty of research I have realized how sketchy (and sad) many so called breeders work
Christina R.
Karen,
Thank you very much for your professionalism and expertise. So wonderful to do how you care about your dogs and dog owners. This was very thorough information, advice, and explanations that are very helpful.
Best regards,
Wanda P.
I’ve been watching the Dog Cancer Series and I am blown away! I have always felt these similar issues with the standard American human diet and over medication and also tried to practice natural feeding for my chickens as well. I am so happy to learn about this at the beginning of owning a dog! I don’t know how I could even buy from another breeder now after knowing what care and effort you put into your dogs!
Robin S.
Good morning Karen. I have made it through the emails and have spent the past 2 weeks researching dog vaccines and dog diets. We would love to do things better than we have in the past and with a mentor like you, I feel like we can.
We have been "interviewing" other breeders and although they all have beautiful dogs too, I am drawn to you because of the effort you put into the health of the dogs. I can only imagine how healthy a puppy can be if his parents and grandparents were raised with such a good diet.
Thank you so much,
Allen S.
Great article I just read, you being interviewed by Sue from LIGHT OF DOG. The
MORE I READ ABOUT YOU , ur approach , ur ethics … the more excited I get !!!
Spent months looking for right breed But more importantly.. THE RIGHT BREEDER
MY SEARCH IS OVER !!!!
Gregory G.