We had a miniature schnauzer for over 16 years and she was the most wonderful dog. So after she died and we had our son, we decided he needed a “buddy” & planned to surprise him on his 7^th birthday with a new puppy. At first we had considered getting another miniature schnauzer, but since it was going to be a “boys dog” I thought we’d check into other larger breeds. I knew we HAD to have a non-shedding breed due to my husbands allergies… and there’s not many larger non-shedding breeds to choose from! I had considered a Wheaten Terrier but was told they are “terriers” and quite the “puppy” mentality their entire life. Then, when I did some research on line, I found info on the standard schnauzer. I had only been familiar with the mini & the giant. The more I read, the more I KNEW this was the perfect dog for us: all the qualities we loved about our mini in a bigger, mellower package!!! Well, then I found that there were very few breeders of this dog and even fewer who could meet my need to have a pup ready in time for our son’s birthday!! I had checked with the few breeders we have here in Colorado and the surrounding states with no luck. I knew we would be going to California for a wedding in October so I thought I’d check in California.

While browsing a California AKC site, I ran across a picture of “Cabo” winning one of his awards. There happened to be a link to Top Shelf’s web-site, so I clicked on it and wrote telling them of my wish for a pup ready some time near the end of Sept. Now, keep in mind, I was just looking for a pet for my son and had no interest if the dog had a champion this or a pedigree that!! When I heard back (right away!) from Tami that she was expecting a litter in time, I got excited! However, I was quite surprised by the fact that I had to fill out an application to be “considered” as a potential owner for one of her pups> I had always gotten previous dogs in my life through ads in the paper & pound puppies!! This was a whole new game to me!! She was wonderful at explaining how & why this was done & made me feel SO comfortable. I got a fabulous education on buying a quality pup, thanks to Tami Phillips! I sent in my application that same day. I did want a pet female, which she said she couldn’t guaranty seeing as though Luna had just been ex-rayed, & they thought there would be 5 to 7 pups & she already had many requests for females. Well, I sent in my deposit anyway & prayed!!! Tami was great at letting me know all about Luna through the end of her pregnancy. And when it turned out that she had whopping 9 pups & we would get our female, well, all I can say is I thanked God & cried!

Tami was so great at sending me updates & e-mails constantly. We never spoke on the phone or met face-to-face until we picked up our pup!!! Yet, I had total trust and faith in her. Dealing with this “mom & pop” breeder was wonderful. The pride & goals they have for their dogs is truly a gift. Dedication is the best word I can use to describe the whole family! Dedication to the perfection of the breed, education to the consumer on this fantastic breed, and producing a pedigree line of certain future champions!

Along came October & our trip to California. Tami was so helpful in helping me with all the arrangements to bring our puppy home. I enjoyed her puppy packet with wonderful info on everything from grooming to puking (air sickness!!)!!!!  She even included some pills for the trip “just in case”!!! We took the long drive from Oakland to Tami’s house & she met us at the door with our new little angel in her arms. She spent a great deal of time with me going over everything while my husband spent time with her darling (and oh so bright) daughter meeting Cabo and some of the other pups who were out in the yard. Luna came into the house & immediately checked me out & gave me a sniff & a kiss. This was a happy dogs house, a home, not a puppy mill or huge breeding operation. These dogs are loved & show it. When I saw Luna’s beautiful shiny, wavy coat and saw her size & temperament, I knew we would have a beautiful dog!

Lily has been a dream puppy. She is so mellow and rarely ever barks. She is a fabulous traveler and is very comfortable in just about any situation. I knew Tami & her family spent a lot of time with these pups getting them well socialized. When I took her in to our vet for her 1^st check-up, our vet had a fit!!! He called in his associate & said, “LOOK at this magnificent dog!” The associate vet asked to borrow Lily to take home & show his wife!!! Needless to say, wherever I seem to go, people are amazed at this well-behaved, silky-shiny, non-shedding beautiful pup! At 5 months old she amazes me at her willingness & ability to learn. She already knows many “tricks” my mini didn’t know at a year old. She sits, speaks, shakes paw, & lays down all on command. She already is a great fetcher and she knows the “name” of things, like “ball” & “squeaky dog” & will fetch them when told. These dogs are described as having “human brains”…well; I’m impressed so far!! Tami worked with the pups with “wee wee pads” so when we brought Lily home we put out the wee wee pads too. Lily went to them almost every time so housebreaking has been a breeze! Being in a brand new house I had fears of a puppy chewing the woodwork & scratching up the doors, etc. Why this dog doesn’t CHEW is beyond me!! We have many Red Barn Bully Sticks scattered all over the house. When she feels the need, she’ll grab one of those! She is already kennel trained and just simply a JOY!

All in all, we have nothing but positive comments on Top Shelf  Enterprises, Tami Phillips and the wonderful new member of our family “Lily”.

If you are contemplating if a standard schnauzer is right for you, visit them & see their beautiful dogs. If you do not live near them, do as I did, go to the next dog show near you and check out this breed, then call or write Tami!! In my opinion, Top Shelf will definitely be producing champions, so whether you are in the market for a show dog or just a pet, just watch them SOAR!!!!

Thanks Tami and the entire Phillips family for adding so much joy to our lives in the form of this beautiful puppy! Wishing Top Shelf Enterprises all the best!

Karen, Micky & Parker Poage   

Edwards, Colorado