About Us
Established in 2017...
Panhandle Australian Shepherds was established in 2017 with the aim to provide emotional support animals to a particular clientele. My only sister is former military and was provided a service dog after a tour in Iraq left her without hearing in one ear, with debilitating migraines, and like so many of our military, some difficulty acclimating to civilian life again. She and Hans, her dog, showed me what that partnership was able to do for her and how canine companionship can provide for a wealth of human needs. From my training in counseling, experience with my own therapist, and a life of hard knocks I was able to see the potential in the Australian Shepherd dog and set out to see if they could do what I thought they could. I am an avid supporter of both talk therapy and medication to serve those of us up against traumatic experiences, PTSD, CPTSD, Anxiety, Depression and the like. What I came to see is that, of course, these modalities are yet to be 'enough', but that an intelligent and intuitive canine companion can actually round out those therapies and treatments quite nicely. I am excited that our breed choice was the right one, but It isn't with pride, but with extreme gratitude, that I can report that our temperament testing and training protocols have been more successful than I ever imagined. I did not start breeding these dogs to be a dog breeder, I started this journey to provide for specific needs in my community of service men and women, first responders, teachers and therapists, and trauma and abuse survivors. No amount of success matters to me short of my clients' reports that they, and those they serve, are getting back out into their worlds, living fuller lives each day!
If any of this sounds encouraging to you, like something you're looking for, please take a moment to pop over to Google and read our dogs' reviews. Our community feedback is how I'm able to write these things with such conviction and enthusiasm. I am blessed and humbled that this has come together the way it has and I'd be honored if you'd invite me to help you in any way I can, from first steps, to year 5, and beyond.
About the Owner: Sarah
I absolutely love what I do. I am excited to wake up in the morning and 'get to work', especially for the time spent with my dogs and their puppies. But not to be overshadowed are my friendships made with fellow breeders and new puppy families. I love talking with you. I love helping you raise your puppies, in any way I can. Know that when you purchase a Panhandle puppy you become part of a family. You'll always have someone here to help and support you, not just me, but our group of owners. So, even if you're not sure just where you want to head in your search, or when, let us get you set up in the Facebook group of owners or email me and I'll give you a call. I'm always happy to hear from fellow and potential Aussie lovers! ;)