Testimonials

We are so thankful for the many Hearty K9 clients and followers over the years, countless loyal returning clients, those who refer and the Hearty K9s that strut their stuff and are our most prominent references.

Sonia and Dean Nelson

Photo Credit: A Piece of Lisa Photography

Hearty K9 Clients'

Testimonials

This is 9 year old Finn. He is such an amazing companion who loves his people deeply, is incredibly smart and lives for the water!! We are grateful every day for having him in our lives!

Cathy and Dave
Puppy Program

I'd like to share with you the pictures of Mika at 6 months and now. I noticed your flatter coat doodles take a longer time to find a home. Mika's coat was quite flat when she was younger but she's grown into this beautiful wavy hair doodle! She's 28lbs now and turning two by end of September.

She is so gentle and playful and very eager to please. With her wonderful temperament she makes lots of furry friends, and all of my neighbours and friends just love her.

Kelly
Puppy Program

His daycare always tells us how well he plays with other dogs and puppies and works hard to get everyone involved and included.

Patty, Dorian & Revy
Puppy Program

Hi Sonia, I hope you are well!
I was thinking of you. We took Scully for her first haircut as we are going camping next week. Our groomer sang her praises for being so good. She actually commented that Scully is not like other doodles. That actually both of our doodles have been exceptional. I told her it is because they both came from an exceptional breeder.
Scully is doing really well, definitely a crazy puppy at times. But such a good puppy, very intuitive, smart and cuddly! She is very people focused, just loves everyone.
I have attached a before and after haircut picture. Hard to believe she is 5 months old already. We just love her! Thanks for all you do and for giving us such great dogs. Cooper was amazing and Scully is following in his foot steps. Such good dogs ?? Take care,

Jodie
Puppy Program

Because of your advice and wisdom we were able to become responsible and responsive dog owners. The books you recommended, the philosophies they outlined, the guidelines they discussed, gave us insight as to how to successfully raise a puppy.

We wanted to thank you again for giving us this wonderful puppy. She is the result of your high standards of breeding, your commitment to excellent health, and the support you give puppies prior to leaving their mother.

With Best Wishes,

Ron, Pat and Catrin
Puppy Program

Penny is especially helpful with our students who struggle with severe anxiety. She's surprisingly intuitive and seems to know when they need her.

Lyndsay, a teacher for at-risk youth
Puppy Program

We had quite a list of ideals when we were looking for a family dog; able to run distance, swim, retrieve, play soccer, be loving, cuddly, and willing to play dress up! Plus we also needed her to bond with our existing dog, be a protector (we live near woods and meet quite a lot of coyotes), and be hypo-allergenic. Elsie is all of the above and much, much more.

Elsie's people
Puppy Program

We take her everywhere, and enjoy her thoroughly. She is sweet and friendly and affectionate. Most of our time is now spent playing with her and taking her places. Stella is perfect, and we think it's a testament to how great your breeding program is.
Thank you again,

Matt and Sarah
Puppy Program

Stella is a certified "wellness" dog, relieving stress at Edmonton's universities, schools, corporate events and the Norwood hospice.
Thanks for your excellent breeding work.

Stan
Puppy Program

We just really want to say thank you. You are breeding more than just puppies—you are breeding family members—dogs who shape kids' lives, dogs who create lasting memories, and dogs who are loved and love just as hard back. Sometimes, I can imagine it may seem like a job, but please know that what you do to bring smart, healthy family members into our lives is greatly appreciated.

Ashley, Adam, Bennett, Miles and Briar
Puppy Program

I sing your praises often, Sonia! You have raised so many wonderful puppies, and I'm so happy that I have been blessed with two of them, Pilot and Laddie. I just wish there was time for more!

Sheila
Puppy Program

I love the look of shock and surprise when I tell them that Peter is turning 18.

Cheryl
Puppy Program

Ace was such a special family member and enriched our lives in so many ways. He was my shadow, best friend and hiking partner (right up to his 15th birthday). He passed at 15 and a half years. We miss him so much but have so many wonderful memories and I feel truly blessed to be lucky to share my life with him. He was one in a million.

Ingrid
Puppy Program

Lassie Lou is 14 and is the most social, people-loving dog. She is now retired from helping out at a specialized Elementary program where she had the best ears to help listen to kids who had anxiety reading aloud to people. (at 7 years old, she acheived her Wellness Dog Certification from CAAWLS in Edmonton.) She loves her walks and car rides and will still let the neighbour’s cat know it should not be in our flowerbed. We are so blessed to have Lassie in our lives! Thank you, Dean and Sonia. She is just the best.

Joy
Puppy Program

Hello / Bonjour Sonia!

Mikko (Fendt, 16 month mini Goldendoodle from Zola/Horton) is now officially a Certified St. John Ambulance Therapy dog! This volunteer program will help people cope with stress and anxiety. The 2h30min test was... something! We both came back exhausted but so proud of the result! Let's say the amount of courses, training and time we invested paid off!!

Annie
Puppy Program

Hi Dean and Sonia

Seasons Greetings!! We've been bragging about Joey's age to anyone we meet on our daily walks. Mind you, they're a little slower (despacito style) but he's still a willing participant.

Joey has no major heath issues but his eyes are really cloudy and navigates very carefully when entering vehicles and using stairs. He still performs the odd "zoomies" and grabs toys to initiate play time.

Bottom line, he is doing great at 98. I hope this note finds you and your family well.

Ian, Laura, James and JOEY
Puppy Program

Hi Sonia! Hope you're well!!
Bushel (in the back of the pic): He's the cuddliest dog ever! He's also a total Mama's boy, I swear he counts down the seconds till she's back home. He loves walks, opening the closet door where we keep the dog food, and sleeping till noon.
Millie: She doesn't love the cuddles so much but is always down to play. She's feisty as ever and definitely bosses Bushel around. I remember she was such a quick adoption -- saw her on the website on Friday and she was home with us on the Sunday! She loves long sleeve t-shirts she can pull on, Cheerios, and waking us up early when she wants to play.

Bushel's and Millie's people
Puppy Program

Hi there Dean and Sonia,
Churro is the largest doodle at her doggy daycare and every day people are amazed at her size and beauty. Last time I had her weighed was about a month ago and she was at 60 pounds. She has grown since then. I am constantly being asked where she came from and she always receives compliments on her temperament. She has grown into a calm, sweet, silly, yet tricky, adolescent.
She is the best dog! She is so sweet and loving. Her favourite things in the world are belly rubs, swimming, bully sticks, and socks...

Catherine
Puppy Program

Hi Sonia,
It's hard to believe that our sweet little Annie is about to have her first birthday. She has the personality that we were hoping for -- she is gentle, full of life, smart, cuddly, sweet, faithful and very easy going. She is a joy in our family; she is fantastic with our kids. We all love her to bits!! Her hair is beautiful -- it's soft and easy to comb through; she does not shed at all. She attracts attention whenever we go -- people are always asking what kind of dog she is and who the breeder is. She thoroughly enjoys being around us and as much as possible. Thank you so much for breeding such a fantastic dog! Take good care,

Annie's people
Puppy Program

Timber is a 75 lb rock star! He has excelled in several obedience, agility, and scent training courses. He is often used to help in the training of new recruits and puppies at the daycare he attends because of his well-mannered, laid-back, and confident personality.
Skye is a 55 lb firecracker with a tall, thin, and athletic build. Despite being somewhat shy in nature, she has a real enthusiasm for life. Skye is very smart, mischievous, and playful. Her favorite activities are running, swimming, and playing with Timber.
Rosie is 30 lbs of sweetness. She is very smart, calm, obedient, and loyal. She loves her daily walks & runs, playing fetch, and wrestling with my boys.
Thank you for providing us with such awesome family members!

Timber, Skype and Rosie's family
Puppy Program

Getting set up for mini sessions is always a fun task.
Farley Williams sneaks downstairs to say 'Hi mom' and just like that, he goes from dog to guinea pig. Seriously, I can get this boy to do almost anything if it's followed with a quick snuggle ❤
Love this guy to the moon and back. Now if I could only get my Delilah Lou to cooperate, lol!! And just so you all know, he is this cool.

Lisa
Puppy Program