Testimonials
Friends and Family
At Refiners Fire Kennel, we pride ourselves on creating an excellent - and transparent - breeding program. If you’d like to get an idea of some of the experiences that our Forever Families and Friends have had, take a look at the selection of testimonials below.
I first met Karen at my very first dog show, and before we realized we had German Shepherds from the same breeder, she had already bent over backwards to help me figure out where to go and what to do to get signed in and make sure I knew where to be. We would end up competing against each other, and with no hesitation she helped someone she had never met, to help make sure my very first show experience was positive. The fact that we had dogs that were so similar in terms of breeding, temperament and quality gave us much to discuss and we were immediately fast friends. This is the kind of person that she is – and it translates to being a responsible, ethical breeder.
When Karen expressed an interest in breeding quality GSDs, I had no doubts as to the integrity she would bring to breeding the very best possible animals. She’s intent on making the breed the best it can be, and in the interests of responsible breeding, rest assured that she will not be breeding ANY dog that is not of the highest quality in terms of conformation, physical health and ability, trainability, and mental and emotional stability. The dogs bred will be physically and temperamentally sound, as well as smart and loyal – all the things you’re looking for in a good shepherd.
Karen has spent a lot of time learning about the breed and bloodlines, training and showing dogs, genetic testing to avoid breeding any but the best stock – making sure she’s only breeding dogs that continue to produce excellence. She is working hard to make sure puppies being brought into the world exemplify what this awesome breed can be at its best.
LuAnn - Tennessee
We have had a wonderful experience with Karen and Refiner’s Fire Kennel all the way through the adoption process and afterward. From day one, when we called her to ask a million questions, to the day we picked Nyx up and asked her a million more, she was very patient and an absolute wealth of knowledge. This is not our first dog, but we feel more informed than we ever have been on dog and puppy care, training, health, and breeding thanks to Karen, and she continues to make herself readily available to us for any help, questions, concerns, or updates.
We recently lost our beloved GSD, Buddy Bear, at 9 years old to cancer and had a lot of concerns about inherited health issues in getting another Shepherd. One of the biggest reasons we decided to choose Refiner’s Fire, is that Karen has put so much work and effort into her breeding process to make a very strong, healthy, and intelligent line of dogs and many of our health-related concerns were literally bred out in that process and confirmed through every available test. We loved that we received picture and video updates of our baby from Karen all the way up until we picked her up and now love sending them back to show how our new baby is coming along and adjusting to life with us, because we feel like we gained an extended family as well. We are already putting down a deposit for the next litter to get Nyx a true little brother to play with!
A little about our Nyxie: While debating if we were ready for another dog two months after we lost our past baby, we were casually looking for puppies on the AKC website. We saw a picture of Nyx and fell instantly in love with her- her sweet little eyes stared straight into our souls; we knew there was no way we could live without her. After picking her up, she got used to us so quickly, we could tell we were already beloved by her on day one. Her temperament, just like her parents’, is so sweet and loving. She is an absolute snuggle bug, smart as a whip, and the most beautiful little angel! She loves toys, playing outside, giving kisses, and napping on her parent’s bed.
Thank you Karen and Refiner's Fire Kennel for the most amazing companion!
Sarah and Michael - Georgia
Earlier this year my wife and I went through a traumatic family event and during this time we were looking for some happiness. We'd always loved Shepherds, so I began researching online. We were blessed to find Refiners Fire Kennel and we reached out to Karen. Karen is nothing short of exceptional, she was professional, informative, and most importantly she treated us as if we were her own family. Everything felt right and meant to be. The care and genuine love she has for their Shepherds & puppies is second to none.
It is immeasurable how much happiness our new family member has brought us and how much we appreciate Karen & Family for all they did to make sure our little boy was healthy, happy, and ready for us to bring home. When the day comes and our children have their own homes and families, it is in my hope that as a father they can experience the love that Refiners Fire Kennel brought to us! Thank you Karen for bringing us and our next generation into your Forever Family!
Joseph and Abbi - Georgia
My husband found Refiners Fire Kennel on Facebook in search of a surprise puppy for me and what I receive was the best and most beautiful German Shepherd a woman could ask for. Refiners Fire Kennel has a very serious intake client request process to ensure each puppy is going to a safe and loving home. There were criteria set in place and everything was done in a timely manner. The communication was ALWAYS spectacular and they were very knowledgeable and caring in helping us to be prepared to receive our new puppy “Pearl”. We were given all the paperwork in its entirety and waited the appropriate time to pick her up.
We flew in to Atlanta, GA and drove to Bluerid, GA and I welcomed Pearl into my arms. They had been well taken care of and we were even given starter supplies and instructions to help the adjustment phase for Pearl and I. Refiners Fire has still been in touch with us to help us every step of the way should we need anything at all. We had to confirm things at some point and she was very willing and responded quickly. Pearl has instantly become a major part of our family and we will always be a Refiners Fire Kennel home and trust me when I say, the trip is completely worth it. If you are thinking of choosing another breeder, your search is over.
Christina and Michael - Texas
I wanted to let you know how wonderful JAXX is! He is a big and beautiful boy. He is very smart and very lovable. He has a very sweet and gentle personality. While my son was deployed, JAXX stayed with my daughter in law and daughter until he returned. He made sure everyone was safe while my son was away.
Mary Ann - Tennessee
I love Bronson. He is a big beautiful boy at 5 years old. Bronson is a therapy dog in TN that visits hospital and nursing homes.
Deejay - Tennessee
Best breeder I know. We Love Karen and the family.