Here’s what owners have to say about Straw Hat Puppies:
Paul & Loki:
After doing extensive research and receiving a referral from another Standard Schnauzer breeder, I picked up Loki from Leslie at Straw Hat in April of 2022. The puppies were well taken care of and Leslie was extremely knowledgeable and answered all of my questions and continued to keep the lines of communication open afterwards. My top priority was getting a healthy, well-bred Standard Schnauzer.
Loki brings so much love and happiness into my home. He has an amazing temperament (and) he always wants to be by my side and is the best helper around the house since he has a curious disposition.
Loki was sold to me as a pet, but very quickly became a bit of a rock star in Conformation as well as Fast Cat, CAT, Barn Hunt, and other dog sports. Loki is currently a Grand Champion, and working on his next level FCAT title and Barn Hunt titles. In Conformation, Leslie has been an invaluable resource about breeding, grooming, being his handler when he was younger, and advice on hiring a world-class handler after he became a Champion.
I can't thank Leslie enough for breeding her famous litters. Loki comes from a Platinum Grand Championship bloodline and it was worth every penny for him. Leslie took care of every detail, as well as support for his "career" in the show ring. I can't imagine getting Loki from anyone else and I am forever grateful for such a loyal and beautiful pup.
Yvette & Amina:
Leslie has been and continues to be an exceptional mentor. Her guidance helped me finish my very first show puppy to a Championship, all owner-handled. From the very beginning Leslie provided so much knowledge, patience and direction. If you listen to Leslie, follow her advice, have patience, and remember to have fun in the ring, you can accomplish great things.
Some of those other great things include learning to groom my dog, breeding Amina and raising a litter of puppies that are equipped to become, as Leslie reminded me, wonderful companions to their forever-home owners.
All of this in three short years. Didn’t know anything about these skill sets but Leslie mentored me through them. Her patience, her attention, the knowledge she so willingly and graciously shares led me to achieve goals I had no idea I could reach. She is that mentor I didn’t know I needed. Thank you, Leslie, for all that you do to continue the preservation breeding standard of this wonderful breed, for the pride and joy you bring to owning a Straw Hat puppy and the great mentorship you so generously provide.
Lori & Hank:
We are incredibly grateful to Leslie Shriner for bringing Hank, whose AKC show name is Coltrane, A Love Supreme, into our lives. Born on February 8, 2022, Hank has grown into a remarkable all-purpose farm dog in Waterville, Vermont.
Although he won 'Best Puppy' at the Knickerbocker Match in June 2022 and has the potential to be a show or therapy dog, his true calling is right here with us.
Hank is the epitome of health and happiness. He's super intelligent, vigilant, and stoic yet a playful clown who loves the snow, hides in the weeds, and pops out like a kangaroo. He loves to hike the mountain trails, and the minute I put my socks on, he knows where we're going.
His gentle, loving, and tolerant temperament makes him a dream dog, cherished by all who meet him. He’s a friend to our other animals—dogs, cats, chickens—and even humans, though he takes his job of protecting the farm from black bears and coyotes very seriously!
We couldn’t have asked for a better companion and owe it all to Leslie. Her dedication and care in breeding Hank shine through in his wonderful nature. We are forever thankful that Leslie entrusted us with Hank, allowing him to thrive in our rural farm environment.
