When our beloved Max (a Gr Shepherd/Black Lab mix) passed away, we knew we  wanted an Australian Shepherd to fill his “pawprints”—my life partner Jim Zellers has loved the breed for many years, but the timing to own one was never quite right.  Our first impression of Phyllis was through her website—seeing her many accomplishments with Aussies, as well as beautiful pictures of a litter of Black Tri puppies were a testament to the love and care she puts into every litter she whelps.  We contacted her through the website and we got an immediate response to our inquiry, followed by a very thorough application process.  We were so excited to make the first appointment with Phyllis to see the puppies-- as we pulled up she was coming out of her front door with a red wagon full of Black Tri cuties and that was all it took!  We hoped she would like us and trust us with one of her prize puppies.  We would make several more trips down to Warner Robbins to see the pups as they matured, and at the same time, Phyllis got to know us—she listened to our wants and hopes for this potential new member of our family and began, in her expert way, to match just the right puppy for us.   

Although our original hopes were for a companion dog to do obedience and agility, Phyllis saw the potential of a show home with us, and asked if we had ever considered Confirmation. We were a bit astonished as it wasn’t something that we’d never considered nor did we really know the first thing about it.  Phyllis explained to us the process, from the grooming through handling in the ring.  She also told us that she would work with us every step of the way and that we would never be alone through the whole process. When we consented, we were very honored that unlike most breeders who keep the best puppies for themselves,  she placed her pick male puppy with us—later to be named Blue Note’s Look To The Rainbow, or as we loving call him, “Finn”.  Finn is not only a structurally beautiful example of the breed, but he is a wonderfully loving dog—kind and affectionate to canines and humans alike--a testament to Phyllis methodical care in the first 8 weeks of life, as well as her 24/7 available advice and guidance after we brought him home-provided not only by her, but also her kennel partner, expert animal trainer and behaviorist Ken Araujo.   Needless to say, Finn has captured our hearts as well as becoming the focus of our newest hobby-Confirmation!  And true to word, Phyllis has mentored us through the whole process:  not only sharing all of her wealth and knowledge of grooming and showing, but also teaching us about the breed and “refining our eye” as to structure, movement, and the like.  We’ve been to many AKC, UKC and ASCA shows and have learned a great deal.  As for Finn, he is really coming into his own and has already done quite well as his many wins so far attest.  Through it all, Phyllis is always there with a pat on the back for a job well done, whether or not it culminates in a win.  The most important thing to all of us is that we are enjoying every experience with Finn, as well as enriching the bond between owner and dog.  If it were not for Phyllis’ encouragement, we would have never known how much fun showing your dog can be! Although Jim Zellers is his Confirmation partner, I am Finn’s Agility partner, and I am having the time of my life learning this sport with Finn enthusiastically leading the way!

If anyone had ever said do me that one day I’d have show dogs I would have told them they were nuts.  As for my partner Jim, who is a professional groomer, it has become a natural extension to his business.   I am so glad that she gave us the opportunity as it’s been a life changing experience for us, not to mentioned that we’ve made and awesome friend and mentor in Phyllis whom we can count on to guide us along the way.  We couldn’t be more grateful!  If someday it is in the cards for us to expand our canine family again, we will absolutely turn to Phyllis, Ken and the wonderful dogs of Blue Note Aussies kennel.

              Jim Devlin and Jim Zellers—proud owners of “Blue Notes’ Look to the Rainbow” Finn 

When we decided to get a puppy, we knew we would need to pay a lot of attention to her needs. We looked
carefully for a breeder who also paid attention. What we found in Phyllis Pierce and Blue Note Aussies was
something extraordinary. Phyllis pays attention to the needs of her puppies from the moment they are born.
The well-socialized and confident Madonna we got at 8 weeks was nurtured in an environment that provided
stimulation and ongoing contact with people and the outside world. Madonna's high energy level and love of
excitement have presented many challenges. From nutritional guidance to sharing the ups and downs of
watching Madonna grow, Phyllis has been along for the journey. There is no substitute for the work she puts
into her litters from the moment of birth until the time they leave her home. She pays careful attention to
their developmental and social needs and meets them better than anyone I have ever seen. Madonna is the
product of this -- a puppy who meets the world head on, with exuberance and confidence. Whether you are
looking for a show dog or a work dog or simply a wonderful companion pet dog, there is no better place for
your puppy to come from than Blue Note Aussies. We will be forever grateful for Madonna and to Phyllis for
providing the environment that made her as ready to meet the world as she is.


Sue Vogt

 Baby Skyler Blue

Our Skyler Blue, ‘SCOOO’, Smiler Skyler, Joy Boy, Scoober Doober, Dooby Doo, is doing fantastic!
He truly has the life of Riley … this magical dog’s schedule is non-stop, full of new adventures, fun & activity
every single day …
I’m the happiest, proudest AUSSIE MOM ever! And Lee adores this wonderful boy of ours.
Skyler has started his 2nd agility class on Mon., Wed. & Fri. we workout at the beach – he LOVES RUNNING
UP THE DUNES – he’s so fast, like lightning! Sat. & Sun. we usually go to our property & walk the trails … We
begin each morning with Skyler going outside potty, then he plays with ALL of his outdoor toys, like the
sweetest lil’ boy out there … prancing in his glory, throwing his toys all over. He especially loves his Frisbees,
and flyballs! One fly ball has no rope, and he literally plays SOCCER with it! Very good at retrieving airborne,
etc.
He has ‘several’ doggy girlfriends … and buddies … and literally 100s of friends everywhere he goes with me
each day.

His fur is theeee silkiest ever! I LOVE KISSIN’ & taking care of this sweet boy, everyday is a blessing with
Skyler here to greet me & go thru our days together. OK, I ‘know’ I am a crazy in love DOG MOM J!

Hugs,

Cindy Milazzo

After interviewing many different Australian Shepherd breeders I happened upon Phyllis at www.bluenoteaussies.com.
After extended conversations about what I wanted in an Aussie and what I needed Phyllis recommended puppy
Madonna. She was although flexible in her attitude firm in my needing to bring this specific puppy home.

I was somewhat nervous allowing the breeder to "pick" the puppy that would best meet my personality and needs! I have
been involved with training and purchasing German Shepherds for well many years as I am a retired police dog trainer. I
have made trips to Germany and spent time in Europe testing potential police dogs. I have many years experience
training bomb/drug and patrol dogs as well as owning a wonderful pet dog business in the Florida Keys.
www.kennel101.com www.k9ken.net

I share this information only that you might know how careful I was when it came to finding a personal companion dog for
my self and my doggy business. Certainly you can understand my concern when it came to allowing another person to
actually pick the puppy that would become my intimate companion and partner.

With a leap of faith based upon the open, honest and intelligent conversations I had with Phyllis prior to my purchasing
the puppy I decided to "go all the way" and place my complete trust in her honest and intelligent guidence.

She picked puppy Madonna based upon her experience and profound intuitive sensitivity to the potential of each puppy
she has welped. I am so thankful I was able to put my "ego" aside and trust in Phyllis.

I could not be more pleased with puppy Madonna. The match was not just good but excellent. She is now over six
months old and we are becoming the team I could only have hoped for. You can see her videos and progress at
www.k9ken.net and judge for yourself.

If you are thinking about buying an Australian Shepherd Puppy, you would be foolish not to totally trust Phyllis. Let her
tell you which puppy would best fit your personality, family and needs.

You will never do better then www.bluenoteaussies.com nor will you find a more honest, caring breeder with the
intelligence that matches her love for this wonderful breed. This is one breeder you can really trust.

Ken Araujo
www.kennel101.com

AT HOME AGAIN :-)
It was simply fantastic and like nothing. Phyllis and Ken - you are simply the tip and I hope that this friendship will last long. It was wonderful to meet you. CJ is a awesome dog, so cute and lovely and quiet puppy i have seen the greatest ever. Her second day with me and she is intelligent, Sun Sit, down, paw, Stay, walking, house-trained ... just great. She is so rotten and always by my side - my little shadow. A dog for a live! THANK you so much for this DOG. Can not say how much i love her.

Andrea Harant from Germany

Piper

Phyllis
Hello! Terry and I wanted you to have these two photos of Piper (Flirt). She is a great girl and VERY Smart! And of
course we love her so much! More and more each day.
I just got back from a year long deployment in Qatar. I thought Piper might not remember me, but when she saw me
she went crazy with joy! She was talking and kissing like she'd never get another chance.
We're leaving for my next assignment at Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE in about 3 weeks. I'll try and take more pictures of
her if you'd like. Terry and I can't thank you enough for the joy that Piper brings to our lives!

Paul and Terry Franquez