Born and raised in western Montana, Ramona is drawn to spending as much time as possible outdoors in nature with her dogs. She enjoys what they bring to her everyday life and providing discerning buyers the right German Shepherd for their various needs.
She has a history of certifying/titling her dogs in various disciplines from Search and Rescue (SAR) to tracking/agility/rally, …
Her German Shepherds have been recognized and used globally from families to Government Police Dog Breeding-Training Programs, SAR, SchH3-IGP3, including a 2006 National Competitor, V (Excellent) rated dogs and numerous other areas of training and work.
Her litters are breed with intention. Backed by 30 years’ experience with training & handling the particular genetics used within her kennel with the goal of producing balanced, healthy pups for various areas of work and experienced family settings.
Ramona prioritizes her attention/time to the things that matter most to her; the love she has for & taking care of her dogs, family, property and having a peaceful, fun life filled with beauty and love.
(left to right; Xurk age 13.3 years, Penny & Jack, photo taken Sep 2026 at Sapphire Shepherds)
Below are some of the trials Ramona & her breeding stock have attended over the years. Scroll down to see the different dogs. We hope you enjoy the photos!
Obedience routine practice, Xurk at 12.7 years of age earned his RN title with scores of (91 / 91/ 73) remarks; Judge Nancy Watson "what a nice team, his eagerness to work with you was truly delightful". Judge Karen Wrey "Nice job!”
2015 in Idaho, Ramona & Xurk of Sapphire Mountain, awarded TD (Tracking Dog title).
Early morning celebration with Judges at the end of a track where Xurk easily earned his Tracking Dog title with me in tow. A very happy day, working with a very happy dog who is still doing well in his 13th year of age!
Xurk, TD title, Idaho.
Xurk (far right) TD title, Idaho.
2015. After passing the required AKC certification track under an AKC judge which allowed us to enter a trial and try for a tracking title.
Xurk & young Boss Lady, traveling back home after Idaho trail.
2016 at MSU, Missoula MT, Ramona & Xurk of Sapphire Mountain awarded TDU (Tracking Dog Urban title).
2015 in Wolf Creek, MT. Ramona & Ursa of Sapphire Mountain CGC CGCA TD working a passing TD (Tracking Dog title) track.
2015 in Wolf Creek, MT. Ramona & Ursa of Sapphire Mountain CGC CGCA TD working a passing TD (Tracking Dog title) track.
Hold onto your hat, its windy there! 2015 in Wolf Creek, MT. Ramona & Ursa of Sapphire Mountain CGC CGCA TD working a passing TD (Tracking Dog title) track.
2015 in Wolf Creek, MT. Ramona & Ursa of Sapphire Mountain CGC CGCA TD working a passing TD (Tracking Dog title) track.
Young Ursa, early training photo.
Beautiful Ursa
Beautiful Ursa
Beautiful Ursa
A favorite photo of Ursa as a young pup with a younger Kona.
2009, Ramona & Natasha of Sapphire Mountain awarded TD (Tracking Dog title) Wolf Creek, MT.
Happy day! Ramona & Ursa after completing the required TD certification track under an AKC Judge. Now we are allowed to enter a trial for a shot at the TD title!
Beautiful Natasha!
Beautiful Natasha!
A very young Natasha doing a little training on a winter day.
Natasha and Ramona practicing some heeling.
Natasha, early protection training.
2017 Sprague WA. With judges after awarded a TD (Tracking Dog title), Ramona, Danny & Touché of Sapphire Mountain TD ACT1 CGC CGCA
Ramona, Xurk, Danny & Touché on the road to an out of state trial.
Touché the lovely!
Touché
Touché
2011, Sprague WA, Ramona & Brook awarded TD (Tracking Dog title), Brook of Sapphire Mountain CGC TD lived to 15.5 years.
2016, in Sprague WA, Ramona & Na Pali of Mission Mountain earned their TD (Tracking Dog title). Photo is at start of track, harnessing up!
2016, in Sprague WA, Ramona & Na Pali earned their TD (Tracking Dog title).
Na Pali & Ramona working a corner on a track 2016, in Sprague WA, earning their TD (Tracking Dog title)!
Ramona & Na Pali working an early training track.
2008, Santo of Sapphire Mountain & Rhea of Sapphire Mountain with breeder Ramona, after passing their Tri - State Cadaver 1 certification at Helena MT under evaluator Cris Goodhue. Both dogs also received OFA certification of Excellent Hips / Normal Elbows.
Above photo of Vlad & his son who received a good start at Sapphire Shepherds and went on to become; SAR K9 Lil' Grizz of Sapphire Mountain; Tracking/Trailing certified (at 14 mo.), CGC, HRD. Owner writes; He is so solid, methodical and strong nerved. Absolutely loves to work! He is a vital part of our team. Shanin
Below is a small photo collection of animals, family, friend’s, activities and special places that have brought joy over many years…
