Customer Reviews

The Shiloh Shepherd Story: Against the Wind--A Breed is Born (AUTOGRAPHED Limited Edition of 450 with Slipcase)

5 star:		(49)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

A simple review turned into an absorbing read! It's chock-full of insight into both dogs and people. Tina doesn't mince words or overuse them. Her style is different but pleasantly straightforward, leading the reader into a story which reveals Tina Barber to be as unique, intelligent, and devoted as her Shiloh Shepherds.

She is unique in that, without a degree in genetics, she developed genetic research methods as efficient as any this breeder has ever studied. Intelligent in that she went beyond research and theory; she applied her method and insisted that, as a breed developer, her breeders also adhered to stringent record-keeping and selection criteria. "Devoted" seems a rather weak adjective to describe her unwavering loyalty to a single breed and a single objective.

Sustained by her Christian faith, Tina Barber endures enough trial, tribulation, and heartache to serve as a model to all who may feel challenged. The Shiloh Shepherd Story is a true adventure story and a compelling insight into human nature at its best (and worst). Did I mention emotional impact? It will bring tears to the eyes and joy to the heart of every dog lover!

Barbara Andrews, Journalist, Author, and Breeder of over 230 AKC Champions.

From her childhood in Germany to her present day challenges, Tina Barber's strength, faith, and determination in the face of adversity are an inspiration. This book chronicles, in both words and photographs, the birth and evolution of the author's dream--to breed a dog of impressive stature, stable temperament, and superior intelligence. I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting, because there was no way I could put it down. A day later, I had to read it again. In the last chapter, called, "Final Steps," Ms. Barber says her Shiloh Shepherds are her "legacy to the world." The Shiloh Shepherd Story is an integral part of that legacy. You don't have to be a breeder to appreciate Tina Barber's journey--if you've ever owned a dog, or let one into your heart, you'll look at them through different eyes after reading this book.

It's very seldom that canine fanciers ever get a look into the process of the development of a new dog breed. The evolution of dog breeds is obscure, arcane, fraught with genetic difficulties and political backbiting. Often attempted, it very seldom meets with actual success.

In spite of everything, the Shiloh Shepherd Dog is a success story, due primarily to the tenacity, fighting spirit, and never-say-die attitude of Tina Barber. In this book, Tina tells the story of the birth of a breed that is still evolving. The book's a real thriller -- that's what you'd have to call it. This is a unique book, one that stands out from the general run of canine-fancy literature. Truly a memorable story, and one that will be read with admiration and astonishment even twenty or thirty years from now.

Just finished reading "The Shiloh Shepherd Story" and found it very interesting. I have had several German Shepherd Dogs in my life and fell in love with the 'real' Shilohs that Tina Barber and her band of dedicated ISSR breeders have developed. I, too, loved the "old fashioned" German Shepherd and was becoming progressively disappointed in the direction they were going here in the States over the decades. My last one had to be 'put down' because of a severe case of hip dysplasia and it broke my heart. Then I ran across the Shiloh Shepherd on the internet and traced it back to Tina Barber. I was fortunate enough to acquire a 'real' Shiloh Shepherd from one of the legitimate breeders and after having read this book, have a much better appreciation for the tremendous amount of work and dedication in developing this breed. It's a 'must read' for anyone considering a GSD type of dog in their lives. You ought to read the book before you make any decision to buy a dog like this. The only down-side will be the wait involved with getting the right dog into your home and life!

As our family searched the web and library books for a dog to replace the two beloved "mutts" who had passed on after a good long life, we stumbled across references to the Shiloh Shepherd.

Without much effort we came across Tina's website as well as some of her licenced breeders. The brains, brawn and beauty of what we saw and read left nothing else but for us to buy the book, and learn as much as we could about the founder of this breed.

Needless to say, the story is motivating, at times heartbreaking, insightful, and a story that had to be told as the struggle to maintain and establish this reputable breed continues.

Critics with personal vendettas or self-ineterest aside, no one can argue that Tina, as Breed Founder, has not always put her blueprint and belief in the proper development and evolution of the Shiloh Shepherd at the top of her lifetime agenda.

This book details the 40+ years she has dedicated to the effort, and now as the proud owner of a Shiloh Shepherd pup that descended from her bloodlines through one of her Canadian breeders, here's hoping Tina (aka Ma Shiloh), and this breed, will eventually get the recognition and credit they deserves from the rest of the Dog World Community.

The excerpts that I have read should produce a great read.

Being a dog lover and having owned German Shepherds, I look forward to reading the authors struggles to develop a superior shepherd. From what I read the Shiloh ancestors were some great German Shepherds. The excerpts seem to suggest political warfare with this breed. I am familiar with politics within the AKC showring, and look forward to learning why the Shiloh is so controversial.

This book is a "must read" for anyone thinking of owning a Shiloh Shepherd or for the dog lover. The book really shows the author's love, dedication and commitment to the breed. It was really hard to put down. From the first page to the last it holds your interest and takes you on an emotional journey of the trials and tribulations that the author has endured. I am the proud owner of a "Real" Shiloh Shepherd. Great book.

At first I was planning to wait for the soft cover version of this book, but after reading several excerpts, I couldn't wait! I had to have the book as soon as possible, so I ordered my Limited Edtion hard cover copy. The Shiloh Shepherd Story promises to be a great read, hard to put down, full of real-life drama. It is exciting to see the birth and evolution of an awesome breed. The politics don't matter. These are awesome dogs, and the story of how they came to be. I'd recommend this book to all dog fanciers, not just Shiloh lovers.

Happy reading!

Susan

Well the book is out, so those negative reviews can just fade away to nothing-I can honestly say-sounded like sour grapes to me!

Anyhow, this book is exactly what the public needs to see the work and effort that Tina has put into this wonderful breed. Those who stole from her are just upset that they will be exposed to everyone who is interested in the Shiloh and wants to know the truth.

I am honored to have a Shiloh from Tina and Lisa's Kennel-She is everything they said she'd be-perfectly matched to my family.

Thank you!!

I own an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I loved reading about the history and all the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into developing the Shiloh Shepherd! I am truly inspired by Tina Barber's strength and perseverance.

I definitely recommend reading this book! It is a very helpful tool to learn the truth about the Real Shiloh Shepherd and the breed founder.