From Sara and Cherif Hafiz

Owners of GENTLE POWER OF MILORD MADDOX aka GROVER

Having had dogs for over fifty years, and exhibited dogs in AKC obedience and confirmation events for over twenty years, we are very familiar with a wide variety of dog breeds and have encountered a large number of purebred dog breeders. Grover, our first Black Russian Terrier (BRT) and bred by Gentle Power kennel, has fast become among the most acclimated and connected dogs we have ever had. Tatiana & Hamlet of Gentle Power kennel are a pleasure to know, and are already among our very favorite breeders.
By way of background, we have had conformation / obedience / rescue dogs of the AKC working, terrier, herding groups, as well as mixed-breed dogs. Having admired the BRT for several years, we came to learn that the breed has a strong capacity for service work. After the passing of our beloved aged Briard, we set out to learn if the addition of a BRT to our family might also support our son as a service dog.
We were fortunate to serendipitously find Tatiana & Hamlet. They are a wealth of information about the BRT breed, and it is clear that their breeding program is built firmly on the principles of sound temperament, good health, and attributes consistent with the breed standard. It is clear that Tatiana’s extensive science background is an asset to their breeding program. Likewise of value are Hamlet & Tatiana’s practical and intuitive approaches to canine behavior and training.
During our years of experience with dogs, we have unfortunately also seen firsthand how some fraction of breeders can be designing or overbearing in their demands — — from contracts imposing requirements for show or breeding, or co-ownership consents for what should be clear decisions in support of the dog’s health & well-being. We were gratified, however, to find Tatiana and Hamlet’s support to be extraordinary and expectations well within reason.
Grover has been a delight from the start! He is early in his training as a seizure alert & support service dog. He is already very attached to our son, and connected with our entire family. He is intelligent, engaged, affectionate, gregarious, stunning, and irreplaceable. While Grover’s primary roles are in support of our son and settling in as a member of our family, he may likely also see the show ring in the tradition of his striking sire and dam.
We are very pleased with Grover and his place within our family, and truly grateful for Tatiana & Hamlet’s care and support in breeding such a lovely dog and matching Grover to us. We highly recommend Tatiana & Hamlet and Gentle Power kennel as breeders of exceptional Black Russian Terriers — — for both the quality of the dogs they breed, and the support they afford to the new homes of their placements.