Good Shepherd K9 Initiative

Lisa C.

Breeder of Miniature Schnauzers

Gilroy, CA ·

Meet the breeder

I'm Lisa C., the breeder behind Good Shepherd K9 Initiative located in Gilroy, CA. Lisa Cevallos is the founder of the Good Shepherd K9 Initiative, where she raises and trains dogs to become emotional support and therapy companions. Her mission is deeply personal—shaped by her own journey with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, and the comfort she’s found through her dogs. Lisa is passionate about helping others experience that same sense of peace, stability, and unconditional love by placing well-trained, emotionally attuned dogs into homes that need them most.

Q. & A. with Lisa

Why did you start breeding?
Recently, two of my females had litters, and through the experience of nurturing the puppies and intentionally placing them in loving homes, I felt inspired to begin this journey earlier than I had originally planned for retirement.
What makes your program special?
I am thoughtfully raising these puppies with a strong foundation for emotional support and therapy work, focusing on temperament, behavior, and early training. They go to their new homes already well-started—almost fully pad trained and able to sit, lay down, shake, stay, and even fetch. I also provide ongoing guidance and support to families after adoption to help set both the puppy and their new home up for long-term success. This work is deeply meaningful to me. As someone who has personally experienced depression, anxiety, and ADHD, I understand the powerful role a dog can play in providing comfort, stability, and emotional support. That experience fuels my dedication to raising dogs that can truly make a positive and lasting impact in people’s lives.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include white, black and silver, and salt and pepper. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Dolly
Went home
Female

Getting a puppy from Lisa

Lisa has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

After buyers complete the application and screening process, Lisa partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“At Good Shepherd K9 Initiative, our goal is to create thoughtful, lasting matches between each puppy and their new family. We believe successful placements go beyond appearance—they are based on temperament, lifestyle compatibility, and long-term well-being. Our Matching Philosophy We match puppies based on: Temperament and personality Energy level and activity needs Household environment (children, pets, etc.) Emotional support or therapy goals (if applicable) Experience level of the new owner Each puppy is unique, and we take great care in ensuring the best possible fit for both the puppy and the family.”

Price

Puppy prices include a $200 non-refundable deposit and between $1,300 - $4,300 final payment, before taxes & fees.

Pay over time with Klarna.

“This price includes a health guarantee, puppy wellness examine, deworming, age appropriate vaccinations. docked tail, and dew claw removal by a licensed surgeon, basic training and socialization. Deposit is non-refundable and will be applied to the balance of the rehoming fee.”

Contract & health guarantee

Lisa may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Lisa offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Lisa directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

What's included

- From Good Dog
  - Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
  - 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
  - Puppy Training Program & private community
- Enrichment & socialization
  - Various sounds
  - Car rides
  - Surface & tactile stimulation
  - Socialized with children
  - Socialized in new places
  - Daily handling
  - Socialized with other dogs
  - Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Puppy health practices
  - Vet check
  - First round of shots and deworming
  - Vet records
- Extras
  - Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
  - Initial potty training
  - Toys
  - Food & treats
  - Puppy starter kit
  - Basic obedience & manners

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Lisa.

Breeder's location

Meet in Gilroy, CA

2380 miles away

Other pick-up locations

Meet at San Jose Airport

2392 miles away

Meet in Los Banos, CA

2342 miles away

More about Lisa

Lisa has been a member of Good Dog for 5 months
Lisa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2026.

Lisa is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Good Shepherd K9 Initiative meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies

Parent dogs

Buddy, dad
Miniature Schnauzer
About Buddy
Buddy is a male Miniature Schnauzer. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Lisa decided to make him part of their program. Lisa has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Nala, mom
Miniature Schnauzer
About Nala
Nala is a female Miniature Schnauzer. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Lisa decided to make her part of their program. Lisa has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.

Parent health testing

Good Shepherd K9 Initiative reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Miniature Schnauzers.

Vet Wellness Exam
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.