My story

Bob1955 · #1 01-02-12, 04:35 PM

I first encountered a Shepherd that we had as a pet when I was a young child. I don't remember too much about her, except I called her Lassie. Don't ask me why because I don't remember. When we started to go on holiday to Germany, to visit my Grandparents, I came across another Shepherd. This one was owned by my GreatGrandfather. He was the most beautiful, gentle and faithful dog I have ever known, until I got my Rudi (who is actually named after my Greatgrandad Rudolf). Rex, my Greatgranddad's dog would jump the gate and run down the lane to meet us as we walked to the house. He only saw me once a year but we formed a bond that lasted for a long time. As a ten year old I could take him for a walk along the dyke without a problem. I only spoke English and he only understood German, but we got along. From those early years Shepherds are the only breed I will have. Their love and devotion is second to none. No matter where I am Rudi wants to be close. i can't even go to the bathroom without tripping over him on the way out. Our previous vet, before we moved to where we are now, complimented us on having such well behaved and 'soppy' dogs. We treat them with love and kindness, but also let them know their place in the pack. It seems to have worked for us. Anyone could approach them and give then a fuss without fear of aggression. We believe that when you have a large dog it should behave appropriately, ie not be aggressive, but, in the right circumstances, protective.

sami · #2 01-02-12, 05:31 PM

Great story and I agree with the way you describe how you like your dogs to be. I only have Leo now (he is 12, just lost his mum at 14) but he really is the soppiest, softest, friendliest dog you could ever meet.

Funnily enough my sister has a Lab and was complaining about her following her around, at which I said, "dont ever get a shepherd then", they are constant companions. I cant imagine owning any other type of dog.

LindaM · #3 01-02-12, 05:44 PM

It was nice to hear your story Bob, thank you for sharing.

Lukey is our first GSD and we are learning all the time. I think he is soft and kind but needs to know his place. I also think he is sensitive which surprised me as I always thought 'Alsations' as we called them as children were very tough. I suppose many are that too. I have never had such a close bond with a dog although I have always been very attached to all of them.

It was nice to hear your boyhood tale about your walks

Kaz and Harvey · #4 01-02-12, 06:03 PM

Thats a nice story, welcome to the forum

I am the same as Linda and Harvey is my first GSD, hubby was brought up with them all his life but I love the breed and Harvey is my shadow!

Stuart · #5 01-02-12, 07:29 PM

Thank you Bob,.. it seems that the dogs you have met have been very good representatives of the breed,...[its also why I am involved in rescue]

Moobli · #6 01-02-12, 08:09 PM

Thank you for sharing your story with us Bob - it made me think of summer holidays on my grandparents farm in Ireland where they had border collies. I "adopted" a particular sheepdog called Timmy and, like your dog, even though he only saw me once a year we shared a real bond.

Your GSD sounds like a real ambassador for the breed.

Bob1955 · #7 02-02-12, 07:56 AM

Rudi is a real star. He's also one of our pups. Jill had his mum,Amber, and we decided to let her have one litter. In April 2000 she gave birth to 9 pups, all of which survived. Rudi was the runt. No one looked at him so Jill asked me if I wanted him. I almost bit her hand off. He's been my constant companion ever since. Sadly, in 2004, we lost Amber to a particularly aggressive form of cancer. It was after that we got Kimber. She's a very loving dog, but also a bit of a delinquent. Every time we come back from a walk she brings a new stick home, although some are the size of half a tree

It's funny watching her trying to figure out how to get it through the gate at the end of the field. She always does it though.

LOVEGSD · #8 02-02-12, 11:31 AM

Thanks for sharing your story with us...x

nisbreagha · #9 02-02-12, 11:09 PM

Nice story, it reminded me if my family dogs as a child we had a lovely lab and my wee JRT Jock he was my little companion a totally mad JRT that had prey drive through the roof but was so biddable with people and other dogs. He regularly got dressed up by my sister, and ran round my make shift agility courses in the garden and as I grew up and was in my teens he was my excuse to go out so I could meet a boyfriend or gossip with my friends, he was with us for about 16 years and probably the dog that has made me such a doggy person

ianock · #10 03-02-12, 11:09 AM

100% agree Bob, lost count how many times we have tripped over sasha or caught her in the door as she is always next/behind to you.....we leave doors open now!