On April 22, 2013, Logan, my German Shepherd Dog, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. He had DM, Degenerative Myelopathy, a death sentence for a dog. Some breeds are at risk for getting this, particularly GSD. The dog must be euthanized for they will end up dying. This is similar to MS in humans.
After I cried my heart out, I went to Westside German Shepherd Rescue to adopt a GSD.
I bought Logan 8 years ago from a breeder in Germany. My heart’s desire was to have a GSD who was trained in Schutzhund, which is a dog field sport in Germany. They take it very seriously: there is a field where the dog works out, a judge and scorecard. They are tested in tracking, obedience and protection. Logan was Schutzhund Level 2.
Back to WGSR. I took home a 2-yr-old GSD that I discovered had severe separation anxiety. I left him home alone one day. When I returned a lot of my crystal was smashed, kitchen blinds torn down, 2 lamps knocked over!! He reacted violently to my leaving. My vet also told me he had an autoimmune eye disease which would require regular vet visits and meds for his life! I returned this dog to the rescue. I simply could not afford the expenses involved.
I adopted another dog from WGSR who bit me, attacked my cat and 2 dogs I was boarding!! My vet advised me to return her. If she bites one of the dogs I’m boarding, it could open me up to liability. Interestingly enough, I always name my dogs and cats very quickly, in minutes/hours. I could not name this dog; nothing came to me. Yes, I had to return this one too.
My friends had been telling me all along to get a puppy due to my business of boarding dogs in my home and my two cats. So, I bought a puppy from a breeder.
I bought Logan 8 years ago because I wanted a particular kind of dog. Now, I really wanted to save a dog from a shelter and give him a home. There are way too many homeless dogs out there!! Now I was not planning to shell out money to buy a dog.
The 8-week-old puppy I bought, however, had a bad heart. My vet sent me to a cardiologist and she told me this dog was going to have major heart problems in his life and advised me to return him. So, yep, returned him too.
Finally, I got 12-week-old GSD I named Bailey in exchange from the breeder. He is doing just fine. It took me 30 minutes to name him! He does have diarrhea–my vet put him on special diet and meds–and he needs housebraking. Ah, now there’s a challenge!! Housebraking! German Shepherd Dogs are very smart and I know he will catch on soon………..sooner, please!!
Now consider that in about four weeks, I brought 4 dogs to my vet. Can you hear my money flying away?!
But it’s all worth it. I have an adorable 14-week-old GSD puppy sleeping at my feet as I type this with his head on my foot. I just love it!!
Diana Ruth Davidson, Chief Pet Officer and Managing Nanny, Westside Dog Nanny
Diana@WestsideDogNanny.com
310 919 9372