It’s interesting to find out how people first became aware of the German Shepherd breed, or what it what is was that sparked their introduction. Was it a friend that owned one, a neighbour, or was it something a bit more than that??? I was speaking to someone recently and their introduction was via Luke – Luke the Police dog. And the introduction wasn’t due to the media involved around him – it was the personal meeting of him with his shaved patch at the Easter Show in Auckland, and it was something I wanted to share.
I was very young myself when Luke was in the Media in New Zealand, but when his name was mentioned I knew who he was and what had happened to him. He was an amazing dog that got injured in the “call of duty” and was fortunate enough to survive. He was never able to return to active service – but he lived out the remainder of his life with the person that he had worked with and become a loving family pet.
Fortunately – as he had won the hearts of so many, this amazing person took Luke out in public, while he was still showing signs of his wounds – and people have obviously never forgotten Luke. The words I received about Luke were so loving about his nature, and how he was happy to be surrounded by people.
It is obvious to me that Luke was a real treasure and a dog that should be remembered. He served and protected, and then became a loving family pet to his family. He was retired in 1984 – and was was unfortunately put to rest in 1991, still belonging to his loving handler.
The article that I was passed on about Luke, which is titled “Goodbye old friend” is dated August 15, 1991. And I can guarantee you that Jim Donald wont remember the person who reminded me of him. Just as I know the dedicated team who attend the regular fundraising BBQs for German Shepherd Rescue wont recall everyone they meet. But all these people who are taking their dogs out, putting them on display, and earning respect for the breed need to be commended.
Now lets think for a quick moment about all of those dogs that require fostering care while they find their forever homes…. Some enter our lives for a season, and some for a reason. It’s a life changing situation and it takes a very strong person to be able to say “I am going to love you, cherish you, and give you everything you need to be happy… and then I am going to let you go”. They deserve a medal. Every time they do it – they make a difference in more than one dog/family/persons life.
So like Luke, who will always be remembered – I would like to say a person thank you to the dedicated Foster Family/Team who continue to help our dogs. It’s a misconception that all dogs end up in rescue due to behavioural issues, and it’s the one’s that do due to neglect that hurt the most. There are also those that have had loving families, and due to circumstances outside of their control they need to ask for help, and I have an immense respect for people being honest enough to do this.
So to Luke, and all the Foster Families out there – I salute you.
My first experience of a German shepherd was a friends dog when I was a child. He was huge and hairy and very clever with lots of play drive.
My husband and I are onto shepherd number four and five. Two brought as pups and 3 rescue. Grizz is my most adored boy Brought. From a breeder at 12 weeks and pixie a wee rescue extremely devoted but has some quirks that need good management. She hates boys in hoodies skate boards and is terrified if another dog runs at her.
All five dogs have been very different with different personalities but they have all had huge German shepherd hearts, adore there families , love unconditionally and the usual very clever intelligence. Love them
Thank you so much for sharing. OMG, mine used to hate the school kids riding past on skate boards and scooters. It’s so ironic that you and Tracey had the same named boys. Love it.
My first experience was seeing a German Shepherd for the first time at my friends house, I came from a farm and loved our border collies and huntaways to bits. But my first sight of a German Shepherd was special – what a handsome, strong, regal being this was!!
Life went on and I waited until I was married, settled and could talk my husband into getting one of these magnificent animals. He reneged (as they do) and my police friend who had bred GSD’s for many years had a litter. Grizz came into our lives. Magnificent, special and very spoilt. I coveted him and over did spoiling him. Forgetting how strong and intelligent they are. Grizz trained me before I trained him! I had to go back to basics and call in help – this is when I learnt how very very intelligent and strong they are.
We got there – I learnt to be the human he could respect and trust – he taught me so much more. I also realised this is why they get rehomed so often – they are so smart!!!
Sadly Grizz passed away at the age of seven with cancer – (worst week ever!!).
In the mean time we had adopted Maddie a 6 month old GSD bundle of love and fun – she was 12 hours from being put down when we heard about her.
With Grizz’s guidance and this beautiful girls willingness to be accepted and loved – we had found a treasure.
Sometimes GSD puppies can be a handful – huge amounts of time and effort is required. Please look at re-homing if you have the opportunity and don’t have the time for a pup – so many need homes and if you understand this breed you can give something so incredible an amazing home – they pay you back in absolute spades.
In memory of Grizz.
Hi Tracey,
Thank you so much for sharing. First time I have replied as I am new to this too. I know how hard is to lose a beloved to Cancer. My rescue boy went to Cancer. I am so pleased you you took Maddie. One day I will share how I ended up with Chance – busting a dog out of the pound in final hours was the best decision I ever made.
They teach us so much – so in memory of Grizz… xx
Thanks Ann
This has been a great memory for me – thanks for your lovely comment – means a lot. Keep on busting!! They sure are worth it – love to hear the story one day!!
Bear, my rescue dog, is the 6th Shepherd that has owned me. .He arrived to take over my life after the totally unexpected death of Klaus due to aggressive lymphoma.
I don’t recall when I first fell in love with the breed, but it was over 6 decades back. At the time, my parents couldn’t afford a large breed when I was a child, but I had Foxys that we all loved.
I was only marking time. As soon as I left home, I got my first Shepherd and the die was cast. Since that time, there has always been one of these big bundles of love in my life.
When I was in my early 20’s I had someone try and break into my home (while I was there). I was living alone in a rural area and become pretty nervous about things after that. I spoke to someone who knew someone and was told that a German Shepherd was in the pound. He had been removed from his owners due to neglect. I went and saw him that day and was shocked to see this frightened, hairy, skeleton of a dog which resembled a GS. I decided he wasn’t spending another night in the pound. I left and raced around buying supplies (bed; blanket; collar; lead and the like) and picked him up after work that day. He jumped in my car; curled up and went to sleep. When we got home I gave him a look at the fencing and his boundary we had a chat and a cuddle on the lawn and he never left my side from that day. The best dog I’ve ever had. He slept inside every night and never wanted for anything. Once he put on weight and was bathed and shampooed he was the most glorious long haired GS. We did a lot of travelling and he loved his car rides. We had certain cafes that we would stop at and in the summer they would give him ice-creams which he propped up between his paws and licked like the superstar he was. I adopted him at 4 years old and lost him at 10 due to cancer. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and miss him every day.