Sunday, April 26, 2015

My Dogs

Having owned Germans Shepherds for over 40 years, I have lived with a variety of colours, personalities and conformations, but they have all been special and each in their own way has deeply enriched my life. The nobility, natural beauty, intelligence, loyalty, courage and versatility of this breed is like no other. What follows are several of my special shepherds.
Tosca 
Brentwood's Tosca
February 11, 1965 - April 12, 1975 

Tosca 
Tosca was my first German Shepherd, and a devoted family member who earned her title of Companion Dog with very little effort. She was fiercely protective of her family, and guardian of my young son, Tim, who came along when she was seven. She was a great traveller and accompanied us across Canada on more than one occasion.

Lindy 
OTCH Yeulett's Much Loved Lindy
August 27, 1984 - February 13, 1992

Lindy
Lindy was my Obedience Trial Champion, my partner in obedience, tracking, flyball, and my constant companion in everyday life. She was a certified Therapy Dog, a willing and confident obedience dog, and a great tracker. She had one litter of eight puppies, from which I kept one male, Lindy's Logan Lake.

Logan 
Lindy's Logan Lake, CD
July 30, 1988 - April 13, 2000

Logan
Logan was my heart-throb dog, a good obedience partner, tracker, protector, and much-loved friend. He was a very special dog who was loved and admired by all who knew him. He was a perfect representative of his breed and was deeply missed when he died. He has been immortalized in a book I wrote about him after his death. I shall never see his likes again.

Abbey 
Ch.Windvane's Showstopper CD TD
February 8, 1992-December 1, 1997

Windvane's Showstopper - Abbey
Abbey was a happy, quick-thinking dog and in her short life, accomplished a great deal.Within a six month period, she earned her CKC Companion Dog title (CD), her Tracking Dog title (TD) and a Canadian Championship (Ch). Her premature death was a tragic blow. She had one litter on May 14, 1995, which produced my next special friend, Lear.


Lear 
Windvane's Lear Am CD, Can CDX, CGC
May 14, 1995 - August 25, 2007

Windvane's Lear - Lear
Lear was my latest special male shepherd, a dog with dignity and grace. He was a quiet thinker who wanted to please, and who did very well in obedience trials. He was a wonderful tracker and travelled with me across the country. He went to work and fulfilled his job as my constant companion. He was never any further away than my hand could reach. He died peacefully in my arms,on August 25, 2007. I miss him deeply.Our home is not quite the same.


Jemma 
Ch.Windvane's Gemstone CDX, CGN, AGXS, AGXJS, RE, ADC,
Am.CD, RN, CRNT, CRNMCL July 14, 2001 - December 2, 2013

Windvane's Gemstone - Jemma
Jemma is the newest member of the family. A feisty little female with brains as well as beauty. She has done well in both the conformation and the obedience ring, obtaining her Championship in five shows with Best of Winners wins and a Best Puppy in Group, entirely owner handled. Her obedience started off with a bang winning three High in Classes and a High in Trial. She has completed her CDX winning High Scoring Herding Dog in Trial. Jemma has now completed her CKC agility and is working on Utiltiy in Obedience. She continues to wow me daily. She now works in three areas of dog sports. Jemma is a clown. She makes me laugh and turns a quiet day into one of motion and excitement. My Jemma went today to be with my other shepherds at the end of the Rainbow Bridge where they will be waiting for the sound of my voice. I miss her deeply.

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