Today is a special day. It was a short but amazing year ago that Sade came into our home and our hearts. I have owned German Shepherds for more years than I am willing to admit being on this earth and each was true to the breed in every way as well as a special and unique forever gift. Each arrived in our lives and home ready to take us on an unrivaled adventure. They all did those shepherd things that have us addicted to this breed. However, each one also arrived with a special mission and tackling it head on. They knew  they weren’t here to fill a hole in our hearts left by their amazing predecessors. They came to make a new place, new memories and to show us how to move on. They came to teach us that moving forward and loving again is the best way to honor those who came before.

Each new puppy brings promise and love as well as exhaustion and bloody and scarred hands. With each new puppy we think this time we will do better. This time we know exactly how to do everything right. Instead we find that each brings new challenges and new life lessons. And if we are ready and willing, they will take us on an amazing life adventure.

About 9 years ago, I stepped from the world of pet owner to the strange world of the competition dog.  I jumped in without much thought and with both feet. I had never attended a dog show or a competitive dog event and suddenly I was on the road with Ruffie heading to our first dog show. With two sessions of ring training and the confidence of the unknowing, I was crazy enough to think we were ready for this new experience.

We arrived at the show, found our handler (whom we had never met), expecting to practice before it was time for Ruffie to enter the ring. Of course there was no time to practice. Instead Ruffie met his handler about 30 seconds before it was time to enter the ring.  Imagine the death screams coming from my 11 month old baby as this strange man was dragging him away from his mom. His very experienced handler’s attempts to control my boy were worthless against his determination to get back to me.  The handler screamed “run”, then “hide” as well as other terms I will politely omit. I was breathless and confused and reevaluating why I even thought this could be fun. Suddenly, the running stopped and the handler was attempting to stack Ruffie, who again was not cooperating. The judge noticed my attempts to double handle and motioned for me to come. He told me to go stack my dog. Suddenly in my arms, Ruffie relaxed and showed himself to be the handsome boy he was. He came in first. The judge told me I had an excellent dog but I must train him. I was also told, if you are going to show your dog, you must also title him in Schutzhund.

Shutzhund? Huh? What’s that? And the adventure began. Now ten years later, I am sitting here with Sade on the sofa, laptop in hand, de-stressing from my club’s dog show this past weekend.  I not only showed both my girls but also worked the show, going from double handling to stewarding in the ring. I would love to say Sade was first but she wasn’t. I would love to say I have become better at ring training my dogs. I haven’t. I know what to do and how but it is very difficult for me to do with the resources at hand but we will keep working on it. I am disappointed she didn’t do better. Not because she failed me but because I failed her. I know she could present herself so much better if I do better. For myself, it isn’t so important because where she excels is on the Schutzhund field and in every moment of the day by my side. Those are the places I am comfortable working with my dogs and it does make a difference.

Sade and I don’t care where she places but I wanted her to do better for Julie because Julie deserves to have her dogs recognized as number one. In ten years I have learned a lot about showing, titling, training and what makes an amazing German Shepherd Dog.  We train with a National level helper and competitor. Every week, he beams as she leaves the field after obedience and protection training. She is a natural tracker as well. He says she is an amazing dog, the complete package and he is right. She has the looks (despite where she places in a show) and the brains and temperament that would have made Stephanitz (the breed founder) proud.  Last but not least, she is so much more than a show and sport dog. She is family. I can take this girl with me anywhere. We are continually stopped by people when we are out and about and they want to know how they can get their dog to behave so well. And of course, where did you get such a beautiful dog? The answer is easy, Alta-Tollhaus. Alta-Tollhaus dogs are and always will be number one.

Thank you Julie for allowing this special girl in my life and for being the friend that you have become.

For those of you just beginning with an Alta-Tollhaus Dog, you are the special chosen few who will become part of the Alta-Tollhaus family. Welcome and get ready for a wild ride. And the best part is, you will not be doing it alone.  You are now part of an amzing family of people and dogs. And best of all, you will have Julie as a lifetime partner.