If you ever wanted to get a very loyal, lovable dog, I would suggest a female german shepard. My girl Sheba is so very loyal and protective of me. The only down fall is she is a food monger. You could be holding a double cheese burger in your hand, and she could pull the tomato out of the middle. She is crashed in her doggie bed right next to me listening to the blues.
You just can't go wrong with a GSD (German Shepherd Dog) IMHO. We adopted a female almost two years ago from a local rescue organization, and she is turning out to be quite possibly the best dog we've ever owned. Obedient, loving, protective. Pretty much every attribute you would ever want or hope for from any dog. And, she's beautiful to boot. But, probably her best quality is the patience and tolerance she shows to my now seven year old son, who still does things that he shouldn't do to a dog. You know, typical kid stuff like pulling her tail, chasing her with a stick, stuff like that. Don't get me wrong, I don't put up with it. If I see it, he's gets a whatfer and then some. And, of course we've lectured him at length about how to treat a dog (and all animals really). But, he's a kid, and you can't watch 'em 24/7. So, inevitably we will catch him doing something he shouldn't be doing. My point is, I really think he'd been bitten by now from just about any other dog. But, and this is something only a real dog lover might appreciate, when I get after him, the look on her face is almost as if she's saying "it's OK Dad." Now, the other side of the coin is she will pester him at times (when he's not paying her any attention). Usually, she's got one of her balls or a Kong, and he's probably focused on something else. Well, she won't stop until he finally gives in and throws whatever it is she has in her mouth. Just last weekend the two of them we're basically playing this pick up football game in the house (during his B-Day party no less). They were using a stuffed frog for the football. And, they were running and rolling around together. It really was heartwarming to watch how they interacted with one another. Just like a couple of kids playing together. My father-in-law even commented on how there's nothing quite like a boy and his dog. And, well...he's right. And, the beauty of it all is that, like I first said...we adopted her from a rescue organization. Which just goes to show you...there are good dogs out there, great dogs really, that just need a good home. So, for anyone thinking about getting a dog, the two things I would strongly recommend is to 1) Consider a GSD. They really are in a league of their own. And, I just don't think you can go wrong (as long as you know/understand the breed, and apply the things you should in terms of training and basic dog psychology). And 2) Search your local shelters and rescue organizations. You'll be amazed at how many good dogs there are that desperately need a forever home. EDIT: As I am finishing up on this post, my son yells downstairs to me "Dad, take care of my dog!" He and his mother were getting ready to go out for a bit. And, as I get up and walk up to see them off, he again says "take care of my sister mister." I'm tellin' ya...we are truly fortunate. Blessed really.
Tyson, before I had to give him away. (7 months there) Can't have such vicious pitbulls in our great Dade County.
Ya he looks like a baby-eater They don't allow Pitts in the whole county? Not even with some kind of permit?
And my current Dog Achilles. I had his father 18 years before I had to have him put down. One of the sadest day of my life. I caught this one before he hit the ground (his mom dilivered him standing up). Note: Click image for full size
His dad was Valhalla. Got both names from Zeppelin song's (Immigrant song and Achilles Last Stand). Thank you =)
Nice. It's gotta be fun to have him outside in a crowd of people and call out, "Achilleeeeeeeees!" lol
