Meet Bagira. She is the newest of my dogs, and another Dutch import German Shepherd Dog (GSD). She is well versed in advanced training, and is a real sweetie. She bonded very quickly with not only me, but the kids as well. She is a proven good mother, and perhaps there will be baby Heros in our future with Bagira. She's the most playful dog we have, and she LOVES LOVES LOVES the snow!
Hero is here in his crate by choice. He loves his crate. If another dog goes in there, he will get a bone
or toy and tease them out of the crate with it. Then he relinquishes the toy and reclaims his crate. This is nap time this afternoon. Hero has been with me for 6 1/2 years, and is my best friend. His birthday is later this week, and he turns nine. He, like Bagira, is from Holland, and well versed in advanced training. His vet says he has arthritis, but to watch him walk or run, one wouldn't be able to detect it. He remains very energetic and powerful.
I have no doubt that either or both of these dogs would give their lives to protect me. Thanks to them, I sleep well at night now. Quite a contrast to the hyper vigilant years early after calling it quits on my marriage and becoming acquainted with having my home broken into, being stalked and assaulted by someone with whom I had been married and had kids. Both of them have had a rare episode of stealing fiber or really good yarn, but by and large, they are fiber trained dogs who understand spinning time and knitting time is not belly rub time.
I really need to stop bookmarking things for later commentation. I could have sworn that one of your beauties had left us. Sorry for the last reflection on the Bridge! I totally need some caffeine. :(
=:8
Posted by: Kimberly | Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 10:23
I know I know... I am late as always, but your gentle sweeties have hearts of lions and the souls of lambs. May your darling rest in peace until you see each other at the Bridge.
=:8
Posted by: Kimberly | Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 10:21
What beautiful dogs. I hope things have settled for you and the dogs are more for comfort and joy than necessary protection.
Posted by: Dorothy B | Monday, December 11, 2006 at 14:12
:( I want them!!!!!!!!!!!!
Such cute pictures.
Posted by: Kelly | Monday, December 11, 2006 at 09:34
What beautiful dogs.
My little one is a fierce protector too. maybe a little overprotective but I know what you mean about feeling safe in the house with the dogs.
Posted by: Amy Boogie | Monday, December 11, 2006 at 08:15
i know just what you mean. my dd's bedroom is on the first floor, and mine is on the second. our 2 dogs sleep with her, and believe me, no one would try to get into that room with the german shorthair pointer!
Posted by: vanessa | Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 23:11
What beautiful dogs! It is a comfort to have such friendly and protective companions.
Posted by: Chris | Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 22:02
They look like real sweethearts. My brother has had several German Shepherds over the years so I know how protective they are. What a comfort for you.
Posted by: Leigh | Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 20:34
oooh! Your dogs are beautiful!
Luckily, I've never had need of the kind of protection you have, but still, my husband travels on business and wouldn't be without a dog. My standard poodle is no hero, but she barks likes a big tough dog and all the love makes up for the lack of heroism :)
Posted by: Billi-Jean | Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 17:49
Gorgeous dogs:) My DH used to have 2 and misses them very much. I too know how wonderful it is to be able to sleep at nights. My first husband was a man such as that. He too broke in at night and assaulted me(causing a broken nose) even though I had 2 young children at home.
I love your blog BTW, your knitting inspires me
Sleep well and peacefully
amber in Scotland
Posted by: ambermoggie | Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 15:56
Moxie knows that knitting and spinning time are not for belly rubs but that doesn't mean he won't pout. Your dogs are beautiful.
Posted by: margene | Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 15:27