Hello...so happy I found you!

[Danc2themusic]

Hi, I'm new here and just wanted to introduce myself. Last week I brought home a 2 and 1/2 year old Shepherd named Seger and he is such a love.

My story with Shepherds starts in 2000 when I adopted a 7 year old Shepherd named Mozart from the local shelter. He had been mistreated and needed lots of reassurance but we quickly became soul mates. He was such a good dog, we hiked and played and as he got older I just enjoyed having him rest at my feet and sing when the fire trucks drove by. Sadly in 2007 he was found on the floor of my living room suffering from bloat and I had to make the awful decision to put down my best friend.

Three years past and my husband would often say he wanted another Shepherd, or tell me he was looking at the shelters. I just said no, I couldn't bare the thought of someone taking Mozzies place. Then one day about 6 weeks ago a woman with a beautiful Shepherd walked by me on the soccer field and I felt the switch go off...I needed another large, drooling, loving friend and the hunt was on for a Shepherd.

I searched the shelters, but really only found pitbulls available. I contacted the resues but they wouldn't even talk to me because my yard is not fenced. Finally I thought a puppy may be my only way to get a Shepherd into my home. A friend told me about a family that was selling Shepherd puppies and I set up an appointment to see.

Now don't get me wrong the puppy was adorable and commical with feet the size of China, but while visiting the owners half kidding asked if I'd be interested in a 2 and 1/2 year old male. They had fallen on hard times and could no longer afford 3 Shepherds.

OMG talking about a dream come true. I did want a full grown dog and I do prefer a males to females. So I started the process of transitioning Seger. I visited 4 or 5 times over the course of the following week taking him for drives and hikes and just playing ball. I also had them come to my house and introduce Seger to my 4 year old Cocker Spaniel.

Finally last Tuesday I brought him home. The transition has gone relatively smooth. He has been eating OK, he has had a few restless nights in his crate but is settling and he has the jitters around new things often showing some aggression when on his leash and things enter his space too quickly.

Seger is not neutered so that is on my list of things to get done before school starts in Sept and I have contacted a friend who "speaks dog" to help me with socializing him with other dogs.

All in all though it is almost like my Mozzie has been reincarnated. Seger is the best dog I have ever walked and loves hikes on the local bridal paths. He sits when told and goes and lies down when he is getting in the way. He fetches all day and gives the greatest sloppy kisses. I guess you can tell I am in love.

I'm glad I've found you, other people who understand the breed. I look forward to sharing and getting advice.

[BlackPuppy]

Welcome!

Thank you for the touching story. It's so hard to lose a good friend. But finding new friends is the best!

[W.Oliver]

Welcome...sorry you had to make such a difficult decision. Seger sounds like a wonderful fresh start. This forum should be a wonderful resource for you.

[Stosh]

Isn't it amazing how a new dog can fill up your heart again? You'll have to post some pictures.

[jakeandrenee]

Welcome!

[LaRen616]

Hello and Welcome to the forum!

Congrats on your new boy and sorry for the loss of your other boy