Greetings from Mid-Michigan

[K9Elvis]

Howdy all,

In March 2012 I made the decision to end my former Police K9 Partner's pain and suffering. It was the most awful day of my life. I knew the day was coming and I tried to mentally prepare for it, but there is nothing you can do to prepare for that day.

In the months leading up to Elvis' final days, I had made a decision to go ahead and get another dog BEFORE Elvis was gone. I had been planning on getting a dog to hunt upland and waterfowl for years and felt it was best to get him home and started before Elvis got too bad....I didn't want to REPLACE one dog with another.

I went "off breed" and bought a French Korthal's Griffon and have been happy ever since. The loss of Elvis was greatly lessened by having another dog to focus on.

Fast forward to December 2012 - our old lab mix took a spill outside and blew out her left ACL so it was off to the Surgical Vet's office in Southern Michigan. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a staff member walking an old, very sore (arthritic) Sable GSD that looked remarkably like my Elvis.

I had my hands full with my baby with the blow out knee, but when they took her back for x-rays, I inquired as to where the GSD went and if he was OK. The staff replied that the dog I'd seen belonged to one of the other staff members. After explaining my history as a K9 Handler and my recently deceased Sable, they offered to call back and have the staff member bring her dog out so I could say "Hi."

When she brought her old man out, I felt bad that he'd had to make the trip to the front of the office on my account, but he immediately nudged my knee then hand just the way Elvis had - he wanted a treat in exchange for hobbling up to the front of the office. He looked remarkably like Elvis and had the same, sore, aching walk that I'd watched for months. Then I looked down at his feet.

Elvis came from a Kennel in Michigan called Blackfoot. They're not in business any more, but the reason they were called "Blackfoot" was because their lines (all sables) carried the gene that give's 'em brown feet with black lines down the middles of the toes.

I looked down at Jev's feet and they had the tell-tale black stripes. I smiled and said that Elvis had the same trait (just as his sister Kasey whom we also have also carries) and asked where Jev was out of.

His owner's reply was "Blackfoot." I immediately began crying and dropped to 1 knee, Jev's owner and the staff grew worried looks on their faces. I was able to mumble between sobs "which litter?" To which his owner said "J." She then said the names of her dog's parents and I lost it.

Here in front of me was Elvis' full brother....in the twilight of his life as well. Tears, hugs, tissues were shared throughout the office. I learned that Jev's owner is active in Schutzhund, S&R but most importantly, she'd been in regular contact with the breeder up until they disbanded due to a messy divorce. She was also believed that the "J" litter was their last

I have not been able to shake that feeling, those images from my mind. When I had to put Elvis down, I swore to myself that I'd never own another GSD - as none would ever be able to compare. Then I met his brother.

I've been trying to shake the mental picture of another Sable male, but I cannot.

So I'm here.......NOW......starting my journey all over again. Not today, not tomorrow (we're getting ready to move to another city) but soon.

Sean aka K9Elvis (My avatar is a portrait that we had commissioned when Elvis was 7 or 8)

[GSDBESTK9]

What a great story! So sorry for the loss of Elvis.
Welcome to the board.
The penciled toes is very common in dark/black sables.

[qbchottu]

Welcome! Beautiful story.

[Danielle609]

Hello from Grand Rapids!! That was a beautiful story, brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your search! I have heard good things about Wildhaus Kennels here in Michigan. May be a good place to look!

[FredD]

Hello and welcome! Wonderful story....

[onyx'girl]

Welcome from SW Michigan.
So glad you were able to meet Jev! Maybe you can find out if anyone is carrying on with the Blackfoot kennels lines. Otherwise, I agree with Danielle, Wildhaus is a great place to find your next toe penciled dark sable! I have one from them that is the best dog ever!

[mwiacek10]

Wow, what a story. I've tears in my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing.

[DanielleOttoMom]

Wow. What a tear jerking story.....
I'm so sorry for your loss of your Elvis. He is a very handsome boy. Love the avatair portrait!!
I will have to also agree with everyone on Wildhaus Kennels. I have heard nothing but great things about them. I posted their website below.

(Wildhaus Kennels, Working German Shepherd Breeder in Michigan)

[lhczth]

Welcome Sean. Thank you for the very touching story.

[Angelina03]

Originally Posted by mwiacek10

Wow, what a story. I've tears in my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing.

Same here. That is like a movie. So sorry for your loss. Good luck with your search.
And welcome!