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A Tribute to the German Shepherd Dog Editor's note: This is the eighth installment of our year-long series featuring the versatility of the German Shepherd dog. Special thanks are extended to the author, Anita Rabidou-Milligan, who conceived and executed these articles. January February March April May June July by Anita Rabidou-Milligan
Although the German Shepherd Dog was bred to be a sheepdog, Max von Stephanitz correctly predicted that
the ways of agricultural living and herding would be replaced by industrialization. To protect the breed he loved, he
embarked on a mission to promote the versatility of the German Shepherd Dog. Today, no other breed can compare.
From herding to police work, from guide work to family companion, the German Shepherd Dog is the TOTAL dog.
August
Red Rock's Suzie Q RN HIC CGC OFA (ptd)
Breeder: Clinton Hill Sire: Heartstar's Harry Potter OFA
Dam: Flo-Lo's Arineque Hard Times OFA
This month we feature a German Shepherd who defied gravity and speed on a pleasant April day by stepping away
from a Herding ring to something involving a bit more speed . . . Lure Coursing. Meet Suzie Q.
The day was long. And standing amongst the greyhounds, whippets, and pharaohs, Suzie Q looked out of place. What peculiar looks she received. There were no sheep here and the crowd scratched their heads and wondered. They did not understand Suzie Q was there as to do the course. When they found out, the looks varied from amused to perplexed to sympathetic. With every round, Suzie Q was dancing around shaking with anticipation. About an hour before her official turn, she some how did an amazing twisting air-flip (which I am sure would have qualified her for Barnum and Bailey's Circus), and the next thing I knew, I was holding an empty collar. She was on the field. Events got put on hold as Suzie Q was re-claimed. She hadn't gone far, just to where the lure was. Finally, she had her moment. The girl in charge called out, "German Shepherd," and since Suzie Q was the only one, there was no doubt who was next. Instructions were given on how to line her up at the starting line. The call went out to "hold your hounds . . . and your Shepherd." (This command means that they are about to get the lure in place to start the run.) Suzie Q is definitely ready to go. They called "Tally Ho" - the signal to release the dog on the course for the official start. Off she went. She sped like a silver (or black and tan) bullet. It took a minute for the guy running the lure to realize that he better speed it up or Suzie Q was going to catch it. Watching her go was a thing of beauty. The course is an official 900 yards, over several acres of land. Someone in the crowd cried, "Hey, LOOK at the Shepherd!" and there was silence, followed by intense whispers of amazement. Then comments in lure lingo that translated into how good she was doing. Those running the event got into it when they realized Susie Q was for real. They told me where to stand for the end, and the lady on the field yelled something to the guy running the lure. When the lure stopped at the finish line, and Suzie Q was re-claimed, the crowd erupted in cheering and clapping. All of a sudden Suzie Q was surrounded by people praising her. It was a memorable event. The day a German Shepherd kept up with the Sight Hounds - and showed spectators that with a German Shepherd, all things are possible.
Anita
Rabidou-Milligan is a contributing writer for
The German Shepherd by Design.
She can be reached at
anitaar@juno.com.
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