We began this series in January with a dog named Retter, a Search and Rescue dog with the Central GA K-9 Search and Rescue. He is owned and handled by Paul Bernichon. Retter is from American lines and was the first dog featured here, helping dispel the fallacy that American lines can't work. (below left)

In February, we went back to our roots with Ike, a German-bred Shepherd who tends sheep for a living. Ike is owned by Kathy DiStaso who not only herds, but also competes in Schutzhund and has earned his Sch III title. (below right)

In March we met Flo, a German Shepherd whose call to duty is in making people feel good. Flo is a certified Therapy Dog through Delta Society Inc. She visits nursing homes, children's hospitals, and assisted living facilities. (below left)

April featured Rin Tin Tin's Lady Star, another special Shepherd who is a certified Seizure Alert Dog for a young girl named Zara. Star provides Zara freedom she didn't previously have, making it possible for her to live a normal life. (below right)

In May, we met Tattoo, a German Shepherd like no other. His talent is to round up zebras for Suzanna and Jose Iglesias. It's an occupation Tattoo took upon himself. He is also a Champion, a Multiple Group Winner and a proven producer.

In June, we featured Cassie, who has so many titles on both ends that it's hard to define just one of her specialties.  Cassie is owned by Julie Degen of Caisson Kennels. She performs in Conformation, Tracking, Agility, Obedience and Herding, to name a few.

July brought us Jim vom Fiemereck, who again defied stereotypes, this time proving that European Shepherds can excel in Conformation, as well as produce offspring who will follow his paw prints. Jim, owned by Dan and Marilyn Smith of  Darby-Dan German Shepherds, is the epitome of the enduring German Shepherd spirit. He did what had never been done before - and he did it exceedingly well. (Note: Jim celebrates his 13th birthday this month, too.)

In August we featured a Lure Coursing Shepherd named Suzie Q, who shocked a smirking crowd into silence with her speed and agility in a sport usually reserved for sight hounds. Suzie Q showed the crowd what a German Shepherd could do . . . which is everything asked of them.
 

 

 

September brought us two German Shepherds whose work is not often discussed. Klaus and Osara are Cadaver Dogs, owned and handled by Kristine Black. These dogs differ from other search dogs in how they must search - without disturbing crime scenes. Thank you Klaus, Osara, and Kristine for the many hours you put in on duty. (below)

 

 

 

 

In October, another Shepherd of many talents, Lorien's Lady Day, was featured. "Glory," who is owned by

Conni Fuller of Moonshadow German Shepherds, participates in Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Tracking and Herding. We wish them much success. (below left)

 

In November, we highlighted our final dog, Rigz, owned by the Epsom NH Police Dept. Rigz and handler Sgt. Brian Michael are also helping to illustrate that the stereotype of American-bred Shepherds' inability to work is just that. (below right)

 

 

 

As these dogs have shown, a well-bred German Shepherd - no matter its lineage - can do anything that is asked.
The next time you here someone say a “German Shepherd can't,” if it hasn't already been done, then set out to prove them wrong.

       Anita Rabidou-Milligan is a contributing writer for The German Shepherd by Design. She can be reached at anitaar@juno.com.