The Hallmarks of a good Shepherd - Page 2

Blitzen, Nemo (the dwarf) donated blood for the research efforts, so I would say the answer to that is 'yes'! Ironic, isn't it?

Both Remy and Nemo (as a senior normal) also donated blood to these research efforts.

If I'd have realized that was the little guy, I obviously wouldn't have asked .

Thank you all for your kind words.  It is never ever easy to lose one of our beloved friends but I must say this has been particularly tough. The support is very appreciated.

Blitzen, thank you for asking about Mr. Nemo. God willing we will celebrate his 16th birthday on Aug 15th. He has been his special little self these last couple days just giving me soft little kisses on the arm to say feel better. Sleeps alot - can appear to be out cold but it is amazing that when I open the refrigerator door 3 rooms away, all of a sudden I look down there has arrived Nemo on his quiet little cat feet going food, are we having food?  I use to think the air pressure must have changed when the door opened but he gets there too quickly so now I'm convinced he just reads my mind about what I'm going to do. I know for a fact he does that when I think about taking him with me someplace because there he will be waiting at the front door and god forbid you want to change your mind.

I am also blessed to have Remy's daughter Seffe. While a very different personality and character than the Rem ( she often makes me laugh which is a good thing right now), she  too is very special. She is also a service dog having first stepped up to the plate several years ago when an errant fox tail in the neck that couldn't be found laid the Remy low for quite a while. Since that time I have alternated who I used so both would get worked.

Sunsilver, glad to hear that you are working Star in IPO. Remember have fun! My favorite memory of trialing Remy was when I decided - for fun- we would enter the Regionals. I always felt guilty that Rem could not be trialed to the fullness of her capability because of my limitations. She had the capability of being a competitor on the world level but I did not. In fact one of my training group (also entered) told me I should not go to the Regional because we as a team were not up to it - meaning I wasn't because he well knew Remy was. Of course I did not listen to him cause he had no clue about showing a dog you loved and were proud of for no other reason than that. We went, we had fun, she did a spectacular free track, an impressive protection routine that was the crowd's favorite and while we may not have made the podium we qualifed - the only one from my training group to do so! And yes, I'm human I have to confess to getting extra satisfaction from that last fact. 

showing a dog you loved and were proud of for no other reason than that

The best reason in the world!

Almost 16 is incredible for any GSD, especially so for a little guy like Nemo. He is so special in so many ways. You are blessed to have him.