Are GSD's as special as I think they are or am I biased? - Page 1

Sorry for the unusual post, but I lost my girl yesterday after 12 1/2 years. I have received a great outpouring of sympathy from family and friends and for that I am grateful. However, if I can just vent for a second, I have a lot of friends and family that say "I know what you are going through as I lost my dog as well". The thing is, I knew these other dogs, and they were not German Shepherds. While I know any loss is traumatic, I just feel that there is something special about a GSD and the bond that you develop with them and how they manage to completely sync with you. I can't imaging having any dog other than a GSD. I know this isn't the correct forum to ask, but do others feel this way as well or am I just biased?

Both. Yes, they are, and yes, you are. :)

I would agree with you; I have lost other dogs I dearly loved, but they do not leave the raw, aching hole a GSD does. I think it's their intuition and extreme devotion, as well as high intelligence and knowing what you're going to do before you do it. So much more than "just a dog."

Css33 -sincere condolences
.
Speaking as a very proud owner of three thoroughly devoted Shepherds, I thoroughly believe, that no matter what shape/size/breed/ non breed they are, Canis familiaris, are more than capable of touching our souls - if we are worthy and take the time to reciprocate.

All the best.
Gee

Sorry for your Loss CSS, Sincere condolences :(
I have had GSDs for the past 10 years but as a Boy I lost a Irish setter ,Benji
at 15 (my age) ......and lost a Black lab, Max at ( 24 my age) the Hurt and loss of these dogs was
as hurtful and painful as when I lost My Boy Dragon last August ( my age 50).
We love them so
open and loyaly and they return it, so when they are gone it is a hurt that goes very deep. Many
take years to get another and that is quite okay, and many decide to get back right on the saddle.
either way the love of the lost one is always their and we grow to love and enjoy the memories of
a dog life well lived, in unison with our lives. I hope this note helps to heal my friend.

kindest Regards,

Border

Every Dog...Every animal that you've bonded with will leave a gaping hole in your life when they leave...
I've been Around...Trained...and Bred German Shepherds for 40+ years and when one of them is losing their life I feel the immense pain and want to go with them...But I always think of what they've added to my life and all that we've done together...This is what saves me from a deep depression...When I go out to my other dogs they remind me of the love and friendship we have and what it is that I'm lucky enough to be around...
I've been lucky enough to have or been around other animals and even small dogs...Some of them have added so much to my everyday life that when they go...I also feel a hole...
So I think anything you put your love and life into you have no choice but to feel such a hole that it NEVER goes away...I think life just goes on...You never forget these special animals but it just gets moved farther back in your mind...

~Bob~

My 'Taz' was also 12 1/2 when I had to let him go, last
year. His passing left me totally 'dogless' for the first
time in over 20 years. Prior to that, there had been
Shepherds around me, even at times when I did not
own my own housedog; either my mentor's showlines
or the security dogs I lived & worked with. So I can
understand what you are going through, css33, and
all I can tell you is that even with GSDs the hurt gets a
LITTLE easier to bear once a few months have passed...

Sending you love and sympathy; you are quite right,
there really isn't any other breed, is there ? I have been
involved with GSDs - and a few other breeds/dogs - for
about 45 years now, and it has still always been the GSD
for me. They ARE special.

Thanks everyone for the replies. It helps a lot.

I've certainly seen bias towards a particular breed in people. I do believe that GSD's are particularly suited for the distinction because they are such a capable dog. Like you, I had to put my male down after 12 years of companionship.

It's sometimes difficult to not compare past dogs to present ones. I choose to enjoy each one I own and others with whom I come into contact. That collective body of experience shows me that they are an amazing breed and worth the effort to share one's life with.

Here's an anecdote that I think crystallizes why we like these dogs so much-

My last dog was extremely popular at my vet's office because he was a great dog and a wonderful diplomat for the breed. My vet and I were making arrangements for his cremation and discussing the future. I mentioned that I was going to get another GSD and he was concerned because he didn't think I could ever find another dog that would compare with this one and I'd end up disappointed. He's partially correct, because there can never be another Martin Luther von Arkie, but there can be another dog- complete with its own strengths, unique personality and opportunity. I'm currently raising her and "enjoying" her teen age years. Even at just over a year old, he's already amazed with the new dog and how she just owns the room. He complimented me on my ability to find and raise a good dog. Ha! I had to stop him and let him know that all I really do is show up and help the dog be what it was designed and destined to be. It's the dog. We just get to share in their awesomeness.

Sorry for your loss, css. It´s hard to let them go....

I guess we ( humans as a whole ) are able to bond with every breed, it always depends on the willingness of dog and human.
On the other hand the German Shepherd dog is my breed of choice for decades now, I do have problems to bond with other breeds - might be the German Shepherd dog character, might be mine - who knows?

But after reading your post it´s christal clear - you are made for this special breed, too !

Truly sorry for your loss. I personally have a Lab and a GSD, and agree that GSDs develop a unique type of bond. And yes, you are biased. :)