German Shepherd dog

Cheers to our old girl, VA-Brenda Messebau!  Born May 6, 1993.  Daughter of Gorbi Bad-Boll and Katja Messebau.  Mother to VA-Drake Kirchenwald, great-grandmother to VA-Gorbi Kirchenwald.  Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother to many, many wonderful dogs, all with super character and wonderful anatomy!  Thank you, Wolfgang Riefling for breeding such a wonderful female. 

Brenda has been with us for ten years now, the epitome of a foundation female.  Brenda's only "health" issue, ever,  was a significant bitch fight, years ago,  with old Quessi v. Wilhendorf (now 13 years old)--over a kong--whilst Mom was recovering from knee surgery and Papa (bless his broken hand in the scuffle) was on dog duty. 

Brenda did "senior" bite work as recently as a month ago.  She personifies the breeder's notion of the "MOTHER LINE!"  On any training day here, her progeny testify to her solid legacy of super working character combined with top anatomy, and "family-friendliness", for lack of a better term.  Always pronounced, but not crazy.

CHEERS to a grand old girl!

Gayle Kirkwood

Gayle, what a wonderful post!  Happy Birthday to Brenda!

Any recent pictures to share?

Any of us should be so blessed to have our beloved dogs for so long.

Outstanding!!!! My oldest dog was 14 1/2. 15 is almost unheard of for the breed.

Congratulations! If those are current pictures of Brenda that Kougar posted up, wow not bad for an old lady! She still taking bites huh?!??!

Happy Birthday Brenda!

For a 15 yr old, those ears still look mighty perkyl!  She's still a beautiful dog.  And still doing bitework, wow.  A testament of great care and lots of love.

Brenda simply has great genetics!  I saw her mother in Germany at 14 years of age.  The mother lines are the key! 

Brenda was still doing full bitework last fall (age 14.5 years).  Our helper swears the grip was strong enough for her to "fly".  That same training day, she saw the show ring set up and would NOT leave the field until she had made a triumphant round!  Heart and attitude she has in spades. "If you've got it, flaunt it," has always been Brenda's motto.  Her progeny, down to the newest great-great grandpups from VA-Gorbi Kirchenwald show the same stuff.

The birthday has me remembering so many Brenda stories...  Oh, the antics she has pulled over the years!

Gayle

Happy Birthday Brenda.