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Shepherd Guide, Issue #004 -- Aug 09
August 19, 2009

Hi,

Welcome to another issue of the Shepherd Guide!

Thank you for subscribing. As always, in respect for your time, I will keep these monthly updates short and to the point.


August 2009

In this Issue:

  1. In the News - Your Dog Stories
  2. GSD Hero of the Month - German Shepherd Prevents Carjacking
  3. Training - Training Hiatus - Conservative Management Works
  4. Health Issue - Degenerative Myelopathy
  5. What's On Your Mind?


1. In The News

Everyone's dog has a habit or two that make them undeniably theirs. What makes your dog unique?

Share your dog stories here.

Read more stories about German Shepherds in the news.


2. GSD Hero of the Month

A 78 year old man in India was saved from a carjacking incident with the help of his trusty German Shepherd and another canine companion. On July 8, W.S. Seetharaman was driving alone when two cars sandwiched him. The drivers made angry gestures and one held a sickle, ordering him to stop.

One of the men grabbed his rear-view mirror as another tried to pry open the rear door. At this point Seetharaman lowered his windows slightly and gave his dogs the command, "busko." This was their code to attack.

The dogs leaned out the window, barking furiously, causing one driver to lose control and the other to back off. Out of danger, he accelerated, only stopping two hours later to give his dogs a big hug.

The hero dogs, both 5 years old, are German Shepherd Carmen Miranda and mixed breed Picasso.

Seetharaman, a lawyer, says he doesn't usually travel alone, but his normal companion, a colleague, was unable to make the trip. An active sportsman, the lawyer says his furry companions help boost his self confidence.


3. Training

Schatzi is still healing from her partially torn acl. I am told it can take months for the scar tissue to form and stabilize the joint. She appears to be having success using conservative management.

After reading up on the TPLO surgery and deciding against it, her activity level has been grossly limited. But, she is no longer limping. We're not out of the woods yet, as one wrong jump can put her back to square one.

She will be staying with the trainer for a week while I am on vacation. While she won't receive additional training, it will help her remember the basics.


4. Health Issue

A colleague of mine recently told me about her German Shepherd that is struggling with Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. I invited her to write a page about her beautiful dog that is now featured on the website.

Noel is almost 13 and started showing signs of degenerative myelopathy about 5 years ago. Beth has written about the experience as well as her devotion to keep Noel comfortable as long as she possibly can.

Blessings to both Beth and Noel.


5. What's On Your Mind?

As a fellow German Shepherd lover, I want to hear what you may have questions or concerns about.

What would you like to read about in future issues? Reply to this email and let me know.

Until next month,
Jennifer
http://www.german-shepherd-lore.com

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