Today our family said goodbye to King, our German Shepherd, companion and protector for the last 5 years. Five years ago we adopted King at two years of age. We had recently had our house broken into and we were still recovering from feelings of violation and invasion. In particular, my daughter and I no longer felt safe in our own home. King seemed to sense how we felt and became particularly close to my daughter and I. King’s presence increased our feelings of security and helped us get over our fears. King weighed in at 113 lbs. and was considered somewhat oversize for the breed.

Although a dog can become like a member of the family, they usually attach themselves to one person in particular. King was definitely my dog.

Dana joined 4-H soon after we adopted King and the training and showing of King became Dana’s project for three summers after. Both Dana and King enjoyed the agility course the best! It was hard to hold King back when he saw the obstacle equipment.

King adopted me as much as I adopted him. Dana used to beg me to hide when it was time for her to go into the show ring. As long as King could see me, he would focus all his attention on me. Dana found it hard to keep his attention. I would sometimes try to sneak back to the show ring to watch Dana and King perform. However, as you can see in the two pictures above, my cover has been blown and King knows I am there taking those pictures! He was so clever.

Even though King came to us with very little social skills, it did not take him long to adjust to the kids and dogs in the 4-H club. He was a true gentle giant!

King demonstrated great patience and acceptance when he was “dressed up” for parades and costume classes…..

Here King as the wolf in Granny’s clothing accompanies Little Red Riding Hood. He tolerated not only the clothes but the hats that made his ears fold down against his head.

King’s disposition made him a true ambassador of the breed.
King was a true member of the family and the family album has him showing up in all sorts of pictures.

……..included in the picture with the fisherman and his catch.

………….raking leaves in the front yard.

We sadly said goodbye to a loyal friend and protector who succumbed to the ravages of a fast spreading cancer on Friday, March 2, 2007. We will miss you King, but we know that you are now in a place without pain and you will suffer no more.

Losing King

There’s a hole in my heart where a dog used to be.

He’s nuzzled my soul and is now part of me.

Pain was his life and I knew what to do.

But when I released him, I lost me, too.

The dog that entered my life five short years ago

Allowed me to go forward in a life free from fear.

I know he’d lick away all of my tears if he could.

It’s his sense of duty to make me feel good.

It’s my obligation to do what is best.

The love of his “master” is put to the test.

It’s a wrenching and sorrowful way that we part;

it doesn’t hurt less when the head rules the heart.

There’s a hole in my heart where King passed through.

When we said goodbye part of me went too.