This is Ziva, the new German Shepherd.  She was adopted from a home in Southern West Virginia, a place where she was not getting the attention, socialization and training that she needs.  I picked her up at the beginning of February.  She has just turned 2 at the beginning of January, 2012.

Ziva comes from a really good breed line, with papers going back to Stuttgart, Germany.  She is a good mix of German and American lines, very high energy, athletic and affectionate.  However, she does get anxious around new people and new situations.  But, we are working on that.  I am sure she will settle down a lot as she matures and gets plenty of exposure to new settings.  Ziva is around 70 lbs. and is a longcoat GSD. 

 

 

I have had a long standing “Ministry of Dogs” most recently with my German Shepherd, Baruch, Hebrew for blessing, who was adopted from a rescue group in Fremont, OH. Baruch, who died Dec. 1^st, 2011 was a very happy, enthusiastic 85 lb. German Shepherd who loved people and needed lots of attention.  He was perfect for visiting church.

Because he was so majestic, he did attract a lot of attention, which he loved. He just wanted to be with people. Over his life, he participated a number of times in worship services, especially on Sundays that emphasized 'God as our Shepherd.' He assisted with children’s sermons and was completely trustworthy with children, and with everyone else because they were giving him attention.

Baruch was high-energy and was a great running companion. He loved car rides. As soon as the kitchen door to the garage opened,  he would be out there waiting for the car door to open so he could jump in with the expectation of visiting someone.

Baruch was also a good guard dog who would sound a warning bark on seeing a stranger. He looked threatening! But that was just his greeting,  and in a second his tail was swishing back and forth. Baruch was a blessing to many people throughout his life.

Baruch --blessing...the Hebrew blessing, Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha’Olam---Blessed are you o Lord our God, creator of the Universe.  Because Baruch had this name when I adopted him, I was compelled to learn the Hebrew blessing, the first part of the Sheva Brachot.