This is a very touching story of an abandoned GSD who had a second chance. It's very touching and brought tears to my eyes. The dog in this story has a typical GSD personality we all grown to love... loyal, courageous, and loving... Aren't they great?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
My husband and I noticed a very remarkable dog sitting at full attention by a gas station near our favorite breakfast nook. He was staring in a particular direction and never once took his eyes away, it seemed, lest he miss something. We ate breakfast and noticed that he was still sitting there with that diligent and purposive stare. I was enthralled by this dog and upon closer inspection, noted he was very thin for his build and breed.
Reluctantly, my husband accompanied me to the station where this dog was seated. The owner of the station noticed our interest and immediately told us that the dog was dropped off seven days earlier and would not move away from the station. He would occasionally drink from the car wash located behind the station, and would only take pieces of hot dogs that were left over from a local vendor. The dog would not come inside the station to accept food because he was so intent on watching for the possible return of his owner who so carelessly abandoned him.
This brought tears to my eyes. This animal was so loyal to the detriment of his health and well-being. I know animals cannot rationalize these types of thoughts, but he was so very loyal to those who so easily gave him up. Well, as my husband likes to recall, I gently went up to him and just started to call him "Buddie" and was able to coax him toward me. He allowed me to touch him and then the owner of the gas station made a rough leash out of rope that we were able to place around his neck. After a lot of urging and gentle pushing, Buddie finally consented to enter into the back seat of our car. He took one last look in the direction of his past life, promptly placed his weiry head on my husband's shoulder, and we drove him to his new home. But that's not the end of the story.
We noticed that Buddie was not neutered and after updating his vaccinations, I took him to a center that provides these services charging only the cost of anesthesia. While waiting for the clinic to open, Buddie and I noticed a drug deal that was occuring. We were not in a particularly safe part of town. The individuals involved noticed we were waiting in the parking lot and began to approach us.
Buddie immediately became restless to the point that he was barking intently at these individuals. Just as I turned the ignition on to leave, Buddie jumped into the front seat of the car and backed up to my lap and sat down blocking me from the approaching men. His bark and stance was so vicious, I began to think I was not wise sitting alone with this dog. But I noted that the approaching individuals were immediately backed down by the reaction of this animal. They left the area, we sat until the clinic opened and Buddie did not leave my side until I opened to door to lead him inside.
There have been numerous occasions when Buddie has protected me. I cannot imagine my life without him. He has grown into his appropriate size and weight from 66 lbs to almost 90 pounds. He plays, has allowed three other rescue dogs to join our family, but every night, he is right at my side. I am truly blessed.