All the fancy brochures and talk had me convinced
I was putting my money (...and
a lot of it) into
the right breeder.
So off went the deposit check.
And about a year later Keeper entered my life. At 6 months old and 65 lbs he was quite a site!! Handsome and loving. Not knowing what lie ahead for us.
We carted Keeper around with PRIDE...he was intelligent beyond anything I ever imagined and more
beautiful than anything in my dreams. I was so proud.
All of that began to change when he was all of 11 months old. Slow gradual changes in
behavior that had a horrible outcome. Our once loving happy boy was slowly beginning to change into a horrible secret we tried to keep. With gradual small attacks on us (if there is such a thing!!)...but we were
assured, it was something we did and we needed to correct, by the breeder. And we tried it all.
We were living a lie. We were embarrassed that we had a dog like this. We
felt we would be put to blame.
July 24, 1998
Keeper's life was laid to rest.
This is a day
that will forever haunt me. Nearly 2 weeks prior Keeper had jumped into my
bed while I was sleeping and I suffered a severe attack. I will
spare the details.
I
do not know, still, what was worse on me emotionally, the attack or the turmoil
of deciding what was to come of all of it. It took me nearly two weeks to make the final
decision and spent many countless nights lying awake crying. I got phone
calls and emails giving nothing but support. But none from the one I counted
on most! But after talking to our vet, even the staff, several breed rescuer's
and
several trainers and behaviorists we had been working with....we new what had to be done. I could not risk having him
hurt someone else, another family member, a neighboring child...! I sent my boy to the Bridge and though he hurt
both of us it was NOT intended and still till this day live with the guilt
and the scars, both physically and emotionally.
I am always being assured that we did the right thing and that it was better of for all of us, even
Keeper. But my heart aches each time I look at his pictures.
Keeper,
you taught us so much about dogs, breeding, ethics and the bond that should
exist between breeder and dog owner. Someone you trust and can help you
through good times and bad.
Keeper is not the first and probably not the last Dobe to come from this kennel or any other like it.
(We know who they are!) And I am not here to say that all Dobes from these sorts of kennels turn out
this way. But many have problems. It all comes down to ethics and how these
problems are delt with. When I
needed support and help, Keeper's breeder was NOT there for us. That is why it is so important to take even more time and care and effort into finding a credible breeder that is looking to improve the Doberman not discredit it. They breed for healthy, loyal, loving and for soundness. There are
a lot of issues involved in buying and owning a Doberman, make sure to leave no stone unturned.
I am always
willing to speak out and share my story. Feel free to e-mail me. Thank you
for visiting.
-Kim
View
my old Guest Book here!
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