A German Shepherd Dog Named Princess Leah

My sister is a pet lover. She’s had several dogs and cats in her life. I like animals but never had a fascination to buy one.

One day Leah showed up in our lives. I was a teenager of about fifteen years old when I laid eyes on her. She was a Collie and German Shepherd mix. Her German Shepherd heritage was stronger from the look of her. She was black on the body and white and brown or tan coloured on the underside of her. My sister had gotten her from a friend and had fallen in love. She brought her home and the rest is history as they say.

She’d had a family and been named already. Her moniker was Princess Leah.

My first impression was that of a big, beautiful dog with lots of fur. She had a good behaviour and a calm nature.

German Shepherd dogs are often employed in police and military roles because of their abilities in obedience training. In their past they were bred for herding cattle.

Common genetic problems of the breed are hip and elbow dysplasia. German Shepherds live about 7 - 10 years. They have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know.

She became the love of our family. Whenever I took her for a walk, I felt that it was I that was being walked. She was so big and she owned the leash, pulling me along. When she walked she looked proud and regal as her name suggests.

Leah had such a beautiful spirit. She loved to play and was always chewing her way through balls and whatever toys she had. Tennis balls were her favourite to demolish.

She didn’t like taking a bath but when she did allow me to shampoo her, she held off with the shaking until the last moment. Then I would end up as wet as she was with her splashing me. Although I would see it coming I couldn’t get far enough away. After a couple of good shakes, she’d settle down and let me finish up.

I didn’t enjoy cutting her nails because if you’ve ever seen a dog’s paw, you’d understand. I was afraid of hurting her but she’d let me know by pulling her paw away if I got too close. She was well behaved even for that.

My maximum enjoyment came when it was time to brush her luxurious fur. There was a lot of brushing to do but I loved it so. She liked that. She was so shiny and pretty after.

Some of my fondest memories of Leah were how loving and protective she was. That old house that we lived in had many spirits living there too. My room was in the basement and I could hear all of the squeaks and settling of the floors

Some of my fondest memories of Leah were how loving and protective she was.  That old house that we lived in had many spirits living there too.  My room was in the basement and I could hear all of the squeaks and settling of the floors whenever anyone was walking around upstairs.  When the place was quiet it seemed more eerie.  When I got scared, I’d call Leah and tell her to lie down in my room.  She’d lay there until I fell asleep and then return to her favourite spot, guarding the front door.   She’d lie just on the inside of the front door on the mat.  That was her place.  She’d chosen it.  Oh, she’d hang out with us all day but at the end of the day, that’s where she slept.

Leah, brought so much love, tenderness, laughter, joy and purpose to our lives.  That’s what love in its many forms does for us.  It keeps our heart singing and open.

She spent many years with us and I can’t even remember the number.  As she aged so did her body until it was painful to watch her limp around.  Her hips were giving out on her.  She was in constant pain and there was nothing that could be done for her.  It was part of her genetics. 

The vet had suggested that it was better to put her down as she would get worse.  Finally, she was put to sleep.  It had been a painful decision but a necessary one.

Leah, we’ll never forget you.  I look at your picture right here on my wall and though tears come to my eyes, it’s the memories of how lovely you were that fill my heart.  Thank you, Princess Leah for having been in my world.