Owning a German shepherd taught me more about self-awareness and safety than any class ever did

There are things I love about being a woman. The perils of walking and traveling alone and the safety concerns that accompany it are not among them. As an avid hiker and a stubbornly independent person, this has always irritated me. I don't like that constant, nagging feeling of unease. I don't really enjoy double-checking for my pepper spray in my purse or carrying my keys between my fingers on my way back to my car. I particularly hate getting catcalled, followed and leered at.

The catcalls were the first thing I noticed vanish as my little bundle of love grew into an 85-pound dog with a serious set of teeth. Then I realized that the leerers crossed to the far side of the street to avoid passing me and my best friend. In fact, the majority of the people who approached me were suddenly small children and their mothers, or other young women, all of whom wanted to meet my fluffy sidekick. Life was great. Not only did I feel safer, but I started to think about what my dog was doing to make this possible and how I could use those tricks when she was not around.

I think we largely agree. I have had this discussion before with many people, and the term I use is "Default Respect" (your term is "basic respect") and it only applies to my own dealings with others. It means, for example, that if I get into a fender bender with someone, I am going to treat them with respect and forebearance, understanding that I don't know them or their station in life. For all I know, this person might be one of the kindest, best, most capable people I will ever see. He might be a war hero. She might be the most amazing mother and wife, beloved by the community. I just don't know, so I resolve to treat them as such, not a gray haired confused man, or a disheveled woman who appears to be in a hurry.

I will continue to treat them that way unless they demonstrate that they don't deserve it by default. I endeavor to keep courtesy, but I don't have to respect them.

It would be nice to "expect" that in return, but I don't think it is wise to do so, especially in today's world. In my opinion, you need to remain mentally armored up to handle it in advance.

As I said, I think we see it somewhat the same way.

Any dog can be good, even if they just make noise that draws attention.

The difference between a Golden (say) and a Shepherd (say) is the reputation. People assume Shepherds are “vicious” and stay away from them, period, before the dog even bothers to notice. Even the tallest Irish Wolfhound/St. Bernard mix doesn’t rate on the “automatic switch sides of street” as highly as a Shepherd/Dobe/Rottie (if people know what a Rottie is). People assume they will jump in to fight.

Sounds like my Bella. She runs with my son in law—she is 4.

It’s funny with the GSDs, I get stopped at least twice a week. The men think she is beautiful and they pine for the GSDs they had as kids.

I would recommend any young man get a pretty puppy. They are chick magnets. I am too old and grey to imagine the women were interesting in anything I had to say!

This is Allen, Remington's buddy. Chris mentioned to me that he is trying to have these two adopted as a pair.

The beauty of these dogs leaves me speechless.

Thank you for all you do for them, Chris.

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