I have a German Shepherd/Husky he is the most amazing dog ever. I can honestly say I do not believe I would be alive today if it was not for him. We lived way way in the country where Smokey and I grew up. There were several times when he saved me. Once I was hikeing through the miles and miles of woods alone while it was snowing and I fell asleep in a junk yard on something I don't remember what, but somehow Smokey found me buried under the snow and he drug me all the way home which I would saw was a good mile and a half. I was a lot smaller then I was probably 7 and he was around 1 or 2.

He has saved me a couple times from being attacked by our neighbors pitbull. One time when I was living with my mom he saved me from being attacked by an Akita. I think I was around 13. We were taking a walk down a back road and Smokey was off his leash we were on our way back home and Smokey was walking ahead of me. I happen to look back and here was this huge Akita charging at me. I started running and yelled at Smokey to run and he started running and looked back at me and saw the Akita he took off toward the Akita as fast as he could and a fight broke out. I had no choice, but to try and hit the other dog with a stick to get him off of Smokey. The other dog stopped luckily, but I knew Smokey could handle it, because he was in a lot of fights with neighbors dogs that had attacked and almost killed him when he was a pup. I didn't and don't encourage fighting, but he a had alot of bad enperiences with other dogs when he was young. I wish I could change those experiences, but I was to young to really know anything about socialzing which I will do plenty of with my next dog, but if it were not for those bad experiences I don't know where I would be or what kind of a person.

One other instance where Smokey saved me was when a man broke in and was going to do something to me, but somehow and I have NO CLUE how, but Smokey got into the house and attacked the man. I was yelling for help, but my father is an alcoholic and was passed out on the couch. I can't imagine how it would have ended without Smokey. I owe him everything! I would like to add that I have been socializing him very slow to dogs that I know that are very mellow and he has been doing great , but no dog parks for Smokey I am sad to say. I don't want to put another dog at risk, but he does enjoy being around other dogs now.

Picture right after the groomers

What a sweet-looking and brave dog. You are very lucky to have such a loyal friend! Thanks for sharing your story.

Thank goodness for Smokey! He's beautiful!

Welcome, you and Smokey are lucky to have each other

Yes, we are. He has always been there for me. He is a one of a kind dog, the one you always dream of having. He is my gaurdian.

Awwww this is so sweet! He really is your best friend!

That is a great story, and to think some people think animals are just animals. Our pets are our angels in disguise. It is amazing how they know when to step up at all times. He is a beautiful boy, Hope he is around for many more years. btw welcome to the forum.

I have aa good poem for that thought.

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."
Sandra Dee Adopted Shepherd Mix, Born May 2004.

People that say it is just a dog are just humans

That poem is perfect for me in everyway.