I used to breed, train and show German Shepherd Dogs.

This was a wonderful hobby and the German Shepherd Dog has got to be one of the most wonderful of all the breeds. They are beautiful to look at, a pleasure to work with, and an unquestioning friend. Unfortunately, some of the people that I became acquainted with did not share the same qualities as their dogs, and many instances over the years prompted me to write these poems



WHAT PRICE FAME!
In the Dog World its very easy
To bite off more than you can chew
Its starts with just one puppy,
One Breeder, and of course YOU!

You think the breeder knows what's best
For the Puppy and for you,
As a new owner your so impressed
with the knowledge that they spew.

It all sounds so different
From the way your used to keeping a pet
There are so many do's and don'ts
Your afraid that you'll forget

And so you keep in constant touch
With this Breeder who kindly let
You pay £500 for a new puppy
That you purchased as a pet.

You turn up for Training
(Thats what you were told to do)
Along with all the others
That are just as keen as you.

You'll find out about dog shows,
There's one quite local too,
The Breeder says "You must go,
to see what you have to do".

The day was very enjoyable,
Surrounded by your favourite breed,
The bug has really bitten you,
and your sure that you'll succeed.

The next show available,
Your entry you send away,
It's just an Open all breed show,
But it's best to start that way.

The Judge he is a local man,
Known by all around.
The breeder say's "he'll like your type,
You'll be in the cards I'm bound".

Sure enough on your big day,
You get a card that's green,
You proudly take it home with you
Your smile the biggest ever seen.

You can't wait for the next show,
These animals today that beat your pup,
Are all nine months old soon,
And to the next class will go up.

You've got to stand a better chance,
At the next show, think you.
You're right of course, and this time
You come home with a blue.

A few more shows under your belt,
A couple of red rosettes,
Everybody knows you now,
And you're even taking bets.
On the results of the next show.
You know the animals that win,
you've become quite an expert,
You can now voice an opinion.

You've read all the Dog Papers,
Books and magazines as well,
You've become quite knowledgable
And you're sure that you can tell,
A good pup from a pet
it's easy now - YOU THINK
After all those discussions you've had
At the pub over a drink.

Before you know where you are,
Two or three dogs you will keep.
Kennels are built in the back yard
And a litter is due next week.

A few red rosettes on the wall,
a couple of best in shows.
you're no longer the novice anymore,
you're the BREEDER that BEST KNOWS.