I had always wanted my very own GSD from being a child and growing up with a house full of cats and dogs, so when the time was right I went off to find him. I went to see some puppies and as one ran towards me I thought this is him. As I bent down to stroke him he gave me a little lick then off playing he went .

As I straightened up to speak to the lady, in her arms was the most adorable fluffy face I had ever seen. He looked at me put out his paw touched my arm and my heart melted ... SOLD he was mine. We called him Wilson.

He went to puppy training class and every one adored him we took him everywhere and he was so confident. At 6 months he seemed weak on his back legs so I took him to the vets who asked " is he insured". I answered "No" "Then there is nothing  we can do but we will x ray" was his reply. I left the vets heartbroken, surely there was something they could do or would if he was insured!!!!!!!! A second opinion was needed, so after some research we ended up sat in a tiny waiting room and waited our turn. "Well" said the vet "we will not x ray until he is one. It’s not worth it while he is still growing it would be a waste of money, so in the mean time try this". He gave me  3 prescriptions. Wilson carried on like a normal puppy playing, running etc. (sigh of relief). At one he was x-rayed the vets comment was "it’s a perfect example of how a hip shouldn't be. Its hip dysplasia" Oh no I thought what now.... continue with the prescription. That was it ....yearly visits for booster injections was the only time Wilson saw the vet, he never showed any signs of lameness or pain. Then he developed an eye problem, and a skin problem, still with excellent advice from my Vet, Wilson was thriving and a joy to all who met him.

When Wilson was 5  we rescued a female GSD, Poppy who was 14 months old. She was never walked and not socialised. This we didn't find out how bad until we got her home. Wilson and her got on great but when out Poppy was pure evil on the lead when she spotted other dogs there was no controlling her. So off to dog training to get her socialised and we ended up joining the display team where she soon got her confidence back and made some new friends.

Its not been easy or a quick fix but well worth the effort. Wilson and Poppy are my babies. They love each other so much. Wilson is now  6 and still on the same prescription he was initially given with the addition of a pain killer if he has had a bad day, which is very rare. He seems to get every aliment that is "common in GSD's" but that's fine. I think he knew what he was doing the day he chose me to be his mum, and Poppy is the star of the show at dog displays. Well I think she is and we encounter something new with her every day like park benches, or fallen trees life is very exciting now for her.

I am grateful I found a good honest Vet who's opinion I trust and has never yet failed,
and as a GSD owner himself has a true understanding of this magnificent breed.