My Brasso

Meet Brasso, purebred German Shepherd Dog, all boy, with the heart of a lion.   If you read my previous post about Quicko you will already know how I came to get Brasso.   For those who did not, he came from a 20 plus year trainer, handler, breeder who lives in Pana, Illinois.      Never before, and I doubt ever again, will I have a dog who would truly sacrifice his life for me.

Brasso was not just extensively trained in basic and advanced on /off leash obedience, but was 110%  personal protection dog.    The type of personality he had was not just a product of selective breeding but a complete identity.    He would not have made a show dog in any ring for he was what some people call  "always on".   Meaning there was not a time when this dog did not protect, over eating, sleeping, or even sickness and injury.     He was the type who makes it into the Military War Dog program to defend our soldiers on the front lines.    Some people might love to have a dog who would always be ready to defend their owners and property, however, it comes with a grave amount of responsibility.   Brasso had to be kept away from all people, and the ones that were allowed into his domain as his family, had to always be respectful of me in word and deed.    The dog was completely tuned into the actions of people in his environment.    There was an established perimeter that the dog set around my physical being and no one was allowed to step into that "zone", without invitation, or they should expect a bite.

I have no children  who might not understand this and Brasso was raised with four young boys for the first two years of his life.  His "family"  could do no wrong in his eyes.   When he left that home, Brasso only transferred his complete protection and loyalty to me and the other critters that lived in the house, cats, dogs, and bird.    His pack was also under his protection and he would race to defend them as well, but I was always his person of greatest importance.   Never did he offer to bite me on any occasion  and I did all the usual things with him such as bathing, nails, brushing, shots, caring for wounds and injuries.    His devotion to me was unmatched by any other dog I have ever had in my life.   By this I mean, he saw me as his number one priority.

In life there are not many, animal and especially not people, who are willing to put you first, all the time, above their own needs, wants and desires.    My home was never broken into, my car was completely theft proof and I was untouchable.    I often joked to people I would be willing to place a $100 dollar bill on the dash board with all the windows of the car down and walk away with just Brasso there to guard it.   His bark alone would send shivers down a persons spine.

As much as I loved this dog, and wanted this exact type of animal in my life, I had no idea how alert and attentive I had to be to house and keep Brasso in safety.   Posting warning signs all around the property, extra secure fencing, a huge outdoor kennel that had a top made with metal strong enough to hold a gorilla, muzzling when he went to the vet or out on walks, making sure the car windows could not have an unsuspecting hand slide into them, were just a few of the long list of things I practiced.  I was constantly attentive :  24/ 7 / 365.     After awhile it begins to take a mental toll on your when you realize  you can not control  the actions of others.   Unwilling to crate or kennel this wonderful companion all the time, Brasso had free roam of the yard and house and use of the doggie door except when I left the property.   At that time he was confined in a safe place in case of fire, or a person walking into the area uninvited.    I would have preferred to be robbed than to go through the court system and be forced to euthanize a dog for doing what it was trained and bred to do due to the stupidity of others. 

Brasso lived a long and healthy life full of joy, love, swimming, walks, toys, soft beds, and  other four legged companions (as well as a few humans) for his nearly 11 years.    He never forgot his first owners and when I would go on trips I would drop him off with them and Brasso had no trouble cuddling up in their laps and loving them as if he had never left.    Brasso was the personal protection dog I always wanted and I don't regret a moment of all the time we had together.   He taught me  loyalty, respect and what it meant to truly be completely devoted to another.



                                                                         © PawEarFull Legacys