Since many on this forum are involved with working dogs, or sport dogs that have similar characteristics to working dogs; I thought this might be the ideal place to put out feelers.

I have been training dogs since the 60's; and due to a mishap in the military, I have episodic blindness. Most of the time I can see, but occasionally I have periods of blindness lasting up to several hours. These come on me suddenly with little or no warning. Because of not being parmanently below a certain level of vision; I don't qualify for a dog from guide dog schools. That's OK, I can train my own. I am partial to GSD's. Several years ago I got a GSD who had been in training to become a PD but was injured bad enough to eliminate him as a PD because his mobility was restricted. He was not crippled, but he could no longer run full out as he had limited reach in his right shoulder. (an idiot not only did something stupid that cause a break in his humerus, but then neglected to get him immediate medical attention) I trained him for GD work, and he was a dream at it. He was fearless and unphased by anything, he was intuitive and anticipated my needs far beyond his training, and his problen solving skills were high. My standards are higher than the current standards of many guide dog schools who have caved in to political influences. I learned at The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey.

Two yrs ago my GD was poisoned. I knew who did it but had no proof. I moved to another town and put word out to dog people that I knew that I was looking for another GD prospect and preferred a GSD. I had several prospects, but none met my standards of temperament. Anothr trainer friend of mine talked me into getting a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. A chessy is a fine dog, but it is NOT a GSD. I regret going with the chessy, and really would like another GSD. The only breeders I know of in my area, are not breeding dogs with the temperament and work ethic I want. I'm not using the term high drive simply because many people seem to equate that with being hyperactive.

I am in no rush, but thought to begin making inquiries. I want either an adolescent or young adult that has not spent it's time only in a kennel having little or no interactions; another words, that had some socialization; or I want a pup. I like to start with a pup, but there is the risk that it won't grow up to be what is anticipated. If I knew that the pup came from a breeding where a high proportion of his relatives had the "right stuff", I would go for it. If a young pup with a good temperament is carried on a public bus, no other noise or commotion ever seems to bother it.

Unfortunately, I want a lot in a dog but can't pay top dollar. Ideally, I'd like to find a dog in a similar situation as my last one. Physically unable to do the task it was selected for through no fault of temperament.

If any one either knows of a dog that might be suitable and that is available, knows of a particular kennels or bloodline I should check out, or who has other suggestions for me; I'd appreciate the help!

I'm including my e-mail in case anyone wants to contact me.
directly. joythegeomancer@yahoo.com

Thanks! Joy Van Veen

I don't think many of the regular folks on this board will equate high-drive to hyperactive.

Are you looking for your prospect to be on the East Coast?

Hey Joy, check your PM.

No I'm in the southwest. Arizona.

How do I check my PM? I'm sorry if that sounds lame, but until a few weeks ago, I had never even looked a a forum.

Look up at the menu bar at the top of your screen where it says "forum list", "my stuff", "calendar", etc. You should see a little blinking envelope. Click the envelope.

You can also click "my stuff" which will open up a drop down menu with a few different options for changing settings within your account and checking PMs.

I just explored all the "stuff" under "my stuff' and put in profile info, preferences, etc.

Thanks!

But I see no blinking envelope.

I clicked to notify me by e-mail of messages now.

Click "My Stuff" - "My Messages" that will show you a list of your private messages (PMs).

Joy, My dog came from a breeder named Jolindy's Kennel out of P.A. My dogs name is Tasha,a female german shepherd with a very high drive, with a very good temperment and is not phased by anything.I also believe a GSD could be had at a reasonable price. Good Luck!

Joy, My dog came from a breeder named Jolindy's Kennel out of P.A. My dogs name is Tasha,a female german shepherd with a very high drive, with a very good temperment and is not phased by anything.I also believe a GSD could be had at a reasonable price. Good Luck!