About Star The Doberman

Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love. They depart our lives to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands our heart.

Dobermans have a special place in my life

I met my first Doberman, Kaiya, in 1974 at Tony Strollo's house in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and have never been more impressed with an animal in my life. Tony said he had him shipped over from Germany and this dog looked like a thoroughbred race horse. I'm from Louisville KY and had graduated high school the year before when Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby. When Kaiya ran down to the canal and jumped in to retrieve a coconut, he galloped like Secretariat coming down the stretch. But it wasn't the physical aspects that were so special about Kaiya, it was his attitude. It was intense, to say the least. I had never been stared down by a dog before in my life. There was no growl or snarl, it was all eye contact. He let you know in no uncertain terms that he was dominant over you and would prove it if he had to. But once he got to know you and accepted you as Tony's friend, it was like you had been friends all his life.

In 1988, my wife and kids surprised me with a Doberman puppy for my birthday and Auggie became the perfect dog for up here on the mountain. A strong, dominate dog with an independant streak that let you know that he would do something, not because you wanted him to, but because he wanted to do it. Ground hogs, rabbits and squirrels lived in fear of Auggie. My neighbor would always tell me about seeing him up on Sugarloaf "just a shakin' that ground hog". Unfortunately, he wouldn't back down from a bear and lost his life when he was 5.

After raising a Black Lab, German Shepard, Rottweiller, and Golden Retriever, in 2006 it was time for another Doberman and we found Karma. I have never had a dog that was more like me in my life. She was fiercely independant and was most happy when she was at home up here in the mountains. She didn't like to socialize and be around other people except her family and absolutely hated to travel in a car. Patrolling the property line to keep out deer was her mission in life, only exceeded by her desire to retreive a frisbee. She loved Christmas and always remembered our family dinner because it was the only time I would sneak her pieces of meat from the table and all her family was here. She died of lymphoma over a year and a half ago... I still mourn her loss and think of her every day.

Star Came From Swift Run Dobermans

Star the Doberman came from Swift Run Dobermans in Bowling Green, KY and was bred by Tammy Marshall-Weldon. Tammy grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia around the Swift Run Gap. She got her first Doberman in 1982 and is a Licensed Veterinary Technician, so health issues of the breed are of vital importance to her. She has over 25 years of breeding experience and her Dobermans have earned numerous advanced titles in Search and Rescue, Tracking, Obedience and Protection.

The foundation Doberman of Swift Run is Alexander von Haus Jagen Sch3, FH, IPO3, ZTPSG1A, AD, WAC, CGC. Among his numerous awards, Alex earned the UDC Schutzhund National Championship in 1998 and his daughter Swift Run's Babe Sch3, ZTPSG1A earned the award the following year. This was the first time in history a father and daughter of any breed won back to back Schutzhund championships. Alex is the top producer of Schutzhund/IPO titled Dobermans in the U.S. and is Star's great, great grandfather.

Tammy breeds Dobermans that are part of the family, provide superior protection, yet are social with people and compete at the highest level of protection and obedience. Tammy enjoys competing in AKC Obedience, AKC Tracking, UDC Conformation, and Schutzhund/IPO at the National and International level. Superior health and temperament provide the foundation of her breeding program, as well as correct conformation. Her dogs are part of the family, in addition to being highly competitive working dogs.

Karma was before star

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 phrases 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 or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they "just don't understand."

Written by an unknown Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. From the Therapy Dog Inc. News Magazine

Before Karma

For Niki, Dogma, Larry, Wolf, Augie, Smokey, Tiger, Toonces, Pee Wee and Aja.

"If your dog was a teacher, you would learn things like... when loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently." - Author Unknown