Herakles
A german shepherd and his girlfriend Greta
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Heracles is not even three years old and a beauty of a German Shepherd. A few months ago it had to be decided quickly what to do with young Heracles: his owner had to go to the clinic. The Österreichische Animal Rescue handed Herakles over to Gut Aiderbichl - and here he is now: a bright German shepherd named Heracles.
Heracles sneaked into the hearts of the animal keepers
The first impression when we got Heracles handed over was not so pleasant. He was rather overweight and made an unkempt impression. How had he lived? Heracles had been fetched from a cluttered apartment, the owner probably did not manage any more efforts due to his health condition.
Heracles appeared nervous and restless - our keepers were probably challenged, but with each week the situation got better. Today he runs happily and sometimes a little hopping around with the bitch Greta and his keeper across the grounds.
The breeding problem with the German Shepherd Dog
Herakles comes from a breed in Lower Austria, which specializes in German Shepherds of the show line, and has a moderately lowered hip.
In general, the German Shepherd is a robust, healthy dog that has shared work with its shepherd in all weather conditions. The "modern" bred German shepherd dog has in total about 80 genetic diseases. Thus, German Shepherds often suffer from allergies and skin lesions. Also eye inflammations (keratitis) are not rare.
Currently, the German Shepherd is distinguished between the so-called show line and the working line. Often you can see German Shepherds that almost touch the ground with their hips when running. A German Shepherd Dog is a very agile dog, but those that have their hind legs up to the heel rather than the paw are massively restricted in movement. They show a highly altered gait, as well as disorders in the musculoskeletal system. They have claw extensions, arthrosis due to the malposition, strains on the thigh muscles, etc. These disorders can bring early euthanasia of the dog.
Heracles adores his keeper and gives bitch Greta some riddles
Like all animals, Heracles can be "bought" with treats. In the beginning it was not easy to get Herakles not to jump around like a boisterous billy goat when we greet him. Young and impetuous was our Herakles - but everyone was in love with the beautiful German Shepherd from the beginning.
Stephie always has a few more treats in her bag when she walks around the yard with Herakles and Greta. We have a lot of hope in Greta. She is eight years old, has a dog's heart of gold, and even young Heracles doesn't really faze Greta. Because she does such an excellent job with Herakles, Greta always gets an extra dog treat.
The acquisition of an animal wants to be considered
For many people, a pet is the only creature they can communicate with and care for. One thing to consider, however, is whether one is up to the effort that young animals bring. The living situation must be well thought out and also whether one can find the time to meet the needs of a demanding dog like Heracles.
Affection for animals develops mostly unconsciously, driven by biological and social forces. In addition, the emotional bond provides the owner with numerous benefits, from reduced stress to beautiful, new experiences. An animal is a fellow creature and an important link in the natural system. It cannot be turned off, put away, and "turned off" only to be retrieved when needed.
You have to know facts before you can twist them.
~ Mark Twain
Sincerely,
Yours Gisela
