Heracles
A German Shepherd and his girlfriend Greta
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Herakles is not even three years old and a beauty of a German shepherd dog. A few months ago, a quick decision had to be made about what to do with young Heracles: his owner had to be hospitalised. The ÖAustrian Animal rescue handed over Heracles to Gut Aiderbichl – and here he is now: A bright German Shepherd named Heracles.
Heracles sneaks into the hearts of the animal keepers
The first impression when we were given Heracles was not so pleasant. He was rather overweight and made an unkempt impression. How had he lived? Herakles had been taken from a cluttered flat, and the owner was probably no longer able to make any effort due to his state of health.Herakles was nervous and restless – our animal carers were probably challenged, but the situation improved with every week. Today, he runs around happily and sometimes hops around a bit with his dog Greta and his keeper.
The breeding problem with the German Shepherd Dog
Herakles comes from a breed from Lower Austria that specialises 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 worked together with its shepherd in all weathers. The “modern” bred German Shepherd has a total of around 80 genetic diseases. German shepherds often suffer from allergies and skin changes. Eye inflammation (keratitis) is also not uncommon.A distinction is currently made between the so-called show line and the working line of German Shepherds. You often see German Shepherds that almost touch the ground with their hips when walking. A German Shepherd Dog is a very agile dog, but those whose hind legs do not touch the ground with their paws, but up to their heels, are massively restricted in their movement. They show a highly altered gait pattern as well as disorders in the musculoskeletal system. They have elongated claws, arthrosis due to the incorrect position, strains to the thigh muscles, etc. These disorders can lead to premature euthanasia of the dog.
Heracles idolises his keeper and gives dog Greta many a puzzle to solve
Like all animals, Heracles can be “bought” with treats. At first, it wasn’t easy to get Heracles to stop jumping around like a boisterous billy goat when we greeted him. Our Herakles was young and impetuous – but everyone was in love with the beautiful German shepherd from the very beginning.Stephie always has a few more treats in her bag when she walks around the yard with Herakles and Greta. We have high hopes for Greta. She is eight years old, has a dog’s heart of gold and even the young Heracles doesn’t really upset Greta. Because she does such an excellent job with Heracles, Greta always gets an extra dog treat.
The purchase of an animal needs to be carefully considered
For many people, a pet is the only creature they can communicate with and care for. However, it is important to consider whether you are up to the endeavours that young animals entail. The living situation must be carefully considered and also whether you can find the time to fulfil the needs of a demanding dog like Heracles.Affection for animals usually develops unconsciously, driven by biological and social forces. In addition, the emotional bond provides the owner with numerous benefits, from reduced stress to wonderful new experiences. An animal is a fellow creature and an important link in the natural system. It cannot be put down, put away and “switched off” to be brought out again when needed.
You have to know the facts before you can twist them.
~ Mark Twain
Sincerely,
Your Gisela
