Rio died very suddenly and unexpectedly on the 26th July 2012.

He came to us 4 years ago, and from day one it was as if he had been with us forever.

A gentle loving big guy, he was a very quick learner, and so easy to train.

He loved being outside, loved his walks, hunting rabbits and squirrels, and being in the river or in the sea, travelling in the car. Hated the shops. Some of his morning walks could end up in a pack of 9 or 10 dogs.

He also liked his caravan holidays. He would meet other dogs sniffing and allowing them to sniff him, and then just walk on.

He was a foster brother to several other Shepherds over the years.

With some he was quite protective, and others quite aloof. But he accepted them in his home.

An absolutely fantastic dog who is and will be sadly missed.

The fun and joy this fella gave us is immeasurable.

FOR THE SPECIAL ONE - OUR RIO.

An empty space in the kitchen
Empty space in the Hall,
Empty space where his bed was
Against that wall,
Empty space in the garden,
Where my Rio lay
Empty spaces all over every
Single day.
Empty space morn and evening
Now that we are apart,
But the biggest empty space
Is deep in my heart.

Bye Bye my Darlin.