Teal'c came to us direct from the police, he was in the process of going back to the breeder as he was not aggressive enough for their needs. His proud, confident laid back manner was no good to the police but great for us as we received a well-trained and balanced dog. So in a way he was rescued from a life of sitting in the back of a squad car! Personally I don't think he failed his police training, I think he figured out what early retirement was and took it... A loyal guard dog to our mum who takes our dogs during the day whilst we work, he would always watch out for her out walking even when he was young by manoeuvring himself between her and any passers-by.
In his time we have had two dogs come live with us from the rescue, we like to think we did our bit to make them happy but the truth is Teal'c did most of the work by just being there. First up was Ellie, Ellie was scatty and timid when she came to us. It took Teal'c and Ellie a wee while in the house to get accustomed to each other but in the end they lived happily together. Teal'c taught Ellie how to go up and down the stairs, swim, chase the ball in the park (he stood on it until it squeaked then she would find it). He would also always keep an eye on her out walking with the ball, she would drop it and he would then go stand by it till she came back for it. Ellie never liked other dogs and would walk in a big circle to avoid any dog, big or small (this normally meant dogs would then follow her for a sniff) Teal'c would then fire into life a go stand between her and the other dog and his size alone usually sent them on their way. A few times she got really scared and she would go stand behind him and in truth he loved it.
Next up we took Hollie from the rescue and Hollie being a lot more confident and forth coming was a good change of pace for Teal'c in the house, but once he established who the boss was they got on great. Unfortunately Teal'c went 4 weeks after Hollie's arrival so they did not spend a huge amount of time together. That said his calm nature we believe rubbed off on Hollie because in a short period of time she settled very fast in our house. As he struggled in the end with ill health she repaid the compliment by licking his face at every opportunity and generally fretting after him.
Teal'c was our first Shepherd we had for 11 years, through summer and winter, from our flat to our new house, from camping to various holidays, and too many walks and fun to remember, he was a constant in our life that is now gone. A truly irreplaceable family member and friend.
We feel we may never get over Tealc's passing but to us this is testament to he breed and why we will always have German Shepherds (good news for the rescue!). Tealc's going away has left us devastated but with more good memories than I can remember, as my wife always called him 'ya big dope' or 'ya big dafty' we miss you more than words can say.
No regrets just good memories. Our thoughts are with you always.
Gordon, Mags & Hollie