I have two darling German Shepherds. Lady Marie ("Mama") is 10 years old, and has been with me since she was 1. Loving, tender, and protective, she is definitely the alpha in my pack. Lady has amazing maternal instincts; she raised one litter of 10, and a second of 4. The following year she took on the role of surrogate mother to a baby raccoon we rescued. When Capitán's mother rejected her litter 5 years ago, Lady took over, then stepped back and let Tonka care for the little ones; however, she was always close by, and the pups played endlessly with her. To this day, Capitán (the only one I kept from the litter) is her best bud and protector; they have a special connection that is touching and delightful to see. When I recently began acquiring goats, ducks and rabbits, Lady took over looking after them; she's indeed a working dog with a strong herding instinct.
What touches my heart most is her protectiveness of my grandson. Oh, if Lady could have her way, she would cuddle and keep Richie to herself. Though my 3 dogs guard him, Mama is undoubtedly his fiercest, and most loving, K9 guardian.
Easter Bunnies? Lady and Cap enjoy the coolness of emerging wildflowers in the Spring of 2008.
Capitan scratches his chin on the ground on a hot summer day
Capitán (aka "Guapo") was born at home on October 26, 2005. Lady was his surrogate mother, and he is fiercely protective of her (she knows well how to milk that cow!) One of his great-grandmothers was a pure white Shepherd, hence his beautiful and unique coloring. He's my boy. Sharp as a tack, extremely protective, and sensitive to my changes, Capitán is my mood barometer; I've had to learn to stop and look at myself when I see changes in his posture. After the amazing experiences we've had growing together, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that God speaks through animals. 
Because of his temperament, I have worked at training him much more than I did Lady or Cheech, and it had paid off, not only in his behavior, but in the friendships I have formed along the way. During my 6 month treatment for Hepatitis C, Capitán was at my side and took on everything I was feeling. It was a physically rough period, and we developed a deep bond that's difficult to explain and understand--unless you're an animal lover. As protective of us as he is, when it comes to the bunnies, ducks, and baby goats, my Guapo is a softie. When they were little, Cap took personal charge of the rabbits and always made sure they were safe. When the goats or ducks begin wandering away from the area closest to the pen, he brings them back.
Undoubtedly, though, what continues to win my heart over is his protectiveness of Richie. Though not as expressive with him as Lady, Capitán knows who his little master is, and guards him fiercely. When Richie is visiting, not even my roommate (who has known Cap since birth) is allowed in the close vicinity.
Being all cool at PetSmart...
Taking a break from playing at the doggie park to strike a pose.
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