[Busman747]

I have a 14 year old German Shepherd called "Merky." (Mercury, Named after the great Freddie Mercury) For the first 12 years of his life, he was so protective of his family, I would have to cross the road with him on his "Walkies" because if any one came within 6 ft of me or one of the family, he would consider them a threat and had the urge to attack!

With old age, he has mellowed and will now allow strangers to approach and make a fuss of him (if they dare!) He is long haired and his grandfather was a crufts winner, but although the optimum height for German Shepherds is reached at 18 months, Merky was too tall to show at the age of 12 months!!

Because of his age and his weak bowels, my back door is open 24 hours a day whether I am at home or not.........and no one has yet been brave enough to see if Merky is soft enough to allow them to walk off with my P.C, I get the feeling that if any one tries........?? He is not a pet, he is family!!!!