My relationship with the Rottweiler happily started in 1984. I was introduced to the Breed by a couple of loving owners who had just returned from Germany with a pair of beautiful Rottweilers. Upon arriving at their home, I was greeted first by the owners and then by the Rottweilers. I instantly fell in love with the Breed, and have been ever since. Their greeting was a very pleasant "let me give you a kiss and please pet me," with stubs wiggling. We then went outside for a demonstration in obedience and protection, which was an awesome experience. I was amazed to see such a gentle dog so accomplished in obedience and proficient in its protection routine. After watching the adult dogs perform, I was anxious to see the puppies. The entire litter (10, I think) was brought out into the backyard. They were so cute and cuddly at that age that they instantly captured my heart. One particular pup, a female named Audrea, caught my attention immediately. She was so full of herself. We then went back inside, and the owners talked to me about the Rottweiler. I was told about the TRUE nature of the breed, which is loving and gentle. I heard about their family oriented and loyal existence. I was brought into the Rottweiler fold slowly but correctly. I was shown on my first visit of how the Rottweiler could be both emotionally stable and physically dominating. I gained a great respect that day for this breed. I left that day thinking about all I had seen heard.

I went back the next day to see the puppies in a surprise visit. I was greeted the same way as before. The puppies were the same, with the engergetic Audrea running the show. She was so cute, winning the tug of war games she played with her brothers. She was sociable, outgoing, and nothing was left unexplored. I knew right then little Audrea was for me. She was my first Rottweiler! On this visit I was given instructions on training the Rottweiler. I knew Schutzhund was for Audrea and me. I was guided into the sport by these same people.

Audrea was an inside dog and part of the family from the get go. We never hesitated about having her inside when our first child was born. She was our mother's helper. It was uncanny the devotion she showed to our infant. She would come get us when the baby cried. She was so attentive to the baby, it was almost as if she was the mother. Audrea stayed close by the baby, but never offered more than a gentle nose nudge or a friendly kiss. It was the same when our second child was born. Audrea continued her Schutzhund training and was a great companion to us. She once stopped a burglar from stealing our belongings. When I returned home that day, I saw her standing half in and half out of the front door, watching for me to return home. She was proud of what she had done, and strutted over to greet us when we pulled up. I wish she could talk so she could have given me all the juicy details.

I was called out of the country for eight weeks, leaving Audrea and my wife to manage without me for the first time. Each day, when I did not return home, it was apparent that Audrea was heart broken. She got so depressed she even stopped eating. One day she displayed her displeasure about my absence. My wife came home to find one arm of our recliner arm completely gone. It wasn't just torn off, but totally destroyed! Realizing that Audrea needed the attention she was missing from me, my wife began to play and rough around with her like I always did. She got so excited that she would run from one end of the house to the other and back again. When I finally arrived back home, I was greeted by Audrea with non-stop "kisses" and hugs. She was so happy to see me. I had a couple of days off, and then it was time to return to work. When the alarm sounded, I got up to let her out. She would not go out without me, so I went outside. Audrea followed, but only went as far as I did. She would not leave me. She knew I was leaving, and was afraid that I would be gone a long time like I was before. After about a week of our regular routine, things returned to normal. When she was around two years old, we took her with us on our vacation to North Dakota. We loaded up the truck and Audrea and were on the way. In the north, we ran into snow. It was late, so we booked a hotel room and unloaded the truck, leaving Audrea until last. When I opened the kennel door, she bounded out and landed in the snow. Wow! She didn't know what is was, and she didn't like it at all. She was a sight to see, trying to pick up all of her paws at the same time. She had her ears back, and was totally confused. Finally, her need to use the bathroom overcame her dismay with the snow covered ground, and we were able to go inside.

Audrea had many great adventures and had a good life with us. In the end, she gave us more than we would have ever asked from her. She gave her life to protect her family. It was the ultimate sacrifice, and she made it willingly. I will always have a special place in my heart for her.