I was first introduced to the German Shepherd Dog breed in l927 when my late father bought the first G.S.D. in my lifetime. He was a family dog but, Prince became known as my dog because of our mutual affection. Now some nearly 80 years later he is still fresh in my memory.
About l932 I became interested in the sport of Racing Pigeons, and participated in the sport for some 25 years. I made a point of learning from the more successful members in our clubs, many of whom became lifelong friends. Their knowledge of breeding and breedlines was an education aside from the subtlties of actually preparing birds for racing. When my pal Prince moved on I was at a loss for his company, but shortly later I met a man who made a profound impression on me that still remains. This man became my friend and mentor on the German Shepherd Dog. His name was Ben R. Stitt, his kennel name was VON NEBRIC.
Through Ben I was able to meet many of the leading lights in the breed both here in Canada and the USA. Shortly after I enlisted in WWII 1939 Ben presented me with a pup sired by Major of Norhmere (later Canadian and American Grand Victor 1943). Ben and I made several breedings to top dogs after the war including International Ch Garry of Benlore, (sire of two Grand victrix winners for the late Grant Mann, Leda and Jola von Liebrestraum), Ch Marlo von Hoheluft (sire of the famous D litter for Lloyd Brackett of Longworth Kennels), Liebo von Stuveschacht imported by Grant Mann. Descendants of these breedings was the basis of several litters in the late l940's and l950's. under Ben's kennel name. However, my favourite of all time was my all black shepherd Satin von Nebric, the result of breeding Zelda von Nebric to Liebo vom Stuveschacht, Zelda was the blending of our earlier breedings to Ch. Gary of Benlore and Ch. Marlo vom Hoheluft.
When Ben passed away I bred several litters under the Pen Din label. About this time I became interested in Standardbred Horse Racing (trotters and pacers) and for over 25 years actively bred, trained and raced them with the assistance of my wife and son, and a friend of my son Wm. Elmore. I eventually be came a licensed Pari Mutuel Raceway judge. During most of this time there was always a beloved German Shepherd nearby. My connection with the breed was always one of admiration and affection, never commercialism. Today, we have three living in our home with us, Ch Marinita's Bobby (my shadow), Ch. Reinguarde.s Katerina (who was my pick as a pup from my friend the late Henry Reinhardt), and Angelica. My more recent acquisitions are kenneled under special arrangements with like minded people in the German Shepherd Community.
They are, Nova (Penny) von Fleischerheim (VA Ursus Vom Batu granddaughter) resides with my friend Rob Hargreaves under special arrangements. Hector von Fleischerheim and Jill von Pallos Athene SchH1 KKL 1 reside with friends Larry & Linda Zavitz of Black Gold Shepherds under special arrangements. Flocky Zellwaldrand and V Xena Einsamer Wolf IPO 1 are housed with long time friends Felix and Jacquie Wojtovich of Voitalhaus German Shepherds under special arrangements. I also wish to thank my long distance friend Bill Fleischer of Fleischerheim German Shepherds for his assistance with obtaining most of these well bred dogs! To these friends, I wish to extend my sincerest of thanks!