WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR?

Because this is a German Shepherd Dog blog, I’m asking that question in relationship to the breed. Hopefully, you’re all ready a good up standing citizen, a good parent, a good partner, and all that other good stuff. I want to know when you leave this earth will people remember you for what good you did while being involved in this breed? Have you accomplished all that you wanted to do?

Because of the versatility and intelligence of this fabulous breed, we are not limited in what we can do with them. Not everyone is in this breed for the same reason and that’s a good thing in itself.

Maybe you bred a gazillion champions. Maybe you had the top working dogs in the breed. Maybe you were responsible for rescuing over a hundred dogs. Perhaps your dog is known to the community for all the hours upon hours that he does therapy work. Perhaps your dogs lead the blind, or help make the police departments work a little bit easier. Maybe you’re responsible for training hundreds of people’s dogs so they can go on and live a productive life. You could be the one whose hand rises every time your club is looking for a volunteer to do a job. Maybe you’ve been hired by more clubs than most for the beautiful show photography that you produce and your pictures grace many people’s walls. Perhaps you’re proud of all the shows that you judged and the many champions that you helped give their title to. Then maybe you never did any of these things, but you’re most proud of the dogs that you’ve given a good home to and devoted your time and love to raising happy animals. Maybe your dogs brought joy to many people’s childhoods. Maybe it’s your kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand that people will remember you for. Maybe it was your smile or your shoulder to lean on when someone lost their beloved dog.

Looking back over your life, will you be remembered and if you are remembered, will it be for the good that you’ve done? No one wants to be remembered for being nasty or unkind. No one wants to be forgotten. Will people talk about you for years to come because you are missed for all your wonderful contributions to this breed and to your fellow members of the German Shepherd Dog community? Were you liked? Did people admire you? Did you leave a good impression on most people? Did you touch people in a positive way? What will your legacy be?

There are people in this breed that are long gone now, but the German Shepherd community still speaks of them with fondness. They left lasting impressions on people’s hearts. Some of them still make us laugh today when we think of them.

I remember all those that treated me kindly. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I was very fortunate when I first started out in this breed. I reached out to people that I admired and thought I could learn from. The reason that I was fortunate is because none of them turned me away. They were more than willing to help and lend a guiding hand. Many of them are no longer with us, but it’s because of their contributions to the breed and those involved in the breed, that their memory keeps them alive in all that they touched.

It’s not only about the “big shots” of the breed but it’s about the little guy that sets up the show ring so the big shots can show their dogs. It’s about the stewards that help make the judge’s job easier. It’s about the club’s newsletter editor that gives his members hours of reading enjoyment. It’s about the treasurer of the club trying to figure out if they have enough money to buy the trophies for the shows. It’s about the big shots, the little shots and all the others that make this dog community what it is. No one is more important than the other. One can not do without the other.

So what do you want to be remembered for? Will you be remembered? Did you matter?

From the book: "RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS"......Named a USA Today Best Bet for Educators, this is a book that encourages grace through the smallest gestures. The inspiration for the kindness movement, Random Acts of Kindness is an antidote for a weary world. Its true stories, thoughtful quotations, and suggestions for generosity inspire readers to live more compassionately in this beautiful new edition.

My rating: contributions to the German Shepherd Dog community: (4)