Well, we can agree to disagree :-) For me a sense of self involves wanting to be something, not just creating a job for yourself, but being fully aware of why you do it, aside from being genetically coded to behave a certain way (such as the protective nature of the GSD). In a message dated 11/12/2006 10:00:36 PM Central Standard Time, Wasatchgld@xxxxxxx writes: I don't think a sense of self or self awareness has anything to do with wanting to be a SAR dog, etc. - Jackie Marcato Shepherds Where it's about function, not flash ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - URL temporarily deleted due to AOL issues ============================================================================