I got so many congratulations on Kierk, and I did try to respond to them, then gave up. I did want to say as much as I appreciate the awards, and this is our third AOE, I find the character of the dog even more rewarding. Last night after I had two teeth ripped out by the dentist, I came home in pain and lay down. Kierk got up on the bed, pushed his head under mine and went to sleep. When I left this morning he had curled up on the bed, watched me get ready to go to work, and lay there contented. When Tedi takes him for his morning walk, 5-6 miles, he is like a puppy, jumping up and down, and happy as can be. AOE or not, Kierk is a joy to live with, and friends to everyone he meets. Unless they try to come in the house if we don't tell him who they are. He is why we are still in German shepherds after 45 years, and why we love our sport, our dog friends and Kierk. Thanks you to everyone who shared with us our joy, and to those who helped make him the dog he is. Evan