Bandit

Bandit was my best friend for 10 wonderful years.
He was my first German Shepherd and is my inspiration for starting a breeding program. At a very young and naive age, I purchased Bandit, not know anything about the health problems that can be prevalent in poorly bred German Shepherds. I bought him from a breeder in Phoenix, AZ through an ad in the local newspaper and paid approximately $300. At age 1, Bandit was diagnosed with severe Hip Dysplasia. After much discussion with local vets, I chose to invest thousands of dollars into surgery to correct the problem, rather than euthanizing him. Bandit underwent two total hip replacement surgeries, with a year of recovery at age 2. To this day, I do not regret my decision to go through with the procedures. Because of those surgeries, Bandit had a long, productive life and was my faithful companion for 8 more years. Although he was born with avoidable genetic defects, he had an outstanding German Shepherd personality. He was incredibly loyal and protective, yet had the sweetest temperament with children. He was intelligent and obedient, and would do anything for me. Because of our relationship, I would never have given up Bandit. BUT, with responsible breeding, Bandit's problems should never have existed...thus vom Wachter's goal of producing the healthiest puppies possible, through testing and
breeding only the best.

Bandit you were one of a kind, and I think about you all the time, and I will never forget you...