Shadow was an owner turn in to one of our local SPCA's due to a lack of time for him. The SPCA asked Jessica, Director of Sheltered Shepherds, to take a look at him. Shadow was showing aggression and some of the SPCA care takers refused to go near him or his kennel in the fear of being bitten.

Jessica saw right through that and took him out to see what he knew. She felt he was going kennel crazy due to the stress of his new environment. However, after a couple days she was contacted again by the SPCA letting her know that Shadow was going to be put down that night because he had tried to bite a female employee for no apparent reason. Jessica went back to the SPCA and retested him, this time with toys! He had an incredible drive, by the way, did we say incredible! Jessica bought him a few more days while trying to find placement for him. A few days passed and his time was up. Jessica had no choice but to sign a waiver releasing the SPCA of any responsibilty due to his aggression and take him home with her. 

Shadow NEVER showed any aggression. Not to the kids or the other dogs in her home. Jessica looked for it, but all she saw was a diamond in the rough. For three weeks she worked with Shadow, using that incredible drive of his. She began using German commands including beginning tracking and bite work. He proved to be an outstanding student. Shadow was tested out by a local police department and aced every part of his test. He did so well that not only did that police department want him, another wanted him too!

Shadow found his calling and was hired as a "dual purpose" K9 officer. Dual purpose, meaning, he will track suspects and find drugs. 

Shadow would have been put down, but instead is saving lives and taking drugs off of the streets for all of us to live a safer life.

Sometimes diamonds just need to be polished and shined to see their true beauty within. You never know what you will get when you adopt.

To be continued!...........