Chess left me 11/30/99. My heart was breaking. We lost a battle with cancer. On Dec. 3, I got a call from the local rescue for German Shepherds. I am a member, but they didn't know of my recent loss. I was sent to a local shelter to see a 2 yr old German shepherd up for immediate adoption. His parents decided he was too aggressive for their family, and released him to the shelter. He was a beautiful boy, but I knew instantly that I could not take him. I was on my way out, my job was done. I felt bad for this boy and knew what kind of home he needed, I just couldn't provide it. GS rescue will take him in, they will try to find him a new home. I turned to leave and in walked a volunteer with a puppy she had taken outside for a walk, while her pen was being cleaned. This GS baby was pitiful, she was dirty, smelly, and looking at me like I was a new toy. I know I have never looked so stupid in my life, standing in the middle of the pound crying. This little one was declared a stray - so she must spend 5 days there in case someone is looking for her. After that she will reside with me. I swore I didn't want a puppy. Too much trouble. What about my new couch. Oh well, looks like a new doggie bed, and we'll just keep the old couch a little longer. (By the way, this little saint was delivered to the shelter on the same day Chess left me. I've never been called by rescue to see this particular shelter- Thank-you Chess, you knew I would need her!)