State your name and breed, soldier.  Yes sir! My name is Alex von Germelhaus. German Shepherd from Princeton, Texas, sir. Bred from the top-ranked Germelhaus Breeders, who specialize in all things German Shepherds, and accommodate requests for special traits. https://www.germelhaus.com/  James’ and Arthur’s request for a highly intelligent, loyal and skilled working dog was fulfilled in me, sir – and I was adopted out at eight weeks old.

Do you have a special skill von Germelhaus? I have one job to do and I do it well, sir – PATROLLING.  I am constantly surveying for murderers and squirrels. To date, none has entered the premises.   And my ability to “read the room” is exceptional – if something’s not right with something or someone, I WILL let you know. My gut instincts are medal-worthy.

What is the story behind your breed? We are one of the top sought-after canine breeds.  Bred to be herders or shepherds, our mission is clear - gather, guard and protect.  We are highly trainable and known for our superior intellect.    With just a few repetitions, we’ll have patterns and commands down. German Shepherds are often trained to be Service or Police Dogs, or as an assistant to someone with disabilities.  I however, was raised as a companion pet, and so have a very friendly disposition.   

Can you give us some examples of your intelligence? I can hear subtle differences in human speech.   If a command is given to pull a bone from the toy pile, I return with a bone. If a ball is requested, I return with a ball.  And then there’s my medical skills … one of the humans under my watch is a type-1 diabetic. When his blood sugars go low, I go on high alert, facetiming and tapping his arm until he eats something, or takes some medicine. Situation satisfied.

Any off-duty stories?  Yes, during Covid, the family moved to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Also in Cabo was a cat named Pedro. I did not like Pedro; Pedro did not like me. One day, the intruder came into our back yard without permission and began to taunt me through the pane glass. Quickly I decided it was time to let it be known who the real Cabo-alpha was.  Accordingly, I body-slammed my way through the glass, knocking it down and off its rails, so I could race after the enemy-feline.  The mission unfortunately, was a S.N.A.F.U., as the target escaped before he could be captured.  

Favorite Activities? Anything involving water - oceans, swimming pools, sprinklers, rivers.   If for any reason you find me A.W.O.L. it’s because I’m in our backyard hanging out on the splash deck of the pool that was made just for yours truly.  I guess I’m not really M.I.A. if everybody knows where I am.

Other favorite activities are flying first class with J&A.  It’s what we do best. After all, I‘m too big for coach and just right for first class.

 

There are many rules in our household which must be followed. I know because I created them all. Examples are that I must eat at 5:30PM every day - and the issue of Day Light Savings Time shall not be cause for deviation. I have my own couch, my own place on the bed and maintain control at all times of where everyone sleeps. My house, my rules. James and Arthur are my permanent pets and are always welcome.

But the main rule of our household and our family motto is, Better Together. We are 100% better because we all stick together.