Meet Rumor, the Beautiful German Shepherd that Captured the Top Prize in the Herding Group the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

If you didn't tune in to last Monday night's portion of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, you might have missed the raucous cheers for the beautiful German Shepherd that captured the top prize in the Herding group. Her call name is Rumor, and she won best in show last Tuesday, becoming only the second German Shepherd ever to take home top honor at Westminster.

At last year's Westminster, Rumor also won the Herding group to advance to the best in show judging, but she fell short of taking home the big trophy, which went to CJ the German Shorthaired Pointer. This year, she staged a valiant comeback, and by the chanting from the crowd at Madison Square Garden, her many fans are thrilled.

Rumor, whose full name is Lockenhaus' Rumor Has It V Kenlyn, is a 5-year-old pup hailing from Wisconsin. She has countless championships under her belt and spends nearly all her time with her handler, co-owner, and cobreeder Kent Boyles. Immediately after winning, Kent was asked what's next for Rumor, as it is common for Westminster champions to retire. His answer was simple: he's going to find her a husband so they can have some puppies.

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The Man Who Shot and Killed K-9 Officer Jethro, of the Canton Police Department in Ohio, Has Been Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison

Kelontre Barefield, 23, received the sentence after pleading guilty to charges related to the police dog's death and other charges in an unrelated robbery case, a spokeswoman for the Stark County Clerk of Courts told ABC News today.

Barefield's attorney, Steven Reisch, didn't immediately respond to ABC News' requests for comment.

Jethro was killed in January after suffering multiple gunshot wounds while responding to a burglary at a grocery store, according to Officer Eric Stanbro, head trainer of Canton PD's K-9 unit.

The death of the 3-year-old German shepherd devastated Canton PD Officer Ryan Davis, who had been Jethro's partner since he was an 8-week-old puppy.

In March, an 11-year-old girl donated all of her allowance money to help get bulletproof vests for all of the department's dogs.

"Officer Davis has received 2,000 letters since Jethro's death, and he was catching up with them over the weekend," Stanbro previously told ABC News. "He came across this girl's letter and donation, and it really touched him."

In the letter, an 11-year-old girl named Allison tells Davis, "I sorry about Jethro. So here is my allowance for the bulletproof vests. God bless you and the dogs."

An 11-year-old girl named Allison donated her allowance money to the Canton Police Department to help get bulletproof vests for dogs in the department's K-9 unit.

On Wednesday, the Canton PD's K-9 Unit shared a video of some its dogs and handlers on Facebook "[i]n honor of Jethro's killer being sentenced to 45 years in prison."

To video video, click HERE.

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A Memorial Service for Canton Police K-9 Jethro, the First of the Department’s Dogs Ever Killed in the Line of Duty, Drew Hundreds from Across the Country

Canton, Ohio - Jethro was shot in killed in the line of duty over the weekend. Police said he was responding to a call of a burglary on Saturday, when he was shot multiple times. He died from his injuries on Sunday. 

The city held a funeral for the German Shepherd Thursday at the Canton Civic Center, on what would have been Jethro's third birthday.

Speakers included the Canton Police chief and the mayor. 

"Jethro's legacy is to remind us all is that bravery and devotion can travel on four legs, and that loyalty and love can be delivered by the playful nudge of a wet nose," Mayor Thomas Bernabei said to those assembled.

K-9 officers from as far away as Virginia and the New York Police Department attended the service. More than 100 K9s from various departments walked in a five and a half minute long procession in front of those gathered.

Jethro's partner, Ryan Davis, was presented with a flag and a fallen officer medal honoring his four legged best friend. At 12:27 pm the department officially declared Jethro's end of watch.

"A lot of people love dogs obviously, and they know the dog is doing it for us and he doesn't really have a choice, so to speak, so I think people really identify with that - that a lot of people have dogs that they believe would do this for them," said Eric Stanbro, the Canton Police K9 head trainer.

Stanbro said to those who may criticize giving a memorial service for a dog, that this was the least the department could do.

"We owe it to them. I believe 100% that without Jethro, today it's Ryan's funeral and not a dog's funeral," said Stanbro.

The suspect, Kelontre D. Barefield, received a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken into custody after being treated. He is being held on $5 million bond.

There is a GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/h8xbvs8s account to pay for Jethro's vet bills and buy new K-9 vests for the department.

"I absolutely think Jethro is a hero. The dog did his job and it's tough to take. And for that  some officers went home safe," said Tim Wilmoth, a canine handler and retired police officer.

The Canton Police Department is not actively seeking donations. However, those that wish to donate can make a check out to the Canton Police Department and write K9 donation on the memo line. Donations and condolences can be sent to the Canton Police Department at 221 3rd St. SW, Canton, OH 44702.

Jethro's Procession

K-9 Jethro is Laid to Rest

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Cop Mistakenly Shoots a Mother Dead Instead of Her Attacking Dog

(WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO)

Iowa regulators plan to sue the police department that has long refused to release video showing a cop mistakenly shoot a mother dead instead of her attacking dog — a horrific saga that played out in front of her 3-year-old son.

The Iowa Public Information Board voted Thursday to launch legal action against the Burlington Police Department and other agencies, pushing for the release of records from the January day Officer Jesse Hill shot and killed 34-year-old Autumn Steele.

Hill was responding to a disturbance on Jan. 6 when he found Steele in front of her house hitting her husband, police said. The 34-year-old mom spent the previous night in jail after being arrested on domestic abuse charges, the Des Moines Register reported.

The cop fired his gun when the family’s German Shepherd, Sammy, pounced on his back and bit him, police said. The bullets hit Steele instead of the attacking dog, police said.

Steele’s 3-year-old son was standing next to her when she was shot.

The dog attack justified the shooting, prosecutors determined. Hill was cleared of any charges and returned to work earlier this year.

Cops previously released a 12-second body cam video showing the cop fire twice without warning.

“Get your dog!” Hill yelled as a dog growls in the background. The video does not show the shepherd jump on the armed officer. Animal officials later determined Sammy was not vicious and returned the pet to the family.

But Steele’s family and local media have long pushed for the release of the full body cam video, plus footage from the cop’s squad car and 911 phone calls.

The Iowa Public Information Board sided with the family and media in the Thursday decision.

The board, which oversees the state’s open records laws, voted 4-3 to pursue charges against Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Burlington Police Department and the Des Moines County Attorney.

“I’m, for one, uncomfortable with law enforcement determining what should and shouldn’t be released,” said Information Board member Bill Monroe, who voted in favor of the lawsuit.

Formal charges will be filed in the coming weeks, and the case will be handled by a judge who can recommend the release of the records.

Officer Jesse Hill (l.) shot and killed 34-year-old mom Autumn Steele in January.

Steele's husband Gabriel reacts after the Burlington Animal Hearing Board unanimously decide that the family dog, Sammy, a German shepherd mix, is not vicious or dangerous and should be returned.

Steele's 3-year-old son was by her side when she was shot and killed.

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Tiger, a Young German Shepherd Surrendered by Owner: Looking for Loving Forever Home – Read His Story

On June 13, a handsome young shepherd named "Tiger" was loaded into a car and taken for a ride...unfortunately, the destination was not the park, it was the Chicago Animal Care and Control facility in Illinois. Today, the 11-month-old German shepherd is wondering why he is locked away behind bars, and why his person is no longer by his side.

On Thursday, the volunteer-run Facebook page, CACC Transfer Team, notified their page followers that the young dog is "timid" while kenneled, but he becomes more puppy-like once he is taken out of the cage. 

According to the shelter volunteers, Tiger loves to chase tennis balls and he already knows how to sit on command. The volunteers also noted that Tiger is "very personable and affectionate."

Please take a moment to network on Tiger's behalf - he should be chasing after tennis balls, not sitting in a lonely kennel run. Tiger's identification number A131202.

For adoption information, click HERE. 

If you would like to make a donation for the homeless cats and dogs at Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC), click HERE. 

Animal Care and Control

Phone: 312.747.1406

Fax: 312.747.1409

2741 S. Western Ave

Chicago, IL 60608

Please Share Tiger!

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Heartwarming Story: 3-Year-Old Sapphyre Johnson, Born Without Fingers and Feet: Gets a Therapy Puppy Missing One Front Paw - They Are Inseparable

Sapphyre Johnson was born a healthy child in Greenville, South Carolina, except for missing some essential features, her feet, fingers and toes.

Since she was 3-months-old, Sapphyre, now 3, has been a patient at Shriner's Hospital for Children, where her mother, Ashley Johnson, said she's had multiple surgeries to be fitted for prosthetic feet. But for her last visit, Johnson told ABC News, Sapphyre got to leave the hospital with much more than new prosthetics.

"It was two weeks ago when were told that an owner had contacted the hospital about a puppy who was missing one front paw," said Johnson. "She wanted him to grow up with a child who had similar circumstances."

After showing Sapphyre a photo of the puppy, Johnson said her toddler fell in love.

"Sapphyre immediately noticed that he was missing a paw," she said. "She said, 'He has a foot like mine.'"

The dog's breeder, Karen Riddle, said that the 9-week-old White German Shepherd was born in a litter of nine puppies and was the only one missing a paw.

For that very reason, Riddle said she decided to name him Lt. Dan, after the character from the popular film "Forrest Gump" who lost both his legs.

"The movie is a heartwarming, loving story, so I said, 'You're just like Lt. Dan. It just suited his personality."

Because of Lt. Dan's calm demeanor, Riddle coordinated with Shriner's to hand him off to Sapphyre as a therapy dog. Sapphyre and Lt. Dan went home together Monday.

"It was awesome yesterday," Riddle said. "We said, 'Sapphyre show him your feet' and, oh boy, she threw off her prosthetics and her socks and said, 'Look!' Then Lt. Dan put his paw up at the exact same time."

Although they've only been pals for 24 hours, Johnson said Sapphyre and Lt. Dan make the perfect pair.

"He follows her every step she takes, everywhere she goes," said Johnson. "It's like they’ve known each other forever.

"We always want Sapphyre to know that being different is not bad," she added. "People, even pets, no one is exactly the same. That would be boring. I think it’s good for her to see that."

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Special Foster Home Needed for Two Female Senior German Shepherd Bonded Ladies Most Likely Degenerative Myelopathy

This comes from dog rescuer Jennifer Quesenberry in Virginia:

I know this is a long shot request, but these two girls really need our help.

May and Princess — AGES: 8-9 Unknown with cats or kids.

May and Princess are two female seniors who have been bred their entire lives. Their owner dumped them at a rural shelter in NC, saying “they weren’t in good shape.”  The shelter has taken them to the vet, as they cannot walk and are dragging their legs. They suspect DM [degenerative myelopathy] and one may have hip dysplasia, but all blood work and x-rays looked good otherwise. They are both HW negative.

We would like to keep these two in the same foster home. The shelter told us they lived with dogs in their previous home and do not pay attention to the shelter dogs. They are in a chain link kennel outside at this shelter, directly next to another GSD and seem to do well. They can be put to sleep at any time and are extremely urgent.

I have been begging and pleading with everyone I know to pull these seniors, and am told they have NO commitment. With several people offering boarding we have decided that if money can be raised to have them boarded while we work out the details of where they go, then we will help them. Please help us save these girls. We need to commit TODAY to get them out.

I set a high goal due to their current health and the unknown with taking them on.

They will still need a foster, if you can help please email us at info@trainingrescues.org.

We are 501c3 and your donation is tax-deductible.

Thank you!

UPDATE: 04/11/15
I picked up May and Princess last night from a transport at 2:00am and dropped them off at my local emergency vet for boarding. Once we got there I realized just how pitiful their situation is. My heart stopped. Was this the right thing to do? Would they be better off with humane euthanasia? I went home and the four hours I slept were spent dreaming about them.

This morning, I went to see them. They were completely different dogs! The shy withdrawn dogs were suddenly true GSDs – they just couldn’t walk! I had planned to bring them home with me for one night, but Princess wasn’t having it with my current dogs. She may have been defending herself or simply trying to play, but she was a feisty one.

I went back into the vet and spent over an hour with them. I saw their true selves emerge. They can’t walk, but they can scoot and they loved every second of my attention. I went and bought new toys and after a brief moment of confusion and a few squeaks – they were all games! I spent over an hour tossing the toy back and forth, numerous ear rubs and just loving on them. It was difficult to leave, but I will be back in the morning.

These girls need a solution. The vet is not the place to be. Even though they were generous enough to donate their entire office to the girls, they need a real loving home. They have so much left in them.  Please help us find that special home willing to give them the love they have deserved their whole lives.

We have a vet appointment tomorrow. We hope there is something we can do, but our funds are really tight and we’re not sure what to expect. They both really need an MRI, but at this time we do not have enough money to order one.

Training Rescue Dogs does TRANSPORTS!  Contact here for details.

If you would like to donate towards their boarding fees or medical care, please CLICK HERE.  For updates, please follow our Facebook page. 
.

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The Dog Missing After Car Crash in Banks County Georgia, Has Been Reunited with Her Owner

On March 23, 2015, the Love family, from Banks County, Ga., was traveling on Interstate 85 with Georgia, their son’s 14-month-old German Shepherd. A drunk driver hit their forcing it to roll over multiple times. Fortunately Mr. and Mrs. Love walked away from the accident unharmed, but Georgia got spooked and ran away from the scene. 

Five days after the accident, and after dozens of volunteers stepped up to help search for Georgia, the pup was found and reunited with her owner.

As soon as the accident happened, Eric Love, Georgia’s owner, took to social media to ask for help finding his dog. He posted pictures of the pet and asked everyone in the area to keep and eye open for his dog.

Many volunteered to drive around and search, but no one had any luck spotting or finding the dog.

On Saturday, March 28th, Georgia was finally spotted off exit 160. Love rushed to the area to find and reunite with his dog.

Many expected a long chase. Usually when a dog gets lost the pet goes into survival mode, and even though a strong bond exists between the pet and the owner, it takes a lot of coaxing for the dog to come around, trust those trying to help and recognize his or her owner. However, this was not the case with Georgia and Eric.

“She walked right up out of the woods and into my arms,” Love told Fox 5 News.

Five days apart seemed like an eternity for Eric, but in just one second that Saturday morning, Eric’s life and heart became whole again when Georgia walked into her owner’s arms.

Georgia was unharmed and Eric said that “after three cheeseburgers, eight pieces of bacon, and a bag of treats, this little girl is trying not to fall asleep!”





You may be interested in reading the initial story when Georgia went missing: Banks County, Georgia - Family Searching For Lost Dog After Car Crash: Have You Seen This Dog?

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6-Year-Old Police Dog, Nero, Beloved K9 at the Oviedo Police Department, Laid to Rest in Emotional Ceremony

Oviedo, FL -  Nero the beloved K9 German Shepherd, made a lasting impression on the Oviedo Police Department.

After 6-year-old Nero was diagnosed with terminal cancer, the department decided to put him down. On Friday, they laid him to rest at local animal hospital. His fellow officers had their hands up in salute and police dogs sat at attention, while Officer David Capetillo walked him for the last time. Nero was given a ceremony with full honors - a testament to the love and loyalty he exhibited during his time on the force.

Nero had spent the last four years of his life working as a police dog, proving himself as an invaluable member of the team. Training video shows just how agile he was, capable of easily bounding into the bed of a pick-up truck to attack a mock suspect.

"He and his K-9 officer, David Capetillo, are credited with numerous drug busts and are also credited with tracking numerous criminal suspects, lost children and missing, endangered adults," said Oviedo police in a statement.

Nero had also played the part of local celebrity. He and Officer Capetillo had performed demonstrations at several events throughout the year, said the department, including each of the DARE graduations at four elementary schools in the city.

Thank you for your service.

Oviedo Fl. police officer David Capetillo walks past an honor guard of fellow K-9 officers from the Central Florida area as he walks his partner, Nero, to the veterinarians office one final time. Nero suffered from cancer and was laid to rest on Friday March 20, 2015.  Ed Ruping, Oviedo Fire/Rescue

Oviedo Fl. police officer David Capetillo walks past an honor guard of fellow K-9 officers from the Central Florida area as he walks his partner, Nero, to the veterinarians office one final time. Nero suffered from cancer and was laid to rest on Friday March 20, 2015. Ed Ruping, Oviedo Fire/Rescue

Officers from the Central Florida area salute after Oviedo Fl K-9 Nero was laid to rest after four years of service to the City of Oviedo police department. Nero suffered from cancer and was laid to rest on Friday March 20, 2015. Ed Ruping, Oviedo Fire/Rescue

Oviedo Fl. police officer David Capetillo and his wife Lt Heather Capetillo walks past an honor guard of fellow K-9 officers from the Central Florida area. His partner, Nero, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the week was laid to rest on Friday March 20, 2015. Ed Ruping, Oviedo Fire/Rescue


Condolences on The Lake Mary Police Department Facebook page:

Asking for thoughts and prayers today as Officer D. Capetillo and his family say goodbye to Oviedo Police Department’s K-9 Nero . It was discovered that this sweet boy has an inoperable tumor on/in his heart. A gut wrenching decision was made to hold his paw while he crosses the bridge today. Officer Nero, we thank you for spending your days dedicated to your work and your handler. As the Capetillo and Oviedo Police Department deal with this loss, we send them our love and support.

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