It all started with German Shepherd Dogs. My parents had three when I was born and it took me a long time to figure out there were other breeds. It was a lot like learning there was a political party other than Democrat. When I was married in 1967, the next logical step was to get a German Shepherd Dog — and so we did. She had a lot of health problems with which we lived for many years. Along the way, we got some better dogs and then bred some even better dogs. A divorce, a move, law school, traveling and for a long time, I had no dogs. I bought a townhome. When I was ready to again have a dog, I opted for a portable German Shepherd — the Cardigan.
This is a photo of Steamer with me in 1977. He taught me that the girls live to be loved, but the boys worship you. He was such a gentleman in the house, always the willing companion, a discriminating guardian. My sons were his children. He is buried in the backyard of the old Victorian home near downtown Albuquerque. Steamer will always epitomize the perfect dog.
