When I was a child my parents brought home an Australian Shepherd puppy for my sister. After a few weeks “Shadow” was bouncing off the walls, shredding everything in sight, and herding every other animal and kid in the house. I have always had a passion for animals, and when my dad said that we would have to find another home for this out of control puppy, I decided to try to get this puppy under control. I spent a few weeks working with him and immediately fell in love. This young dog was so smart, sweet, and willing. I would stand in front of the TV watching Eukenuba dreaming that one day Shadow and I would be there under the lights. I jumped him over broomsticks and chairs, pretending to be in agility competitions. He wasn’t registered, or even good looking. He was rangy with a bad rear and too long of a back, but, he was my best friend. He loved every second and he loved me no matter what I threw at him. Shadow survived autoimmune disease and getting hit by a car. He passed away at 13 years old and to this day I get teary thinking about him. He fueled my passion for dogs that still burns in me today and I thank him for his loyalty for all those years. I grew up, went to collage, and got married, telling everyone in my path what an amazing dog he was. I promised myself I would get another Aussie.
Shadow at 13 years old
I remember laying in bed looking at Aussie puppy pictures trying to find a way to convince my husband that we should get a dog. Even though we had just moved to San Diego, were living with our in-laws, and about to move into a new apartment, I couldn’t help it, I was itching for a dog. I popped the question, and shockingly, Tim, my husband, was open to it. I immediately began looking for breeders. I emailed several and found out that there was an ASCA show the following weekend. I bit my fingernails at 2am researching every breeder, so excited to meet them and see the dogs that could potentially be the parents to my new little one. The following weekend we went to the show, met each of the breeders and I instantly connected to Laura Diebold. She told me that she had a bitch that would be due in September (perfect timing for us). I had found my breeder. Now all I had to due was wait the excruciatingly long 2 months for the puppies to be born!
Warwick at 8 days
On September 14, 2013 I got a text message from Laura. Five puppies had been born, all healthy. I could come see them on on Saturday, 2 days away. She then sent pictures. One of them being Warwick. It was instant love. I had told Laura that I wanted to show and she told me that she wouldn’t be able to tell me which puppy was show quality until they were 8 weeks old. On Saturday, I met all of the puppy’s. My husband and I fell in love with the black tri male and decided that day, regardless, that was our boy.
We had no idea how lucky we had gotten. Warwick ended up being the 2nd pick of the litter, right under his brother. Both of them were deemed show quality.
My husband and I have been blessed to have Warwick (Wiki) in our lives. He is inquisitive, full of energy, keen to learn, independent and thinks EVERYONE loves him. Hard lesson when he meets people or dogs who don’t share his self confidence!