In Loving Memory of Luna
Luna was a White German Shepherd who came into our lives when our daughter went away to college. We wanted her to have a companion—and, if needed, a dog who could help keep her safe. Until then, we’d always had Golden Retrievers, so Luna was our first experience with the German Shepherd breed.
She stayed with us for six weeks while we worked on crate training, housebreaking, and basic obedience. Then she moved to Chicago to live with our daughter. I didn’t expect how hard it would be to let her go—we had formed a strong bond. Luna had a big personality. She was funny, clever, and full of energy, and she seemed to know exactly how to make us laugh.
She also had a deeply loving and protective nature. When our grandson was born, Luna immediately welcomed him into the family. She watched over him —lying next to his swing, standing guard outside his bedroom door, and alerting us the moment he woke. She took her role seriously, and it was clear how deeply she cared.
Luna was the dog who introduced us to the German Shepherd breed, and we’ve loved them ever since.
She passed away suddenly at the age of 11 from pericardial effusion caused by a ruptured blood vessel due to hemangiosarcoma. She lived only two days after being diagnosed. We were devastated. It wasn’t our first experience with this cancer—one of our Golden Retrievers had also had hemangiosarcoma—but in his case, the tumors were on his skin and easier to monitor. Luna’s were in her heart.
Losing two dogs to the same disease made it clear how common and serious it is. No one should have to lose a pet that way.
Luna’s life and legacy continue to guide us. She sparked our love for the German Shepherd breed and helped shape our commitment to breeding dogs that are not only loving and loyal, but as healthy and well-supported as possible. Everything we do is, in part, because of her.
In Loving Memory of Leo
Leo came to us on the heels of Luna’s departure. When Luna left to live with our daughter in Chicago, I was heartbroken. To help fill the void, my husband surprised me with Leo—another White German Shepherd. From the moment they met, Leo and Luna became the best of friends.
Leo embodied everything the German Shepherd breed stands for. He was unusually large—an impressive 130 pounds—with a commanding presence, sharp mind, and unshakable confidence. Despite his dominant nature, Leo was incredibly loving and loyal. He adored his family and truly lived to be near us—our presence was everything to him.
He was also a social dog who thrived on activity. Leo spent many years doing agility, and people were constantly drawn to him—not just for his size, but for his calm strength and charisma.
At age 7, Leo was diagnosed with arthritis. By age 8, he began underwater treadmill and laser therapy to help manage the symptoms. A year later, we started noticing signs of degenerative myelopathy—he began flipping his toes under and standing on the top of his foot. Eventually, one of his rear legs started dragging.
To keep him safe and mobile, we fitted him with a wheelchair. Over time, Leo lost the use of both back legs, and other health issues followed. Still, he never lost his spirit. Even at the very end, Leo was full of life, determination, and love. True to his nature, he continued to worry about us—his family was always his priority.
Losing Leo was devastating. degenerative myelopathy is a cruel, progressive disease with no cure, and no dog should have to endure what he did. We hope and pray that one day, a cure will be found.
Leo’s strength, devotion, and resilience left a lasting imprint on our hearts. He was one of a kind.
Why We Do This
Luna and Leo weren’t just our pets—they were family. They each brought something different into our lives: Luna introduced us to the German Shepherd breed with her sweet, quirky charm and loyalty, while Leo showed us the depth of strength, resilience, and devotion these dogs are capable of.
Their lives, and the losses we endured with each of them, shaped us in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. Luna’s sudden passing from hemangiosarcoma and Leo’s long battle with degenerative myelopathy opened our eyes to the importance of health and thoughtful breeding. These experiences made it clear: we wanted to be part of the solution.
Our breeding program is built on the lessons they taught us. It’s about more than producing beautiful dogs—it’s about honoring Luna and Leo by focusing on sound genetics, stable temperaments, and lifelong support for every family that brings one of our dogs home.
This isn’t just a passion. It’s a promise—to them, and to every dog who comes after.