My Memories of Stark

I tried to find a photo I had of Stark and Quillbert playing, but I could not find it. But I want to share some thoughts about my black german friend:

He always saw me as part of his pack. On many occasions, he would get in between me and an aggressive dog, either at the rescue or with one that Reb was fostering. Also whenever I would visit Grassi Lake for a party, particularly one in the winter, he would follow me around while awake and always cuddle up to me when it was time to sleep. I will miss Stark. He was a very loyal and gentle Sheppard.

I can verify that Stark would stand between Kyle and aggressive dogs.  Stark was a fun loving, gentle, intuitive dog but at his core he was a guard dog.  A gentle guard dog.

An other story I remember of Stark was at the rescue.  Stark and Storm would chase each other and then collide and fight.  I remember on one occasion they were in pursuit (I forget who was chasing who) and within feet of several people looking to adopt a dog, Stark and Storm collide and proceed to have a fight.  The sheer look of terror on these people who are backing away and some screaming was pretty funny.  Stark and Storm never actually bit each other...it was all show.  Still the spectacle of two massive black shepherds attacking each other in a crowd of dog loving people is one to remember.  I believe that was the last time they were allowed to roam free while people were looking to adopt.

Steph dropped a buttery green bean when cooking and it just lay there. Cricket gave it a perfunctory sniff. Stark knew we didn't allow begging but he never lost his finely-attuned sensitivity to any dropped food. Even sitting silently, looking off to the side, you knew he was still running his relentless radar. No complaints as it was a valid service. The green bean sat there and I missed Stark.

I also miss him when I cut cucumber everyday as a dog treat. I eat a few slices too, so it was a shared meal between Stark, Hershey and I.

Cricket is still adjusting, she sometimes barks at cars that are far off or runs to look out a screen door for no discernible reason. It's not too bad, but her frayed nerves are noticeable.

He was a dog with a big presence and it is a much quieter house without him.