Elaine Gail Federico

Hi Linda and Emma.

Midnight is doing SO wonderfully! What a super, super dog. He is 8 months old now and around 70 pounds. We have had individual training at home and also in a class being held at our local veterinarian’s office. He gets compliments all the time on his excellent behavior. Everybody remarks on how “calm” he is, and how he is not a barker. When I walk him, sometimes other neighborhood dogs are running around loose and they come up to him. He is NEVER aggressive. He is always looking to be friendly and meet new dogs. Even if he is provoked, he does not attack other dogs. He always looks to me for a command, and he is very focused, with excellent eye contact. He is a pleasure to walk and play with. We go down to a nearby field in my subdivision and throw balls. He’s very good at fetching! I don’t let him get too tired, though, because it’s so hot out and he is black. The one funny thing about him is that he’s a very sloppy drinker! I sometimes wonder if any of the water makes it into his mouth!!!

Recently, we were over at my sister-in-law’s house, and there were other dogs around. A little 2 year old girl wandered into the room where I was staying with the dogs, and she began to pull the other dogs’ ears and tails. I didn’t know what her name was, and she didn’t speak English, so I couldn’t get her to stop. I yelled for someone to get her parents so they could get her to stop hurting the dogs. Do you know that she grabbed Midnight’s forehead and squished it, before I could stop her, and he did NOTHING! He was so patient and good. The other dogs yelped and snapped at her, but he was so generous with the child. It’s good to know he has this wonderful, balanced temperament.

We can take him for walks along Park Avenue in Winter Park, where it is very dog friendly, and he stays with us at the restaurant while we eat on the patio and enjoys a milk bone or chew toy. He’s a great dining companion. Most people don’t even know he’s around, unless they want to say how beautiful he is. German Shepherds get a lot of attention.

I just wanted to update you on our wonderful puppy. My mom routinely checks your web site for new puppies in case you have any females who are more tan than black. She likes the Rin-Tin-Tin style. I’m very happy with my dark doggie. He’s SO beautiful.

Hope you and Emma are well!

Elaine, Tom, Garret, and Marina Federico
Elaine Gail Federico, M.A., N.C.C., L.M.H.C. 
Oviedo, FL 32765