Banzai's Birthday

[Shenanigans]

Today is a special day, we're celebrating a milestone birthday for our German Shepherd Dog Banzai. He was born 10 years ago today one of 14 puppies in a very healthy litter. We met Banzai about a week later when myself, Chris and his brother Glenn went into the little home on a lovely summer day. The puppies eyes were just opening and mother was very protective. She focused on Glenn who physically looks like an officer and she being a working dog zeroed in on him. She sat in front of him the whole time we talked to the breeder. We were assured that Banzai's parents had great hips and decent temperaments, yet as prepared as we were, we had little ideal of what we were getting ourselves into. Banzai's breeder was hoping for some experienced people to help him raise a couple of puppies as mom was frazzled and we agreed to take Banzai early and handraise him with the help of one of our Shelties who just raised a litter of puppies.

So the next week we came back and collected our little bundle who was just crawling around. We brought him home on a birthday date of a friend, where the Sheltie we were hoping to have a hand in raising him, dropped a toy on Banzai's tiny head, as to inform us that she was DONE raising puppies. So myself, my mother and Chris took over and me and Chris attempted to give Banzai some formula, Banzai recoiled in horror once he tasted it, and made an ugly face. He soon discovered the joys of honey added to his formula and gulped down bottles of it at feeding time. He was carried around for the next 5 weeks of his life, meeting people, digging holes and eating dirt. Once he hit eight weeks, he felt it was time to walk, however would always sleep on my arm coming home from the park. He would try to chase me and couldn't keep up. Everyone remarked that he was going to be an exceptionally large dog as his puppy paws were huge as was the bone in his chest. They all remarked that his ears were up at 7 weeks and never once fell down. Which is more than I can say for a very clumsy GSD puppy.

As his size grew, so did his personality, Banzai was not the model puppy. He fell asleep and snored in obedience classes, he harassed the Shelties and cats, he was consistently nipping and challenging authority, he'd bark non-stop and promptly make messes after he finished his business outside. He ate walls, books, shoes, chewed on the furniture and was not a happy dog with the vet. At about 7 months Banzai was neutered and the next time he went to the vet, he had to be carried in. Thankfully it was just a VERY long phase and about the time he hit 18 months, we got to see the real Banzai. He had an affinity for children, puppies and kittens, though he has never really liked cats. He is always gentle with small dogs, and in fact won the honourary title of Small Dog at our local dog park as he would ensure that any bigger dog was gentle with his friends. He however was allowed to pull on the fluffy tails of some small breeds. Everyone has always remarked what a gentle GSD he has been, he has never attacked another dog, in fact, he brought several small dogs who have been attacked by GSDs around. At two years he was no longer the puppy who I could outrun, Chris would have to pedal for dear life on his bicycle to avoid Banzai closing in to knock him off and shower him with affection.

Banzai's favourite person in the world is Chris. He worships the group Chris walks on. At the same time he will also stop at nothing to trip Chris in a game of soccer only to steal the ball. Chris and Banzai have always been close, Chris would play with Banzai as a puppy, letting Banzai chew on his feet, he would also walk Banzai singing his Banzilla song, and sing Banzai to sleep. Chris taught Banzai to swim and jump and catch. They've both been two peas in a pod since the day Banzai was brought home and that is still evident as to how agitated Banzai gets each night about 10 minutes before Chris arrives home.

Banzai has also been a crafty dog. He is a legendary cheater at any games we play, and knows how to open closets and refrigerators, he has yet to learn how to drive and that is probably the best for the human race. He also has a bit of cat in him despite the fact that he loathes most felines. He's not a super cuddly dog and you'll hear him moan or groan if we hug him too much. He is also quite aloof with adult admirers at the park. He KNOWS they are looking at him and he puts on an extra air of snobbery and avoids being petted. Banzai true to his breed is also a protector. He is the first to herd back wayward puppies or children, he gets very upset at the sound of a dog hurting or a child crying. He has protected me from a stalker, and everyday lets the mail know that it's not welcome, he's especially good at eating bills.

Banzai has always been a patient dog with puppies and he has displayed that patience to no end when we brought home Shenanigans. A very rambunctious pup who was always pushing the boundaries. He has been scolded several times by Banzai and even nailed once on the nose for trying to steal some food, but in the end, Banzai adores Shenanigans and will come to his defense anytime a dog is picking on his "little brother".

Banzai thankfully is blessed with good health, he has given us a few scares with various lumps and bumps, one of them being malignant, however at ten, he still outlasts most dogs when it comes to playtime and exercise time. Most people cannot believe he is ten, aside from his grey face and ears, he doesn't show a trace of stiffness, however he is working on the "old fart" angle to get more time on our bed (something he never did til last year) and more food. He has also developed selective hearing. We were initially worried that his hearing was starting to go, only to learn that he was pulling a fast one on us as he could hear a candy cane being unwrapped in the middle of a thunderstorm, but couldn't hear us tell him to come on the leash in the yard.

I feel honoured to have spent 10 years with this dog. He's taught me so much about dog training. He's prompted me to do endless amounts of research, start dog organisations, meet new friends, and ultimate be a stellar example of the breed. Courageous, loyal, gentle, intensely smart and athletic, good sense of humour, versatile and just a presence where I can feel safe whenever I put my head down to sleep, whether I'm in the city, in the suburbs or in bear country. He has been the ultimate German Shepherd, I doubt any others could live in his shadow

Happy birthday Banziboobooman (mommy's name for him...which he hates! lol)

[Lucky Chaos]

Wow what an awesome tribute he sounds like a very wonderful dog.

Happy Birthday Banzai!

[courtnek]

VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BONZAI!!!

Good Dog!!

:bday: :bday: :bday: :bday:

[sarahmyjoy]

Happy Birthday Banzai !! :new-bday:

[izzy]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANZAI!! :bday:

[mouseatthebusstop]

loverly story I hope you have many more years together
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANZAI

[Shenanigans]

Many thanks!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make Banzai's day even more special. As wonderful it is to spend the day with extra special time with him, it also feels important to me to share with my friends how great he has made our lives. Thank you for letting me do that and wishing Banz a happy 10th. :)

[Mutt_Lady]

I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier.

What a loving, caring tribute to your dog. I think that this was lovely and it actually made me kind of teary because it's obvious how much you adore Banzai. Happy 10th birthday to your big guy!! :bday:

[bk_blue]

Happy Birthday Banzai!!!!! May you live long and prosper :wink:

[ellieangel]

What a wonderful tribute,it brought a tear to my eye,he is obviously a great ambassador for the breed too.

Happy Birthday huggable hound :bday: