"An awareness of missed opportunities for photographing wildlife and unusual plants, that had been seen over the last five years, whilst taking quiet daily walks in the surrounding countryside with our German Shepherd (on a leash!) led to the creation of this part of the site.

No camera at hand, opportunities such as:- downwind and only a few feet from four fox cubs at play, totally oblivious of our presence, whilst their mother watched over them from afar - badgers late one bright day, emerging from their set at the base of a hill just below us - a small herd of fallow deer rushing from an adjoining wood crossed the bridle-way just a few feet away - three feet from a baby leveret (young hare), a tiny bundle of fur motionless, exposed and vulnerable on an uncultivated gorse covered hill - and so on and so on! Events fondly remembered but not captured on camera and unlikely to reoccur. Walks now entail the carrying of an obligatory camera or two, but suddenly potential participants have become camera shy. Perhaps word has got around!

Whilst the company of a dog is not always desirable for wildlife photography, they can be an asset. A keen sense of smell and acute hearing alerts them to the presence of wildlife long before our eyesight can spot them. Observation of a dog and its reaction towards different wild animals may be a potential aid. Our GSD seems to have an awareness of deer and displays considerable excitement with his nose close to the ground tugging on the leash in full tracking mode. His reaction to rabbits and hares is more restrained but still evokes the telltale tracking mode. On the other hand, foxes seem to stand attentive, looking straight towards him seemingly in amazement before trotting away. Perhaps those GSD ears create a confusion of identity. The dog's reaction is equally subdued as though some recognition of acceptance has taken place. Its more plausible that he knows that the fox is just that bit more sly and cunning, and would outwit any of his tracking prowess. Reaction to squirrels is easy to spot, very excited, nose sniffing the air and eyesight locked onto the tree(s) harbouring the intended victim. Attempts to photograph a badger amongst some young lambs, whilst a GSD struggles to get free of his leash either to help or perhaps hinder the badger is not good photographic practice. The result of which was a pleasant photo of a farm gate and blue sky! On balance, it would be nice to leave him at home just once in awhile!

Finally, we would express our sincere hope and wishes that all the species of animals and plants outlined in these pages survive into the next millennium to provide future generations with similar pleasure and enjoyment. In the light of the many species presently struggling for survival and those lost during the last century, unfortunately, it would seem unlikely!"

Quiet and thoughtful, somewhat private and reserved with interests in DIY, photography, hill-walking, wildlife, gardening, home cinema, computer programming, electronics, new technology and pets.

I was born in the Midlands but soon returned to my West Country roots during the 60's, where later as an industrial chemist/physicist with an interest in electronics, I became involved in the application of industrial automation and scientific instrumental analysis, concluding with the co-authorship of a technical book on food analysis. By the late 70's and early 80's the expertise gained in computer programming brought about a change in career. Systems analysis, design and computer network management in an office environment replaced my customary laboratory background until my premature retirement in 1994.

Together with my wife, I live in a remote cottage dating back to the early 19th century, standing in one and a half acres of land surrounded by open countryside of pasture, moorland, woodland and scrub. The cottage is located on the outskirts of a small village in the Mendip Hills. It is approached by a track off a steep road, close to the West Mendip Way. Being well away from any traffic and securely fenced, the property is ideally suited as a perfect haven for both wildlife and pets. A large National Trust site plus many footpaths and bridleways are close by and access to acres of farmland through the kind permission of local landowners has created a vast area to roam.

As a child busily earning a shilling or two doing 'newspaper rounds', I had always had a considerable amount of healthy respect for GSDs, intrepidity with a degree of caution, that gradually developed into a fascination and adoration. My parents neither liked nor trusted Alsatians (although this was many years after the war, anything of German origin was still strictly taboo). Hence no discussion as to the merits of Alsatians or GSDs (as we know them today) could be contemplated, so my first very own puppy was a male Golden Retriever, Kim. He remained in the Midlands with my parents when I came to the West Country 5 years later. I knew one day, that I would have my GSD but circumstances dictated that it was much later than I would have ideally chosen.

HIGH 'N' MIGHTY - Jason (26/03/84 - 03/10/90) - black and gold male GSD.

Jason was an adorable dog, everyone's friend, an ambassador for his breed, not an ounce of aggression in him, the truly Gentle Giant. His father was the highly regarded Langfaulds Amos, a Scottish dog, a descendent of the renown Gorsfield Granit, who contributed so much to the sound temperament of many of today's breeding stock. Jason loved all animals whether pets or wild and I recall an incident in our garden, when he stood motionless, whilst a field mouse ran around his legs, whether from fear of hurting it or fear of being attacked by it, I shall never know. Unfortunately, he had never been a healthy dog, a fussy eater and had reacted badly to a parvo vaccination as a pup. I much regret spending so little time with him throughout his short life, owing to work and other commitments. Following his death from a stomach torsion, I vowed that I would never consider another GSD until I retired, so that more time was available to treasure their friendship.

TINELG SABRE - Sabre (15/03/96 - 06/12/02) - black and gold male GSD.

Sabre was a gorgeous looking dog, very muscular and large boned with very expressive eyes. His mother was from the Glenteall kennels in Leicester and his father was predominantly from Wardela's and Dawnway stock. Unfortunate experiences as a pup had made Sabre a territorially and fear aggressive dog with little love of animals or people. Although resolutely devoted to those close to him, introduction to any strangers or friends had to be carried out with due diligence. He was an incredible guard dog yet underneath that outward display of bravado was a deeply sensitive quite fearful dog, so loving, remarkably loyal, trustworthy, playful and intelligent but needing lots of reassurance and praise. In the last 18 months of his life, he developed an incredible understanding of so many words in our vocabulary, that at times it was necessary to spell out words to avoid his unwanted attention. He instinctively knew what was expected of him, never questioned my authority and trusted me implicitly. However, that trust was betrayed, when I had him put to sleep to save further suffering from an unbelievably short illness of canine lymphoma, a lurking and hideous killer. That morning although very tired, he played his favourite games of football and retrieve with his toys and in the afternoon he sadly passed away gently in my arms.

Most of my early knowledge of GSD's had been from books, breeders, GSD clubs, behaviourists and friends with experience of this noble breed. They are highly intelligent; working dogs, at their best when constantly challenged to stimulate their minds. I adore the breed and regret not having them in my earlier years, but can only trust that I will have several more years in this life to enjoy the companionship of perhaps one or two more.

At the time of writing this dedication, 20 weeks have elapsed since Sabre's death and in many respects it still only seems a few days ago. I instinctively look for him, the shadow who was always by my side but now only an empty space remains. Friends advise that having more than one dog at a time helps to reduce the pain, but I so wish there was an easier way of coping with the final situation, such that it is devoid of the overwhelming emotion, stress and sentiment. Not to have one at all, is the obvious answer - oh, but what to have missed !!!

I would like to thank the many relatives and friends, who have supported me over the last few difficult months both in my recovery from ill health/surgery and in overcoming the sad loss of my close GSD companion.

I must take this opportunity to thank my niece, Sarah, for her insistence that I had my GSD, Sabre, in the first place. I was unsure that I wanted to go through the agony of eventually losing another GSD, but she convinced me otherwise. As the bond of understanding grew, he became such a loyal, devoted, loving and exceptional companion, that despite the overwhelming pain of his recent loss, I shall never forget or regret the experience of those wonderful happy years spent with him.

Of late the NHS hospitals have taken a lot of flak for poor service and patient care. I must say that my recent experience in both the Weston-Super-Mare Hospital and the Bristol Royal Infirmary were quite the contrary to this popular belief and I would wish to express my gratitude to all the nurses, doctors, surgeons and anaesthetists of both hospitals for all the care and attention given to me throughout my stay with them.

Webmaster.......................... April 2003

Pleased to announce that Zola, a female GSD arrived in September 2003 at just over 7 months of age and has settled in well.

VONMEISTER ANASTASIA - Zola (26/01/03 - ../../..) - black and gold female GSD.

Zola has very rich colouring, lively disposition with a lovely temperament and although very friendly to visitors is a wonderful guard dog. She was purchased from Vonmeister German Shepherds - breeders in Leicestershire.

We would like to express our thanks to Ross and Kim for transporting her down here.

Webmaster.......................... March 2004

Just to announce that 'puppy' Rebel, a male GSD arrived in June 2004 at just 12 weeks of age and quickly accepted Zola as a substitute Mum or big sister. Although he finds Zola great fun to torment, she remains very much in charge.

CHINSAM YAGO - Rebel (12/03/04 - ../../..) - black and gold male GSD.

Rebel's father was Love The Lord at Agios but just as Jason above he is a descendent of Langfaulds Amos and the renown Gorsfield Granit, in fact Jason is Rebel's great, great, great uncle. He was bred by Linda Field of Chinsam German Shepherds in Nottinghamshire

Thanks to Linda, Rebel has a lovely friendly disposition and he particularly adores the attention of the ladies. Needless to say he has a keen eye for potential doggy females also!

Webmaster.......................... October 2005