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TxFire - those are a couple of fine looking pups!

I have had several German Shepherds over the years, including one that we adopted from a local police department. The dog had been shot, and was considered no longer fit for service. He WAS gun shy and terrified of thunder but, other than that, an excellent companion dog. He lived to be 15.

A year ago I lost my last shepherd to cancer. I have not yet been able to think about getting another one. But... your puppy pictures got me thinking.

Maybe someday.

Most important - have a plan. Also have a backup plan for when the first plan doesn't work. Go over and over the "what would you do if" scenarios. Fire, break-in, tornado, whatever, you know the drill.

Second, know your neighbors and make sure your son knows them too. I would feel a lot better about letting a scared kid into my house if he was the same kid that mowed my lawn than if I had only seen him in passing.

Third - restrict his internet useage. More kids are harmed by people that used the internet to gain their trust than by random daytime burglars.

Last - get that kid a German Shepherd. A boy needs a dog! It will give him something to be responsible for, something to love and share time with, and something that may one day save his life.