A real dog

Today I just remembered a dog of mine named Suki. He was a young blue heeler given to my family. As a blue heeler, he settled in well with our ranch of cattle and horses. As I developed my skills towards dog behaviorialism and training, I began to teach him how to become a true cattle dog or a cattle herding dog. He had natural ability and learned quickly. My parents, not being as young as they once were, appreciated his help greatly. Plus it gave me a peace of mind that the dog would have their back in the face of danger whether from a stubborn cow or a wild animal.
I believed that he would surely be accepted by my dad. You see, my dad has high standards for a dog. With him, the dogs' got to work for his food. So far, Suki was working out great. But one day my dad was out on a cattle drive when the cows spooked and ran away and Suki ran into the woods barking aggressively. My dad tried to follow on horseback but the horse wouldn't go into the trees. After Suki didn't return that night, we searched for him. At the last place we saw him, we found bear tracks. We followed them as far as we could but we never found our dog.
I believe that that's how a true dog should go, protecting his master. That's why I feel irritated that people on shows like Dog Whisperer or Me or the Dog are just stupid! Down right dumb! Letting their dog walk all over them, allowing them to become obese, and other numerous problems that they cause to a healthy dog have NO excuse. The fault lies in their owner, not the dog. If you know how to truly raise a dog, that dog will give his life for you.
Believe me, growing up in a forested rural area I have had several dogs that gave their life for us or our livestock. Battling animals like coyotes, wolves, cougars or bears, I will forever be grateful for them. Oh don't think that I believe they have to die to earn that honor. Search and Rescue, K9 Unit, K9 bodyguards, assistance dogs, or just dogs that keep you company are all heros in my book. THAT is what a real dog is!