Shepherd Restores Woman's Confidence

A physical assault by a stranger left Kristen Johnson* feeling isolated and afraid. Geo*, a protective 103-pound German Shepherd Dog, changed that.

Geo accompanies Johnson to the grocery store, restaurants, and college classes. He's quiet and polite, unless he perceives a threat. Then he places his body between her and the potential assailant and waits for Johnson's cue. He barks and growls on command. His "service dog" vest gives him access to public accommodations but reveals nothing about Kristen, who says people often assume she's the dog's trainer.

"This whole situation has been empowering," says Johnson, who is studying to be an elementary-school teacher. "I just feel a lot safer. My sense of security is restored."

Service Dogs for Victims of Assault, a San Diego-based nonprofit organization, matched Geo and Johnson in 2000. For two years, the group has worked to provide security for those whose lives have been disrupted by a criminal assault. The dogs cost about $700, which includes spay or neutering, equipment, transport, grooming, and training.

About 20 German Shepherd Dogs have completed training to meet federal standards for service and assistance dogs says the group's founder and president Sherri Goldstein. She chose the breed because of its intelligence, trainability, loyalty, and protective nature. Dogs came from shelters and rescue organizations and were donated by breeders and owners. Geo entered the program after someone left him tied to a tree at the home of a person involved in German Shepherd Dog rescue.

The program teaches dogs to behave in public and to display on-command protective behaviors, such as barking. However, they are not trained to attack.

At home, Geo is affectionate and playful, wrestling gently with Amber, Johnson's Australian Shepherd. But in public, strangers give Geo a wide berth.

"It gives me back my confidence that people are going to respect my space," Johnson says.

Article reprinted from January 2001 "DOGFANCY" magazine