The Bed Was Spotless Until the German Shepherd Climbed Aboard
The black German Shepherd sits in the middle of the bed like a king on a freshly decorated throne. Dozens of muddy paw prints cover the cream-colored comforter, marching in every direction and ending around her feet. Her ears stand tall, her dark eyes are soft, and her mouth is open in a small, nervous smile. A basket of laundry and a bedside glass stand quietly in the background.
German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal working dogs who love to be close to their families, and many want to be wherever the action is, including the bed. They also need a lot of activity, from walks to training games, and a bored shepherd tends to find unusual hobbies. If muddy paws are a frequent problem, a towel by the door and a quick wipe-down routine after rainy walks can save the bedspread. Keep an eye on what is on their feet, too, since yards can hold things like fertilizer, and call your vet if you are worried.
We will call her Shadow. She chose a very clean bed for her adventure, which made the paw prints easy to read. She looks as if she is waiting to hear what is next, ready to accept a bath if one is on offer. At the very least, the mud pattern is surprisingly even.






