Fiddler is 10 YEARS OLD!!! PHOTO DUMP!

**Quita** · 08-10-2008, 12:22 AM

I’m very happy to announce that Fiddler (TKC Fiddler on the Roof) turned 10 YEARS OLD on August 9, 2008!!! I truly believe that this is a HUGE milestone for Dobermans! So many of them die at such a young age, and I’m just soooo, sooo happy that my boy is still going strong! Tomorrow we are going to celebrate by going to the park. I think I’ll try and take some videos too, so I hope to add more photos/videos in the coming week. I didn’t own a digital camera when Fiddler was younger, and so most of my digital photos were just taken in the past few years. I do, however, have a couple of his younger photos that were scanned. I really should try and scan some more.

Fiddler was my very first Doberman. After getting him, I swore I’d ALWAYS have a Doberman in my house. He was such a challenge as a puppy, and I’ve learned SO MUCH from him. I learned tons about dogs, Dobermans, dog training, and MYSELF. He wasn’t my first dog, but there isn’t anything that compares to living with a Doberman! It’s amazing how we can read each other’s mind. He’s grown to be so wise, and he has so much patience with his little sister Risa. He didn’t get a sister until he was 9 years old. I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing by adding to the family when he was already 9. Well, Fiddler just LOVES his sister! He loves to lie on my bed and watch over Risa when we go to bed at night. When she gives that one particular cry, he goes running to her. Even if he’s in another part of the house or even upstairs, when he hears that tone in her voice, he comes running to check on her. It’s so sweet to watch. When I bring him into the house after being out for a bit, he goes running through the rooms to look for his little sis.

Fiddler and I have been through so much together. I got him after living and teaching in Korea for a year. My mom tried so very hard to get me to return to the US. I finally agreed only after she said I could come home and finally get my Doberman! My parents never let our previous dogs live in the house. Well, Fiddler changed that! (That was part of the deal to my coming home.) I lived at home for a year so that I could save up some money and apply to various PhD programs in the US. It was great having other people in the house to help me out with my first Doberman puppy! Fiddler was with me when I moved from South Carolina to Michigan to begin my doctoral studies at Michigan State University. He was with me as I lived the life of a poor, stressed student. He helped me get through my dissertation and the long, lonely days of writing up research. He was there when I was ecstatic during the honeymoon phase of new relationships and when I cried over breakups. We did obedience classes together and even a couple agility classes. After Michigan, Fiddler came with me to New Jersey where I FINALLY started upon my new career. For so many years, it was just the two of us. Then unexpectedly I met my husband. Thank goodness my husband liked Fiddler, or else I probably would still be single! Fiddler didn’t make it to the wedding, but he has gone on multiple vacations with us. We’ve enjoyed Maine, Boston, Connecticut, Myrtle Beach (SC), and Washington, DC together. I’m not sure which trip he enjoyed the most! I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot of other places too. I could go on and on, but I don’t want to bore everybody. I just wanted to pay a special tribute to my very special boy. Happy Birthday, Fiddler!

A young Fiddler!

Visiting Cambridge, MA. No grey hairs for Fiddler in these photos!

Enjoying the morning sun…. Photo taken a few years ago…

He LOVES to lounge on the sofa!

Sleepy Boys!

Christmas 2007

Head shot…

Our trip to Maine (May 2008)

Lazy Boy! Photos taken this week…

**Colorado Dobes** · 08-10-2008, 12:25 AM

Happy birthday Fiddler!

Thank you for sharing a little bit about your special boy with us. He sounds like an absolute delight.

**greenkouki** · 08-10-2008, 12:30 AM

Happy birthday Fiddler. He looks amazing for his age! He is still as handsome as he was when he was a young guy

**BackInBlack** · 08-10-2008, 12:43 AM

You didn't bore me ONE BIT with your story about Fiddler. He sounds like a very special dog, and it is wonderful that you have shared so many memories together.

I love the photos. He is very handsome and doesn't show his age at all!

Happy Birthday Fiddler....and MANY MORE!!!!!!

**Nikki** · 08-10-2008, 01:04 AM

Happy birthday Fiddler! Boy he looks great, I would not have guessed he was 10. You are indeed lucky to have such a special boy and I hope you have many more years to come.

LPacker79 · 08-10-2008, 01:05 AM

Happy birthday you handsome guy you!

Poseidon sends lots of woo woos to you, from one senior to another.

heartbroken · 08-10-2008, 01:14 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIDDLER!!!!

I enjoyed reading all about Fiddler and his life with you! He was a handsome young guy, and STILL very handsome! How lucky you and are to be celebrating this milestone!

You do know he is eligible for a Longevity Certificate from the DPCA, right?

DPCA Longevity Program | Home

Loved the photos, thanks for posting!

Crow · 08-10-2008, 05:02 AM

Happy birthday, Fiddler, and welcome to the Over 10s Club!

alwayshadpets · 08-10-2008, 05:50 AM

What a great tribute. Happy Birthday Fiddler.

My goal is to have a doberman live to be at least 10. I have been waiting for 30 years. I hope my Tamora is the one. The closest we have ever gotten is my grand doberman Zeus. He is 10 this month, which reminds me, I have to find out his actural birthdate. Congratulations again.

**ChloesDad** · 08-10-2008, 06:49 AM

Happy Birthday Fiddler! What a good looking boy!

Our girl Chloe was with us for fifteen years and was healthy and happy right up until the very end. One of the things I believe was part of that long and healthy life was the love that was in that relationship and I can see by the photos that you all have that mixture too.

Thanks for sharing those terrific photos.