Dutch Shepherd Forum

It is with great difficulty that I write the news of Aaron's death, a tragic and unexpected loss.
Aaron was of the first-born litter of Vrijheid Kennel, son of Leiru FR3 and Dana SchH3 FH. While his parents were well-known at the time, the realization of what truly great dogs they are was just beginning. Little did I know how much was to come, and that Aaron would be as much of an ambassador for the breed as his sire and dam.
Aaron was purchased and brought home to Utah while I continued vet school in Iowa. I believe his owner Byron actually contacted me via a referral from Judith! Upon arrival in Utah he immediately won hearts with his happy go lucky personality yet with such a BIG attitude for a little puppy! His reckless abandon was hard for a novice handler to harness so he was sent to Washington for training and competition. While I feel somehow responsible that so much time was wasted with Aaron, and that he could have been so much more, I am thankful that he had the opportunity to travel and compete in Schutzhund. While he was never on the podium (and honestly it was a good day if his handler could keep him under full control throughout the protection routine ), he never failed to be the crowd and helper favorite with his raw power, drive and heart.
Aaron lived to work, but he had such a sweet goofy nature when not working - he would even share his food with the chickens!
Aaron sired only four litters in the United States, with most his kids working in some capacity. His offpspring serve the public well and I hope they will continue his bloodline. I am proud that Aaron has also sired puppies in Europe and will continue to do so in the future, via frozen semen.
Goodbye silly man, I hope you are running free.

Oh Asheley, how horrible that one of your special ones had to pass this young.
May I ask how you lost him? You speak of a tragic loss. is there a lesson for us all to learn and situations to avoid?
My thoughts are with you and his owner at this difficult time.

I am sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful boy.

Your silly man sounded so very special. I am very sorry for your loss.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Asheley, very sorry for your loss.

So sorry to hear about your loss. Very nice words.

Our hearts are with you, hugs from all of us.

My heart aches for you. So sorry for your loss.

sorry for your loss sounds like he was one special dog.

Poor Aaron, I hope he is running free as well. Sorry for your loss.

My deepest condolences...a very heart-felt tribute.

I was fortunate enough to have bred Willow to Aaron for his first litter. All of the puppies turned out phenomenal, with 4 certified full patrol K9, 1 SAR, 1 agility/flyball and 1 FR. He produced wonderfully. But what I remember most was when we couldn't get him collected. I asked Ash if we could just ship him here (which is crazy cause you always ship the bitch...). I sent a friend to Chicago to pick him up from the airport and in walks this exceptionally beautiful and SO stable Dutch Shepherd. Right off a plane, 4 hour car ride and still a confident, impeccable personality.

The world lost an awesome dog and one of the best stud Dutch Shepherds in the country. RIP Aaron. Ash, I am so sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. I heard great things about him, but never had the opportunity to meet him:-( Again, I am very sorry!

Such sad news.
What a great loss this means for you, I wish you strenght in every way and I'd like to express my deepest sympathy.

I hadn't thought to come here, and express my sorrow Asheley. I've talked with Les lots in the last few days about what a great dog he was.

I'm honored to have met him, and watched him work. That's the personality I love so much- the drive, and heart to work, but as lovable as can be off the field. What a dog.