We were filled with excitement at the prospect of repeating the breeding between Gamora and Capo, hoping to secure a future puppy to continue the legacy of Centennial GSD. However, the heartbreak we experienced during her pregnancy ultrasound was nothing short of devastating. What we had anticipated as a litter of puppies turned into a desperate search for even a single pup, but to our sorrow, there were none. Although Gamora is a healthy girl, at 6.5 years old, we decided it was time to begin our search for a new puppy to raise, especially since this intended breeding was meant to be her last.
I was determined to find a mating that would combine Gamora’s exceptional bloodlines with the outstanding Margman dogs, who I have come to admire over the years. Our Capo is a remarkable Margman dog, boasting a heritage from his mother, multiple VA1 Margman Halexy. A strong maternal lineage holds immense significance to me, and locating that ideal female was no simple task. To find her within the United States seemed an even more daunting challenge, but there she was, in Texas – Erna vom Wanakon.
Erna is nothing short of exceptional: a fully titled working and show dog with a captivating personality, complemented by her striking sable coat. Her resume is outstanding, featuring an impressive 10 first place finishes across Germany. On her sire’s side, her grandfather is none other than Gamora’s own father, Zitan vom Repetition (IPO3 and 11-time VA). Erna’s dam’s pedigree traces back to one of the finest sable males in history, the legendary Margman Torsten, a multiple VA winner. Furthermore, Erna’s grandmother, Margman Flamme, is a VA dog herself and a prolific producer of V and VA offspring.
I was absolutely elated to discover that Erna had been bred to Lion di Terra Scura, who was standing at stud in Texas for a limited time. Lion’s pedigree is deeply intertwined with the lineage of our beloved Gucci, sharing common ancestry through the prestigious Degli Achei lines on his dam’s side. As I traced his family tree, I was thrilled to find that five generations back, his great-grandfather was VA Kuoll di Casa Nobili (son of VA1 Don) – a dog who not only left an indelible mark on the breed but also produced the first Italian import I ever had the privilege of owning, Rio di Casa Nobili. Studying Lion’s pedigree felt like a poignant and full-circle moment.
With great anticipation, I contacted Erna’s owner, Lucie Williams at King of Zion German Shepherds, to inquire about the litter. Lucie informed me that a female would be available, but she was uncertain whether she would be sable or black and red. I expressed my preference for a sable but assured her that if the black and red female was destined to be mine, I would be more than content. As fate would have it, a stunning black and red female with a delightful and affectionate personality has now become part of our family. Her name is Yes, and we are overjoyed to welcome her into our family.
Watch for Yes in the show ring as she begins puppy foundation training in preparation for achieving her working titles in the future.
