Hi Gail,
Just wanted to give you an update on "Hero." He has matured into an absolutely gorgeous dog. People tell me wherever I take him that he is one of the most beautiful dobermans that they have ever seen. He is definitely the male, more masculine version of Jezebel.
He is an incredibly intelligent dog. And he definitely is "my dog" because he never leaves my side. If I go in my bedroom and close my door I can hear him put his weight against it to lay down. Everyone always knows where I am because he is always there. He is also so sweet. He wants me to be touching him all the time. Sometimes he will lay down beside me when I'm reading or on the computer and every few minutes he will get up and put his paw on me for attention or to be rubbed. He has learned that I sometimes don't want his paw on me and he will jump down really quickly and get really close to me with his body waiting for me to rub him.
He's just a great dog! Just wanted to let you know how happy we are with him.
Take care!
Kelli
Hi there Gail!! Great to hear from you!
Mandy is just great! She has some arthritis in her back left knee which was causing her a little discomfort and the vet said I needed to take about 20 lbs. off her (she was 110 lbs.) or she would be a cripple, so I did. Since then, she did a complete 360. She runs like a deer and is much more active. She is still food obsessive though, lol. 
Gail, I swear, I could not ask for a better dog! She is the most loving, the most obedient and the best watch dog I have ever had. I don't know about protection because I have never shown her any aggression or taught her any but I would hope if she had to protect me, she would. 
Regards, Joanne Hello Gail, I think we have a water Doberman! We took her on a boat ride last weekend, she loved it. We couldn't get her to get out when we were done. I didn't have a doggie life vest so we put one of ours on her. Now I know that she likes it, I will have to get her one. Also, here she is with my niece. They are joined at the hip. She is wonderful with everyone. It is hard to believe that at 10 months she has the behaveor of a 7 year old dog. Absolutely wonderful. Very well trained and obiedient. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Thank you so much for letting her join our family. KWertz