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I was there when Digit was born.  He was a the most beautiful, shimmering silver and my friend said, "oh look! It's Digit!"  No matter that I was about to name him after an ill-fated silverback gorilla, it seemed to fit.  And so, A-Digit vom Foxtal entered the world and my life.  He was the son of my best girl, Sofie, whom I adored and as I huddled around the whelping box I immediately knew that this would be my dog.  Digit's sire was Atos, Dianne San Lorenzo's well-known male.  Unfortunately, Digit is dysplastic and will not be bred, but he shows no sign of being handicapped by it and just loves to work.  He is such a stable dog mentally, and one of my fondest memory is having him come off the field after a V-rated protection routine and being petted and hugged by a little girl from the crowd as the critique was made.  Having done many demonstrations with him, I know him to be very sound and safe.  When we visit my elderly father in law, Digit sits quietly next to him to be petted.  He just seems to know how to adjust his behavior to the circumstance.  Out on the competition field, he is anything but gentle!  He is my wonderful "grey boy" and although he must think I am surely crazy with some of the things I ask of him, he is willing to try.  I couldn't expect any more of him that what he has given me.

Digit was retired after our Spring 2006 schutzhund trial, where he earned High SchH 3 and High in Trial Honors.  I could see that he has lost some of the "lift" that he used to have and it is more important that he retire without injury and with his dignity than to trial him to serve my own ego.  He will now spend his time teaching new helpers, being the neutral dog for puppy training and mentoring the young ones.  My sweet, grey boy has earned that.