Lili Marlene

After our darling boy Fritz passed from this life to the next, we both sank into despair. Fritz was such a special boy and after the shock wore off, we both began to feel deep sadness and depression.

Not one to sit around and not do something, I began searching the Internet for “White German Shepherd Puppies”.

I was feeling like we might not find something close by, nor did I think we would be able to find a nice short coated shepherd.

Then I happened upon a web site where the breeder’s female had just whelped ten happy, healthy, puppies! Three boys and seven girls.

I went through the pedigree while speaking to the owner and I was shocked! Winnie…mother of the puppies. Check. Ariel, mother of Winnie. Check. Polka Dot mother of Ariel and……Fritz! Our Fritz! Ariel and Fritz were half siblings. Same mom and different daddies.

I watched over the weeks and my favorite puppy seemed to change every week. We had hoped to get a boy, but it just didn’t seem to work out. Then about week four we noticed a sweet female. She just happened to be the smallest puppy in the litter, and was a beautiful short haired pup.

We arranged with the owner to go down last weekend and visit with the babies. It was wonderful to meet all the adult dogs as well as those wonderful ten puppies.

I know you aren’t supposed to but I really fell in love hard with one of the girls. I knew the owner needed to do temperament testing, but I told her that if it all worked out I would love to bring home THAT pup.

And today, we got the nod that in fact, our little girl will be coming home with me on Sunday!

We have decided to name her after a very old song “Lili Marlene”. Here are the words to the song.

“Lili Marlene” was written by Schultze, Norbert / Leip, Hans.

Underneath the lantern by the barrack gate
Darling I remember the way you used to wait
Twas there that you whispered tenderly
That you loved me
You’d always be
My Lili of the lamplight
My own Lili Marlene

Time would come for roll call
Time for us to part
Darling I’d caress you and press you to my heart
And there ‘neath that far off lantern light
I’d hold you tight
We’d kiss good-night
My Lili of the lamplight
My own Lili Marlene

Orders came for sailing somewhere over there
All confined to barracks was more than I could bear
I knew you were waiting in the street
I heard your feet
But could not meet
My Lili of the lamplight
My own Lili Marlene

Resting in a billet just behind the line
Even tho’ we’re parted your lips are close to mine
You wait where that lantern softly gleams
Your sweet face seems to haunt my dreams
My Lili of the lamplight
My own Lili Marlene

When we are marching in the mud and cold,
And when my pack seems more than I can hold
My love for you renews my might
I’m warm again
My pack is light
It’s you Lili Marlene
It’s you Lili Marlene

And now, here we go, introducing for the first time on Dackel Princess, Lili Marlene!