Beckett: A Standout in Heathcote

In a village of cuddly goldendoodles and cockapoos, a large agile, muscular, 70lb German Shepherd named Beckett is a true standout. Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, but because of their smarts and loyalty they have become a jack-of-all-trades. They are a very special dog breed and can be trained to do everything from acting in a movie, reminding their owner of medication needs, busting up criminal activity, and assisting the visually impaired. Like her lineage, Beckett has a unique role to play –a loving companion in the Fuchsman/Rifkin family.

Beckett’s owner, Stacy Rifkin, clarifies that Beckett is a female and was named after Becket, Massachusetts where her sons went to Camp Greylock. “Our entire family loves Greylock and the host town, so the name felt right.”

The Fuchsman/Rifkin family has a tradition of giving their dogs a name beginning with the letter B – such as Bruno, Bella, and Bubba. They landed on Beckett as it was an appropriate choice no matter the dog’s gender. Stacy went on to share that after their dog Bruno was put down in September 2019 they felt a real need for another furry friend.

Becket’s arrival could not have come at a better time –the week before the Covid pandemic became a reality and people were ordered to stay home. Just when Scarsdale residents were going mad with a lack of stimulation and connections, Beckett pushed the Fuchsman/Rifkin family to get outside and ultimately, stay sane. Beckett, just a puppy at the time, loved long daily walks. In fact, Stacy and Beckett logged more than 10,000 steps a day.

In addition to serving as a lovable companion on these treks, Beckett was a constant source of fun and entertainment for the family. Together they socialized with other dog owners and spooked neighbors (not used to a Shepherd) on their daily haunts. Beckett’s favorite route included a stop at the Metro Deli where the owners spoiled her with turkey treats and bowl of water.

Today you will still see Stacy walking Beckett each morning, but more often than not, you will see Beckett riding in the backseat getting ready to tackle daily errands. “Just say the word ‘car’ and Beckett runs to the door. “She is my buddy. What more can I say?”

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