My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch because your touch was now so infrequent and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind â" that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.
I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.
She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dog speak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.
May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. The End
" I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of humane society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread , sadness and betrayal. And I was angry..."God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something ?" God was silent for a moment, then he spoke softly, "I have done something," he replied, " I created you."
WeCare Rottweiler Rescue's message
Not that long ago, you were thrilled to have a Rottweiler puppy or young Rottweiler. You never dreamed you'd have to give him up someday. Even if you can't keep him any more, your dog still depends on you to do what's best for him, just like he depended on you when he was a puppy. Now, more than ever, he needs you to make the right choices for his future. Your dog is your responsibility. He has no one else but you to look out for his interests. He deserves your best efforts.
My most frustrating part in rescue, is when I receive phone calls from people wanting me to find a home for their Rottweiler. Many reason from; they're moving and can not take their beloved Rottweiler with them, they are moving in with someone who won't allow Rottweilers. The Landlord will not allow my Rottweiler. They are having a baby or they're tired of their pet. I did not no, this Rottweiler would get this big. They're getting a divorce, the dog is barking too much. I just can not housebroken this Rottweiler. Lately, some of the reasons have been, I am moving into a new house or I just put new carpet in my house, so I need to fine my Rottweiler a home. Excuses, excuses, excuses.
The caller is sad having to give up their Rottweiler. But, oh well, it has to go. When we try to give solutions or suggestion, they don't want to hear it. I am sure by now since you have seen my web site, I am a big believer in obedience training. You can solve most of the behavior problems if you would take the time and responsibility with a very wise investment of obedience classes. What you spend for dinner out on the family for a night, would pay for the obedience class.
The caller does not or will not look for a place to live that will accept their pet. They want to hurt their boyfriend, soon to be x-spouse by taking the Rottweiler, so they want me to take their Rottweiler. Rottweiler is to big?? Did they even think to see the size of an adult Rottweiler? Was any research on this breed done before taking such a "cute puppy"?
One of the first things that is asked of us, is there a rescue group I can give my Rottweiler to? We are not here to basically be a place to dump your Rottweiler, so it will help ease your decision. Rescue groups are usually full and every spare dollar we get goes to taking care of these Rottweilers. Any free time is spent caring, training and reconditioning these Rottweilers. The animals can't understand why their owner is leaving them. We can't know what pets feel, but they often show signs of stress and anxiety when their owner leaves them at a new shelter or a home. Before you get a pet, be sure you can move it with you and save yourself the guilt and heartbreak of leaving a part of your family behind.
We go to the shelter and try to save some of the Rottweilers from the trauma of the noise and commotion or the sadness that comes with being abandoned by an owner. Saving these Rottweilers who are scheduled to be Euthenized with in a few days. We spend hundreds of our own dollars to rehabilitate these Rottweilers and then keep them in our homes searching for a permanent home. Some people get very upset at spending $150.00 to adopt one of these Rottweilers, but the price does not even touch what is actually spent on the Rottweiler. The adoption donation is only part of the expense while giving the animal a monetary value. When one has to pay for something, they tend to appreciate it more then receiving something free.
Don't get a Rottweiler unless you are absolutely and totally committed to taking care of this Rottweiler for its entire life. It's not an impulse purchase! It's not a possession that gets tossed out in the divorce! It's not a consideration when you're looking for a place to live! It's your responsibility, no matter what! Don't kid yourself that the pet you dump at a shelter will find a home. Remember, no one is looking for it. The shelter doesn't have to hold the Rottweiler for three to five working days in hope an owner will come to retrieve it. If the shelter is full and chances they are, the one that gave you unconditional love, loyality and companionship, will be marched straight back to the euthanasia room. They may contact us if we are not full at the time, if so, No second chance.
This is completely an undeserved ending, because someone did not think ahead before adopting a Rottweiler. Being a responsible human is being honest with yourself, in the respect of admitting you are not capable of being a responsible dog owner. There is no shame in admitting this. The reason may vary to not wanting a pet just because your young child did, so you allowed it, to not wanting the responsibility of the expense that comes with being a pet ownership.
It is better to find these things out first, before having to call a shelter or me. If you still feel the need to contact me, please be honest with me, do not give me all of the good qualities of your Rottweiler and half of them are not true. You are not doing any justice for your Rottweiler. If you are willing to keep your Rottweiler who has unconditionally loved you, but you need help with a behavior problem or any problems you might have, contact me, I will help you and your Rottweiler.
To successfully find a new home, you need to be realistic about your dog's adoption potential. Let's be honest: most people don't want "used" and or "old" Rottweilers, especially if they have health or behavior problems. Your dog will have the best chance if he's less than 4 years old, is healthy, friendly to strangers, obeys commands and adapts quickly to new situations. Look at your dog as if you were meeting him for the first time. What kind of impression would he make? Would you want to adopt him? You already know that Rottweilers are special dogs for special people. Those special people can be hard to find. Most people interested in Rottweilers today have never had one before. They want a dog that will greet them with a wagging tail or will at least allow them to pet him. If your dog is aggressive to strangers, is "temperamental" or has ever bitten anyone, finding him another home may not be your best option.
WeCare Rottweiler Rescue tries to do everything possible to keep you and your Rottweiler together. If you feel this message has been harsh, please read it again and think about it. This message is not intended to hurt anyone, the real reality is, the Rottweiler is "hurt" If your child had a behavior problem, you had to move to a one room apartment or the apartment does not allow children, would you toss your child out? Would you toss your child out, because you just bought a new home or new carpet? Turn your child over to HRS? Dump your child at someone's door step or a church? Your Rottweiler is part of your family and should always be treated as such. "A Rottweiler Is A True Family Member In Every Sense Of The Word."