Thinking about Surrendering your Rottweiler to us or adopting a Rottweiler from us?
Please read the articles below before your consider.
When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.
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
Solo Rottweiler Rescue's message:
You were thrilled to have a Rottweiler puppy or young Rottweiler. You never ever dreamt that you would want to give him up someday. If you no longer desire to 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. Your dog is your responsibility. So, why don't you take that responsibility and make the right choices for his future. He has no one else but you to look out for his interests. Don't you think he deserves it? Take a walk through your local shelter and see what these poor animals are going through. You probably won't see many rotties, because they are usually euthanized as soon as they get them.
From time to time we go to the shelter and try to save some of the Rottweilers from the trauma of the noise and the sadness that comes with being abandoned by an owner. Trying to save these Rottweilers who are scheduled to be Euthanized within a few days. 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, loyalty 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 you did not think ahead before adopting a Rottweiler. Be a responsible person and ask yourself; Am I capable of being a responsible dog owner? If not, there is no shame in admitting that you aren't. Do not get a pet just because your young child wants one, if you do not want to take the responsibility of the expense that comes with pet ownership. ULTIMATELY YOU ARE TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ANIMAL, NOT YOUR CHILD!
We spend hundreds of our own dollars to rehabilitate these Rottweilers and then keep them in our home searching for a permanent home. Some people get very upset at spending money 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.
We receive phone calls from people wanting us to find homes for their Rottweiler. Many unrealistic excuses. Your rottie would do anything for you. Now let's step up to the plate and do the same for him.
They always seem so 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. If behavior problems are the reason for having to give up your rottie, you can solve most of these 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.
Rottweiler is to big?? Did you even think to see the size of an adult Rottweiler? Was any research on this breed done before taking such a "cute puppy"? REALITY CHECK: ALL PUPPIES ARE CUTE!
We are not here for you 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 poor babies. We don't know what the pet is feeling, but they often show signs of stress and anxiety when their owner leaves them. They don't understand why their owner is leaving them. 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.
Before you get a Rottweiler, make absolutely sure that you will be totally committed to taking care of this Rottweiler for its entire life. This must not be an impulse purchase! Take a long look at the way you live your life and see if a pet is right for you and your families lifestyle. 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! He must be thought of as your child, a part of your family. It's your responsibility, no matter what! Would you give up your child when you decide to move? Would you bring your child to an adoption agency when you decide to get a divorce? Would you get rid of your child when he or she might have an accident on you carpet?
It is better to find these things out first, before having to call a shelter or us. If you still feel the need to contact us, please be honest with us, do not give us 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 us, We may be able to 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 are very 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 is definitely not an option.
Solo Rottweiler Rescue would love 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" Your Rottweiler is part of your family and should always be treated as such. "A ROTTWEILER IS A TRUE FAMILY MEMBER"
And always remember, your wife, husband, boyfriend or girlfriend may leave you, but your dog will always love you no matter what.
A dog is the ONLY thing on earth that loves YOU more than he loves HIMSELF!