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RottenNews & Updates

Article posted Tuesday April 29th, 2003
"Inquiring Minds need to know", an observation from the webmaster

Inquiring Minds need to know…

Recently we had the pleasure of a rather lengthy phone conversation with a Rottweiler owner who several months ago we assisted in finding a rott in need of a great home near Fredericksburg, VA. We were shocked to hear about her dealings with a Rottweiler rescue in the Northern Virginia area that refused to allow her to adopt a dog based on what we considered to be unfounded and ridiculous reasons. She tells us that she knows of other folks looking to adopt a rottie but have been denied adoption not over the phone or even in-person accompanied by an in-depth explanation, but rather a simple, abrupt and sometimes very rude email from the very same rottie rescue owner.

I completely understand that some folks just do not need to own a Rottweiler for a pet but, I also feel that if the adoptee meets the basic criteria such as, having a fenced in yard that is kept clean and suitable for a large dog to get it’s exercise, has a confirmed “Vet of Record” with good feedback, has the appropriate attitude for owning a Rott (this is not just a dog, but a family member) and most importantly, understands the liabilities involved with owning a rott, why not let them have the dog if only on a short trial basis? These assessments can not be done via an impersonal medium such as email. This assessment MUST be done in person! It has been our experience that most genuine rott owners fell in love with the breed by learning how to love and care for the breed (sometimes the hard way) and in return, the dog will love them back like no other breed can.

I have had the displeasure of talking with a few of, what we refer to as “Rott-Nazis” in the past and I’m not sure who is worse, the bad owner, or the bad rescuer. Again, I do completely understand that great caution and care must to be taken when screening a potential rott owner, but I also believe that as a rescuer, it is not ours to judge a person by race, intellect or even financial status, much less their knowledge of email etiquette. Perhaps by simply explaining in person and in great detail the life of a Rottweiler owner to a potential owner, this, in and of itself may have the desired results of driving home what is expected of a moral and ethical Rottweiler owner. Remember, a good rott owner sees the regal animal as a family member and not just a dog.

In closing, I just want to say that “Peanut”, the very needy, near death rott that we assisted in placing is doing fantastic and she is the love of her new owner’s life. Though we are no longer able to actively foster or rescue in the Central Virginia area, we are always willing to assist with the locating, placing, training and education of interested potential owners and current owners alike at any given time. We also feel that a duel standard rescuer has no business rescuing. The moral of this rant is that we feel that most folks would prefer an education to a “verbal bashing” any day. Become a student of the breed before becoming an owner and you will both be much happier!

Mark Payne - Webmaster