Holiday Reflections

I have been tied up with my new work position, holiday shopping, gathering with friends, and of course walking the dogs. As times goes on, life is busier than ever- rushing to work, doing work around the house, tending to the family, and attending events. People today are more stressed, sleep less, and are always rushing somewhere. This holiday pay yourself and slow down, life passes by too quickly and the important things are often put on the back burner.

This time of the year is meant to spend with friends and family, reflect on our wealth, health, and share your life riches with people you care for the most. Looking back at 2008, this has been a year full of events in my life- I lost my rescued Rottie Rion to cancer, then gained Kona who was due to never have another Christmas. I have 2 new babies in the family, and my young niece is growing into a wonderful little girl. Family, health, and work has all had its ups and downs and now seem to be on track- for now.

I know I will be celebrating my Christmas holidays with Rugby, Kona and the rest of my non-fuzzy family and just enjoy their company (and not being rushed around). I look forward to many changes in 2009 for Doggyfitness, my other job, and continuing my adventures with my pups, friends and family.

Take care all and have a Merry Christmas and a Fantastic New Year.

Sara, Rugby, and Kona

What rescued dogs really do....

This is Kona in the Shelter. He was due to be gassed as there was no room left for the "limping Rottweiler". I am forever grateful for the Rottweiler Rescue of Michigan for saving him.


I Rescued a Human Today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I promised to keep her safe.

I promised to always be by her side. I promised to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors…so many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Paws up to Rottweiler Rescues

I have rescued my fair share of Rottweilers through the years.
My first love Sasha was my first rescue, she is the one that opened my heart and eyes to the breed. I got this skinny little girl from the Woodstock Shelter because her owner was to busy to take care of her. Because of his being able to recognize that Sasha was not getting the attention she deserved, I lucked out and got the most fabulous dog ever! Sasha aka "lumpy" lived until she was 12.5 years old, until the day she was stricken with a stroke. That day was one of the most devastating days of my life to say goodbye to my best friend. Its been 2 years now and I still am filled with a lifetime of happy memories of my girl, and sadly I still grieve the loss of my little shadow. I am so lucky to have had my little black and tan girl in my life.

Since then I have had Starke, Rion, Jackson, Rugby (my lab and my only exception to the Rottie Rule) and now my Kona. All of these dogs have brought something different to my life and have filled my heart with love and laughter. I could not imagine my life without each of them. They have all left pawprints on my heart.

I know most people love puppies, however, all but 2 of my dogs (Starke and Rugby) have been adult dogs. Most people think older dogs don't bond and can't learn new tricks. Everyone of mine has bonded, and everyone has learned new tricks - Kona is the biggest momma suck ever in 6 short months.

The whole point of this babbling blog is to raise awareness to adopting an older dog. To give the ones that need a second chance the most. I have had the opportunity to meet 2 wonder ladies that fight for such dogs and rescue Rottweilers day in and day out. I have seen firsthand how these wonderful organizations take those lost souls and find them the deserving forever homes. Please consider the next time you or a friend wants a dog to look outside the box and into a rescue. I am forever grateful to these organizations for the special little black and tan angels I have crossed paths with.

Please check out these sites and if you think your know anyone that can open their hearts/ homes to such dogs pass it along.

Please also think of donations this time of year to such rescues. To often the animals are overlooked during Christmas time as we spend countless dollars on material things.

***Rottweiler Rescue of Michigan (in dire need of homes as the US recession is forcing people out of their homes and more Rotties into Shelters- they will adopt to Canada despite what website says)
https://www.msu.edu/~silvar/rottweiler.htm

***Ontario Adopt a Rott. Always in need of foster homes and supplies for the dogs.
http://www.adoptarott.com/