I dunno it is is because the holidays are here or I am just feeling thankful for our dog and how happy he makes us or what. I just felt like posting this. I may only make this post once a year or so, I don't plan on making a big deal about it.

Over a year ago, my family adopted a dog from a Rottweiler rescue here in Michigan (http://www.rottweilerhope.org). The dog we chose was half Rott, half Doberman. No one seemed to want him because he was a mix, but we didn't care and are glad we chose him because he is the best dog I ever had.

I am sometimes highly offended by the way people act around him because of the stereotype that people have about large dogs like Rottweilers. When we are walking ours, other people who are out walking will often hurry to the other side of the street. Stuff like that. I can certainly understand them being concerned about strange dogs but sometimes people act as if just because he is a Rott he will see them and stop and nothing to break free from his chain leash and maul them to death. This same stereotype is what keeps people from adopting one. In truth, a large percentage of large dogs don't even come close to fitting the stereotype.

My 6 year old boy can climb all over ours, play with him, hug him, anything and Cooper never reacts negatively. He usually just sits there like the rock that he is. Sometimes he and I like to play rough and he chews gently on my hand but will never even attept with with our son. One time, my son asked if it hurt to let Cooper chew on my hand when we are playing and since it didn't hurt a bit, I grabbed my son's hand and tried to put it in Coopers mouth (because I trust Coop that much). Cooper wouldn't even let me do that...he kept turning his head away. He just knows better. He is smart loyal, obedient, gentle, protective and one hell of a great dog. For a 120 lb. canine, he is one of the best friends I ever had. Many people from this board have been to my house and are amazed at how relaxed he is. Granted, not all dogs are that way, but ours sure does go completely against any stereotype about him and many others do as well. I think it is a shame that many great dogs are never adopted because they carry certain stereotypes.

We have never regretted getting him, and I wish we could get another one.

I would like to suggest to anyone reading this that if it is within their means, please adopt one or ANY animal that needs home.

If you want a Rott, head to http://www.rottweilerhope.org and check out all the great dogss that need homes! This rescue is run in part by Kevin Hinkley's (AKA Redbird, AKA HInk) wife. That is where we got ours.

If you adopt a dog from http://www.rottweilerhope.org. I will personally give you $100 cash to help pay for the adoption process. We can hardly afford that, but I want to make that offer anyway and I will stick to it because my family loves our dog and shudders to think of all the great dogs that need homes and someone wants one but can't afford to adopt one.

If a Rottweiler is not your style, just find your local animal rescue or shelter and find a new friend. If you cannot have an animal but care enough, please donate to a local shelter or rescue. You would be surprised at how good any of that will make you feel.

Just wanted to mention this to anyone interested. E-mail me if you plan to adopt a Rott from http://www.rottweilerhope.org and make arrangements with me on helping with the adoption payment. I am serious, there are some great dogs looking for new owners! Check it out!

 

You're a hell of a guy for doing this Jason. I just wish I had room for another pet.

You seem to be one of those pet owners that treats your animals like members of the family and thats the way it should be. I know too many people that leave dogs outside year-round and thats just not right. Those are the kind of people that don't deserve pets.

Thanks for posting this..

 

How much does it typically cost to adopt a rottweiler from this place? I've wanted one for a while, I just need to convince the 'rents.

 

From their site:

 

If I had the space for a big dog like that, I'd adopt one. I'll just stick with the cat for the time being though.

And yes, I adopted the cat.

 

i adopted my cat

and she rocks

 

I just saw an ad locally for a Rot. I believe it was free. If anyone is interested, let me know & I'll email the #. As far as I know it was 1 year old, and I got the impression it was free.

 

i wish i had room for more animals, i don't know how well my rott would handle a new one unfortunately.

It's a really great thing your doing jason.........my hat is off to you. god bless you and your family, the world could use more people out there like yourself.

jeff

 

Jason and Val, from the bottom of my heart I say "Bless you!" There are so many animals in this world who are unloved, and you have taken it upon yourselves to take one into your home and love him and give him a great life. When I meet people like that I just want to cry with joy and hug them to death.

Our whole family donates money and does various things for Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary. I built and maintain their website for free because I really believe in what they do. Theirs is quite the mangerie, so if you're looking for any kind of pet I'm sure they can at least try to help you. They work with plenty of other rescue organizations in Michigan too.

 

"She could no longer produce the puppies they wanted so they dumped her beside the highway leaving biscuits in the middle of the road."

What kind of sick xExpletive deletedx does this? makes me want to find them and go on a shooting rampage!

I want another dog, but i kinda want an American Bulldog. Anyone know of a rescue place for them? I wish i could have like 50 dogs, but I can only have 2 in Lincoln Park, or I'd have a Greyhound already.

 

The first night my son was in the hospital my daugther let our dog out to go potty and she got a phone call about her brother and forgot our dog. Snuggles ran off and we never found her I just had her groomed and all her shots. I spent over $200.00 to keep her in good health and groomed. I know someone has her because she was the perfect pet other than wandering off if you weren't watching her. I want another pet but my wife is so broken hearted she won't let us have one. Maybe in awhile she will lighten up in time.
Jason is right about pets being part of the family. I have had dogs all my life and they are great. We once had two Great Danes and they were very loving dogs and wouldn't bother anything unless someone did someything to one of us. Just because a dog is big doesn't mean it is going to be mean. Dogs have to be trained to be mean. Just my .02

 

ive always wanted a rott. Dogs are sweet. But im still at home..so that wouldent happen..but i also dislike the way people sterotype a rott. Their really harmless. Once their in a good home, with a loving owner..their loyal forever..some people...i tell yea i wish i could adopt one...one of these days ill have one though. keep up the good work jason..its appreciated by all..and we all value your view and opinions..just like we do with eachother.

 

I'd also like to share with you all the Michigan Basset Rescue as well. I have a 3 year old Basset hound and she is the best! Although I didn't get her from rescue (as I didn't know about these rescues till afterwards), my next dog WILL come from the Basset Rescue.

Check em out at http://www.michiganbassetrescue.org

 

Nice links guys...

Any sites for even smaller dogs for city dwellers for like the Eddie dog (or that size) from Frazier?

I have never had a pet, mom would never let me, we had a goldfish but my little sister put the whole thing of food in there and the next day the goldfish was swimming sideways and it went downhill from there...

John
35 and ain't never really had a pet

 

That would be a Jack Russell. Quich search of Google found this...
http://www.terrier.com/rescue/rescuemenu.php3