For as many dedicated and loving Rottweiler owners as I have met over the years, it surprises me that so many of them are abused, neglected or abandoned across the country. This is a problem not only for the Rottweiler but for dogs of all breeds and descriptions. The good news is that there are animal rescues operating all across the United States and quite a few of them are Rottweiler rescues specifically.
Why Adopt a Rescued Rottweiler?
Most rescued Rottweilers have had a tough life so far. While you might think that they tend to be more aggressive than others, that is not always the case. In quite a few cases the neglected Rottweilers arrive at rescue shelters severely malnourished, dehydrated or injured. Some have lost limbs due to osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone) which is common to the breed and still others suffer from dysplasia of the hip and/or elbow and require daily anti-inflammatory medication.
When you adopt a rescued Rottweiler, you are giving a good home and lavishing plenty of love, care and attention to a dog that may have never experienced any love before. You are committing yourself to the care and well being of a dog that desperately needs it, and you will no doubt reap tremendous rewards as a result.
What You Should Know Beforehand
Before adopting a dog from a Rottweiler rescue you should be prepared to ask as many questions as necessary to find out the history of the animal. Some rescued Rottweilers for example may not have been properly socialized and as a result would probably not be a good match for families with children who may frighten or intimidate your new Rottweiler and who may be frightened and intimidated in return.
The Rottweiler rescue should have documentation of a thorough veterinarian’s examination. This is a very important piece of information as it will alert you to any existing health issues of which you will need to be keenly aware.
Finally, check with your veterinarian or with the American Rottweiler Club to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable Rottweiler rescue and not an unscrupulous breeder working under the guise of a rescue center. It’s hard to believe that people would do that, but then again it is hard to believe that anyone would abuse, neglect or abandon an animal, too.
One final note: Before you adopt, make sure that you have the time and energy to devote to an animal of this size. Be aware that it may take a great deal of effort on your part to earn the trust and respect of your new Rottweiler. Trust me when I say that it is worth every single minute, but you will have to be single-mindedly committed.
How to Find a Rottweiler Rescue
It is heartening to see that a cursory Internet search reveals that there are quite a few Rottweiler rescue organizations around the country. To find an organization that is close to you, and to take a look at some of the precious Rottweilers currently available for adoption, I strongly recommend that you visit RottNet.net. Their website has the most comprehensive database of Rottweiler rescues and adoptable Rottweilers that you would ever come across.
