Know anyone with a heart big enough for my beautiful Lady?
On February 13th, I drove to Houston to pick up (then) Lady "Madonna" (came with a "baby at her breast") and her sole surviving little son, Huck. (One vet asked me, why "Huck"? When I put him in the crate to drive back to Tyler, he gave me a look that I swear said, "Why shucks, ma'm, we so 'preciate you drivin' all the way down here to get us!") Little Huck surprised us and survived and thrived in a loving home for 10 days before succumbing to the devastation that rears its ugly head for many puppies born in puppy mills. After last-ditch, heroic medical intervention failed to save this precious puppy, (a shout-out and word of thanks to Houston SPCA and Rottweiler Disaster Committee--these are amazing people dedicating their lives to helpless animals), he died in my arms at 10:25 p.m. on Thursday, February 24th.
His momma was still not sure about all I was doing to save her little boy. She paced and postured and stared and snorted while I sobbed and rocked her baby as he made his transition to the Bridge. So many of his kennel-mates went down this road before and after his passing -- congenital conditions, parasites, pneumonia, etc. I have great respect for the power of this breed, one does not lightly intrude into the life of an unfamiliar rottweiler. That night, however, I also was reminded of their great hearts and their unwavering love and faith in those they believe they can trust. The knowledge that this big dog could misunderstand my intentions crossed my mind but my judgement was overcome by my grief over the unfairness of little Huck's short and painful life. Sitting on the couch, cradling Huck in my arms, his screaming gasps for breath then became tiny, whimpering cries and I prayed for an easier passing of this adorable little puppy. I could barely see the mahogany markings on this precious little black butterball (even a malnourished mom provides quite a feast when there is only one at the buffet table!). Tears were streaming down my face and all my attention was focused on this little life ebbing away. As a human being, I was overwhelmed at our capacity for greed, evil and violence on such a helpless, beautiful creature. This level of treatment was all that Lady Madonna had ever known. Why should she suspect I would be any different?
A wait and see attitude, a certain aloofness is a breed trait of the rottweiler. And yet, that night she willingly trusted me. And then she comforted me. For the first time in the ten days she had been with me, she gingerly climbed onto the couch, first putting her head on my knee. As my sobbing became louder I could see she was becoming stressed. I could not control the tears and she stuck her big head right up to my face. I caught my breath as she began to lick the tears from my cheeks and alternatively lick and nudge her dying puppy. This routine continued this for ten minutes, seemingly torn by which one of us needed her more. She snuggled closer to my leg, nudging and encouraging Huck to continue to fight, and nestling up to me as if to validate that my instincts to comfort him were a comfort to her. I was weeping more quietly now. I was struck that this was a sacred time. I was overcome by the air of dignity of this half-starved mother with the torn ear and patchy coat. Mothers are mothers, no matter the species and this was a lesson in mothering I'll never forget. I promised her that night she would never again know what hunger felt like, she would never have to endure another birth or be placed in the custody of humans who would inflict pain on her body or her spirit.
It's been almost 4 months now. Lady has been well-fed, spayed, trained and most of all, loved. She's been the pushy "little" sister of my Molly, a 6 year old rottie who was also a rescue dog. She has kept the yard squirrel-free and keeps the ducks and geese from pooping on the dock. She reminds me of when it's time to eat or take a walk or when the occasional unannounced stranger appears at the gate -- "not so fast there, mister!". She's respected my shoes, snorted her disgust when I come home with the scent of another dog on my jeans and accepted that my grandchildren are above her in the pack. She's also come to realize that all men don't mistreat, no matter how hot the temperature water is available 247 and that food comes twice a day, no matter how fast you eat. Leashes are good, walks are fun and getting in the car doesn't always mean a trip to the vet and a needle stick.
Rottweilers have a reputation of being aloof dogs, not easily giving their hearts away. Lady fits part of that definition. She is a daily reminder of what I love about dogs. She is an object lesson in unconditional love. She's one of the most affectionate dogs I've ever been around. She's not demanding of attention, always hopeful that you might call her over for a hug or pat, but also so grateful when it is given. She's a smart dog and eager and willing to please. Initially she was afraid to walk down the hall, had to be taught to navigate steps and any toy was a foreign object. I unabashedly proclaim that rescue dogs make the best pets. My show dog/dog trainer friends will call me anthropormorphic, but I truly believe with all my heart that a rescue dog realizes and appreciates a second chance more than most humans do. These dogs will demonstrate their gratitude by giving humans beings more chances than we surely deserve.
Lady (no more Madonna) came to me weighing a scant 34 lbs. She now weighs 75 lbs. (a tad too much click and treat, Cici!), her coat is thick and black and shiny. She's heartworm negative, has no health problems and is ready to move to her Forever Home. Her heart is big and she is ready to move someone else's heart and teach them the lessons she's given me. If you are a special person or know someone who is worthy of this unbelieveable dog, please contact me at cyndi@ciciscaninecoaching.com.
Distance is not a problem; for the right home, I will coordinate transportation for this special dog. She is an inside dog -- one who likes to have a big outside space to patrol. She's been crated some, but is still very uncomfortable in a crate. I leave her "on her honor" with Molly and have NEVER come home to any kind of problem. Sleeping on the tile in the A/C while I work is a favorite pastime. She's accepting of other big dogs, but would do best in a home where she could be the one and only. Please feel free to contact me with questions or to get more information about my beloved Lady. In addition to getting this great dog, you will be taking a piece of my heart as well! Please feel free to pass this along to anyone who is ready for their soul dog. Lady certainly qualifies. I'll never forget the time she shared with me!