ROTT N CHATTER, October 1992, Volume 1 Number 3

 

                          ROTT N DISCRIMINATION

 

   The following events may be happening in your city.  If you have caused a

litter to be produced, do you know where those puppies are today?  The

following is Sue Woolley's, Wichita Falls, Texas personal experience.

   "Four and a half years ago, I moved to a small city where the number of

dogs I could have was greatly reduced.  One day, I decided to visit the

local Humane Society.  Anyone could see so much need for help with the

animals there.  I asked if they accepted volunteers.  The women there told

me yes!  I began by volunteering one day a week, then two, finally five

days.  I then became Volunteer Coordinator and Radio Talk Show speaker

(answering questions about animals and/or the Humane Society).  I founded

the visitation program here called Pets on Wheels (animals visiting nursing

homes).  I derived such personal gratification knowing that I was helping

the animals at the Shelter and helping to educate the public about the over

population of dogs and cats.  I was happiest placing pets into homes.

However, there was one breed that I could not save from being unjustly

discriminated against.

   One day, two Rotties were brought in.  They were terrified, but neither

of them offered to bite any of us.  I overheard one of the ladies saying,

"She's really going to love this."  The next morning, I began taking the

Rotties, Amigo and Amiga, out to the back yard to play.  I fell in love with

them.  I asked about adopting either one or both of them.  I was directed to

talk to the Executive Director, but the answer would be NO.  Several days

later, the Director came in and I asked, then begged.  The answer I received

was, "What do you want THEM for?  The only good Rottweiler is a dead one.

They're vicious!"  I was appalled.  I told her how sweet they were and how

they would lick my face when I went into their run.  How well mannered they

were on leashes and that being in the runs on concrete wasn't good on them.

The answer was still NO!  Another volunteer told me that Rottweilers were

not adopted out from that Shelter.  Of course, I had to ask what happened to

the ones that were brought in.  I was informed that they were "put down".  I

didn't believe these two wonderful dogs would be killed.  The next day I

went to the runs to take out my two friends, and found their kennel empty.

I went looking for them and found Amigo on top of the pile of euthanized

dogs.  Frantically, I searched for Amiga in vain.  I asked everyone there

where she was but no one had any answer.  They said they didn't know.  I

went home and called the other volunteer that I had discussed Rotties with

before.  I was crying, and needed someone to talk to about this travesty.

She lives out in the country and invited me over.  When she opened the door,

Amiga met me with love and kisses.  I was estatic!  The other lady had just

taken Amiga out through the back door, loaded her in the camper of her truck

and drove home.  I never told what happened to the one who "got away".  I

have visited Amiga several times since then and she loves my little 7 year

old boy.

   During the next few years, I found lifeless bodies that had been "put to

sleep" and promised myself that one day I would have a Rottie.  Many dogs

were never given a chance to have homes.  I tried in vain to change the

policies and attitudes.  Needless to say I have since resigned my position

at the Shelter.  Now, I finally have my own two Rottweilers.  At times, when

I hold them in my arms, I sadly think of Amigo and all the others.  I know

that these two will grow up to be great and loving friends."

 

     (Editor's note:  For those that might be concerned, these two

      Rotties were not purchased for breeding.)