Peggysue,
that would make a great raffle prize and we'd very much appreciate it. It will go to the President of GGARR, Grace Acosta, and it will be raffled off at our Specialty Weekend in December.

Thank you so much! What a sweet and generous gift!!!

Jim

Connie,
thanks. Yes, it's great to be able to help just a few of the many deserving dogs that end up in Animal Control. Now, if we could just convince our local governments to concentrate on managing irresponsible dog owners rather than banning specific breeds, we'd all be better off. Especially the dogs.

But that's a different battle and a much more politically-charged one at that. Meanwhile, we all do what we can. And, sometimes, it all works out for the better.

Jim

Julie,
there is no simple answer. Unfortunately. In the last issue of The Rottweiler Magazine, I posted an editorial about how veterinarians in the state of Florida refuse to take in dogs rescued out of Animal Control because they might carry contagious diseases and make it more difficult for the vets to make money from their kennel space. I pointed out that it was important to put these dogs into facilities that can treat things like Kennel Cough and the vets were the perfect place. But they had to stop focusing on lost revenue and start focusing on helping Rescue Organizations. I asked the President of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association to comment on the article. He refused to reply.

So I published his e-mail address and asked all our subscribers to write to him and ask him why Vets are against Rescue. That didn't make me many friends in the veterinary community but it did raise the consciousness of people who realize that we can't Rescue dogs without good medical support. And if we can't get it from Vets, where will we get it?

Lots of folks say they support Rescue. Lots of folks agree that there are far too many good dogs being euthanized because of irresponsible owners and not enough good homes. But there are very few folks who are willing to open their homes to fosters. And very few veterinarians willing to open their facilities to help out Rescue Organizations. Until we get more of both of those items, our hands will continue to be tied.

Thanks for caring.

Jim

Imagine what this world would be like with more people like Jim walking around... You now officially have another admirer Jim!

Bob,
thank you. That's very kind. I'm not sure I deserve it but I'm honored.

Jim

Just wanted to post a quick update on the Frankie & Johnny story: this week, both were adopted into new, forever homes.

We estimated that Johnny was about 12-18 months old and Frankie probably no more than 8 months old. Both are pure-bred Rottweilers. Both were found wandering on the street. Both are very sweet and terrific with people. Having had my hands on both several times, I can tell you that these two dogs are examples of the ones that should be saved.

Frankie had nipped a vet tech when they were putting him under for neutering and that usually is a death sentence. But the director of the clinic at Animal Control called me to say that she really didn't think it was an aggressive act and that they would hold him for the mandatory quarantine period if we would agree to take him. We agreed.

Having spent a day with him on the trip to Miami, all I can say is that this is a lovely puppy that will make a great pet. He has no idea what's happening in his world but he's willing to deal with it with confidence and sweetness. His new owners have adopted several other Rotties over the years and could not be a better pair of new parents.

I'm truly gratified about this effort. It doesn't always work out this well. And we have more to do. But at least these two have found wonderful homes instead of a cold table with a needle in the arm.

Jim

Thanks for the update, always a happy day when they are saved to provide love and companionship to a new family.

I am so glad they both got homes.