My friend lodges with her friend, a single working bloke with no family. Both of them are at work all day. He has recently got a 16 month old male Rottie from a Rescue Service. I believe the dog had been badly treated in the past and is very thin.

As I said, both of them are at work all day, and one or both are usually out at night aswell. My friend has some experience of dogs, and her friends family has apparently had Rotties before.

Anyway - they took this dog in, and have changed his food 3 times in 3 weeks (against my advice), left him alone for long periods, he's been to the vet twice (once with suspected bloat I believe) and has been throwing up constantly (which sounds like a food intolerence crossed with loads of stress!).

The guy who got the dog is now considering moving and *giving* the dog to my friend!

What I am getting at - is that I thought homes were checked by Breed Rescue Services!! I know they mean well, but honestly, placing a 16 month unsocialised, badly treated dog in an unchecked home with unsettled people seems like its exacerbating the problem to me!!

I don't know anything about Rotties, but I am honestly shocked to think this dog has been placed there. Thoughts? :)

I find that a bit shocking too Chloe, is it possible that the dog is used to being on his own for long periods and that is why he was homed to where he is?

If not then the poor dog is probably going to end up with more problems

Theresa

How sad? Poor dog?

Julieann

Is there anyway you could approach the Rottweiler Rescue people and discuss with them your worries? You say they got him from A rescue service ..do you know which one it is?

Melody

Chloe H,

I'm surprised. I though rescue centres such as the RSPCA carry out home checks as well as breed rescues. I've only had personal dealings of 2 breed rescues. The first is Tibetan Terrier rescue. Happily, I was well grilled :) The rescue co-ordinator I dealt with said she wouldn't rehome a TT to anyone who was out all day (TT's are companion dogs and often get rehomed because they don't adapt to being left alone). When it was agreed I was maybe suitable to home Toby, he was coming up from England so the co-ordinator who had him temporarily also gave me a good grilling on the phone and the co-ordinator near me told me what changes I'd need to make to my fencing etc and carried out a home check on behalf of the co-ordinator down south. After all that I got Toby and the support of the co-ordinators is still there if I need it.

The other breed rescue I had dealings with was Golden Retriever Rescue. Again when a suitable dog became available, I was contacted with a view to being grilled/homechecked etc. but by that time I had decided not to get another Retriever.

It's a shame that the poor Rotty is the one to suffer with all the upheaval. I hope something gets sorted out. Keep us posted.
Dot

Hi All

Unfortunately, I don't know which rescue service it was, else I would be tempted to call and suggest they check potential people out a bit more thoroughly! I have previously been involved with Dalmatian Rescue, and they were incredibly vigilant - even taking dogs to homes to see what people reactions were to the sheer force of a dally bounding around their home!

From what I understand, the guy who adopted the dog got it from his mum who also has dogs, so perhaps its her who has misled the service. Even so, I find it worrying for the dog. Especially if he (as a big strong breed) could be in the hands of someone who is just not committed enough.

Poor lad, I'd take him in if I didn't already have a Staffy and a Great Dane :)

Chloe

This is going to sound really silly :-)
was the rescue a "proper" rescue?...what i mean is anyone can set up a rescue take the dogs in then rehome them for whatever price they can get.
If it was a reputable rescue they can only go on what they are told by potential new homes,could you maybe get in touch with where they had him from and ask them there vetting arrangements if they seem very easy going could you try to get a home for the dog for them?
I hate to this of any dog suffering but its a bit harder when its your own breed....silly old sod i know :-)
If i can help please let me know.

Hi Carolyn

Doesn't sound silly at all :) I believe it was a proper rottie rescue service but I could be mistaken - I understand that he had "placed himself on the waiting list" and they contacted him to say a dog was available after a while. I get the feeling they probably didn't check him out because his mum has rotties and she dropped the dog off with him - so maybe they trusted his mum.

Apparently the dog had been physically abused, and was very thin. They are now having problems putting weight on him.... but I am not sure if thats down to stress, the fact they have changed his food 3 times, or an intolerence to whatever food they are giving him. I think they will give him a good home with guidence, I know my friend will, I just hate to think of a dog (any dog) on his own all day (although she does go home at lunch) and then all night aswell if they are both out :(
Carolyn, could you recommend a food?

Thanks
Chloe

PS - he's on Royal Canin at the moment I believe

Thanks
Chloe

Hi, this has really got to me, i have rottys and i also breed them, i spend so much time with my dogs that my hubby looses out. I do work but, mornings only and i work in my car so i always nip home to check on them. Rottys need so much attension all the time otherwise they do get stressed and depressed. If these were people that lived by me i would be on the phone to the dog warden as soon as poss, these people do not deserve such a fantastic dog like a rotty, a rotty in the wrong hands is no good. I take 8 week off work when we have our pups here, so that they have all the love and attension that they need.

Make that phone call and let this dog go to a home where it would be loved.

I do hope things get sorted and that the rottie gets more attention and time. It doesn't seem a good situation.

Just a quick thought about home checks, I volunteered as a homechecker for the RSPCA for 18 months, and the one thing I was told was that "YOu will make mistakes, and people will lie to you."

I did make one major mistake which gutted me, and also made a sillu mistake where i stuck to the rules about fence heights, and passed one prospective home over; when I now look back and feel the dog concerend would have had a great home :(

It's very possible that a home check was done but that the wool was pulled over the checker's eyes. I do feel it would be worth checking this out if at all possible, though.

LIndsay

Hi

I know they love the dog, the trouble is that they can't meet his needs. I know my friend will do her best to look after him, but really he's not her responsiblity and she is now the one who is looking after him the most.

To be honest, I fear the Rescue Service have been misled. The guys mum has Rotties, and I believe she dropped the dog off with them, which implies involvement!

I am going to continue my crusade to talk her into finding another home for him - can anyone suggest someone for them to contact please who is reputable?

Thanks :) And in the meantime, any dietry advice I could send them would be great

Thanks
Chloe

Hi Chloe, I was just wondering as you say his mum has Rotties, would she be in a better position to look after him?
:)

I tried that one - he was talking about moving back to London and leaving the dog with my friend - but she has 2 rotties already, plus about 3 other smaller dogs. Perhaps she should have thought of that before "recommending" him.

Thanks :)
Chloe

It appears you are hitting a wall....its so nice to know you care enough to try though.
If he is an experianced owner :-) then maybe he would be prepared to feed good old tripe and a wholemeal biscuit,this will put weight on most dogs and most seem to be able to accept it..if done over time.
I guess the best thing that could happen is for you to keep your eye on them and the dog and fingers crossed they listen.
If you would like to email me i can give you some numbers for advice.

Fence height requirements, Lindsay?
Is it a specific rule..... or is it adjusted to a size/tendency to jump ratio for individual dogs?
Just curious about it, if you don't mind :) :)
Personally, If it's the first, I'd probably fail since I have a meter high fence (abt. 36 inches) for my two girls. But it works since they don't jump over stuff :) :) :)

Two rescues that i know require a secure garden with fencing at least five to six feet high sara
That said, there are exceptions, based usually on the dog and it's temperament.

Theresa

For TT rescue I was told I'd need a 4 foot fence since TT's can jump 3 feet and not a fence they could climb!!

Re the Rotty, I wouldn't be surprised if the mother was the one who applied for a rescue making out it was for herself. Something someone pointed out to me recently is that people can have home checks done on a house that's suitable but the dog could be for someone else and not for the house that was checked :(
Dot

Hi Chloe,

I would recommend giving Burns a try for his diet. It's extremely good for dogs that are in bad condition and very delicate on his stomach.

Sadly, there is a rather dubious rescue around that were placing dogs in unsuitable homes. Reputable rescues are clearing up the mess left by them and it's saddening to hear the stories.

Drop me an email (volsungrotts@aol.com) if you need any help and I'll do my best!

Kind Regards.

Ali.

Hi Sara :)

To be absolutely honest i have a memory like a sieve for some things, and I cannot now remember the exact ruling - I suspect it was probably more of a guideline, but I remember it was my second week and I wanted to do things "properly" ! :)

I am almost certain the suggested fence height was at least 3 and a half foot, but may be mistaken.

It does depend so much on individual dogs and owners, as some will not want to escape, some will, etc so can't be set in stone, and as has been mentioned many will leap much higher anyway.....

I do remember :) they suggested dogs never be left completely alone for more than 4 hours, that was the absolute max.

LIndsay

OK, I've told them to try Burns (thanks), but whether "he" will or not is a different matter - as he believes he's "experienced with dogs". In my opinion the fact that your mum has two rotties and you had one once does not make you an expert!!
The only information my friend has on the Rescue is that its based in London.
Will keep you posted:)

Hi Chloe,

You can only do what you can, the rest is up to him but you've certainly tried your best. I've had a few referrals for rotties with nutrition problems this year and Burns appears to work 100% of the time.

Would be interested to find out which rescue as I've certainly had my eyes opened in the last year.

Kind Regards.

Ali.

Hi All

An update for those of you who saw this:

The dog has now developed destructive tendencies (hardly suprising) and is now peeing etc all over the house (no doubt down to insecurity). He is still on Royal Canin, but has a flaky coat and is not looking particularly good, so my friend tells me.

She has been trying to get *him* to take the dog back to rescue, but he is refusing as he sees it as "failure". The problem is that she doesn't know enough to help this dog either and has enough problems of her own. What I am really mad about though is that his MUM picked the dog up and signed for him, so infact it might not be the rescue services fault entirely - but what about checking up on the dog afterwards and seeing if the dog is happy in its new home? Apparently the only advice they have had is to make a recording of their voices to be played when they are out - what...for 8 hours??!

Sorry to rant on, but I just do not know what to do :(
I know the dogs name, does anyone know any rescue services well enough in London to be able to talk to them directly and see if the dog is on their books? I just don't know wnough about the breed I'm afraid :(

Chloe

:(
Lel

has it a kc name ? or is it yet another of our great unregistered :( , if theres an affix mail me

thanks dizzy - i'll find out

The only "official" rescue in that area is The Rottweiler Welfare Association, the dog won't be anything to do with them but they may be able to help.

If you drop me an email with some details, I'll try to find out what I can for you.

excellent website, -i'll keep it for a spare time to veiw it, :D

Apparently the Rescue Centre was part of Battersea.

He is planning on taking the dog back there on Sunday.

I have emailed Keeper to see if I can get an alternative.

Will keep you posted.

Hi Chloe,

Not had an email through from you yet but I'm worried in case I managed to delete it with the junk mail!

If you have sent it, can you try again! I'm pretty sure I know who you mean here, I know someone who has had dealings with this one (not good!).

On its way again.... apparently the news is that the dog will be pts if he goes back to Battersea. Don't know if this is true or not but any help would be appreciated
Chloe :(

Got it thanks!

I'm sure we can sort something out.

Just been reading all the posts. It's really upset me about this poor dog. Do you know anything else yet? :(

Hi

Looks like we might have a solution for him - thanks to Ali (Keeper). He will probably go into kennels short term until a home comes up.

Chloe