I've got a good one. Last year, after having to put our first rottie down, due to fear aggression issues.... I was devastated. I had gotten him from a cousin who is a BYB, and we were very naiive to say the least. So this time, around, we were going to do it right. Had a deposit lined up with a breeder out in CA.
The behaviorlist who had tried to help us with our male, and was there when we put him down, was also the person I wanted to start off on the right foot with a new puppy. I wasn't going to write to her for another month. The puppy was due to be with us in early December. I thought it would be a good idea to write to her since she has 5 kids, in addition to working at the animal hospital..
to give her plenty of time. If I had not written to her, I never would have found out about Makita.
Pam called me a couple days after I sent her a letter. Said there was a sweet female who had been there three weeks, recovering from being hit by a car. Her owner never came back for her.
I told her that I had a puppy on the way, and didn't really want to take a chance on an adult, not knowing the background, but at least I could go see her, just out of curiosity.
We spent almost two hours with makita, me, hubby and my bro in law. I wanted to make sure she hadn't been abused, and wasn't scared of men, and tested her a few other ways too. She came in and went right to my husband... she had definitely been a man's dog. She had a bad limp, but was expected to make a full recovery. She laid down, and was totally at ease with three strangers in the room... it was no big deal to her at all. And she felt like she was at home, having been there for over three weeks. They were so good to her, I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I have been to them. I take her in all the time now, and give them updates, pictures, and visit.
We went home that nite, after meeting Makita, and I was at a major crossroads....I knew no way could I get both. I had to make a choice. I felt like Makita was a wonderful dog, and something told me she was meant to be with us. I called the breeder that night, told her I was totally unexpectedly given this opportunity, and I hoped she wasn't too upset. I didn't expect to get my deposit back, however, she said anytime you can rescue a rottie, go for it...
She was so good about it.
I called Pam to tell her I wanted Makita, and she wanted to know when... I gave her another day, as I needed to get ready. I had about two months with no dog, and I was very lonely. I picked Makita up from the animal control, after formally adopting her... I was afraid she would not like to ride or be terrified after being hit by a car... she got in that car, I never heard a word out of her, the whole time....
One year later. She has passed one Petsmart obedience class, gotten her CGC at Rottstock this year, and given me a year of pure happiness, and joy.
I took a chance, and for once, made the right decision.
I don't regret getting that puppy, and I don't know that I ever will get a puppy, I think adults are the best choice for me.
The irony of it all was I never thought I could walk back through those doors, knowing the pain from putting Zeke down, and it was so fresh... to find the dog of my dreams waiting for me.
It truly was meant to be...