A little memorial

Chele · #1 09-12-2004, 09:28 PM

Panzer
1991 -1995

These days it seems all we ever get to hear is the bad press Rottweilers receive. All of us have experienced the negative reactions in some way or another. Well, I want to do share a little memorial for one of the bravest Rottweilers I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing with those of you who share my love for this breed.

Panzer was my mother’s four year old Rottie. He accompanied her to her store everyday. He loved to greet the customers, especially the children. Treats were always taken from little hands with the utmost care and kisses given in return. Even those who were afraid of large dogs were won over by this gentle giant. Her store suppliers confided that they looked forward to pay them a visit so they could play with Panzer for a few minutes.

Unfortunately, in September of 1995, Panzer was taken from us. Our loss wasn’t due to the common health problems many Rottie owners face. No, Panzer’s life was taken by a worthless individual in a senseless robbery attempt.

My mother had parked in her usual place to start another business day. A man rushed up to the van as she was opening the door to get out and demanded her money. Well, she didn’t have any since she had just deposited the previous day’s sales in the bank. She was rather shocked by his demand and slammed the door closed. When she did this, he drew a gun. At this point, Panzer threw himself between the my mother and the attacker. The attacker began firing into the van as he ran away. When my mother was able to sit up, she found Panzer had been shot and proceeded to rush him to the nearest vet.

Being that it was before 10 am, the vet at the first place she stopped wasn’t in yet. In the mean time, Panzer was lying between the space in the front seats very quietly looking pitifully at my mother for help. She was able to find a doctor at the next clinic down the street, but there was little hope for Panzer. He had taken three bullets. One of which was lodged in his heart. Another one had shattered one of his front legs. The one in his heart had done so much damage, he was beyond help though.

To make matters worse, the police who took the report on the attempted robbery didn’t feel it was important to include the fact that Panzer had died from the injuries sustained in the attack in his report. Our local paper didn’t seem to care either. It’s fine for them to print stories of Rottweilers in a bad light, but heaven forbid they do a story on a good Rottweiler. One who died while trying to protect his owner. We were told that it wasn’t news worthy.

The man responsible for our loss was never caught, but I pray he was finally caught at some other illegal activity and is rotting in prison today.

Even though it’s been nine years, there isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think of Panzer. I can’t express in words what I owe to this dog. Had it not been for his bravery, his dedication and his love, I would be mourning the loss of my mother this month instead giving thanks that she’s still with me. I like to think that Panzer met my two babies, Bullwinkle and Ginger, at the rainbow bridge. And they’ll all be waiting for us there for us too.

Thank you Panzer, from the bottom of my heart.

http://daelith.250free.com/panzer1sm.jpg
http://daelith.250free.com/panzer2sm.jpg

rottgirl · #2 09-12-2004, 10:26 PM

Oh my God I have tears streaming down my face writing this. You should be very proud of Panzer for the short time you had him. He was truely loyal and dedicated to his owner. I hope you and our family remember the good time you shared with him and he is your guardian angel always.

Rottlva · #3 09-13-2004, 01:10 PM

What a beautiful story! My heart goes out to you and your mother....Panzer was a beautiful boy, both inside and out. He continues to grace everyone with his presence in heaven.

HUGS!!

Troy · #4 09-13-2004, 02:58 PM

God bless his heart...

JDUCE · #5 09-13-2004, 03:30 PM

I am sitting here trying to think the of best way to respond to this thread, so here it goes. . . . thank you Panzer for being a loyal and faithful dog and for teaching others that rottweilers are sweet and loving dogs. Rest in peace.

Brooke&Ryan · #6 09-13-2004, 03:55 PM

Oh my....

I'm so sorry that Panzer had to go the way that he did. He sounds like such a loving, gentle dog.

Brooke

Chele · #7 09-13-2004, 11:05 PM

I appreciate you all taking the time to read Panzer's little memorial. Thank you for your kind thoughts and words! I'm just glad I found this group who understands and feels the same as I do about this wonderful breed.

ILVROTTIS · #8 09-13-2004, 11:14 PM

I first read this post at work today...I started crying and couldn't even reply...My heart goes out to you for writing this, and to your mother for raising such a sweet and loyal dog. Then I got very angry at the animal who took Panzers life, and could of taken your mothers life. Panzer was a handsome boy...and I'm sure you both feel blessed that he was a part of your lives...Thank you for sharing Panzer's story with us....