To those that rescue those that have no future.

A special few don't fear a fire,
though they know that it can burn.
They're strong enough to see some good
so, from the fires heat they learn.

When the fire's under their control,
they draw warmth from it's flame.
from the blaze some sparks will still escape,
some fires can't be fully tamed.

Some dogs have hearts ablaze with fire,
still the special few don't fear.
They find the good within the dog,
through blood and sweat and tears.

Then finally, when the time arrives
for a tough dog's life to end.
It's hard for special people,
knowing they're his only friend.

But at the bridge, there's a different place,
where the tough guys gather round.
The clouds aren't made of cotton balls
and there's dirt upon the ground.

No one hurts a dog at that old bridge,
they would have to be a fool.
Cause that's the only spot around
where the tough dogs make the rules.

To you who've loved these special dogs,
just remember when they leave.
Up there the dog will always win,
and the people all wear sleeves.

They didn't ask to be made hard,
Or kicked, or starved or beat.
they just tried to tough it out
by turning up the heat.

They paid the price of being strong,
They lived their lives alone.
Except for the lucky few of them
who special people gave a home.
 

-Scott Dunham

What is R.E.S.C.U.E.?

R.   Repetitive-  A rescuer will often hear the same excuses over and over
     when a Rottie is turned  in.  "He grew too large", "He won't obey
     commands", "We're moving, divorcing, etc., and we can't take him with us",
     and on and on.  Obviously, it takes alot of self control on the part of
     those in rescue to listen to these things day after day.

E.   Essential.-  Without these wonderful folks who help Rotties in need,
     there wouldn't be a second chance for many of them.   Some unscrupulous
     breeders will not take back their dogs, no exceptions, so these Rotties,
     with luck, end up in the rescue system. Hopefully, there will continue to
     be enough good homes willing to adopt these unfortunate souls.

S.   Salvation.- Shelters are so overwhelmed with dogs, at times, that they
     cannot keep even the sweetest Rottie for a long period.  Unfortunately,
     with the reputation our breed has acquired for being vicious, Rotties are
     often considered "unadoptable" by some shelters.  Rottie rescue folks are
     often the only chance these dogs have of finding a good, permanent home
     with a responsible owner.

C.   Costly.- Most if not all rescuers are paying out of their own pocket for
     their expenses.  Some breed clubs provide limited support, but fear of a
     lawsuit prevents many from contributing directly to rescuers.  Expenses
     include food, vet care, training, transportation from shelter or previous
     home, transport to a new home, crates, toys, beds, leashes, collars, etc.

U.   Unrelenting.-  For every Rottie who is taken in to rescue, there are
     dozens more who must be turned away due to lack of room and lack of funds.
     Many breeders (none on our mailing list, of course!)  won't take
     responsibility for the pups they place if their new family won't or can't
     keep the dog.  Add in puppy mills, and the number of unwanted Rotties is
     staggering and never ending.

E.   Exhilarating - Despite all the heartaches and all the hard work involved
     in rescue, there ARE happy endings!  These come when a rescuer finds a
     responsible, caring new owner, and sends another Rottie off to enjoy a
     full, wonderful life in a good, loving home.

-Kelly Skiptunas