Last week, I had brought Roscoe outside to brush him because he was blowing his coat with the onset of spring. I had him by the scruff with his collar off so that I could brush there, too. He saw something that caught his eye, twisted away from me, and took off down the street. I grabbed his leash in the usual ruse that sometimes works in getting him back. He sees the leash and thinks it's walk time! Anyways, it didn't work and he foiled any and all attempts to get him. I went back into the house and fed Noah because Ros usually comes back after his tour de neighborhood (and the boy was hungry), but I had a bad feeling and sent Miles out to look again. I soon got a call from him saying that Ros was across the street. As I got up to look out the window, I saw a little girl riding bikes with her dad. Then I heard snarling. I got outside just in time to see Roscoe knock the girl's bike over and jump at her. The man kicked him away and Ros attached to his shoe. When he saw Miles coming, Roscoe ran back down the street. Miles left me to chase after him, and the man chewed me out, screaming "hund kaput" and motioning to where Ros had knocked down the girl and bitten his shoe.
I have mentioned a few times that something like this was a worst nightmare concerning Roscoe. According to German law, a dog that even bites clothing should be put down. We could have been sued by that girl's family (even though she wasn't physically hurt) for emotional damages. The man would have been within his rights to call the polizei. Miles could lose rank.
I found a shelter that is not only no kill, but that doesn't accept dogs once it's reached capacity, meaning they never transfer animals. I had to pay them a few hundred dollars to get Ros in there, but I think it was the best I could do for him. Glossing over what happened, I told them that he could be very aggressive and that he should go only to experienced pet owners. He has his own kennel which is huge and is indoor/outdoor. He'll be walked every day and let into a yard for two hours a day. They also put their dogs through obedience training before they go to new homes. It was the best that I could do for my old friend because we absolutely couldn't keep him any longer. Miles and I have has this argument for long enough and I knew it was time for me to let it go.
I feel like maybe I am bad at training dogs. I've housebroken quite a few dogs, and I am good at teaching them basic commands, but I think that a better trainer would have been able to do something with Roscoe. I feel like a failure and I miss my dog. I have had him for five years and I base entire periods of my life on our time together. Of my two years in DC, he is what I think of because he was where I focused all of my energy. When Miles was deployed, Roscoe rode shotgun wherever I went. Each time I was pregnant, it was Roscoe who curled up against my stomach. He is in a vast majority of family photos. I can't even look at them right now.
Oh no, I am so sorry Danielle. I know what a great friend he was to you! He was a sweety when I met him as well. I hope that he will be happy and that you have piece of mind knowing his somewhere good. I know this has to be the hardest thing you have ever done. I am so sorry:(
ReplyDeleteHe will be in my prayers to find a good home.
Oh Danielle. I am so sorry. I cannot begin to imagine how painful and difficult this must be for you. ((big hugs)) I too hope that he finds a good home.
ReplyDeleteI'm so so sorry :( I can imagine that this is so incredibly difficult. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteHey D,
ReplyDeleteJust read your blog about Roscoe, I didn't think you could really afford this, but thought I'd put out the offer up just the same, if you can get him to New Zealand, I'd be happy to take him. I'm living on a farm, lots of land, four other dogs, he'd be as happy as a pig in the forest. And you wouldn't have to worry about where he ended up, with our pets it is 'once in never out' so he would be guaranteed a place for life... I have a feeling it'd be outrageous to get him sent here, but still thought I'd offer...
se Blackmer
Thank you so much for the offer, Sam. I would have looked into it because I remember you being great with critters (the more rotten the better). At this point, though, I don't think I could get him back if I tried because the tierheim doesn't adopt out to military families. That said, if Germans are good one thing, it's pet ownership. I'm not too too worried about where he'll end up, but I do miss him.
ReplyDelete