Rescued several months ago from a South Texas animal shelter where he was languishing in the unheated confines of a small and dark kennel , THUNDER is estimated to be five years of age. This majestic male Rottweiler weighs in at around 94 pounds, and is steadily gaining weight now that his precious heart is free of the dastardly worms that had invaded his chest. Along with all other intestinal parasites, Thunder has resolved the heavy burden of heart worms that plagued him in life before rescue. While so little else is known about this dog’s former life pre-rescue, that’s simply a common reality most rescuers face as we offer these deserving dogs the SECOND chances we wish they never had needed in the FIRST place. That said, it behooves all rescuers (and adopters who actually provide the last and most important loving chapters of rescue for these dogs in our care) to focus more on creating the lives these dogs deserve rather than looking back in hopes of finding the elusive existential answers regarding their foray to needing rescue.

SSRR knew only that Thunder (named THOR by shelter volunteers) had been dumped at the shelter and needed rescue. And so, that was what he received along with a full set of vaccines and his neuter procedure. Unfortunately, and as is also common, THOR aka THUNDERBOLT OF LOVE, developed an infection at the site of his neuter, and was in considerable discomfort afterward. Had he been properly fitted with a cone to prohibit excessive licking those first few days after surgery, it’s likely he would not have developed an infection. But he did. So, with proper antibiotics, THUNDERBOLT recovered and began the process of rehabilitation to good health in loving foster care.

A wonderfully seasoned and compassionately devoted veterinarian in Spanish Fort, South Alabama ,who works with SSRR, Dr. Susan Benefield, and her trusted staff scheduled THOR/THUNDERBOLT OF LOVE’S first heartworm injection after he had successfully resolved some gastrointestinal issues related to parasites and had fully healed from his scrotal infection. Responsible rescue is not predicated on the quickest timeframe possible. Instead the focus is on responsibly proceeding given each animal’s individual and particular needs. This is especially true for the highly intelligent, deeply loyal and largely loving Rottweiler. Since heartworm treatment is a quite serious, but necessary protocol to deliver these animals back to health so that they may eventually be ready for the forever homes they deserve, it’s vital to ensure that all other issues have been resolved before beginning the eradication process. That’s the chapter we are now at, and it’s one that heralds ALL GOOD THINGS in 2015 for this incredible Rottie named THUNDER.

Anybody that has been blessed enough to know the love of a Rottweiler will quickly recognize that THUNDERBOLT personifies all that this breed espouses in the best of the breed.  With his strong and well-muscled body, THUNDER is a work of art in action, a beautifully crafted genetic masterpiece, actually. Even when he first came into rescue, he presented majestically, totally in control of his superbly athletic body that moves seemingly effortlessly no matter what he is doing. However, now that THUNDER is allowed to run freely and fully because he’s heartworm free, it’s just awe-inspiring to watch his balanced and graceful gait as he purposefully trots around the yard with an amazing lightness one would not expect from such a large bodied animal. There’s absolutely NO level of clumsiness in anything he does. Every move is controlled and measured, as he’s quite attuned to his environment, a sure sign of THUNDER’S clear intelligence and gentle giant demeanor.

Thunder also knows his commands well, and in combination of verbal and hand gestures. It would be a less than honest statement if I were to say that he learned these commands while in rescue or that his foster mom had ANYTHING whatsoever to do with teaching this able student any of what he knows: .SIT. STAY. COME. DOWN. UP. OFF. What his foster mom can take credit for is the love and patience she offered as he healed because he was so eager to show her how totally capable he was by willingly responding to each of the aforementioned requests.  What’s more, THUNDERBOLT also transitions well from one activity to another. He calmly waits for his collar and leash before galloping with glee to the gate, knowing a car ride adventure awaits. And he loves the cool breeze of ocean air upon his face as he drives along the coast. Likewise, he enjoys meeting new people, appropriately greeting them and actually gives a big smooch to any and all willing recipients. In fact, Dr. Benefield remarked that while she was giving THUNDERBOLT his first immiticide injection for his heartworm treatment, an often painful shot, THUNDERBOLT simply licked her neck the entire time. In the presence of loving and caring people, this dog shines BRIGHT.

THUNDERBOLT loves long walks, and is quite responsive on a lead. Every walk results in a multitude of compliments about what a well-behaved and good dog he is, and it’s almost as though he puffs his chest out pridefully after hearing such praise, aware of the kind words bestowed upon him. And as great as he is on a lead, THUNDER loves to run and romp in the backyard chasing squirrels endlessly and with vigorous pursuit. Loud noises don’t bother THUNDERBOLT or cause any such anxiety, but he will join in the howl when a siren of any kind can be heard. It’s one of his most endearing qualities. He throws back his big block head and continues to hoop and holler along with the siren or until he hears the command, ENOUGH. An obedient and utterly good-natured dog, THUNDERBOLT is not a heavy handed barker. He is a steady and calm dog who is more than ready to find his forever home.

Upon approval to adopt, you will be sent SSRR Decompression and Introduction requirements that we require ALL of our adopters to follow . You will be asked to acknowledge receipt of these requirements, verify that you have read them and that you will follow them.

Step 1:   Please complete the adoption application in full; incomplete applications WILL NOT BE PROCESSED

Step 2:   Our Lead Adoption Coordinator will contact you and confirm your application has been received (please use our Contact Us form if you have not gotten a response within 7 days) .

Step 3:   After you have received confirmation from our Lead Adoption Coordinator, your application will then be forwarded to communicate with one of our Adoption Coordinators.  The Adoption Coordinator is your point of contact during the adoption process.  

Step 4:   Once the Adoption Coordinator has finished processing your application, a volunteer will be selected to contact you to schedule a home visit. Home visits allow us to see where the dog will live, discuss any questions you have and review our adoption contract.

Step 5:   Once the application process is completed, the adoption package goes to the board of directors for a 24 hour review.

SSRR is very serious about the homes our dogs are placed in and want to ensure they never end up homeless again.  If you have any questions, please email us at rottie.info.ssrr@gmail.com . Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescued Rottweiler!

If you are interested in adopting this Rottweiler, please fill out an Adoption Application today.