The Rottweiler, or Rotties as they are often called, are highly intelligent, compassionate animals, despite their generalization in pop culture suggesting that they are attack dogs. Rotties are especially known for their loyalty, devout to their owners and will defend them with their lives. This breed, like all dogs, are born with a pack mentality that is crucial to their survival; they function best when their owner has assumed the role as pack leader.
Rotties are often portrayed in a bad light as aggressive, angry dogs even though this is not true! They are such a wonderful, misunderstood breed. When you know and live with this breed, you will learn that they are not all guard dog. Rottweilers are very loving, affectionate dogs who prefer to be ‘where the action is’ and are really happy when they’re a part of the family.
I know you have heard this famous line from me many times, and you’ll keep hearing it until all the forgotten souls have homes; I need your help. This stunning Rottie Zeus has been dealt a pretty bad hand in his life. He has been let down by those he thought loved him and has been a resident of the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter for over 2 years now.
Zeus is 8-years-old, and no dog should be spending their golden years living in a shelter! He has waited long enough and he’s not having an easy time with shelter life; as I have mentioned to you MANY times, not all dogs handle the stress of living in a shelter kennel well.
Zeus is a great dog, a stunningly handsome Rottweiler with beautiful white eyelashes. He was brought in to the shelter in June of 2016 as an owner surrender after a bite occurred during a vet visit. While I do not know all of the information about the occurrence, I know that Zeus can not be to blame — a small incident that could have and should have been under control of a proper owner has left Zeus with an unnecessary label.
Sadly since Zeus was an owner surrender, we have lots of information available about him. Zeus was originally purchased by his owner as a puppy from a breeder and lived in the same home his entire life. Zeus spent his days in a yard and most of his nights tied up outside, this is NO way for a family member to be treated, and poor Zeus was treated this way for such a long time!
I spoke at length with Zeus’s shelter buddy who has been working with him since the day he was surrendered to the shelter. She told me that he is super smart and responds well to training, she says the key to a good relationship with Zeus is that he needs to respect you as the leader. Once Zeus bonds with someone, he’s eager to please and learn new things. Zeus is not alone, there are many dog breeds out there that have that same requirements. In the time he’s been at the shelter, his buddy has taught him many new commands and he has never bitten her or any of his other shelter buddies.
Rottweilers are very special dogs and they are not automatically suitable for every owner. If your ownership of a member of this breed is to be successful, it is necessary that you give great thought and consideration to the demands that will be made on you, and to whether they will fit into your lifestyle and you can fulfill their needs. If you cannot commit to what this breed requires of you as a pack leader, then Zeus is not the right dog for you.
Zeus is house trained and crate trained, Zeus’s volunteers buddies are obsessed with him and have some pretty remarkable things to say about him too. Zeus knows the commands “sit”, “down”, “heel”, “climb”, “touch”, “watch me”, “leave it” and “out”. Zeus enjoys playing ball in the yard with volunteers, and is calm and friendly with people. He is also calm and mellow around other dogs.
He’s people friendly as long as they respect his boundaries. He’s not a dog that enjoys being hugged and excessively pet and truthfully, I think he bit out of fear when he was overly aroused, at the Vet’s office. I have been told by his dedicated shelter buddy that she feels the same, and that if Zeus feels crowded or like a person is invading his space he reacts, but with a warning. His posture stiffens when he’s uncomfortable, and he also growls. All normal for a Rottweiler and many other breeds. If a dog is telling you that he’s uncomfortable with something, he will warn you.
If you teach any dog to be aggressive, they will be aggressive. If you teach them to be kind and gentle, they will gladly follow your guidance and just be a love. A dog is a big commitment, and when that dog is a Rottweiler it’s even bigger!
Keeping all that I have learned about Zeus in mind, Zeus is available to A VERY EXPERIENCED ADOPTER OR RESCUE ONLY! He will need a very strong leader familiar with his breed. He needs a Rottie experienced adult home with a savvy owner who will be committed to maintain training with him. No children. A home with a fenced in yard would be great, he loves playing outside, and chasing balls.
If you’re interested in this handsome boy go down to the shelter. Don’t hesitate because this handsome boy really needs out now! I beg of you, if you are not in a position to adopt or foster that you share Zeus’s story with everyone you know.
This boy did not deserve to be surrendered, he does not deserve to sit in a kennel for 23 hours a day like jail. He needs a loving home and family where he can enjoy his golden years.
Let’s make this happen people, together, we can do this! SHARE, SHARE, SHARE! Sharing is caring, sharing is key when it comes to rescuing a dog, and sharing can make a HUGE impact on Zeus’s life!
Please, do not pass over a dog for adoption because of a label! The majority of the time the label belongs to the careless owner.
Serious Inquiries only:
(516) 785-5220 Ext. 4636
Town of Hempstead Shelter
3320 Beltagh Ave
Wantagh, NY
Be sure to head over to Adoption Central right here on Paws Give Me Purpose, share Zeus and all the other Featured Dog Friday pups still in search of their forever homes.