The circumstances around Cody being put to sleep at the shelter were very disheartening for our rescue. We received notice from a volunteer at the shelter about Cody. We called the shelter on Monday and told them we would be in on Saturday to do our temperament evaluation. That very same afternoon, Cody was put to sleep by the shelter - citing aggression. Below is the description we received about him from the volunteer who worked closely with Cody.

He is a wonderful, wonderful gentle boy. Very friendly with children and dogs (don't know about cats). Love hugs and kisses and is a very quiet and docile boy. I never hear a sound from him! He is very obedient and very attached to me already. I am just a daily volunteer that goes in at my lunch hour to walk the dogs. Everyone has fallen in love with him, he has converted a lot of non-Rotti people. He's just the most adorable little boy. He weighs approx. 60 lbs and is approx. 30" from his shoulders.

We were heartbroken when we heard the news that Cody was euthanized. We still ask the question WHY? WHY did they not give him a chance? WHY not wait 4 days and let us do our temperament evaluation by a very experienced evaluator? Why waste a precious life where hope for re-homing was on the horizon? It is just too sad. Cody, we just want you to know that some people did love you and will love your memory forever.May/00

In memory of Butcher, who in the end had endured too much in his short life. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Connie Murphy and her volunteers at the Animal Choice Rescue Network for their devotion to Butcher was boundless. We know that in the last eight months, the care, respect, kindness and compassion shown him helped him to understand that not all people are bad. In the end, however, it became evident that Butcher had suffered too much in the hands of his previous owners, and sadly had to be euthanized. We wish to thank the kind people at ACRN for their all of the love and dedication shown to Butcher during his stay with them. No doubt these were the happiest times he had ever known. The loss of him is felt by all of us who are comforted only by the fact that no one will ever be able to hurt him again. We will not forget you Butcher, may you be at peace.

Bam Bam, at just seven months of age this absolute darling was relinquished to the shelter by his owners. Bam Bam found the shelter to be a terrifying experience for this little guy was not used to the barking, the new smells, sleeping on a cold wet concrete floor, and not being able to see the outside except for a few brief minutes each day. Bam Bam's shelter life was only made endurable due to the efforts of one very special employee who had developed a special fondness for this sweet little boy, thankfully, she was there for him and had not only fallen in love immediately with his beautiful face and his gentle puppy nature, but had taken him under her wing, trying hard to find a good home for him. Day after day, Bam Bam watched diligently, getting excited to see everyone new coming thru the door, (as puppies just love everybody...) But people passed him by. Sadly not many showed any interest in him at all. Even after weeks had gone by, Bam Bam did not give up hope. Sadly, we have learned that Bam Bam was put to sleep. We are grateful to the one person at the shelter who showed this little guy tenderness and caring before his time ran out. Had it not been for her, it would have seemed that Bam Bam's short life had come and gone without so much as a whisper to remind us that he had been with us at all.....we are grateful that she was there for him when it all ended in a quiet whimper on a cold table. None of them should ever pass alone and unwanted. What we all lost was the love and joy that this little one could have brought into someone's home, had the right family come along in time. What we all live with is the knowledge that his kennel at the shelter would be barely empty before another unwanted or neglected puppy would fill it. We will hold you in our hearts, Bam Bam.