I was very worried at first, when Caesar came to live here...How was *I* who was having all these severe medical problems that were getting worse, going to be able to TRAIN a 4 month old puppy!?!?! I remember very well, how Max was as a pup, and the hard work, running around, blood,sweat and tears that goes into training ANY dog, let alone something as specialized as a Service dog.not to mention, I was trusting a dog, site unseen to ENTRUST my life/health to, at my most vunerable time.
Max always bonded to me, and always was concerned and a velcro dog, and he also loved EVERYONE else as well, he loves life and all of humanity, but I needed a dog who not only needed LOVE, but more importantly needed a sense of his/her important duty in wanting and KNOWING how to serve me as an extension of me. A dog who HAD to know, NOT to pull me over, who would be paitient with occasional fumbled or clumsy handling, one who could forgive mistakes and took working VERY seriously. ALOT to ask such a young dog. But my worry was for naught...
The other day, when tempretures dropped, I began to spike a fever and my joints were aching like red hot nails in them. I felt a soft sigh and there was Caesars body pressed ever so gentle against mine. He who knows how to be like any other red blooded puppy, followed me calmly and quietly all that night and afternoon. He never let me out of his sight, but neither was he intrusive and pushy (let me do that! I wanna! I wanna!) like Max can occasionally be (without meaning too). My son bundled me up in flannel blankets and we took the Power chair out and I had Caesar next to me, it was a wonderful walk in the gorgeous cool fall air..(my joints might be aching, but I have soooo missed FALL! and cannot wait for carting season, even if Max pulls the cart empty and I ride behind in the power chair!)We greeted neighbors and Max was all over them with his usual "lovey boy, in your face, here I am self"....Caesar sat quietly next to my leg, pressed against me, watching me. He is such a SERIOUS little fellow, for a 6 month old Rottweiler.He reminds me of some quiet "Secret Service Agent", steady, not easily humored and who takes their job with a responsibility that transcends simple words.I love Max, and I love Caesar.....In many ways they are so much alike....I can look at Caesar and think "I remember when Max did that as a puppy".....But in many ways they are so different. One very "Happy go lucky, who takes nothing seriously" and another who loves his family, but takes his job seriously without ever having to be taught that. He loves meeting people too, can be a total mush and sweetheart, but in HIS heart....I always come first above all else and that is something you just cannot teach.I am honored to have a "helper" and special companion like that.The "newbie" of the house has so integrated himself that no one here can ever concieve of what it was like BEFORE he came, and that is only in 2 month time.Astounding, simply astounding.
Jackie and the Rotten ones
Visit us at:
Southern Shadows Rottweiler Pages
Home of Maximillian von Sydow CGC, CS,TDI &
Black Ives Imperial v.Topaz Emperor "Caesar" (Service dog in training)
& Monty the Rat Terrier
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Jackie & Max
Visit us at
Southern Shadows Rottweilers
http://hometown.aol.com/shadowsara/index.html
Responsible Rottweiler Ownership!
