June, 2003

Wow, look at those statistics. This year we took in only 138 Rottweilers. Compared to prior years, our intake number has dropped. Does this mean that there are fewer rotties being picked up as strays, or relinquished by their owners? We wish. No, the animal controls and shelters are still full. Owners still call daily wanting to give up their dogs. More and more rotties are being euthanized because no one wants them. So with all of these rotties needing help, why have our intake numbers dropped? The answer is simple. Out of the many rotties needing help, when evaluated fewer are being accepted. Of those that are considered rehomeable, with limited space we are only able to take in a few. We are also finding, that out of the many applications we received, only a handful are qualified to adopt.

Our stats will show that we have had limited number of rotties turned over directly to us from the owner. The majority of our owner turn-ins are rotts that the owners have given up to a shelter or animal control. We have found that by having the dogs go through another facility, we are getting better evaluations. We work with many shelters and animal controls but our top three facilities over the years have remained the same: South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights, IL, Joliet Township Animal Control in Joliet, and City of Chicago Animal Care and Control. These three shelters combined account for 59% of our rotties.

As usual we have had our fair share of rotties requiring major medical expenses. We had more than our share of Parvo cases, but unlike previous years when we were able to save more than we lost, the tide has turned. New strains of this virus have taken little lives without giving them a chance. Heartworm is still treated but we have seen a drop in the number of cases.

Board of Directors

Patti Samiec - President

Kathy Hernandez - Treasurer

Theresa Bodinger - Secretary

Barbara Williams

Anne Simmons

The Recycled Rotts Newsletter is published by Recycled Rotts, Inc. P.O. Box #12, Oswego, IL 60543, (630) 551-0729. Recycled Rotts, Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the welfare of the Rottweiler. Donations, not tax money, support this organization.

Contact us: Recycled Rotts Contact Page

Look for our website at: www.recycledrotts.org

2002 Recycled Rotts, Inc.
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What we have seen this year is an increase in orthopedic problems, two cases that stand out were Gracie, a sweet little 6 month old, that was picked up by the City of Chicago Animal Care and Control. Gracie was lying by the side of the street with two broken legs. Then there was Buddy, a charming young adult, whose owner ran him over with a four-wheeler. His leg was shattered. Today both of these dogs are alive and both are in new homes.

It is success stories such as these that make up for all the phone calls from irate rottie owners that can't understand why we can't help them. These people need to give up their dogs due to moving, lifestyle changes, or just plain don't want them anymore. What we can't get across to them is that when you take on a pet, you make a commitment for life. Many feel that commitment ends when they purchase new carpeting and don't want dog hair on it. This rescue is very lucky to have many supporters that are always there when we need them. To our foster families, transporters, and those who regularly send donations to help pay our bills, we thank you. No matter what you do, your help is appreciated, and the dogs love you for it. I would like to particularly thank Pat and Mark Sanders, and their Recycled Rott Shane. For the past two years, Pat, who is the general manager at Ravinia Festival has made available to us a concert as a fundraiser. All the proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the rescue. Pat also provides one of her catering vendors to serve good eats for everyone that attends. We look forward to another fun afternoon at Ravinia again this year.

Our Alumni picnic was again a huge success. This year over 70 Recycled Rott alumni and their families found their way to the Monee Reservoir for a Hawaiian Luau. What fun to see many of our rotties come dressed in hula skirts and flowery print shirts. The plans for the 2003 picnic, `Rotties Under The Big Top', are already underway. The date has been set for Sunday, September 14, 2003 at a new location, Hawthorne Grove at the Blackwell Forest Preserve in Winfield, IL. Watch for more info on our web site. During the year we receive many sad messages about one of our alumni rotties passing away. This year was no different than others. Sadly, we have lost many of those rotties that were placed in our early years. Parker, the rott we considered our mascot, passed away in May 2002. His age was unknown, but all thought him to be at least 11 or 12. He had a good life and left this world peacefully. We try to honor all of our passing rotties on our website Memorial page. If you had a rottie that passed on, and you would like their name added to that page, please let us know.

Barbara Williams