HumaneLA.org

[dananesbitt]

Thanks so much to everyone who helped Julius find a happy ending, after his ordeal during Katrina. We received this update from Shelli Brooks. Shelli, we can't thank you enough for all your support:

Hello to all of you wonderful people who have helped Julius along in his journey!

Julius traveled to Lubbock, TX last week with HSLA's Animal Care Services Director, Johnna Harris. Even though one of his traveling companions was not one of his favorite dogs, Julius was a very well-behaved boy and was as quiet as a mouse during his trip.

He arrived at Lollipop Farm Boarding kennels where Sandy had so generously offered him a place to get to know his new mom, Laura, and sister on neutral ground. Julius spent several days there and was evaluated by a very kind woman who also does Rottie training. He was visited a couple of times a day by Laura, but started to seem depressed, so as soon as everyone was comfortable, Julius was introduced to his new sister.

I must admit, there was a little nail-biting on my end. I felt confident that Julius COULD do well with Annie and Laura, but WOULD he? Well, here's the report in Laura's words:

(Note: For fun visualisation purposes, Annie is a young English Bulldog)

Things went really well I think. They played really rough so at first I was nervous Annie would get hurt. Within five minutes of getting Julius home in the yard she was like his shadow following him up and down the fence and hurling herself in front of him so they could wrestle. It was pretty funny. I think with the exception of a few boundary setting spats they loved each other from the get go. The only thing that concerns me is that they are waaaay competitive for attention. They push each other out of the way to get closer to me (Julius sat on Annie in order to get a really good ear scratch which made me laugh.)

Needless to say, the image of Julius running around his OWN yard with his new companion and his new mom looking on has had me smiling all day!!!!!!! There are very few things in the world that could make me happier than the fact that Julius is doing so well and has found a soft place to lay his head at last.

I have SO many people to thank for helping me complete Julius' rescue. He was a Katrina dog stuck in limbo with no home and no prospects because he was a big adult male Rottie with a general dislike for men. It seemed to me that his rescue could remain open-ended with no happy ending in his future; but, thanks to everyone who kept him in their thoughts and at the top of their priorities lists, Julius is in a divine home complete with a little sister.

Julius' new mom, Laura, is a patient, understanding person who has gone above and beyond in making Julius' transition a success.

Lollipop Farm Boarding Kennel made Julius' introduction to his new surroundings and new mom smooth and, without a doubt, helped make this match a success. They took Julius into their care, consulted with his new owner even before he arrived and always had Julius' best interest in mind. All this for a dog they had never met! No begging or sob story necessary. Sandy heard that a dog needed a little help getting into a home and stepped right in. I will always be thankful.

Cat Cino has continuously offered guidance as to how to make Julius' life happier, even when he was at the shelter. Her advice and guidance has been indispensable.

HSLA never gave up on Julius. They gave him "prime real estate" at the shelter, treated him for heartworms, provided much needed entropian surgery on his eyes, and always made sure he had a person whom he trusted to care for him. And when a home arose, though they didn't have a ton of money lying around to transport him to Lubbock, TX, there was never a doubt that they would get our guy where he needed to go.

Elizabeth Reynolds never ever stopped believing that Julius would find his perfect home. She sent out numerous emails touting Julius charms. When asked for help in finding trainers and Rottie resources, she repeatedly came through without hesitation. A good deal is owed to Elizabeth for all she has done for our Julius. If he had the chance, I'm sure he would cover her face in big kisses. (So might I, for that matter.)

Finally, to those of you who offered support in Lubbock and those of you who contributed to Julius' transport fund, THANK YOU! The network of Rottweiler people has been amazing. Having people near by his new home who are their to support his success is so reassuring. And, the fact that so many of you went out of your way to donate money toward his transport is beyond any expectations I could ever have for a group of folks who have never even met Julius.

So JULIUS IS IN A HOME!! HOORAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shelli