I am very obliged to Rescue Me for providing the wonderful assistance in finding Chester (Akita - German Shepherd) a new loving family. There were many inquiries, and the mixed feelings regarding giving away to a loving pet who was a rambunctious family member. Chester had so many good qualities, but was too high energy and strong for this ole grandmother. He liked to 'play attack' and bite elbows, heels, rip through sweatshirts, almost pushed me off the cliff to the lake one evening. He tore up chairs and plants, computer cords, shoes, chewed on the deck, took off my grandson's socks, bit my son three times while guarding his food bowl. The neighbors were upset with him barking in the middle of the night when he saw a deer and had to protect our property. Also, my neighbor lady had fractured her hip three times and feared Chester. He was happy to see her and wanted to jump on her to say, 'HI' until she acknowledged him, which she wouldn't. I worried that he would cause her to fall again. Chester also dug holes all over the yard, burying bones... and I twisted my ankle more than once. Chester, 60 pounds, was so wild that we separated him from our elderly Yorkie, (unless supervised indoors.) One day the little one was let out downstairs, not realizing Chester was outside upstairs....and he ran so fast, pounced on our Yorkie trying to play, and paralyzed him. After 10 days of Vet appointments, a pain patch, syringe feeding, repositioning, administering anti-inflammatory and pain medications, he started bleeding out and had to be euthanized. He was my son's dog who slept with him half of his life. A few days later his Dad, age 65, died of cancer. Sad times. On Chester's first birthday he ran out on the icy lake, wouldn't listen to commands to return. He fell through and struggled in the frigid water. I had to call 911 and six fireman rescued him by canoe. His story was on the 10 pm News. Over the year we lived with Chester, I tried and tried to calm him, but just couldn't provide the excitement he needed. He would have to sit and wait for days while I worked several 12 hour night shifts at the hospital, and slept during the days. Of course, he hated being confined and contained. Now, thanks to Rescue Me, we found a great family with seven children (youngest age 13), who live on three acres with a pond. They love to hike and go to the White River where Chester will still be able to swim and retrieve and explore. He has two outside smaller dogs with him, is free to romp and roam. I inquired when I met the family, if barking would be a problem. They stated there are no close neighbors, but all of the dogs in the woods bark, so no one minds. Their daughter is a Vet Assistant and provides medication and care for all of the animals, so I know he will be well taken care of. Chester needed a strong male in charge so he would not feel the need to be Leader of the Pack. I appreciate Rescue Me so much for helping find a fantastic situation with lots of attention for my beautiful Chester. | |
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