SPDR Rottweiler Rescue

12/07/2025

We had to say goodbye to Debo yesterday. 😭

While his amazing foster angel, Trisha, was able to get him back to normal weight, after two months of treatment and medications we saw almost no improvement on the constant coughing and difficulty breathing/catching his breath (after slight improvment, his most recent labs and x-rays were worse again), we made the difficult decision to give him peace from his suffering.

He went to the Rainbow Bridge surrounded by love - and broke all of our hearts in the process. Run free, sweet boy - you were so loved.

12/03/2025

I was contacted today about this guy, and he needs help.

Bear will be 3 years old in a month. He was adopted out by the Tacoma Humane Society as a puppy in March 2023. Someone turned him into them a couple of weeks ago as a stray, thinking he'd been hit by a car. The shelter has been trying to reach the people who adopted him in 2023 (microchip) but they are not responding to attempted contacts.

Upon thorough exam, Bear, who looks to be about 10 pounds underweight, was found to have torn CCLs in both knees (bilateral). It looks like this isn't a recent injury, as there are degenerative changes to the knees (in vetspeak: X-rays show bilateral stifle effusion with mild degenerative changes to stifle joint including distal patellas. Hips well seated, normal curvature of femoral head. Bilateral torn cruciate ligaments with mild degenerative changes to stifles.)

He's on pain medication and will need to have surgery to repair his knees, which is quite expensive ($10,000 for bilateral knee surgery is a ballpark cost).

I haven't met Bear in person, but the shelter says he's been a very nice and interactive dog, he has been mostly cooperative during his intake and vet exams (doesn’t like palpation of his back legs- we know why now). He seeks attention from people and pulls moderately on leash. Bear can be barrier reactive in his kennel and will bark.

The vets examined his hypopigmented hair which is in a circular pattern around his muzzle and noted that it is consistent with a possible previous tape muzzle application.

Looking for a stand up foster or adopter for this guy - I don't have the time or bandwidth to do all of this myself. He sounds like a nice dog and is so young. With bilateral TPLO or TTA surgery, he could be almost as good as new. With donations, SPDR can pay for this surgery.

Western Washington State. Will consider adopters in Eastern WA, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and BC. Please fill out our adoption application: https://forms.spdrdogs.org/Adoption/

12/02/2025

Kara (posted here before under her former name of Wilma [shelter name], then was Juno for a week with an adoption that didn't work out), has been in foster for several weeks now and is doing well, but is need of a home of her own.

I learned recently that Kara is actually 6 years young, not 3 years old as was thought. I also learned from her history that she's definitely not good with other dogs and needs to be an only dog in the home (although she was okay with the senior Jack Russell terrier in the home that originally adopted her). She is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. She's a good sized girl at 91 pounds, is house trained and crate trained, with good house manners, and knows basic obedience. She rides well in the car and is good on leash. She was at the vet recently for a hot spot (doing well now) and was a good girl for the vet too. And best of all, she's absolutely lovely with almost all humans she meets - friendly and affectionate to people of all ages. She recently was a little concerned over the foster home's adult son and barked at him when he came over - a first! She eventually warmed up and licked his hand/let him pet her, but wasn't completely comfortable with him.

She's good on walks, although does pull a little. She's in a home with a cat, but has been kept separated, as the cat isn't used to dogs and she's displayed some interest in him. With the right situation, it's *possible* she could live with a dog-savvy cat with slow introductions. (See video in comments with her seeing the cat.)

Apply to adopt Kara: https://forms.spdrdogs.org/Adoption/

Washington State, no interstate transports. Oregon, BC, Idaho, and Montana adopters will be considered.

11/30/2025

‼️FOSTER OR ADOPTER NEEDED!‼️

MISSY IS STILL LOOKING FOR HER FOREVER HOME and IN NEED OF A NEW FOSTER HOME BY JANUARY.

Seattle Area ONLY! This gorgeous girl is Missy — she's petite in build but she's a big-hearted pup with a huge love for her favorite ball and an even bigger capacity to love the people she trusts. Once you're in her circle, you're in for life. She’ll be your loyal shadow, nub wagging a mile a minute, always ready for a game of fetch or a cozy nap nearby. She’s the kind of dog who will make you say “oh my god look how CUTE she is!” about 100 times a day.

Missy is just 2 years old and wasn’t set up to succeed early on in her life. Because of that, she’s still learning that the world isn’t so scary. She is unsure of new people at first and takes time to warm up, but when she does she's affectionate and snuggly - her superpower is her strong desire to engage with and connect with people. For now, walks, car rides, and vet appointments where she encounters new people and stimuli are her biggest hurdles (reactive), but she’s a smart girl and has been VERY responsive to gentle, consistent training. She's making huge strides every day with the help of supportive medication and a loving, and simply amazing foster home (Missy couldn't have found a more perfect situation to learn how to become a whole, confident dog).

Because she’s been with a dedicated foster family since late March who’ve been working on her training, we have both a ton of information on her AND have built a fantastic support network. We essentially have the whole Missy handbook plus established petsitters, a vet who knows how to work with her, an amazing trainer, and her foster family, all available as a resource. *To ensure her adoptive home's success, we need to keep these available to her, and are only considering adoptive or foster families in the Seattle area, as far north as Edmonds/Lynnwood.*

Missy is crate-trained and settles in well at night. She sees her crate as a safe space, and we’re working hard to keep it a positive place for her. She carries her favorite yellow ball everywhere. She loves it so much it’s even been used as a reward in training. (See adorable video of her with her ball in the Comments!) She loves going to a sniff spot to run and play with her ball.

Missy’s Ideal Home:
• Adults only (no children)
• No cats or female dogs
• Might do well with a calm, respectful male dog who has great social skills
• Patient, experienced owner committed to continued training and slow, positive introductions

She has so much love to give and just needs someone who sees the amazing girl she’s becoming. Once Missy loves you she makes you feel like the most important person in the world. Her happiness is contagious. With consistency, love, and patience, Missy will be the most loyal, goofy, ball-carrying best friend you could ever ask for.

If you think you might be the person Missy’s been waiting for, fill out an application to adopt or send us a message if you can foster her! You won't regret it - she's a diamond in the ruff!

Apply to adopt this sweetie https://forms.spdrdogs.org/Adoption/
Washington State – no interstate transports. SEATTLE AREA ONLY

If you can foster, please send a Message.

11/29/2025

Want to help SPDR Rottweilers? Donate! ‼️
I have had several dogs this year that have been very expensive:

Gabriel - a male in foster that came from the Whatcom Humane Society just 6 weeks ago. Between neutering, vaccines, deworming, flea control, and checking urine (unusual submissive wetting - mature male), he's cost me over $1,200.

Debo - the medical expenses on Debo are ongoing. So far it's been more than $3,000, and while he's gained 30 pounds, he's not improving as we had hoped and remains very sick. Just when we think we have to make the decision to let him go to the rainbow bridge, he rallies.

Missy - she's been in foster since early April and has had behavioral needs we've been addressing with a behavioral trainer and a behavioral vet ($2,000) - we're seeing great improvement - as well as her spay and vaccine update - another $2,000. Combine this with regular need for boarding in the past 8 months (in home/Rover care because we would lose all the ground we've gained if we took her to a regular kennel), and she's cost over $6,000 - so far.

Lyla - Between vet care (spay and vaccines) and 3 weeks of boarding (her foster couldn't keep her any longer and I couldn't find another place for her), the costs were more than $4,000.

Between these four alone, I've spent $15,000 for care in the past 8 months. And there have been many others with "regular" vet care fees (less than $1,000 each) in that same time frame.

PLEASE HELP by donating money to the Rottweiler Breed fund with Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue (SPDR).

Here's a link to our donation page: https://www.spdrdogs.org/donate You can donate by mailing a check to our PO Box, or use Paypal. BE SURE TO INCLUDE A NOTE THAT YOUR DONATION IS FOR THE ROTTWEILER FUND (otherwise it goes to the General Fund and I can't use it for Rottweilers in need).

We are a 501c3 nonprofit for over 30 years and your donation is tax deductible.

Click on the below button to make a donation via PayPal—fast, free, and secure. You do NOT need to have a PayPal account to donate online.

11/25/2025

***COURTESY POST***
Molly is back at Seattle Humane - https://www.seattlehumane.org/pet-detail/?pet=59284316

No cats. Other dogs in home are a maybe - call the shelter to see.

11/25/2025

Another excellent post by Dogs Disclosed. Having choice/autonomy is so important to our Rottweilers.

THE CHOICE TO CHOOSE
WHY DOGS SHOULD BE ALLOWED CHOICE

Imagine every little detail of your life is controlled - what and when you eat, where you sleep, when you’re allowed inside or outside, when you’re allowed to go for a walk and if you’re allowed to stop and sniff, who you’re allowed or forced to interact with, what activities you’re allowed to participate in, when you’re given attention, where you’re allowed to be touched etc.

This would create stress and anxiety, a feeling of helplessness, apathy, a lack of confidence and many other negative emotions. The same is true for dogs.

Dogs live in a world where just about everything is controlled by us.

Allowing choice, no matter how simple or small that choice may be, provides so many benefits.

The context and parameters in which we allow choice is obviously important.

Safety, boundaries, environmental factors, other people or animals always need to be taken into account.

A very long time ago, when my daughter was little, she would flat-out refuse to put on the set of clothes I had picked out for her.

Tantrums and stubbornness would often make us late for wherever we were going. This problem was solved by laying out 3 different sets of clothes and allowing her to choose which set she was going to wear.

These were still within my parameters and were still my choice, but by doing this I had allowed her a choice and the problem was solved, without harsh discipline or emotional fall out.

Dogs that are allowed some control over their environment and how they respond to situations are more confident, more emotionally balanced, more resilient, better able to cope with stressful situations, less anxious, less stressed and generally have fewer behaviour problems.

Look for simple, safe ways to provide more choice for your dog.

Improve their wellbeing and quality of life in a world that seeks to dominate and control.

11/25/2025

🕊️ Meet the Guardian Angels of SpokAnimal

If you’ve ever walked through SpokAnimal, you may have noticed a few curious things. Some dog kennels carry a sign that reads: “I am not available. I am here temporarily for the Guardian Angel Program.” Or maybe you spotted the bright, colorful letters on the staff-only door in the cat room: “Guardian Angels.”

These signs mark pets with a special purpose — they’re not available for adoption because they already have families waiting for them. Instead, these furry friends are here to receive temporary care while their humans face unexpected emergencies.

❤️ A Safety Net When Life Throws a Curveball

Emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time. Hospitalizations, sudden family crises, or unexpected displacement can be overwhelming—especially when you’re worried about your pet. That’s where the Guardian Angel Program steps in. This program is strictly for true emergencies and crisis situations, not general boarding.

For up to 14 days, we provide temporary care for cats and dogs whose families are facing urgent, short-term hardship. Because the stay is limited to 14 days, situations involving housing instability must include active efforts to secure new, immediate placement (such as moving into a confirmed new home, entering a shelter program, or waiting on approved housing).

While they stay with us, pets receive:

* ✂️ Spay or neuter surgery
* 💉 Core vaccinations
* 🔍 Microchipping
* 🪱 Deworming

All of this is completely free, and everything is done while they safely wait to reunite with their families.

🐾 More Than Care — Peace of Mind

These pets are part of something bigger than themselves. They’re reminders that a community can step in when life gets messy. While they’re in our care, they’re loved, monitored, and safe — a temporary haven so their owners can focus on what they need to do, knowing their furry family members are in good hands.

Once the emergency is resolved, these animals return home healthy, cared for, and ready to greet the people who love them most.

💛 Be a Part of Their Story

The Guardian Angel Program exists because people like you care. Your support allows us to continue providing these services free of charge, keeping pets safe and families together.

💳 Donate online: spokanimal.org
💵 Donate in person: Stop by SpokAnimal
during our open hours we accept cash, check or card.

Every donation helps us say “yes” to animals and their humans in times of need — keeping families united, one paw at a time. 🐾❤️

11/24/2025

🆘Love Rottweilers? Help your favorite breed by helping those in need. LOOKING FOR A NEW ROTTWEILER BREED REP FOR SEATTLE PUREBRED DOG RESCUE (SPDR). 🆘

So, after 7 1/2 years of rescue (plus 8 years in the 1990s), I've come to a point where I just can't do this anymore. I am one person and it's taking a toll on my health - mental and physically - and I need to find someone to take over so I can take a step back. I will be your right hand and help the new breed rep, but I just can't run the whole thing anymore.

SPDR is a 501c3 nonprofit rescue based in King County, Washington. Our dogs come from shelters and owners in the Washington/Oregon area primarily, with an occasional Idaho shelter reaching out for help.

This is a VOLUNTEER (not paid) position with SPDR. You are NOT expected to take the dogs into your own home to foster, and all medical needs and general care (food) is paid by the rescue, so you are reimbursed promptly for any needs the dogs might have.

Must love Rottweilers and want to help those in need of new homes. At least 5 years of breed experience preferred. Note: SPDR endorses positive reinforcement training only (no prong collars, ecollars, or choke chains). Good people skills are a must (it's easier if you're a "people person" and good at making connections - not an introvert like me 😄)

Please send a note if you can help with homeless Rottweilers in the Pacific Northwest.

https://www.spdrdogs.org/become-an-spdr-breed-rep

11/23/2025

11/19/2025

***COURTESY POST*** This boy sounds like a sweetheart. The shelter says they were told he's 4 years old. He looks more like 6 or 7, but that could be due to whatever he's mixed with, and/or the tough life it sounds like he's had (premature gray). Go get this guy and give him the sweet life he's been dreaming about.

🐾💔 Friend’s Story: A Life Too Hard, A Heart Too Big 💔🐾

4 years • Rottie Mix

Friend’s journey has been rough. He was found tied up outside our shelter, but that’s only part of his story. Before that, he spent much of his life with people in encampments, often left alone, tied up for hours with no shelter, no care, and no one to show him kindness. Life hasn’t been fair—but through it all, Friend never lost his gentle, loving heart.

When he came to us, he was a little worn down by life, but he’s quickly shown his soft, cuddly side. He loves belly rubs, snuggles, and being near people. His heart is huge, his loyalty unmatched, and he’s ready to finally have the life he deserves.

Friend deserves a patient, loving family who will show him that kindness can last forever. After everything he’s endured, he’s ready to trust again—and he’ll love you with everything he has. ❤️