Our family has always been dog lovers, but we also had cats and birds over the years that were also rescued and everyone got along. But, back in January of 2009 was a really sad time for the family because we lost our Max who was Rot/Mastiff of 6 years (our big baby) due to a tumor on his liver. All his days were filled with love from all members of our family. Our gentle giant was gone and even though we still had our two girl Rotties, Sensi and Brandy (currently 14 and 12 years old) there was a void in the wholeness of our house.
Dave and I looked at several opportunities, but did not find the dog we were looking for. We had high hopes with an acquaintance that was going to breed his German Rottie and give puppies to good homes, but the pregnancy failed a few months later. We were assured another will come along but never happened.
In March of 2009 we inquired on an adoptable dog seen on channel 20. A phone call later, we were introduced to the very energetic Pali Boucher. She invited us to her house to visit the dog. We spent time talking about our needs, the dogs Pali had and what would work for us. We had intended to volunteer in the future, so we decided why not “Rocket Dog?” The needed paper work was completed and soon after we were fostering a “parvo” puppy named “Ozzie”.
During a photo shoot for foster dogs, we were introduced to King Tubby (Pix Bull/Bassett Hound Mix) who was being fostered by Dina. He had a great temperament with all the dogs in the room and his personality was just too funny he had us laughing. Dina asked if we were interested and Pali assured us this was the dog for us. So we agreed to a weekend trial see if he would get along with our female Rotties. We never thought we would own a pit mix, but it worked out fine. We decided to change his name to Smokey because our grand-daughter said he had the eye color of Smokey Robinson (Motown great) and his fur is smokey gray and it all seemed to fit him perfect.
A week later Pali contacted us that she found out that a Mastiff was at S.F. Animal Control and his days were numbered. Just what my husband and I were looking for, so we agreed to meet Dina to see the dog. After a get acquainted period, we were on our way home with Gus who looked at us with those eyes of his and we knew he needed us as much as we needed him. He was very much traumatized and it took several days for him to settle down and be even a little comfortable in his new home.
Two weeks later our adoption papers became final for both Smokey and Gus much thanks to Pali who matched us with both our dogs that became a perfect match. The boys get along wonderful with our two older Rotties and give them respect as the elder dogs. We never expected Gus and Smokey to become best friends and watching them play, run, chase and carry on together as if they were from the same litter brings laughter and smiles to our family. They both are an absolute joy to have and thanks to Rocket Dog Rescue we have a full family. Fuller than we intended, but we are very happy and so are all the dogs.
PS: The little Yorkie is our son and his partner’s dog Bruno who rules them all and they let him. Our children and grand kids can’t wait to take them camping with the family.
Jean and Dave Anderson
San Francisco