canine
The Dog Who Changed Everything Heddie Leger relates the tale of Hero, the Rottweiler who lost his guardian, and who was rescued and went on to have an inspirational new life as a much loved therapy dog and prison program dog
© Heddie Leger
Rottweiler Hero was an atrisk puppy at birth and the veterinarian did not expect him to survive
© Heddie Leger
Author Heddie Leger and her therapy dog, Hero, began the first reading programs with the MidContinent Public Library and the Kansas City Public Library systems
“Scary times, and yet I keep trying to find the peace that is everywhere; if I can calm my mind and simply be. The net of kindness and love has been torn, and yet, still enough strands remain to carry us on.” (S. Clothier, personal communication, 2020).
I
open this article with these thoughts so aptly shared by a wonderful soul friend and trainer, Suzanne Clothier. These words graciously summarize a vast ocean of emotions we across the globe currently are experiencing. We will carry on because we must. This could also be the life mantra of a very special canine that I had the good fortune to cross paths with on my life journey as an animal lover, rehabilitator, rescuer and trainer. When we work in the field of an imal sheltering and training we come across many dogs, all special in their own unique way. However, every once in a blue moon someone comes along who you recognize as your soul dog. The dog that changes everything about your life and how you live.
Soul Dog Enter Hero! It will be a challenge to encapsulate Hero in a few short
Enter Hero. This big, burly dog certainly got the attention and respect of the offenders we worked with. The bonus of this was that I also received their respect, because who would mess with a little lady who could skillfully manage a 100+ pound Rottweiler?
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BARKS from the Guild/November 2020
paragraphs, but space and time dictate these parameters. Hero was an atrisk puppy at birth. The veterinarian did not expect him to survive, yet somehow he did. He loved to sit by his first guardian’s side 24 hours a day. They were totally bonded, but, sadly, one day the dreaded cancer took her from him and he was left homeless. At the shelter, he sat in a kennel waiting for someone to love him, but 100 pound Rottweilers often have difficulty finding new homes. I decided to bring him home for an overnight to give him a break from the kennel. He laid down in the middle of the living room and claimed our home and hearts as his own. He never left either of them. With a heart as big as Texas, soulful eyes, kindness, wisdom, calm ness and a friendly spirit, Hero walked among people as if he knew and understood each one of them. He would adapt his behavior to each per son or dog he met, making friends across the world. We can train the skills for dogs to become therapy and/or service dogs, but it is very important to look at the individual to see what it is they want to do and/or were born to do. It was very clear Hero wanted to be a therapy dog, so that is exactly what we did…..together. He be came officially registered and served his entire life, including the day he passed. He LOVED his job. Hero gained love, admiration and respect everywhere he went. He brought a healing touch to hospice patients as well as many people who had mental or behavioral challenges. He was so admired for his work
