He lays outstretched in his warm kennel, his large handsome head resting on ample paws. Alone, his days of being the adored only dog behind him, the many days since, waiting and waiting-for someone. A sigh escapes his deep chest. And then, a sound draws him to the kennel door. He sits with one paw raised against the door of the kennel, ears lifted at every sound. The ever so sad-eyed basset expression now illuminated with the sparkle of recognition. He knows this footstep, the keeper of the kennel, his friend. His joy is overflowing and in the frenzy of anticipation and excitement, he hurls himself against the kennel door with passionate uplifted voice that seems to say, “Hurry, hurry, I have waited forever just to see you and I can wait no longer to be beside you”. And as the kennel door opens, the frenzied hurling and boisterous sound-off come to a sudden stop as Rosko calmly trots out from his enclosure. And with a quizzical backwards look in his eyes , he slows down, to wait for his friend to walk beside him. Now that he has said hello, and is basking in the company of his pal, Rosko is ready to inhale the fresh outdoor air and count the minutes until breakfast.
With his movie star looks and great acting ability, it is nothing short of amazing that Rosko has not made it to the big screen. Those at the kennel, who are around Rosko every day, find themselves in hysterics over the antics of “Little Big Man”. Though Rosko was the focus of adoration in a loving home for his first 4 years , the indulgent lifestyle put few restraints on his behaviors. The failing health of his doting caregiver brought Rosko to BROOD in early 2007. Exposed to the social expectations of pack living among dogs and people was a major challenge. To his credit, Rosko displays perfect housetraining manners and the ability to be left alone without separation anxiety. He enjoys playing with other dogs, especially if they are of the same or smaller size. He is intimidated by larger dogs and will quickly assume the movie star role of Big Bad Leroy Brown complete with fierce barking and lunging at the offensive dog. Unfortunately for Rosko, it all falls apart at this point when his aggressive actions are met with an equal reaction. The minute his bluff is called, Rosko abandons all bravado and runs howling and crying in search of his people friends for protection and comfort. Soothed with a large dose of kisses and belly rubs, the terror quickly subsides as Rosko assumes his next movie star persona as “the victim” and soaks up all available love-love.
As Rosko did not grow up in an environment of sharing, he is in the process of receiving behavior modification to curtail his possessiveness of his food and treats. With firm and consistent training, Rosko is learning the appropriate behaviors for mealtime and when offered special treats. Issues of food aggression/protectiveness require mature handling. Rosko is also fearful of routine medical care which he perceives will cause him pain. Again, mature or professional handling will ensure that Rosko’s medical and grooming needs are met.
At each day’s end, Rosko slowly returns to his kennel, lingering for the last stroke of his head, a slow, sad wag of the tail as the kennel door shuts behind him. He stretches out, head on paws, to wait again for the next day. Perhaps someone will come this time and see the little boy who has waited and waited-for someone. And as doggie dreams of loving adoration creep into his sleepy head-he sighs.
Adoption fee for Rosko: $200.00.***
updated
02/26/08
photo update 07/18/07
* “Kennel evaluation only.
Awaiting foster home for complete evaluation.
Please consider fostering me! Apply today.”
**The age of many BROOD dogs is unknown, as very few come with official records. The estimate on the dog's age is usually the initial estimate given by the receiving shelter, which may be different from that given at the time of initial checkup. Different veterinarians may also give different ages, and those different opinions are sometimes reflected on the records.
***BROOD's adoption fees are determined based on age of the dog. Individual adoption fees are shown with each dog's listing.