First a little background info: I rescued Rufus, a pathetic looking six month old puppy, suffering from severe demodex mange, at a no-kill shelter in Desert Hot Springs where I volunteered my help in 2005. He was so ill that I decided to take him back to my hospital where he could receive the medical care he badly needed.
My dedicated staff and I worked diligently to get him back on the road to good health. Six months later, that sick puppy had matured into a rambunctious 75 pound Rotweiller mix and was spinning out of control. In fact, he became so protective of us (his new family) that he lunged at visitors and growled.
All our attempts to find Rufus a loving home were sabotaged by his bad behavior—after three long years we were literally at a dead end. Feeling frustrated and sorry for Rufus, I told my staff that living inside the walls of a vet hospital was NO life for any dog. Something more had to be done. We contacted rescue groups asking them to foster Rufus and even offered financial help—no luck. Then fate took over: he bit the hand of one of our clients who attempted to pet him. Tearfully, I informed my staff of the need to put Rufus down—he was in the red zone and we had simply been in denial.
While I struggled to come to grips with this painful decision—the need to put down a dog that I saved three years earlier—my staff made a desperate 911 call to Cesar Millan and nervously waited for an answer. We knew that Cesar would be Rufus’ last and only chance to live the life we saved!
We were admittedly stunned when we received a call back asking us to hang on for another 3 weeks. Incredibly, Cesar and his devoted staff moved quickly to prevent us from having to make the agonizing decision to euthanize him. Rufus was off death row—the Dog Whisper was coming!
First, the camera crew and support staff arrived. It would be another three hours before Cesar himself walked right in and introduced himself—asking his famous question, How can I help you? So, what happened next?
Tune in on Friday, May 23 and watch an amazing and transformational episode of the Dog Whisperer! You can find The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel (check your local listings for time and channel number).
Our staff has been following Cesar’s instructions to the letter for the past four months. Rufus’ social skills have shown remarkable improvement and he is now ready to find the right “pack leader” who will continue to enforce Cesar’s three golden rules: Exercise, Discipline and Affection. Rufus has truly earned the right to have the loving home he so desperately needs and wants!!
For adoption information on Rufus, click here.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Ingrid // May 11, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I can’t wait to see the show and see how Rufus is doing.
Congratulations on having Cesar Millan come to save him!
2 Maggie // May 15, 2008 at 10:34 am
I have watched Cesar do amazing things with out of control Red zone dogs..will certainly watch this show. Having two Rottie’s who are the gentlest pets I am always glad to see help rather than putting them down. They respond to someone who sets bounderies.
3 Joie // May 24, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I watched the show last night, and as usual, Cesar worked his magic. It was great to see a rescue facility that believes in Cesar’s work. Alot of them don’t and they should! It’s a better alternative to having to put dogs down just because they show some aggression. THANKS AGAIN CESAR FOR ALL YOU DO!
4 Jan Keith // May 31, 2008 at 11:23 am
Saw the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan, & watched him with your staff & Rufus. He does amazing work with animals. Rufus is headed for a great home for sure. However, the compassion, dedication & love you have for your patients, your clients & the wayward homeless dogs & cats who find their way to you, is far beyond ANY veterinarian we have ever encountered in over 40 years of pet parenting! Paula, you & your wonderful loving staff are simply the BEST!
5 Roslyn Foley // Jun 3, 2008 at 3:18 am
Cesar is truly an amazing guy and the world is a much better place having him in it.
You and your staff should also be commended for your tireless work helping animals the way you do.
Unfortunately, here in Australia, I never know when I will get to see any of Cesar’s shows. But, I make the most of the ones I do get to see and it has helped me with my relationship with my little girl,a 2 year old staffie named Flo. She’s the light of my life and literally came to me when I was on deaths door and terribly depressed. She saved my life and watching Cesar has only helped my relationship with her. I’m thinking of getting her a friend and have my eye out for that special one.
Keep up your wonderful work, if I was physically able, I too would be volunteering my time to help the animals in my local area.
Sincerely
Roslyn
NSW Australia
6 Mary // Jun 16, 2008 at 8:26 am
This is wonderful news on Rufus. We had a situation very much like this recently being an owner relinquish. Cesar’s Way is the only way for our Breed. Our rescue had been seen by a behaviorist several times in the home and all of his issues documented. We decided to give him a try in our rescue org., and if we could not help him….at least we tried as we were his last hope. Within a day, the dog had relaxed, experienced Pack Leadership, and responded. He is a totally different dog now, and also ready to move on to a loving home. Thanks Cesar ….We now have been able to save and rehabilitate over 100 German Pointers
7 Dog Whisperer show update: can you help Rufus? // Jun 26, 2008 at 12:04 am
[...] Read the full story about our 911 call to Cesar Millan here: [...]
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