Comments on: The Heavy Pawprints Rufus Left Behind

By: Jim W

Jim W — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:41:26 +0000

So Sorry to hear about Ruffus he was sweet as soon as I saw the episode I was full ready to adopt him that day and get him sent to us here in Canada. Please people if you see or know about any type of animal abuse stop it right then get their name their license number anything you can this has to stop and stop NOW!

Rest in Peace Ruffus.
Hugs Kisses

By: Elane M

Elane M — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:51:17 +0000

I saw Rufus for the first time last night on the Dog Whisperer and fell in love with him. I felt so strongly that I wanted to adopt him. I am saddened to learn of his passing! I am, at the same time, grateful that he was loved so much by the people who worked so hard to find him a home.

By: Tina H.

Tina H. — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:48:48 +0000

Dear Dr.T,

I am truly sorry for your loss.. having lost a dog myself in the past I know how heart breaking it can be.~! I have been following your web blog about rufus and was facinated with his transformation and story. He was truly lucky to have found you guys and have you as his family ( and im sure the other way around too!) =)

By: Randy Ward

Randy Ward — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:58:26 +0000

I read this and those famlier tears came back for Ruffus,my wife and in July of last year lost our”Lana”almost the same way,sick a few days and a few days of her being lana again,after many trips to our vet(7) it was time to make the call,that last trip to the vet she sat up front with us ,so brave,so trusting….I can’t look at another
pit without thinking of the 12 years she touched our lives.a few weeks later early on a sunday morning on the next mountain over from the house we heard a yelp,and a another yelp,a little mixed pit puppy brown and really scared,lost,needing help,Someone had dumped her!
That empty spot in our heart was being filled again, those same eyes that needed us so badly
my Lana was back again,Rufus needed you and you(we) needed Rufus…..

By: Patty

Patty — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:10:42 +0000

Rufus did have a home, and a darned good one!! It may not have been a home in the traditional sense, but all of his doggy needs were more than fulfilled. Rufus was loved, well-fed, well taken care of, had great vet care, was exercised regularly, and he got to be at work all day with his family instead of waiting for his family to come home from work. What better home could a dog ask for than that!!

If you humanize it, Rufus didn’t have a home.
If you canine-ize it, Rufus had a great home.

By: Cyndi B.

Cyndi B. — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:36:01 +0000

Dear Dr. Paula,

How many gooodbyes can be planned?

Rufus was where he wanted to be, your own words state that: We waited for someone to want him. We promised the Big Guy (as we called him) that someone special was coming.

He was wanted!: very much, by all of you and yes, someone special, but not who you pictured was waiting.

He was where he was supposed to be, just as Woody is.

As hokey as it sounds, the Pet Physic says: We never get “over” them, we just learn to live without them.

Your grief is mine,
Cyndi

By: LisaMarie

LisaMarie — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:42:52 +0000

This news weighs very heavy- like a ton of solid Rock – the kind of Rock only Rufus may understand- it weighs heavy, pressing against my heart… I was blessed to have had the pleasure of meeting Rufus, touching him, and being in his presence, far before Cesar Milan “did his magic” on him. I’ve been screening people for loving, patient, 4ever permanent homes for Rufus ever since I met him. Today I was about to call Paula to see if he was still available- I wanted to see him. Now I’m finding he’s under the Rainbow Bridge, which I’m hoping is a part of the heaven I’ll eventually be in. I look forward to giving him a big hug someday and telling him how sorry I was that I couldn’t take him myself… I had a dog just like him- I call him my “rottie in pit bull skin.” It’s the only reason I couldn’t take Rufus home, I had adopted my own Rufus. I hope he forgives me, because I haven’t forgiven myself for not “finding a way” to take him. All I could do is try to convince rottie-lovers to give Rufus a chance, because the love these dogs return is worth every bit of effort it takes to rehab these dogs with consistently good experiences, & make them know they are safe. My sincere truest Love, Hugs, & forever kisses to this big boy, now & forever more…God speed the pain of broken hearts to Paula & her staff… LmS

By: Allison and Michael

Allison and Michael — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:31:48 +0000

We loved Rufus so much and we feel your pain with his loss. Even though it hurts, we are so lucky to have known him. Wrigley and Chloe loved playing with The Big Guy too. We wish we had been able to kiss him goodbye. Thank you for taking such good care of him. Allison and Michael

By: Windy O'Donnell

Windy O'Donnell — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:04:52 +0000

My tears wont stop,I am crying for many reason’s,one is for Rufus leaving so soon,one for the loving care he received in your hands,one is for many dogs around the world that deserve the love Rufus had while on this earth.My prayers are with you always!!Thank you for all the love you give!

By: annie

annie — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:01:14 +0000

It broke my heart to read about Rufus. You see I was thinking of adopting a Rottie and thought he had the most beautiful and loving face anyone could ever want. I was just too damn late. I am kicking myself for not finding him sooner, but then again what better place for a sick dog to be than with the vet? You all are true angels to keep him for so long even when others would have simply given up on him.