I had 3 German Shepherds, Schutzhund trained.June 2008,I lost Thor to cancer & age.July 2008 I lost Brandy to cancer & age.I was very down and hugged Chaos closer, but no more dogs.September 2008 a Bristol Twp.K-9 had to retire but needed a home, after 9 years on the police force.I could not adopt a senior dog.It would be too hard for me.But even K-9's that can't find homes are euthenized.I thought about it,I couldn't let that happen. I am trained in Schutzhund, tracking,protection, and obedience, German,& Chec commands. I met with Officer Wiser.I could speak K-9 Rommel's language. I could keep him active with exercises in the work he was used to. I am used to the medical care of a senior dog.I have the best Veterinaty Hospital and the best Vet,at Quakertown Veterinary Hospital in Pa.
K-9 Rommel got along perfectly with Chaos, the German Shepherd I still had. I could handle it well if Rommel grabbed my arm and was practicing Protection work. I met with Rommel and fell in love with him as soon as I sat down in the Police Kennels, and he climbed into my lap.Officer Wiser and I trained Rommel and Chaos many times together. At Rommel's Retirement Ceremony Sept. 18,2008, It was clear Rommel had his forever home with me. Rommel and Chaos Became brothers and played together in the big fenced yard. They had 2 of everything in toys and treats and bowls etc. There was never a fight between them in the 5 years that Rommel was with us. Thor had been Chaos' Alfa dog, and Chaos took Rommel as his new Alfa Leader. It was perfect. Every year on Rommel's birthday he had a family party at home,dinner,vanilla cake,ice cream,& presents.He also each year visited his former Police Dept.There was cake and ice cream for any of the officers in the main Police Bldg. and any officers in the K-9 Kennels where we had his party. Instead of receiving gifts here. Rommel brought food, toys, and treats for all of his former K-9 kennelmates. Everyone looke forward to this every year.Rommel's Birthday was 7-11-98,Rommel passed a few weeks after his last visit to the Police Dept. in 7-2012. Officer Tom Gaffney helped us celebrate with Rommel but saw something in Rommel I didn't see. Supv. Sgt. Tom Gaffney set me to our vet with Rommel after our party.I will post the memorial Sgt. Gaffney wrote in what he saw that day.It explains all about Rommel.I have delayed for one year giving K-9 Rommel a Residency at Rainbows Bridge. I owe that to Rommel and to post the memorial letters From his department.I wasn't ready for the final closure.I am starting to cry but I must finish this and keep my promise to create his Memorial Residency. I must ask forgiveness in being remiss, for delaying the following. I will be forever grateful to Bristol Township Bucks County Pa. Officer Dave Wiser for interviewing me and considering my Schutzhund training and experience, and trusting me with the retirement life of his Partner.I thank you for all of your visits with him. I know you realize that I completely spoiled him and gave him all of the best care. Thank you so much for Rommel.I must thank, K-9 Supervisor Sargeant Tom Gaffney.I can't thank you enough for all of your kindness, and support for K-9 Rommel over the years.I thank you for the visits. I also am so grateful that you said the one thing to me that helped me, when Rommel was in so much pain and couldn't get up. You told me to remember to give him his Dignity. I had to do that.Only someone who knew and loved Rommel as you did, could say that out of love for Rommel. Thank you so much for that gift of your words. I can't thank you enough for the time when Phila. Police wouldn't help me because he was not a Phila Police retired K-9, but a Bristol Township retired K-9.They called you at home after they wouldn't help me.You did not get angry. You came over to our house and lifted him into the car for an emergency ride to the Vet.I was alone in the house and Rommel was medically in trouble.He weighed the same as I do. I couldn't lift him and my son and husband were out.I didn't realize no one else would help because he was a K-9.Thank God that day, that Rommel had you, who knew, and loved him to help him. I got him to the emergency Vet in time,thanks to you. At that point I stayed with Rommel every day all day while he was in the hospital. Rommel had his last Birthday celebration with you at his former Police Station. His last photos were with you holding his leash standing next to him. Thank you for the beautiful memorial you wrote and also the one from your department.
Thank you K-9 Rommel for spending your retirement years with me and allowing me the privilidge of becoming your mommy. Your Supervisor,Sgt. Gaffney, Your Partner Officer Wiser,and of course me, your Mommy will always remember and Love you,
Rommy's Furever Mommy
Rommel you taught me what love really is. You are the Senior Dog that changed my mind about rescuing. You were with me 24/7 even though you were retired your manners made you welcome everywhere. I was told many times "Once a Cop Always a Cop." You were loving, extremely well mannered, courteous,my protector, and very attached to me.I loved that. I tried to do everything to make your retirement and health the best you could have. I think and hope that you thoroughly enjoyed your life with us.I have gone for the first time in 35 years without a dog. It has been one year today since we said goodbye. I just couldn't I miss you too much. Please greet me at the Bridge when it is my time to join you.I will always love the date of 9-18-08 when you officially became my furbaby. My Narc With a Bark.
My K-9 Rommel Love You forever Rommy, Rommy's Rommy
O you.