CLANCY

There she sat quietly in her cage at the Fredericton SPCA – dog #1466 – wondering who would take a chance with her, a breed with a bad reputation. That was in 1994, when I adopted “Clancy”, an eighteen-month old Rottweiler, that is now the ‘love of my life’.

Fredericton SPCA - #1466

At the age of eight I contracted Polio, which completely paralyzed me except for my neck and the fingers on the left hand. With the help of surgery, physiotherapy, and external aids, such as crutches and a long-leg brace, I was able to maintain a fairly ‘normal way of life for many years. While growing up in Harvey Station my father raised purebred German Shepherds and my love of dogs followed me throughout the years. Once I became a homeowner, having my ‘own’ dog was a must, so bought a young Shepherd from a back yard breeder – a bad mistake. We lost him at age 15 months but during that time got involved with the River Valley Obedience Club. When it came time to get another dog, I decided to get one from the SPCA. I prepared myself not to get taken by just any big brown eyes but to find a dog that met my requirements – young adult, gentle, not rambunctious – to name a few.

Although not a Shepherd, “Clancy” (not her name at the time) was a very mature eighteen- month old dog without a history of behavioral problems. Like me, she had a debilitating youth, when according to her ‘rap’ sheet she had “her right rear leg broken at age 3-4 months”. I later found out more of her story ….. Because a vehicle backed over her leg, her owner was going to destroy her. The good neighbour decided to take her and pay for her surgery. Later she was ‘adopted’ by another couple but soon afterwards was taken to the SPCA due to a family break-up.

Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, with her traumatic youth, we found Clancy to be a very mature and confident dog for her age with a very even temperament. These were factors that ‘sold’ me on adopting her and to this day makes me wonder how was I so fortunate to find a dog as kind and loving as Clancy. She is a wonderful example of the breed and I promote the ‘Rottweiler’ whenever or wherever possible.

It is now 2002, seven and a half years later, and Clancy and I both have more difficulty getting about. Her broken leg now shows sign of arthritis and hip displysia making her ‘bunny hop’ often while getting about. That does not stop her however in following me everywhere and wanting to ‘help’ me whatever the chore may be.

Many years ago my crutches were replaced by a scooter for most of my ambulation and then four years ago I broke my leg and then found it more difficult to do personal chores. From day-one Clancy has followed me everywhere. Whether it is following me in the house or running or laying beside my scooter, she can never seem to get close enough to me. Although Clancy & I had done three levels of basic obedience training with River Valley in the beginning, I thought that Clancy could be further trained to ‘assist’ me. Terry Pye of Keswick took her for two weeks to give her additional training such as teaching her the meaning of the words “take it”, “hold” and “out”. Although a Rottweiler is not by nature a retriever and having impeccable house manners, Clancy at first resisted in picking up articles.

Today she is most willing and happy to retrieve whatever I ask of her – such as, pick up a spoon or coin, open a door, carry my clothes, help me to remove my coat or socks, carry a clothes basket or recycle bin, drop dirty clothes into a basket, carry my briefcase or purse, retrieve the TV remote, an item from another room or retrieve my crutches –she loves every minute of it. A happy dog is a working dog and she portrays it in her enthusiastic body language.

Since Clancy has developed her new skills we have done many demos – besides the ones with the Obedience Club, Clancy and I have been to several schools, summer camps at the YMCA, Wheels to Meals, Kindness Club and Church groups. We are also a member of a hospital visitation team that goes to the DVA, Rehab Centre and some of the Nursing Homes. She is also a great little ‘gofor’ dog by running errands to our neighbour

Clancy is a very personable dog. She may come on rather strong at times, as in barking when a person first comes into the yard, but soon she is nuzzling you or placing her bum on your feet. Whether she is laying down or sitting she always waits until I walk by and then gets up to follow me – I never have to worry about her tripping me. Although a dog with high drive and always eager to chase a ball or play enthusiastically with her friends, Clancy has never attempted to jump on me or anyone else. She is such a treat to take visiting, often better mannered than their children. At the Malls she has learned to quietly walk behind me while going though a doorway or along an aisle, at restaurants to lie quietly under a table or at a meeting to lie quietly beside me. When going for a drive or eating her meal, Clancy will always ‘stare’ at you asking for permission to proceed. Clancy often surprises me by knowing exactly what I want even though I do not ask for it. One day while on the phone I wondered what the commotion was behind me - one of my crutches fell behind my chair and Clancy got up on her own to dig the crutch out. When I am experiencing some physical difficulties you often find her standing there with ‘that’ look that seems to say ‘how best can I help you, Mum.’

Besides being my ‘assistance’ dog, she is my ‘best friend’ and constant companion. Clancy, you will always be ‘the love of my life’.