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Carol Phelps/Norwich Bulletin
Cathy Leinhart of Pomfret, owner of Cathy's Rottie Rescue and Rehab, poses with Greta, a Rottie rescue in her care. |
Norwich Bulletin - Sunday, February 10, 2002
By MICHAEL LEMANSKI
Norwich Bulletin
Cathy Leinert has no biological offspring, but it doesn't mean she is without
any "kids."
Hers, however, come in the canine variety -- 10 of them.
"I have no kids. My dogs are, basically, my kids," said Leinert, who
perates Cathy's Rottie Rescue and Rehab, a nonprofit animal rescue agency created
to serve a misunderstood dog breed: the Rottweiler.
According to Leinert, the dog breed, which many deem a vicious breed, is simply
the victim of a bad reputation.
"It all goes back to the same theme, similar to kids, that it's the environment
over genetics," said Leinert, who is a certified veterinary technician
and former mortgage banker.
Although a "Rottie's" size can be intimidating, males can weigh up
to 130 pounds, the dogs of German descent are just like any puppy, according
to Leinert.
"They are so loyal and loving and devoted to their people," she said.
Leinert's love affair with Rottweilers goes back to the dog she had several
years ago.
When that dog died, a devastated Leinert obtained a second Rottie through a
regional rescue league.
Shortly thereafter, she volunteered with that organization, eventually opting
to create her own group closer to home in Pomfret.
"Animals have always been a large part of my family," she said.
These days, her organization, only a few years old, fields hundreds of phone
calls per week -- tips clueing Leinert of Rottie's in need.
Leinert's "job" is to take care of the dogs and place them in homes
of loving owners.
If you're looking to adopt a dog, it requires more than just an interest in
having a Rottweiler, she said.
One needs to do their homework and re-evaluate whether or not they're ready
to make such a commitment, Leinert said.
"They're smart dogs and certainly not meant for everybody," Leinert
said. "People should really do their research on them."
Licensed to hold 10 dogs, Leinert said her attention to her dogs takes up most
of her time.
As a result, she's looking for volunteers from other rottie lovers to help walk
her dogs.
If you would like to volunteer or are interested in adopting, call Leinert at
the center at 963-2456.
In addition, the rescue organization is always looking for donations, whether
they are monetary donations or items such as towels, dog toys and food.
For cash donations, send a check to: Cathy's Rottie Rescue and Rehab, P.O. Box
347, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.