Bottle fed Rottweiler 8 years later

Chancey was born January 19th 2000. She was the only pup of the litter that lived. A lady my husband works with had her and was trying to bottle feed her but she worked full time and it was too much for her. I was a stay at home mom with a infant son at the time. Chances mother was a young mother too young in fact. She killed all of Chances siblings and did not kill Chance but would not take care of her either. I heard the story and felt so bad for this puppy that probably would end up dying. I offered my care. I figured I have one baby on the bottle , why not have one more.

I had wanted a dog, and along came the Chance.... Chance... maybe there is a chance she will make it... maybe just maybe she stands a chance alas her name.

I would be lying if I said it was not difficult. This puppy required nurturing and feeding every couple hours just like a real baby. It was time consuming and tiring but I did it.I remember wrapping her up in a blanket and holding her on my chest so she would stay warm. She was only 3 days old and I was scared she would be too cold without her mom. I mixed formula for baby and for puppy.I had two babies on the bottle at one time. I talked to a vet got the appropriate formula for baby Chance and she grew and flourished. By the time her eyes opened she had gained weight and seemed to be doing well. I did not trust that she would make it but I put my all into helping this little pup survive. I have always been a sucker for animals who need help, or that are homeless.

So days turned into weeks.Two babies two bottles and both were doing wonderfully. As Chance grew older she developed a very sweet demeanor. She was one of us. She thought I was her mom because that is all she ever knew. My son was a few months older than the pup so when he began to crawl she was still on the bottle. It was funny one day I came in and caught her laying down holding his bottle with her paws. I had left it on the couch as I put my son down for nappy. It was a sight. If I could go back I would have taken a picture of that. Of course I had to confiscate my sons bottle and make her , her own.

I weaned them both off the bottle around the same time. We never clipped Chances tail, we did not want to. It sort of curls. She is definitely a runt compared to most Rottys but she has a very sweet personality and she thinks she is human. I swear some days it sounds like she is calling me mama when she decides I am not giving her enough attention. She will howl. She is spoiled rotten and she is our gift. We gave her the gift of our love and she in return has given us the gift of love and protection.

She is healthy, happy and doing great. Her birthday is in January and she will be 8 years old.I have a bond with this dog as she does with me. That I am thankful for.