MOSHE'S HOME PAGE (UPDATED MAY 5, 2004)

Moshe (pronounced Mow-sheh) was a loveable Rottweiler who belonged to Jeremy Schuster and loved everybody who approached in a friendly manner.

Moshe was approximately 27" at the shoulders, 100 lbs, had traditional markings (with a little white around his eyes as he got older), and was the son of Bullet (also now deceased) and Grace, two very nice and accomplished (Sch III) parents. Moshe was "fixed," as most dogs should be, and had an excellent temperament.

When Moshe left the care of his breeder, he was 7 weeks and weighed more than 14 pounds. He had some good food and put on more weight, transitioning at the rate of 1lb. per day from 22-45 lbs. He was quite happy to be switched to lower-protein diet, provided he could snag or earn treats now and then. He didn't track or run a lot because he ended up with elbow dysplasia, but he was comfortable and loved, and didn't need much more.

This was Moshe with Heather at 8 weeks old. I can't believe he was ever that small!

Moshe was new to this whole web thing, but wanted to me build up this site with lots of links to rescue sites and places where you could get more information about dogs like him. In the picture to the right, it was over 100 degrees in Columbia, CA. Moshe went there by plane with me, but it was so hot that he had to be doused with water to keep cool. For those of you who don't think dogs get overheated or too cold, you're wrong! Also, if you want to know about the dangers of flying as they relate to dog's ears and hearing, I can provide information.

Pictures from Moshe's trip East (9/2002).

Here are pictures of Moshe and Lance (12/2002).

Picture's from Moshe's trip East (9/2003)

Aida: Another Rescue in the house!

Friends often didn't call Moshe by name; they'd call him as "Big Giant Head." It' wasn't really THAT big and besides, it just meant there was more of him to pet.

Moshe's breeder, Jill, said most people would sooner cross the street than take a chance on finding out whether or not he was friendly.

That was always fine by me.

Nobody could drool like Moshe! Eat your hearts out, St. Bernards! (Race Pt. (Cape Cod), Sept. 2002)

A SAD ENDING, JANUARY 2004: JEREMY'S UPDATE

When I returned from a trip, Moshe was limping badly. He started limping before I left, but I figured it was just something in the administration of the Rimadyl he took for the better part of 7 years. He seemed to better when the medication was more regularly administered but, when I got back, he was clearly much worse, avoiding any weight on one of his hind legs.

I took him for a surgical consult, figuring he must have torn his cruciate ligament. It was one of those trips to the specialist where I thought, "How much will this cost me?" and, as it turned out, I was totally unprepared for the result. This time, it was not a matter of cost, as Moshe was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and I was told that, in good cases, the estimate was for 120 days of life after symptomatic presentment. I had already been gone nearly a month and could see the pain in my best friend's eyes.

Although the specialists recommended amputation and chemotherapy, I couldn't see amputating a dog's hind leg when his two front elbows were bad and where one of the rear hips was also dysplastic. The thousands of dollars for surgery and chemotherapy weren't factors for consideration because, for me, this was going to be about acting humanely.

Despite Moshe's dysplasia and other problems, I had many good years with him as my companion (heck, he outlasted the wife) and I was not going to let him suffer because of selfishness - at least not more than a few days longer. I was in the middle of a busy week, so I took the weekend to be with him and took him to be put down the following Monday. This wasn't about money or not providing care - it was about making the tough decision to let my friend go, to help him go, without more suffering. Moshe's breeder offered to be with me when I put him to sleep but Moshe was my responsibility, not anyone else's. I brought him in on January 19th and held him as he whimpered twice. His passing broke my heart.

Family and friends were very supportive but it never eliminates the heartache or the loss. Moshe was a part of my life virtually every day for over 8 1/2 (now seemingly way too short) years. The only bit of saving grace is that I knew from the moment I made the decision that it was the right decision.

They say "you know when it's time to put your dog down." I say for most people that is not true: what they learn is when it is "past time" to put their dog to sleep. Having already put one of my dogs (a rescue) to sleep after in inoperable mass shut down her liver functions, I knew better than to extend Moshe's life for my benefit. We spent the weekend together, eating Arby's sandwiches and other junk, visiting with people who came to visit and say goodbye. As much as it will hurt, I will continue to have dogs in my life, hopefully caring for them as much as Moshe cared for me.

It's taken me three months to the day to return to this page, change the "present tenses" to past and to provide this update, but Moshe deserves this little testament, for he was a brave and courageous canine soul. He will be in my heart and my thoughts, always.

Jeremy and Moshe on Cape Cod, October, 2003

On an even more personal note:

To Brian, who spent almost as much time with Moshe as I did and was there with me at the worst times,

To Ian and Jay, who kept me supplied with cookies,

To Jill, who kindly had a tree planted Moshe's name (and has always been there for us throughout),

To Dr. Steve, who put up with us and always provided good care and insight,

and to my brothers and cousins, who know what it's like:

Thank you for helping me get to where I could let Moshe become an "able dog in the sky. "

I think now he's playing with Bullet, Zyla, Zach, Fig, Wally, Heidi and Bear - who are just some of the incredibly special dogs I've known - either that or he's sleeping quietly on a couch.