The Death Of Our Rottweiler Dog, My Silence. We had a bond with our dog, Doc the Rottweiler, that most people might never truly understand. He wasn’t just a pet; he was a friend, a confidant, a service dog, and an irreplaceable member of our family. For my wife, the connection went even deeper than it did for me, and that’s saying something. I depended on him for much more than companionship, and he never let me down. He was the kind of dog who was always there when you needed him, even in ways you didn’t expect.
A few weeks ago, on a quiet Sunday, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to put our boy to sleep. He was 11 years and 4 months old, which is quite old for a large Rottweiler. Doc was the 13th Rottweiler we’ve had as part of our family since 1999. Before Doc, there was always more than one Rottweiler in our home, and now, for the first time in over two decades, we have none. We still have our cats, and while they’re wonderful companions, the bond we shared with Doc and our other Rottweilers was something different altogether.
I can only share my side of the story; my wife has her own experiences, and they’re just as meaningful. We don’t talk much about Doc’s passing with anyone outside of us. It’s not that we’re overly private—although we don't share much details about our private lives. The truth is, I can’t speak about his death because I simply can't right now. As a matter of fact, this is extremely difficult, but I want to share so you can help others like us. The Death Of Our Rottweiler Dog, My Silence.
We’ve received many condolences from kind-hearted people, and while their thoughts are appreciated, I can barely muster more than a simple “thank you” before I quickly change the topic. Those who know me well understand that the best thing they can do is to give a brief acknowledgment and then switch to something light-hearted, like football, the weather, or fishing. The people who really know me are patient. They don’t push. They wait, knowing that when I’m ready, I’ll talk.
A Gentle Giant with Many Names, The Death Of Our Rottweiler Dog
Doc wasn’t just a dog to us. He was a retired show Rottweiler who competed in both AKC and German dog shows. His official registered name was “Darkstarr's Doc Hollywood,” with “Darkstarr” being the name of the kennels where he was bred. The people behind Darkstarr Kennels, Steve and Theresa Robinson, are more than just breeders to us; they’re friends who’ve shared in our journey with this remarkable breed. But to us, he was simply “Doc,” though he answered to many affectionate names my wife had for him.
Rottweilers are often labeled as an “aggressive breed,” but nothing could be further from the truth in Doc’s case—or any of the 13 Rottweilers we’ve had the privilege of sharing our lives with. While Doc certainly had a presence that deterred anyone with bad intentions, he was anything but vicious. He had a way of making it clear that while he’d never allow harm to come to us, he had a gentle soul.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Rottweiler is a robust working breed descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions. Described as a gentle playmate and protector within the family circle, a Rottweiler is known for its self-assured aloofness towards strangers. The males are typically 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, with a glistening black coat and rust-colored markings that project strength. They are calm, confident, and courageous, but not unduly aggressive. Despite their imposing appearance, Rottweilers are playful, even a bit silly, with those they love. They’re known to try to curl up on your lap, believing themselves to be toy-sized.
The American Rottweiler Club highlights the breed's loyalty and protective instincts. However, due to their size, strength, and temperament, Rottweilers require a responsible owner who can provide structure and leadership. Without proper socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation, they can become destructive or difficult to manage.
Doc was a great dog He was wonderful with our cats, other dogs, and even people who initially seemed nervous around him. He had a way of making friends wherever he went, even if people were wary at first. When we walked him, people often crossed the street to avoid us—not just because of his size and the breed's reputation, but also because of my own appearance. As a retired police officer from the Baltimore Police Department, I’ve been told I have an unapproachable look. The Death Of Our Rottweiler Dog, My Silence.
But over time, those who crossed the street to avoid us started coming closer. Reluctantly at first, then eagerly. They grew fond of Doc, just as we did, and began looking forward to seeing him. And now, we find ourselves looking for him still, even though he’s no longer here.
More Than a Companion
Doc wasn’t just our dog or our friend—he was also a service dog. This has been a significant change for us, especially since, for the first time since 1999, we don’t have another Rottweiler in training to take his place. The house feels quiet, almost empty, and we are slowly trying to find our “new normal.”
We know we will eventually welcome another Rottie into our lives. We’ll train him or her to be a service dog, to be our new companion. But right now, we aren’t ready. The loss of Doc is too fresh, the wound too raw. The Death Of Our Rottweiler Dog, My Silence.
So, if you know someone whose dog has recently passed, please remember that not everyone is ready to talk about it. For some of us, the pain is too deep, too personal. It’s not a matter of being secretive or cold—it’s about needing time. And if you care about that person, the best thing you can do is to respect their silence and be there for them when they’re ready to talk. In the meantime, bring up lighter topics, make them smile, and just be present.
And as for those so-called “aggressive” dog breeds, don’t even get me started. The loyalty, love, and gentleness Doc showed us every single day proved that a dog’s breed doesn’t define their heart. And if you’ve never experienced the kind of bond we had with Doc, I hope someday you’ll be lucky enough to find a friend like him—a friend who will change your life in ways you never imagined.
The author is a retired Police Sergeant and host of the Nationally Syndicated Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast. Stay up to date with Law Enforcement Crime and True Crime Stories on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or most major podcast platforms. You can stay updated about his story and many others simply by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and most all social media platforms. The Death Of Our Rottweiler Dog, My Silence.
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