Much Loved Dog of Phillip & Cherie

Gesundheit The Commander (Atawhai) - A gentle giant who became the guardian of the family.. In writing this review for Atawhai, I just got back from walking him, he is a big dog that turns heads, comments I've had "what a gorgeous dog" "he's one of the most beautiful rotties I've seen"

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Rottweiler's are a hobby for us due to full time work commitments, it is handy as an IT Consultant working remotely from home allowing me to spend more time with our Rottie family.

Atawhai

Suggested page title: Gesundheit The Commander (Atawhai)

[PLACEHOLDER - One strong portrait of Atawhai and one gentler photo if available.]

Atawhai arrived before Horowai and, in many ways, became the quiet backbone of the whole Pride Rock story.

Early on he showed a little timidity and, although he was always a good dog, I did not yet understand how important he would become. That changed when Horowai arrived. Almost immediately he seemed to come into his own. One memory that has always stayed with me is opening the bedroom door and finding he had gathered her toys and laid them outside, waiting for her.

From then on, their bond became one of the loveliest parts of our life with the dogs. He was her best mate, then the gentle giant around the litter, then the steady presence who stayed beside each of the dogs as illness and loss came through the house years later.

Atawhai watched the birth from behind the gate, worried about standing on the pups when they rushed around him, and yet became completely trusted around them. Horowai had no issue with him lying beside the pen or staying near the puppies when she stepped away.

What makes his story so special is that he was there from beginning to end. He outlived Horowai, Mac, and Kiara, and seemed determined to stay until they had all gone. Only weeks later, at twelve and a half, he was ready to leave as well. It felt very much as though his job was done.

Atawhai was to be our first Rottie of four, and the last to depart over 12 years old, Atawhai was the most loyal and accepting Rottweiler, the great protector of Pride Rock, our experience breeding the Rottweiler would not have been the same without him.   

His loyalty and natural instinct to protect his family to the end, the gentle giant who watched over his family with extreme gentleness and loyalty only a Rottweiler could give.   After our last Rottie passed away (Kiara), Atawhai's job was done, he stayed and kept them all company till the end, once they had all passed, he quicky deteriorated of nothing more than old age. 

Atawhai's role in our breeding of the Rottweiler, became a debt I could never repay.