VE's Rin Tin Tin of Petracca

This is VE's Rin Tin Tin of Petracca, aka Rin, DOB 11/18/90. He was named after the *real* Rin Tin Tin who was found as a stray, served as a war dog, and then went on to become one of America's first beloved dog movie stars. My Rin is just as amazing a dog to me, particularly because of the obstacles he's had to overcome and the progress he's made. He had quite a rough beginning, and this sensitive, loyal, loving dog is very special to me.

Click here to view Rin's pedigree.

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Rinnie was purchased in 1991 @ 7 mos. from a large-scale German Shepherd breeder in Riverdale NJ called Petracca Kennels. Approximately five years after Rinnie was purchased, this breeder was forced to close by the state, due to animal abuse and neglect.

Rin originally belonged to my uncle. It became apparent the Rin and my uncle were ill-suited for each other, and I began caring for Rin whenever possible. Rin was terrified of my uncle, and my uncle was furious that his "guard dog" was such a "wimp".

During the course of about 6 months, I spent time with, cared for and trained Rin, who was kept outside on a chain for most of the time, in my uncle's yard. I grew very attached to Rin, and he to me.

Approximately 6 months after he had brought Rin home, my uncle inadvertantly spooked the dog, who, terrified, escaped the yard and ran off into the city. My uncle cared not one iota about the fact that his dog had just taken off. I was called, and spent the better part of the next three days searching for Rin. It was a miracle that I found him, in a terrible section of a city about 20 minutes driving distance from where Rin had originally disappeared. Rin literally cried when he saw me--not before or since have I seen a dog shed actual tears.

My grandfather purchased Rin from my uncle, and gave him to me 1992. I spent the next few years carefully conditioning Rinnie to life in general. He was so ill-equipped to deal with everyday encounters due to lack of socialization and stress. We have made much progress, however, and Rin is now a happy, well-adjusted dog, eager to please, with that typical German Sherpherd intelligence and pride.