I knew that I had wanted a Mastiff and I thought that I'd learn more about the breed by volunteering and fostering for Mastiff Rescue. Within a few weeks of volunteering, I was given the opportunity to foster Rifka, who was 5 years of age.

Poor Sweet Rifka had hardly any fur, entropion, and was miserable looking.  After correcting her entropion, and a lot of time and good nutrition, Rifka was a different dog!  She was so happy and fun to have around. Rifka may not have been the "prettiest" of Mastiffs, but she was so beautiful in my eyes.  Rifka taught me how fantastic Mastiffs are.

Sadly, at 7 1/2 years of age, I lost Rifka to cancer. She stopped eating one day and I knew something was wrong. The following day the cancer was found on an ultrasound. She was scheduled for surgery to remove the affected area of intestines the following week.  The day of surgery, she suddenly went downhill.  Tristin was fantastic and donated blood for her. During surgery, the cancer was found to have spread all over her abdomen.  I had no choice but to let her go.

Although I only had Sweet Rifka for 2 1/2 years, I'm forever grateful for her and will never forget her. She is the dog who got me hooked on Mastiffs!