Karel Meyers Simms
June 4, 1936 – April 3, 2024
Nominator: Daviann L. Mitchell – Nighthawk
Karel and her loving husband Ray have loved dogs all their lives, and exclusively Rottweilers for the past 30 years. While Karel and Ray’s Rottweiler adventure started with Baron, it was Zorro, Mutli V-1, ARV Sieger, AOM BIS/BISS Am/Can CH Nighthawk’s Quite the Man v Wyndhurst RE, B, CGC, TT, HIC, who was Karel’s true heart dog. Karel spent the remaining 24 years loving not only Zorro, but his get Jack, Ice, and most recently Legend. Some would often ask themselves whether Karel appreciated time with her Rottweiler companions or her human friends more, but those closest to her knew the real answer!!! Karel’s desire was always to support research that would help our breed’s, as well as human, longevity. For these reasons we nominate Karel Simms to the Circle of 2000 to honor her life and her request.
“Nemo”
Queen’s Captain Nemo SWM, SWM-HD, AOP, AOJP, RN, CGCA, TT, NW3
11/04/08-3/27/23
Owner/Nominator: Jill Kessler Miller
People always looked at me quizzically when I would say “Nemo is my best-worst dog, and my worst-best dog.” What I meant is that Nemo was the best at being the worst dog: he was unparalleled at getting into things when bored, coming up with methods to get what he wanted, aggravating me in new, original, and countless ways, and training our guests and housekeeper to give him cookies.
He was one of the best dogs I’ve ever had (only Bullet can also stand on that tier). Nemo was a tireless, determined worker, a devoted teammate, wicked smart with both deductive and predictive reasoning, always gave his 100% best at competitions, welcomed all into his circle, loved to host and entertain friends, never held a grudge, always happy for a new day to begin, for adventures to unfold. He traveled with me, tutored puppies, calmed anxious dogs and enjoyed being a Therapy Dog where he had a captive audience to fawn over him.
But Nemo was also the worst because he was a prankster! He loved embarrassing me, laughing the whole time, whether it was in the Rally or Agility ring. He loved smashing boxes in Nose Nork, sometime carrying them on his head. He would make up new games and tricks at home for his own amusement (and the forthcoming cookie for his cleverness). He was a nuisance every moment he was awake. And I loved him for it.
Nemo led a big, big life. The last 2 weeks he was failing, getting weaker, he became less engaging with us. Then he stopped eating. It was time. 14 years, 4 months.
“Zeke”
Nominated By: Denise Gross
April 30, 2013 – November 5, 2021
Owned by Tammy Murray and Susan Schmidthauser
Imducted January 2022
Zeke was the epitome of a successful rescue story. Zeke was born with serious congenital issues; bilateral elbow luxation and totally deaf. Tammy and Susan rescued him at 8 weeks old as a foster and had his first of many surgeries shortly after. He stole the hearts of many people and became an inspiration. Zeke was the happiest, most gracious dog I have ever seen. He always had a smile on his face and his attitude and will to live never ceased to amaze. To say he endured a lot in his short life is an understatement. It seemed like as soon as he made it through one crisis another would arise. He had elbow surgery, cruciate surgery, two spinal surgeries to repair discs, multiple MRIs, his esophagus stretched, and even a whole drilled in his head because of a fungal rhinitis. He loved attending the annual CRC specialty and visiting with all his peeps (fan club). His favorite by far was Ms Betty. His little nub would go wild when he saw her. I’ve nominated Zeke because he is a testament to Veterinary Medicine. Without research and up to date treatment (and the incredible love & care of his moms, he would not have seen his 8th birthday.
David Makar
Rudez Rottweilers
Dave was involved with Rottweilers for over 20 years. He came up with his kennel name “Rudez” from combining his first two Rottweiler girls’ names, Ruby (CH Wyndhursts Q T Pie V Baar) and Dezi (BISS CH Baar’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell).
Dezi and Michelle Scott (Ostermiller) took Dave on an extraordinary ride during the early 2000’s winning many BOB, BOS and group placements along the way. Dezi took WB/BOW at the 2001 Colonial Rottweiler Club, while Ruby won WB the following year.
Dave produced some exceptionally nice, well-rounded puppies that went on to finish their championships, taking high in trial, and being the loving family dogs, they were meant to be. He loved the puppies he produced and would sit hours on end just watching them play. He was diligent in placing his puppies in very loving homes and was always very supportive of each puppy and their owners. Dave was known to fly across the country just to watch them be shown at specialties. He was proud of each and every one of them. His family and his partner Regina also love the dogs and had always been supportive of Dave’s passion.
He was the nicest person and such a great friend and supporter. He was very knowledgeable about the breed. Dave had a natural eye for a typey, great moving Rottweiler. He loved telling stories of his adventures. Dave was loved and will be greatly missed.
Dave truly was a friend of the Rottweiler.
Sara Klinedinst
Nominated By: Kelly & Skip Skiptunas
My mom loved dogs, but in particular she adored Rottweilers. She spent many weekends with us at dog shows, pet therapy visits or going for walks with our dogs. Her pockets were always full of dog treats, and she and my dad always enjoyed babysitting our “boys” when we were out of town. She told everyone she didn’t have grandchildren, she had granddogs, and she was so very proud of their accomplishments. My dad was one of the first RHF Circle 2000 inductees, and I know my mom would be very proud to also be remembered for supporting health research to improve the lives and longevity of our breed. Thank you.,
Angus the Super Puppy
4/26/2014 – 11/7/2019
Owner: Stefani Spencer
Nominated By: Rotties Gone Wild Family
Inducted December 2020
Angus was the epitome of a Rottweiler, doing what the breed does best…working. He looked over the flock of sheep, the herd of horses, his mom and dad and his land. His mom would take him on camping trips, her on horseback and he following along. They took hikes together in the picturesque landscape of Idaho in all seasons. Angus was a protector and a companion to the woman who loved him to the moon. Angus was known as the “Super Puppy” by those who loved and knew him. He would do anything that was asked of him on the farm, earning him this fun and amazing title. He was the love of his mom’s life, that once in a lifetime Rottweiler for her. An amazing working Rottweiler that lost his life way too soon, leaving a huge hole in the heart of his mom.
“Spencer”
BISS AKC GCH CKC/UKC CH Esmonds Rally Round the Flag CGC TT THDD
10/1/05 – 7/26/18
Nominated by Kelly & Skip Skiptunas
Inducted March 2019
Spencer was an exceptional dog, who touched thousands of lives through his pet therapy work. He loved all people, but children were his favorite. He helped countless children learn to love reading, with his patient and accepting presence while they read stories to him. He was recognized with numerous awards throughout his lifetime for his volunteer work, including the American Rottweiler Club’s Anvil TRUE and Mirko Awards, and the American Red Cross Hero Award. His passing was completely devastating for his family, and we hope to help raise funds to research and cure the diseases that affect our breed, in Spencer’s memory.
Monica Silvers
Nominated by Francis Keays and other friends
Inducted Spring 2018
Francie Deloney
Nominated by Michelle Amtower
Since the mid-90s, Francie Delony was active with her Rottweilers. She showed her dogs primarily in obedience but also in conformation, herding, and carting. Her last two Rottweilers were CH/OTCH, both with herding titles. She was always willing to lend a hand, give a piece of advice, or just be there for anyone, despite her health problems. She attended many nationals as well as MRC and CRC specialties. Francie passed away in June 2018 from complications of cancer. Francie was nominated to the Circle 2000 in the spring of 2018 by Michelle Amtower and inducted in the fall of 2019.
“Spencer”
BISS AKC GCH CKC/UKC CH Esmonds Rally Round the Flag CGC TT THDD
10/1/05 – 7/26/18
Nominated by Kelly & Skip Skiptunas
Inducted March 2019
Spencer was an exceptional dog, who touched thousands of lives through his pet therapy work. He loved all people, but children were his favorite. He helped countless children learn to love reading, with his patient and accepting presence while they read stories to him. He was recognized with numerous awards throughout his lifetime for his volunteer work, including the American Rottweiler Club’s Anvil TRUE and Mirko Awards, and the American Red Cross Hero Award. His passing was completely devastating for his family, and we hope to help raise funds to research and cure the diseases that affect our breed, in Spencer’s memory.
Becky Muche
Nominated by Colonial Rottweiler Club
Inducted 2017
Monica Silvers
Nominated by Francis Keays and other friends
Inducted Spring 2018
“Stella Cassese”
Stella For Star
Honored and Remembered by
John Cassese and Mike Greenly
Nominated & Inducted October 2016
View Stella’s touching video here
“Tedy”
12-28-05 – 5-6-15
V-1 Ch. Exodus Heart Of A Patriot UD, BH, HIC, TT, CGC
John and Carol Costa and Sue Cohen
Nominated May 2016 – Inducted July 2016
Walter Kuberski
Friend of the Rottweiler
and
Professional Handler
“Athena”
July 30, 2006 – January 3, 2014
Scott Weismann
Nominated in June 2014
Inducted January 2015
Joanne Thatcher
Inducted May 2016
Long time American Rottweiler Club Member
Nominated in May 2016 by Teresa Bradley, Roberta Martin, and Becky Sumner
Teresa Bradley, Roberta Martin, and Becky Sumner
“Benny”
Am/Can Ch. Oakviews Roughrider v Esmond,
RN, CI, TT, THD, TDI, CGC
November 18, 2002 – March 23, 2013
Kelly & Skip Skiptunas
“Dakota”
Multi V-1, Multi-Group Placing, BOSS AKC CH, BIS Int’l CH, Can CH No-Bil’s Lady D’Kota Caisango CD, RE, RA, RN, PT, HT, JHD, HIC, CGC, TD, THD
January 3, 2001 – March 9, 2011
Dr. Tommy Caisango
Elizabeth Caisango
Mother of Dr. Tommy Caisango
“Cash”
Man In Black of Olympus Walk CD, RA, HIC, CGC TDI
October 5, 2003 – August 26, 2013
Catherine O’Donnell
Nominated in October 2013
Inducted April 2014
“RAF”
Rottweilers and Friends
Facebook Group Owned by Debbie and Stu Ross
Nominated by RAF Board
Inducted December 2016
“AJ”
Multi V-1, Am/Can/Int’l CH. Summerfield’s Action Jack’son, CDX, RE, CX, OA, OAJ, NJP, NAP, BH, AD, BBT, TT, RTD, CGC
March 5, 1999 – April 10, 2010
Neu-Rodes
Teresa Bradley and Thom Woodward
Lovingly remembered by owners and A.J.’s many friends
“Pancho”
Multi Group Winning 2013 Westminster Select BOSS GCH Nighthawk’s Livin’ La Vida Loca CGC
Sarah Janner and Daviann Mitchell
Nominated March 2015
Inducted December 2016
Ralph Kleindinst
father of Kelly Skiptunas
Jay Beyda
Died July 19, 2012
Marcia Beyda and friends
Inducted November 2014
“Bulli”
Srigo’s Point Blank, SchH1,TT, CGC
May, 1984 – July, 1991
Owned by Dorothy E. Murphy
“Tony”
Group Winning, Multi V-1, Multi BISS, Am/Can Ch. Von Boylan Antonio Banderas,
SchH 3, AD, BST, BH, TT, CGC, HIC
ARC Gold Sire
May 10, 1996 – April 20, 2008
Daviann Mitchell
In loving memory by Ray & Karel Simms
and Mark & Dede Brownstein
Taylor
BISS Select 1 Am/Can Ch. Roslar’s Felicity v Pioneer, RA, PT, CI, JHD
June 29, 1997 – May 24, 2009
Laura & Frank Rosinski
“Knox”
HIT Ch. Libra’s Opportunity Knocks, UD, TD, C/CD
July 12, 1995 – November 18, 2002
Lisa Duntley
“Ripley”
Ch. Windrift’s Believe or Not
Bred & owned by Judith Koloski
Lovingly remembered by Judy’s family and friends through donations made to Hudson Valley Rottweiler Rescue and the Rottweiler Health Foundation in support of
Grant 1313 – Familial Sub-Aortic Stenosis Research.
“The Babe”
A/C CH, CD, HS, BH, TT, RTD
August 3, 1994 – May 22, 2002
Neu-Rodes, Teresa Bradley & Thom Woodward
“Dylan”
V-3 Select Canadian Ch. Jowett’s Blazing Fire CDX, VMADC, VMJDC, VMTRDC, TT, HIC, CGC, CGN, Active Registered Therapy Dog
May 11, 1995 – March 11, 2008
Cassandra & Kevin Levy
and in loving memory by his many friends
“Luxor”
ARC Silver Producer
July 9, 1998 – January 3, 2008
Sheri Grant
“Degan”
Ch Kokas K’s Degan von Burga CD, TT
ARC Gold Sire
April, 1973 – September,1982
Mary and Dorothy Stringer
“Woody”
Ch. Culprit von Woody, CD, CGC, TDI, ATTS
August 8, 1999 – January 15, 2010
in loving memory by owners
Joe & Clare Walker
Gladys Trout
Delta Rottweiler Owners
Remembered by her many friends
Bruce Billings
December 12, 1941 – January 19, 1990
in loving memory by his many friends
“Ultra”
A/C CH Roma’s Ultra von Siegerhaus A/C CD, TT
February, 1986 – September, 1999
Roma – Gary and Roberta Martin
by her Family & Friends
Von Gruenerwald Rottweilers
March, 2002
Bill & Dorothea Gruenerwald
“Anvil”
Ch. Bourbon’s Anvil v Mirko CDX
Registered Therapy Dog
September, 1985 – November, 1998
Karl and Donna Rice
“DD”
Thunder Ranch’s DD of Sea C SChH1, BS, HS, CD
February 28, 1990 – March 23, 1999
Linda Gunderson
Nighthawk Rottweilers
May 2002
Daviann Mitchell
“Arras”
Ch. Arras vom Hassenkamp
ARC Silver Sire
November, 1978 – April, 1989
Mary and Dorothy Stringer
“Nathan”
A/C Ch Dachmar’s Nathan v Bourbon AX, AXJ, HSAs
Karl and Donna Rice
Windrift Rottweilers
Judith Koloski
October 10, 1939 – March 16, 2010
Lovingly remembered by her family and friends through donations made to
Hudson Valley Rottweiler Rescue and
Rottweiler Health Foundation
in support of Grant 1313 – Familial Sub-Aortic Stenosis Research
“Pepper”
Multi-BIS/BISS Select 1 V1 Ch. Pepperhaus Praetorian, CD HIT CGC
November 25, 1996 – September 11, 2006
Jan & Terry Kerrigan
and in loving memory by his many friends
“Adler”
BIS A/B Ch Adler Von Andan CD
1971 – 1980
Anna D. Tilghman
