Rottweilers have been muzzled with a bad reputation. A Nebraska woman has been trying to show the big heart of these big dogs, but state inspectors claim the operator of Rottweiler Rescue is in over her head.

Tracie Jordan says she's not just thinking with her heart as she takes in unwanted rottweillers from five states. “I care for every dog I've got every day.”

After two summer inspections, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture wants the Rescue's state kennel license revoked. “You can only take in so many strays before you exceed your capacity to care for them,” said state agriculture veterinarian Dr. John Boucher.

Tracie, her lawyer and supporters appeared Wednesday before an Ag Department hearing officer who will decide if there's enough evidence to not renew the Rescue's state license. Inspectors reported unclean conditions, fly bites, kennels too small and some dogs being teathered.

“They let their kind heart take them beyond the place where they have the capacity to care for these animals,” said Dr. Boucher.

Tracie countered with pictures showing rescued dogs receiving vet care and love from volunteers. “It's cleaned every day. It's in good shape, good repair and if something is wrong we fix it.”

Should the hearing officer decide the kennel license is to be revoked, what happens to 55 dogs, 40 of the rottweilers, now in Tracie’s care and what is to become of the Rescue near North Bend, Nebraska?

“In places where people had their license removed and could not keep animals, then they are given over to a Humane Society,” said Dr. Boucher.

“Then the dogs will just live out their lives as my personal animals and we just won't take in any more,” said Tracie, who relies on volunteer help and donations like dog food. She said the animals get her full-time attention, but like the size of the dogs she's rescued, has the job become too big?

It’s the question a hearing officer must now answer in a ruling on the license. Officials say it could be a month before there's a decision on the kennel license for Rottweiler Rescue of Nebraska.