It should grow out from the roots.

It may or may not resprout from the trunk - some sort of barrier against the dogs would probably be a good idea. The odds against rooting any of the upper growth are astronomical. It's the wrong time of year and the wood is not in a condition for rooting.

Thanks to both of you.

aka, that is what I figured. :( It is not feasible to keep the dogs away from this part of the yard. I would need to fence off most of my backyard and that would look not better-I have a large backyard with several levels that is basically a woodland garden. I have fenced of one small garden area behind the garage and although the plants are thriving there now, the chicken wire around it looks pretty bad. I plan to keep it though to preserve the plants (azaleas, hosta, sweet woodruff, etc.) The dogs are fairly large (80 pounds) and the mom is an unrepentant rodent chaser/digger. She will dig for them any time, any place. Stinker.

coppice, I will keep my fingers crossed, but I am not terrible hopeful. They broke it down pretty low. Thanks for the optimism!

I am hoping the buds will open here in the house, even if the wood doesn't root. Never forced a rhododendron before-haha.

I call it "doggie daytona" when my two dogs chase each other around the backyard, trampling anything underfoot (paw). Ah, the joys of canine companionship. I fence off over half of my backyard, and it will stay fenced off until the Mutts of Mayhem are senior citizens. They like to pull off branches one by one or tear off portions of plants, or better still, grab a (newly planted) small shrub, pull it out of the ground, and play keep-away!

Lily, sounds just like mine. Love that-Mutts of Mayhem. Mine are often referred to as the Mongrel Horde. May steal your name for yours. Very cute.

So far, the buds are showing no signs of opening. Very sad.