| After reading the story, I completely agree with the letter. The only thing I would change is the addressee.......it should be sent to the owner of the dog.
As Rottie owners, we all must recognize the threat, real or imagined, that they evoke in many people. I don't think the potential danger in this situation was imagined. If I was a runner and came across a lunging, barking Rottweiler, I would immediately STOP RUNNING. If I was running because I was in a cross-country race I can't help but agree that the dog should not be there.
If indeed the dog was 200 lbs (unlikely), I can understand how the person could think that the leash was not strong enough. Even if the leash WAS strong enough and the dog was 130 lbs, a Rottweiler without manners could easily get away from the handler. They are strong dogs. I don't doubt that it looked like the dog needed a chain to this person. That just shows their ignorance of the breed - I would have written that the dog needed to be attached to an immovable object!
It's unfortunate that this happened and even more unfortunate that it was a Rottweiler. Luckily noone was physically injured, but it sure did hurt the reputation of the breed. :(  |