Children and Rotties.

[missingmarley]

Coming late to the party, but wanted to add a couple of cents - as for the outrage toward the DIL and the "nobody dictates to ME" stance, those are good strong words, but the DIL does in fact have the power to keep Jasmine away, and butthead that she is, I think she would. That would break a grandmother's heart, it would. ... The bond OP says Jasmine and her grandma have would be shattered if Jasmine were never allowed into their house - and imagine the expense and confusion for Millie if she were carted off to a kennel everytime the girl slept over!

If there weren't a beloved grandchild involved - if DIL and son just said they'd never come over anymore with a Rott in the house, I think everybody here would say, Fine. Nice knowing you. But the girl - that changes everything.

As much as I love a nice Rottweiler and as vehemently as I hate people with knee-jerk negative responses to Rotties, I think OP did the right thing - the only thing he could do.

He should, however, practice a serious cold-shoulder to his DIL. What a b**ch.

I'm sorry for you, deek72, but it's pretty certain that Millie is OK. I know that special thing we get for one or two dogs, and it might take a while to come along again, but it will. Maybe by then your DIL will have come to her senses.

[deek72]

Originally Posted by missingmarley

Coming late to the party, but wanted to add a couple of cents - as for the outrage toward the DIL and the "nobody dictates to ME" stance, those are good strong words, but the DIL does in fact have the power to keep Jasmine away, and butthead that she is, I think she would. That would break a grandmother's heart, it would. ... The bond OP says Jasmine and her grandma have would be shattered if Jasmine were never allowed into their house - and imagine the expense and confusion for Millie if she were carted off to a kennel everytime the girl slept over!

If there weren't a beloved grandchild involved - if DIL and son just said they'd never come over anymore with a Rott in the house, I think everybody here would say, Fine. Nice knowing you. But the girl - that changes everything.

As much as I love a nice Rottweiler and as vehemently as I hate people with knee-jerk negative responses to Rotties, I think OP did the right thing - the only thing he could do.

He should, however, practice a serious cold-shoulder to his DIL. What a b**ch.

I'm sorry for you, deek72, but it's pretty certain that Millie is OK. I know that special thing we get for one or two dogs, and it might take a while to come along again, but it will. Maybe by then your DIL will have come to her senses.

Heh heh! my experience here has made me really want a Rottie now, just to keep in touch with you lot!!

[JonandMichelle]

I am also sorry for your rollercoaster ride of emotions, and for Millie, as a dog is easily confused when bounced from human to human. However, the OP must realize where his DIL hysteria is fueled, as the UK has recently had a rash of Rottweiler attacks, followed by biased press releases. The UK is also the founding country of Dangerous Dog laws due to hype, ignorance, hysteria, and the media. It is obvious his DIL has fallen victim to such ignorance and hysteria. “We,” as Rottweiler owners know education is key in changing the minds of such individuals; however, we also know some people will never change their stance. In this situation, we carry on with our knowledge, judgment, and ownership, while overcoming those who are bliss in their ignorance. I concur that the OP should have stood his ground, and have kept Millie, while visiting his granddaughter at his DIL quarters. Yes, we and I would always choose a human over an animal, but in this case the OP had options to work out this situation.
I remember when Jon and I first told my mother (JoJo on the forums) of our Rottweiler. JoJo’s first reaction was “baby-killer.” My mother could not believe our irresponsibility in purchasing such of a dog, while having a child in the house. Almost thirteen years later, my mother has owned three rescued Rottweiler’s and is a voice for rescue. People can change.
I would suggest you do major research about our breed, prepare your house for owning a Rottweiler, and explain the process to your son. Explain your plans, your feelings, and educate. If minds do not change then that is their burden to bare, not yours.

[JoJo]

JoJo’s first reaction was “baby-killer.”

Oh that is so true. I was "one of those" and I have mentioned it many times on this forum. I was in that trap of ignorance to no end. When somethings get thrown around enough, one eventually starts to believe it. Why if enough people say it it must be true!!! NOT. We had GSD when Michelle was a toddler and she was raised with a Malamute/Hybred Wolf!!! I thought nothing of that!! But a Rottweiler, God forbid that dog was going to eat my first born grandchild!! How could they do that to me!!!???? Michelle being her mother's daughter told me to get over it and deal with it. Long story short, Raja (the Rottie) and I slept together the very first night I met her and my Grandson!!! It was everlasting love to death do us part. Raja was the beginning of us owning rottweilers and we will never be without one. Education is the key and proving one wrong. Oh and having a Rottie that has a great temperament, socialization and training goes a long way.