Out-of-control bureaucracies

[Rott4ever]

In case some of you wonder why things are moving so slowly (if at all) in regards to the improvement of the Rott's image in society's eye: on 6 March of this year I sent a message to the webmaster of the ARC; here it is, below:

"I would like to suggest that another link be added to the ARC website, a link devoted to progress made:

- In remedying the bad public image given the breed by the irresponsible, furor-seeking and creating, unscrupulous media.
- In removing the Rott, state by state and community by community, from the banned breed list.
- In removing the Rott from the black lists of insurance companies.

I am saddened and surprised that a link related to an issue of such vital importance to the breed and those of us who love it, does not already exist."

It has been three weeks now and somebody has yet to take the time and send me a reply. Now, you might say that I have unrealistic expectations; I beg to disagree, for two reasons:

1. When you give an e-mail address, it is reasonable to expect that there will be people who will write you. It is also reasonable to expect that they would appreciate a reply. If nothing else, it is the courteous thing to do.
2. Over the past few years I've written quite a few e-mails with my concerns and suggestions to listed officials of many Rott organizations/clubs. No replies - got ignored.

The only one I ever got an answer from was Mr. Michels, but he gave me general info. about the breed, not really addressing the issue I was most concerned with: the Rott's bad public image and how we can correct it. What I had tried to accomplish with my e-mails was to establish a dialogue on this subject, since I had heard there was a Rott public-image committee in the works. I was hoping to cooperate with them on ideas and see if there was anything I could do to help in this respect, in my state. But, alas, no replies.

The inescapable conclusion is that my e-mails didn't go to cooperative, open-minded, responsive people, genuinely interested in the good of the breed, but rather to little empires, composed of virtual gods, who need no ideas from anyone, who always know best, and who repel by silent treatment those who would dare infringe upon their "territory" with their offers of cooperation and suggestions. I suspect that uninvited potential "partners" like me are particularly obnoxious in their sight, since we get very specific about issues and request follow-ups on progress, and accountability.

I have been festering over this for a long time, and have enough tangency with reality to know that things won't change. But, writing about it makes me feel somewhat better. I'd like others to know about the walls I've run into. I figure that's a good indicator of the Rott's expected rate of image-improvement and overall breed interests support.

[TrishB]

I agree that getting an association to take on the 'big topics' is often an impossible task. Are you a member of the ARC (http://www.amrottclub.org/)? If so, did you include your membership number? I'd also ask that anyone here who is also a member (since I'm not, I'm Canadian) to also write a letter asking why there has not been a response to this very important query.

Considering the homepage of their site reads:

The American Rottweiler Club is an AKC-Member Club recognized as the national breed club, dedicated to education about responsible Rottweiler ownership, and to preserving and protecting the Rottweiler breed.

It is up to the membership to hold them to that mission statement!

I applaud your initiative Rott4ever, let's hope that others follow in your foot steps! :)

[Rott4ever]

nk you for your reply, Trish. I am not a member of ARC: I can't even own a Rottweiler because of the unfair and unmerited bad publicity given the breed, which has made my husband hostile to, and infinitely gun-shy of it. I posted my plight in many of my messages on this board in the hope that my situation would draw attention to the attitudes that are out there and to help us all, as a group, figure out how to give irrefutable answers to any and every objection raised unfairly against this dog.

I have yet to see an aggressive, unrelenting campaign against the lying media by the forums which claim they support the interests of the Rottweiler. I have yet to hear frequently on TV about wonderful deeds of Rotts, or read more and more complimentary articles in the newspapers. Somebody is asleep at the wheel, somebody is consumed with power, control, and self-importance rather than with the redemption of this great dog. That I am indignant is to put it mildly. Oh, sweet laissez faire attitude, which helps us take the path of least resistance. The less you care, the easier it gets... And, if combined with this there's almost no accountability and no success criteria, then it's total bliss. But it's at the cost of the dogs.

I wrote about my frustration for exactly the reason you mentioned: that the people who love this dog give thought to the need to unite and overhaul the clubs and organizations that have grown fat, sluggish, and complacent in the mire of the status quo.

[SarasMom]

Originally posted by Rott4ever
I have yet to see an aggressive, unrelenting campaign against the lying media by the forums which claim they support the interests of the Rottweiler. I have yet to hear frequently on TV about wonderful deeds of Rotts, or read more and more complimentary articles in the newspapers. Somebody is asleep at the wheel, somebody is consumed with power, control, and self-importance rather than with the redemption of this great dog. That I am indignant is to put it mildly. Oh, sweet laissez faire attitude, which helps us take the path of least resistance. The less you care, the easier it gets... And, if combined with this there's almost no accountability and no success criteria, then it's total bliss. But it's at the cost of the dogs.

You've yet to see the campaign? Well it is underway, every single day. The members of this forum do their part, that's for sure. They're writing letters to the media, fighting BSL, training their own dogs to be good examples. They're getting CDs, CGCs and doing therapy work. They're fighting BYBs, doing rescue work, and posting to help new owners raise a dog that projects a good image. The members of this forum are doing their part to EDUCATE, one day and one person at a time. There are no shortcuts, no magic bullets. It's two steps forward and one step back. The path of least resistance? Nope, don't think so. ;)

[moondog]

Originally posted by Rott4ever
...somebody is consumed with power, control, and self-importance...

Who is, exactly?

[Rott4ever]

Sara's Mom: I realize that the people participating on this board are the ones who are working to make a difference. I also realize that it is a time-consuming, uphill battle. I would never dare minimize their dedication and efforts; on the contrary, I feel we are kindred spirits in our love for these dogs, and they have my admiration.

I thought I was pretty clear in my writing of the initial message: I was referring to the many Rott associations, clubs, including the ARC, whom I consider to be bureaucracies, and who have ignored my e-mails and attempts at cooperation.

Moondog: again, I thought I spelled it out as plain as daylight: a lot of the Rott associations (NOT this forum !!!!) appear to exhibit napoleonic tendencies. They are bureaucracies to one extent or another, and bureaucracies feed on power and control, as I'm sure you well know. One way these attitudes manifest themselves is the ignoring of advice and input from somebody else, outside of the "clan". They know best what is good for the Rott, they don't need any "little people" giving them ideas.


I insist that the wonderful people participating in this Forum need tangible support from official Rott organizations, not just lip service. For a dog that has been so unfairly maligned, I believe that the ARC should have the link I suggested in my original message. I can see that only TrishB picked up on the central idea of my initial message on this topic - the reason for which I wrote it in the first place. So here's my point again:

Don't you people want a central, official gauge, of the success rate of your efforts for the Rott? Don't you want the ARC to really be accountable to you, and show on a constant, continuing basis, what THEY are doing in the interest of the dog and what your collective efforts accomplish on a weekly or montly basis?

How do you expect to no kidding keep track of how well you're doing, if you don't have accountability from those who should support you (ARC, etc) and a central site dedicated to the rate of progress? That is why I proposed that a new link be added to the ARC site. Here's what I envision for that link:

It would be updated monthly (let's say), with reports on:

- How many and exactly which newspapers/magazines published, during the previous month, Rott-friendly stories in a manner that corrects the prejudice and bad image of this breed, articles that report on their gentleness, loyalty, devotion, and heroism.
- From what Insurance black lists this breed has been removed during the past month, due to the dedicated effort of the ARC and Rott lovers (like those participating on this board).
- In how many communities across the country, by name, has the Rott been removed from the breed ban lists.
- How many Rotts got their obedience title, passed their Good Canine Citizen exam, entered therapy work.
- Success of efforts in entering the breed in the seeing-eye-dog program and other assistance-dog programs. How many, when, where.

All who love the breed and work for its redemption, all across the country, should be able to any day click on the said link on the ARC site and follow up on progress, on the fruits of their and ARC's efforts.

I read in a past issue of Dog Fancy which portrayed the Rottweiler that a blind man in Australia trained Angel, his Rott, as his guide dog. He raves about her incredible temperament and how he was stonewalled by the various Australian seeing-eye dog organizations when he wanted to register her with them. I can bet that you would run into the same walls here, in the U.S.. There is NOTHING this dog can't successfully do. Who is anybody to say that only Golden Retrievers and Labs can do that kind of work? The German Shepherd can do it, just as well as he can do Schutzhund. So can the Rott. When we see more and more Rotties lead the blind and working as assistance dogs, how could any enemies of the breed remain standing and badmouth it? They would all be put to shame. This is the kind of redemption I'm seeking for the Rott: thorough and complete.

I have a holy war on this issue, as you can see. Here in Utah, I frequently see bad press about Rotts and no good press. Today, AGAIN, my husband had the satisfaction to clip from our local newspaper an article about the 10 year old girl mauled by 6 Rotties in Wisconsin on Valentine's Day. She was alone with these dogs (testimony as to who her parents were, and who the owners of the dogs were). The article says the dogs "answered her affection with violence". How can they know what was going on, when the girl was alone with the dogs? Gratuitous statements, unfounded, inflaming the public opinion.

That's the only kind of press on these dogs you'll see in my state, which fuels the bad attitudes of people like my husband against the breed, and CONSTANTLY validates them. THIS KIND OF ONE-SIDED REPORTING NEEDS TO END !!!! That's why I lobby so hard that the link I suggested be implemented by the ARC at the request of many Rott lovers. The ARC can ignore one person's request (as they have done with mine), but NOT the request of tens and tens of others.

So far, I see some people looked at my proposal, but only TrishB found it a good idea. I hope that will change, and that many would rally to support it, so that fairness and justice for the Rott can ultimately prevail.

[RottiMomCT]

Originally posted by SarasMom


You've yet to see the campaign? Well it is underway, every single day. The members of this forum do their part, that's for sure. They're writing letters to the media, fighting BSL, training their own dogs to be good examples. They're getting CDs, CGCs and doing therapy work. They're fighting BYBs, doing rescue work, and posting to help new owners raise a dog that projects a good image. The members of this forum are doing their part to EDUCATE, one day and one person at a time. There are no shortcuts, no magic bullets. It's two steps forward and one step back. The path of least resistance? Nope, don't think so. ;)

AMEN SarasMom! I agree 4000% on that one! Being involved in rescue, I am always asked "WHY?". My response is always, "Why not? There are rescue for almost every species of animal out there, and the one I choose to assist is Rottie Rescue. I have no hiddem agenda, I simply love the breed, and adopted a wonderful animal from the Rescue, and now I want to give back to the organization."

If people continue to ask "Why?", I continue and tell them, while they are petting and loving up my so-called viscious dog (they see the sweatshirts and other NERR articles of clothing I wear before they realize they are petting a Rottie!) that Ben has his CGC, and he and I are a Therapy Dog and Handler team.

Many people are surprised about the last part, and they comment "Wow, I thought Rotties were viscious and couldn't be used like that!" I then tell them that it's NOT the breed that is bad, it's the breeders and owners who do it all for the wrong reasons...for money instead of betterment of the breed.

People make dogs mean by neglect and abuse, just like a child that is neglected, abused, and otherwise mistreated will more than likely become violent at some point...

I feel that by the simple fact that I own a Rottie that I have worked very hard to socialize and train, a rottie that I am proud to own, a rottie that is welcomed at every place we are allowed to go to, makes a BIG DENT in the publics perception of the breed, if only in my little corner of the world.

When Ben and I go visiting at the hospital, each time we go, there are more parents visiting the kids when we arrive. Is it coincidence, maybe...more than likely theparents findout there is a Rottwieler Therapy Dog and they want to see it for themselves due to all the bad things they've heard about the breed. When they meet Ben, they are pleasantly surprised, and a few have admitted that they were upset about a Rottie as a Therapy Dog, based on the bad press the breed receives.

Based on the reception that we get when we go visiting, we have changed the views of alot of people in the past 4 months Parents have told me that they are no longer afraid of alot of dog breeds based on what they have learned.

In addition to just 'being there' for many of the patients, I use our visits to educate people about proper care of dogs, proper ways to approach and behave around any dogs, and of course, Ben is soaking up all the attention like a huge sponge! The last time we visited, I had a big 'meeting' with all the kids and parents in the 'rec room' of the hospital. We had a Learn All About Dogs Day" and I handed out info about dogs in general, care, feeding, how to prevent dog bites, etc., and showed people how a dog, like Ben who is very mellow, can play very rough when I get him going (I have a jute roll that was a gift and he LOVES to tug me across the room with it). I also took the time to explain that obedience training is a must, no matter if the dog will never leave the house, or if you'll take him everywhere, like I do with Ben.

Anyways...the point I'm trying to explain is that, by virtue of owning a well behaved, well socialized Rottie is a HUGE step towards negating all the bad press and possible BSL.

Uphill battle or not, two steps forward, one step back...still puts us one step CLOSER than we were before, so we keep stepping forward until there are no more steps to take.

[TrishB]

I agree with all that you have said. You're completely right. Education, one person at a time is the key. Hopefully they'll go on to educate someone else, and so on. :D

I think the point that Rott4ever is getting at is that the associations that are representing our breed need to do the same. The people that join and support them aren't the people you need to worry about. Only people that are concerned about the quality of our breed and love them will typically join an association in the first place. ;)

It's their mission statement that they have on their home page that (I believe) Rott4ever is attempting to hold them to. When they say that they are "dedicated to education about responsible Rottweiler ownership, and to preserving and protecting the Rottweiler breed.", do they mean it? Why not hold them to that? Why not ask them what their agenda is to actually execute that dedication?

I don't think that it demeans anyone else's work to preserve Rottweilers as the wonderful breed that they are. They are only attempting to try to bring someone else into the fight. Especially when these associations already claim to be doing so! ;)

Rott4ever's words are very strong and passionate. But it's that love and dedication that continues to drive all of us to protect our breed. Why not ask others to step up to the plate and do the same? Why not say "You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" If they truly are dedicated, they should be able to respond in kind and say HOW they're dedicated and what they're doing about it.

It could be quite possible that they ARE doing something!! *and I hope they are! ;) But simply not answering an inquiry about which they claim to be dedicated to, that is not acceptable. :(

[Barbara Surplus]

Originally posted by Rott4ever
Moondog: again, I thought I spelled it out as plain as daylight: a lot of the Rott associations (NOT this forum !!!!) appear to exhibit napoleonic tendencies.

Dear Rott4ever, with all due respect and with deep appreciation for your views and opinions, please don't speak to people this way. We are not stupid idiots. You will get nowhere on this forum by condescending to our most intelligent members.
Barbara

[Rott4ever]

Esteemed Barbara,
It was not my intention to insult anybody. I wrote in frustration that the main point of my post appeared to have been missed. I meant to say I thought I was clear, and was frustrated to see that was not the case. As I am sure you can tell, I am quite passionate on this subject, because I love dogs in general, and Rotties in particular. I must confess some things here for the record, so people get to know me a little better and understand there is no ill intent in my messages, ever, and just to take such items as you mentioned as slip ups. I would hate to see the points I try to make be missed and instead my less-than-perfect writing ability be focused upon.

One thing I must say is that my frustration is quite high when I come across the wrong way. That's because my husband has been a vocal critic of me in this respect over the years. For a while it was hard to accept his criticism, because I was convinced in my mind that there's no way I could be misunderstood. I am more pliable in that nowadays, after having experienced perceptions like yours in various aspects of my life, when I tried to communicate. I am getting better at receiving criticism and can say I have a willingness to change what I did wrong.

The other thing is that I hope all of the participants on this Forum will be kind to me when it comes to my manner of expression. I am not a native speaker of English, so I do, occassionally miss or am unaware of some of the nuances of a word, or how the meaning comes across. God only knows, just a few short months ago I was preparing a thank you letter for someone and was proudly reading it to a friend of mine (a native speaker of English, no less). I thought he was going to find it perfect! Not small was my surprise when he pointed out that I might not want to use the word "stranger" in a particular sentence. When he started telling me some of the other connotations this word has, I just about jumped out of my chair! No, of course I didn't want to convey that meaning in my letter!!!!

So in the future, plase bear with me, having been appraised of these facts. I again assure you that you'll never find intentional aggression, disrespect for anybody, or ill intent in my posts. I am a Christian, and thus keenly aware of the admonition that we should honor others above ourselves.

To tell you the truth, I am a deep introvert, have been a loner all throughout my childhood, and you are witnessing a big step of personal progress to find me actually posting and communicating on a Bulletin Board! It is my love for dogs and this breed that made it happen. When I was growing up my parents were worried about me, thinking that there was something wrong with me, because I had no friends among the other children. How could I, when I ignored their pleas to play with dolls, and all I wanted to play was the dog, and the horse ?!!

I come from a family that with no exception, for generations, has been full of fanatic dog lovers, and have the most endearing dog stories I could fill a book with. As I like to say to those who know me (of whom most vowed to come back as my dog after they die)
:D , my love of dogs is genetic. I might also mention that my ancestral roots are from the two peoples that created and perfected the Rottweiler. So, who knows, maybe my very affection for them is genetic also.
Thank you for your remark and I apologize for any misunderstanding my post may have created. Will do more work and thinking on my posts before I submit them.:)

[TrishB]

First of all Rott4ever, I just wanted to say that for someone who's first language is NOT English, you're doing very well! :) English is not the easiest language to comprehend. You should be very proud of yourself!

I think by the way your post was written, it could have been misunderstood that you wanted to replace the current work being done with an action by the association. I tend to assume on the bright side ;) so I assumed that you intended it as 'in addition to'!

Any ideas that can be used to promote our wonderful breed is appreciated. I accept that you didn't intend any ill words with your comment earlier.

If our governing associations, both breed clubs and at the kennel club levels got involved - I think it would be wonderful! We could use all of the help we can get! :)

[Rott4ever]

Thank you for your kind words. You are right: I meant everything I wrote to be IN ADDITION to what is being already done.

Essentially, I wanted to propose that a link be added to the ARC site, and gave my thoughts on what items the new link should contain. As you pointed out in one of your previous replies to me, I was (and am) also hoping that other people in this forum would find that link a good, useful addition to the overall effort to redeem the Rott. Indeed, the ARC can (and has) ignored one person's suggestion (mine), but they can no longer do that when querried about it and asked to implement it by tens of other people.

I long for the day when we would have made such impact upon the media, and corrected so many lies about this dog, that the tables would completely turn in my favor, and I would now be the one to pick up a newspaper any day, find tons of positive articles about Rotts, and have the satisfaction to clip them and give them to my husband.

So far, whether we were on vacation in Alaska and were reading a newspaper in the airport, or whether we're at home and he reads the local newspaper, the only articles about Rotts continue to be negative, and my husband has faithfully been clipping every single one of them for me, to show me that he is right about not accepting "such dog" in our lives. I want to live the day when the media starts printing wave after wave of positives about this dog, all over the country, to undo the bias they have so irresponsibly created in the first place.

I believe that the link I suggested be added by the ARC would greatly help give visibility and cohesion to what we all understand to be our mission, and what we are trying to accomplish. That link would just bring in more of the accountability factor for the ARC, and allow any lover of the breed to keep abreast and well-informed of progress on the issue of the Rott's public image.

[mccoy]

I think that your heart is in the right place on this. I think that they ARC and
the AKC could do alot more to make the
Rottweiler's image better...

Everyone on this forum does what they
can but we can just do so much. The
Public needs to see more positive Rotties in the media.

I know exactly what you mean about your
Husband not liking the breed, I went
thru the same with my ex. The sad thing
was his sister owned one who was a very
sweet girl.

My new Husband shares my love for the
breed and together we are training our
dogs, socializing and trying to be the
best owners we can.:)

[moondog]

Originally posted by Rott4ever
The inescapable conclusion is that my e-mails didn't go to cooperative, open-minded, responsive people, genuinely interested in the good of the breed.......

If you have read through the ARC website, how in the world could you formulate an "inescapable conclusion" that they are not interested in the good of the breed? Every bit of information they provide there expresses a profound interest in the good of the breed.

....but rather to little empires, composed of virtual gods, who need no ideas from anyone, who always know best, and who repel by silent treatment those who would dare infringe upon their "territory" with their offers of cooperation and suggestions.

Well, if you came banging on my door yelling prophecies of divine inspiration (this is your "holy" war, after all, in your own words)... I would be hesitant to answer it, also.

I'd like others to know about the walls I've run into. I figure that's a good indicator of the Rott's expected rate of image-improvement and overall breed interests support.

With all due respect, the walls you've run into speak volumes of your preferred method of approach and very little, if any at all, of the image of Rottweilers. Perhaps you might consider a more refreshing approach.

I am not a member of ARC: I can't even own a Rottweiler because of......

Have you read the application for membership to ARC? You don't have to own a Rottweiler to become an associate member.

I was referring to the many Rott associations, clubs, including the ARC, whom I consider to be bureaucracies, and who have ignored my e-mails and attempts at cooperation. I have yet to see an aggressive, unrelenting campaign against the lying media..... I have yet to hear frequently on TV about wonderful deeds of Rotts, or read more and more complimentary articles in the newspapers.

So there you go. Instead of attacking the organizations that have unquestionably demonstrated THEIR commitment to the breed, why not seek out the wonderful deeds of Rottweilers that exist in every home whose owners have sought out and implemented, either directly or indirectly, the guidance provided by these organizations? Why not compile and present them to the media for publication, as your contribution to the image of the breed? If this is what you'd like to see, then why don't YOU do it?

Don't you people want a central, official gauge, of the success rate of your efforts for the Rott? Don't you want the ARC to really be accountable to you, and show on a constant, continuing basis, what THEY are doing in the interest of the dog and what your collective efforts accomplish on a weekly or montly basis?

With our dogs at our side, we see the success rate of our efforts on a daily basis in our homes and in our communities ....they are directly proportional to our dedication as owners to raising and training our Rottweilers in a way that reflects the endearing qualities of the breed. By providing information and activities to us and by encouraging participation in those activities, it seems obvious to me that what they are doing is in the interest of Rottweilers. By EDUCATING, they contribute much to the positive image of the breed and are doing their part, by providing that support, to prevent the development of circumstances that attract bad press to begin with. It is the responsibility of the owners and handlers of dogs to step up to the task of raising and training them well and it is the owners and handlers who are ultimately accountable. The most ANY organization can do is to provide tools that enable us to do that.

How do you expect to no kidding keep track of how well you're doing, if you don't have accountability from those who should support you (ARC, etc) and a central site dedicated to the rate of progress?

Statistics are purely intellectual, subject to misinterpretation at every turn, and have very little to do with a REAL life with a REAL Rottweiler. Each of us KNOWS how well we are doing, based on our own experience.

I have a holy war on this issue, as you can see. Here in Utah, I frequently see bad press about Rotts and no good press. .....Gratuitous statements, unfounded, inflaming the public opinion.

And so you have presented yourself with a personal challenge. Rather than ranting on about how someone or some organization has failed you, how about accepting the challenge and focusing your undeniable energy towards the media directly, researching and correcting the wrongs and working to get the good press published?

I wrote in frustration that the main point of my post appeared to have been missed.

As was mine. :)

[Rott4ever]

I assume that the people who have been following this thread would want to see my reply to the issues raised by Senior Member Moondog based upon what I wrote, so I offer them here for the forum:

I studied the Rottweiler breed, visited with breeders, read books, magazines, and internet articles every time I got a chance. I have been doing that for 14 years now. I visited Rott-related sites MANY, MANY times, including that of the ARC.

I have learned, along the years, that there can be a significant gap between a mission statement and how much zeal and interest one puts into the actual mission. I believe that to be a fundamental truth not only about individual people, but about organizations as well.

I wrote quite a few e-mails during the past few years asking for cooperation with the ARC and a few other Rott organizations, and offering some ideas I thought useful in the effort of changing the Rott’s public image, and have never received a reply.

My e-mails were written in a respectful, considered manner, and were detailing many of the attitudes and objections toward this breed that I had personally ran into, including those of my husband, who chose to believe the untruths peddled by the media. I thought that by making those attitudes known, I could also help in formulating a strategy which would successfully address them. I asked to be informed how I could help in my state, how I could cooperate with these organizations in order to effect the needed change in public attitudes toward the breed.

The no reply indicated either a lack of courtesy or a disinterest toward adding one more person to the efforts of the mission. If someone said they were profoundly dedicated to a mission/goal, wouldn’t it logically follow that they would make every effort to increase the ranks of supporters and would always be willing to listen and interested in gathering new ideas?

- "Well, if you came banging on my door yelling prophecies of divine inspiration (this is your "holy" war, after all, in your own words)... I would be hesitant to answer it, also.”

When I wrote about my “holy war” in this matter it was simply a figure of speech, in order to convey the fact that it is the one subject I am truly passionate about. I admit I get impetuous on this BB, but it is because what I write is from the heart. In real life I am quiet and withdrawn – difficult though, I am sure, you would find it to believe. I never go banging (to use your terminology) on anybody’s door about anything - never have and don’t plan to do so in the future; my messages are about what I can give and help achieve, NOT about what I can get or what somebody can give me.

Also, I am not an itinerant, self-appointed prophet, as you chose to imply in your remark. And NO, what you wrote was your own, ill-intentioned interpretation of what I wrote, not my own words. Based on the English I know, your remark is personally demeaning, hostile, and rather disrespectful of the spiritual side of life I implied I believe in. I have no doubt you wrote the above remark as a direct attack on me, having read the statement in my last message that I was a Christian. I will not insult you in return, but will rather let the rest of the forum pass their own judgement.

- "With all due respect, the walls you've run into speak volumes of your preferred method of approach and very little, if any at all, of the image of Rottweilers. Perhaps you might consider a more refreshing approach."

Which one is that?
You made the above statement without ever having laid eyes on the e-mails I sent to the Rott organizations. How then, can you pass that judgement?

My method of approach was very respectful but also very direct, honest, and to the point. I see no reason to apologize for not being politically correct, for not telling half-truths, for not pussy footing around issues. If one is honest, hard-working, determined, strong willed, and perseverent, that shouldn’t be deemed offensive. This is my work ethic, and the things that I’ve achieved in my personal and professional life based on it, speak volumes as to its validity and ability to deliver great and lasting success.

But to clarify: I wrote to those organizations in a spirit of friendship, with an invitation to cooperation and an offer to help in any way they deemed I could. I wrote on this BB in a spirit of disappointment and complaint, and with suggestions as to how indifference to overtures for change from established Rott organizations might be circumvented. Quite a different approach between the two message styles, no?

Next: I really don’t understand how you can challenge my contention about this breed’s bad reputation, on any factual basis. This BB (and any Rott board you care to look at) has people giving testimony day in and out about the bad attitudes they run into. In my state alone, THE ONLY newspaper articles I’ve seen about Rotts, and THE ONLY news items on TV about the Rott have been NEGATIVE. In all your replies to me you treat me as a hostile to the breed. I am NOT. I am most passionate about this breed. I love this breed and I want to see it redeemed, because I think it’s been unfairly maligned.

I infinitely respect the people like those participating on this BB, who through their daily efforts change the breed’s image one person at a time. But what I’m trying to say is that the Rott is not out of the woods yet. Not while it’s still on breed ban lists, on insurance company black lists, etc. I tried to rally the participants on this board to demand more accountability from established organizations, on a continuing basis, about specific progress being made.

- "Have you read the application for membership to ARC? You don't have to own a Rottweiler to become an associate member. "

Yes, I did, a long while ago. I am aware of that, and you are correct: the way I wrote seemed to imply I thought one MUST own a Rott in order to be a member. I was trying to say too many things in one sentence, I guess…

- "So there you go. Instead of attacking the organizations that have unquestionably demonstrated THEIR commitment to the breed, why not seek out the wonderful deeds of Rottweilers that exist in every home whose owners have sought out and implemented, either directly or indirectly, the guidance provided by these organizations? Why not compile and present them to the media for publication, as your contribution to the image of the breed? If this is what you'd like to see, then why don't YOU do it?"

First of all, I wrote on this board with the conviction that all participants want to see the same things about the Rottweiler as I. If your reply were my only guidance I would have to conclude I wrote on the wrong board. Yes, I want to see 90% good coverage for the Rottweiler instead of 90% bad coverage. Don’t you? You’ll probably tell me that there already IS 90% positive coverage.

And how do you know that I don’t DO it? Why do you assume that I am the kind of person who doesn’t put their money where their mouth is?

What I’m saying about these organizations is that there is room for improvement.

Now about what I do:

Since I don’t have a Rott, I can’t approach the mission from the same position as those who do. However, I have a collection of Rott magazines at my desk, readily available to be read by anybody who stops by. I talk to people about Rotts any chance I get, and work hard at making sure I correct as many misconceptions as I can.

I wrote to the local TV station a number of times in reply to ill-intentioned, Rott-unfriendly news items they presented.
I got to know (through e-mail communication) a number of very distinguished activists for this breed, and I keep them informed of any news item in my state that is adverse to the Rott (which they all are, in Utah – sweeping statement, but I read the papers and watch the news every day).

With a person extremely hostile to this breed in my life, my own husband, who gets irate any time I mention the breed name and who has tried repeatedly to denigrate this breed and attacked me personally for loving it, I do what is in my ability to do for this dog. And have been, for quite a few years, despite his trying to dissuade me from any such efforts, and not looking with good eyes upon them. I only WROTE on this board a few months ago for the first time. I have been loving and supporting this breed for many years.

I contribute financially to rescue efforts for the GSD (the other breed I love, and which I own) and have made arrangements to give financial support to a Rott rescue organization of stellar accomplishments, to whom my hat is off.

I also asked the aforementioned Rott club/rescue organization for and received permission to write a story about one of their rescued dogs. We have agreed that they should review it when I’m done, and then see if it is worthy of publication. I have been working on the story.

I cannot obtain any positive stories from people with Rotts in the area where I live. It’s a small, provincial town, settled mostly by cattle and sheep ranchers, who favor Australian Cattle Dogs (Heelers), even for pets. There are only about 3 people in town who own Rotties. I never see them walk the Rotts, and almost never see the dogs, period. They are kept confined to the back yard, in an enclosed run, more like a menace to society than something to show off and be proud of.

Last, but not least, I wrote on this board with a proposal for a new link to be added by the ARC on their site, to monitor and keep track of progress.

This is what I DO, and I am always alert to anything else I can do for these dogs.

- "With our dogs at our side, we see the success rate of our efforts on a daily basis in our homes and in our communities ....they are directly proportional to our dedication as owners to raising and training our Rottweilers in a way that reflects the endearing qualities of the breed."

Masterfully put. I do not doubt for a moment that that is indeed the case. I don’t have a Rott with me, like you do, so a link like I suggested for the ARC site would help people who don’t have a Rottweiler and those who are reluctant to own one due to the bad publicity, keep up with progress made in the area of the breed’s PR.

- "By providing information and activities to us and by encouraging participation in those activities, it seems obvious to me that what they are doing is in the interest of Rottweilers."

Yes, but you seem to feel that it is enough and there is no room for improvement.

- 'By EDUCATING, they contribute much to the positive image of the breed and are doing their part, by providing that support, to prevent the development of circumstances that attract bad press to begin with. It is the responsibility of the owners and handlers of dogs to step up to the task of raising and training them well and it is the owners and handlers who are ultimately accountable. The most ANY organization can do is to provide tools that enable us to do that."

All right. I consider the link I suggested as one more tool. The link would keep everybody informed of progress, and give a tangible sense thereof.

- "Statistics are purely intellectual, subject to misinterpretation at every turn, and have very little to do with a REAL life with a REAL Rottweiler. Each of us KNOWS how well we are doing, based on our own experience."

Does that mean statistics is useless and we shouldn’t use it to indicate progress? It's something to help us reflect a changing reality. It’s a TOOL, and a very powerful one. Each person responsibly owning a Rott knows how well they are doing, individually, like you said. Why not bring all these individual successes together and into the spotlight, by showing on a regular basis the results collectively obtained, the policies that were changed due to the collective efforts, the communities which have removed the Rott from their banned breeds, the insurance companies that until recently weren’t insuring homes with Rotts but now do. So, it is more than numbers that I would hope to see on the link I proposed.

- "And so you have presented yourself with a personal challenge. Rather than ranting on about how someone or some organization has failed you, how about accepting the challenge and focusing your undeniable energy towards the media directly, researching and correcting the wrongs and working to get the good press published?"

I believe I answered this thought a little earlier. I presented myself with this personal challenge a long time ago. Keep in mind though, that moralizing the media can be successfully done only so many times. And since I don’t have a Rott and can’t give them a specific example of what my dog did that is commendable and should be publicized, I can only make so much impact. However, when an owner writes their actual story, which can be verified at any time, well… that’s heavy-duty impact. It’s irrefutable evidence vs. someone’s opinion, which happens to disagree with that held by the media.

Overall, I feel that your replies have treated me as if I were a hostile to the breed. I, too, wish that you had directed such replies to those who actually are.