Standing up for the breed

[Dei]

Family can be difficult, moreso than strangers: we care more about their opinion and we actually have to live with them (or see them occaisionally).

What I remember is that first, no one can have better judgement than the information on which it is based and second, the difference between the ignorant and the stupid is that the ignorant can learn.

Be firm, friendly and open. And remember that the sight of your well-trained, well-kept Rottie is worth any number of hours of talk.

Natch, if you're unlucky enough to have a dog with behavorial problems (for what ever reason), then your job becomes just a little harder...


Dei.

[Sampson's Mom]

I have not only dealt with family members telling me we had to get rid of Sampson when we had kids, but I also had parents of my 4 year olds preschool friends tell me that they will not allow their kids at our house because we had a Rott. I talked until I was blue in the face about how great he was with kids and how Sarah would make him dress up in feather boas and hats and play house with her. I even took in pictures of them all playing together and taking naps together. When Sarah went to school and said that her dog had gone to heaven, one of the mom's said, "oh now Peyton can come to your house and play". No I'm sorry your dog died or anything like that. She was mortified when I said we would be getting another. Lo and behold a few weeks later that same mom told me that her brother had just gotten a 3 year old female from a rescue. She was just shocked at how sweet and well mannered Gladys is. I think we have finally won her over and Peyton will be allowed to play at our house even when our new puppy comes home.

[JoJo]

Well mothers seem to have that "first" opinion about rottweilers! I did! Then I met my 4 legged granddaughter Raja and that's all she wrote. 5 years later I'm on my second rescue rottie and now babysitting Raja while Jon and Michelle move. The key is education. People have to have an open mind and be willing to learn. That my friends will be the hardest part, for not all want to learn. Sometimes ignorance is easier!

JoJo

[rebelgal7]

Well guess what...my mother rang to say that she won't be coming down for a visit unless I have a room which she could lock herself in while the dogs sleep in their crates!!!

[ June 02, 2001: Message edited by: rebelgal7 ]

[jacksonsmom]

I am sorry to hear that rebelgal7 :( That is your pups home and hopefully after meeting him/her your mother will see how wonderful these dogs are :D Good Luck!!

[alexav]

Hey, everyone, don't give up hope - ever. Keep a positive attitude and if someone doesn't want to be around your dog...FINE!-They are missing out and someday they will realize it!

My Father-in-law is an 80 yr old Greek immigrant. He was raised in a culture where dogs herd and guard sheep. They don't come in the house, you don't feed them anything but scraps, and you don't get emotionally attached. So when my husband and I got our first Rottie, Dad went on for an hour..."What you want big, ugly dog like that? What's it good for? Don't bring it to My house!"

To make a long story shorter....It happened gradually...over the span of about 7 years....
NOW, when we go to visit, we are expected to bring the dog - if we don't for some reason, Dad is VERY disappointed and lets us know about it. On holidays, we have to watch out that he doesn't feed too much roasted lamb to the dog! (She is allowed in the dining room now - well, Dad insists on it.)
Last winter, "Papoo"(Grandpa) made a special point to pose for pictures with "Skili" to send to his friends and family in Greece! (This is usually reserved for GRANDCHILDREN!) :D

So, you see, if a grumpy old Greek that sees all dogs in general as farm animals can come around and actually feel the importance of love and companionship from a good dog, then I believe there is hope for almost anyone!

[Rott'n'Plott]

We won another one over.
I called my sister and told her that she hurt my feelings by refusing to meet my girl and that I couldn't visit without her. They are travelling to our parents next weekend and are going to meet Rosey and have already decided that since I love her and haven't had any problems with her that it would be okay for me to bring her to their place for a weekend. I can't believe it. She says she doesn't have any real objection to the breed she just isn't a dog person.
That's two households down and six to go. Wish us luck!