I have dogs
More specifically, I have Rottweilers.
Contrary to most people’s ideas and according to the official standard, Rottweilers are not large dogs. They are medium-large, ranging in size from about 80 to 120 pounds. My current dogs, Charming Billie and John Henry, weigh 75 and 95 pounds respectively.
Rottweilers are, however, strong, powerful, protective and smart. They are not dogs who should be owned by just anyone. They are not, as some people insist on telling me, sweet, gentle creatures who wouldn’t hurt a fly (though some of them are incredibly sweet and many of them intend, at least, to be gentle). They are also not, or at least are not generally born that way, stone killers who would rip a person to shreds as soon as look at them.
So, why do I live with Rottweilers ?
In the twelve years I’ve had Rottweilers I’ve found them to be tough and full of heart and to dearly love their people. Their personalities can vary from out-going to reserved (aloof), from energetic to couch potato. I have not yet met one who wasn't very intelligent in some way (but then, I think most dogs are smart. Just not ‘us.’). Riley (my first Rott) never forgot anyone she ever met. John Henry (my second Rott) knows by the shoes I put on whether I’m going to work or taking him for a walk. Charming Billie is...well, she’s charming. And she refuses to learn what ‘no’ means which takes some kind of brain power, though I’m not sure exactly what.
They are tremendously powerful dogs. Even Charming Billie at a mere 75 pounds, a mini-Rott if ever there was one, could yank me off my feet if she wanted to. The pure massive power of a Rottweiler took me more time than I thought to get used to. Training them and living with them has given me a whole new understanding of my own body and strength of will and while I don't have Rottweilers to protect me, particularly, I love all that muscle and power walking beside me and knowing that they are with me because they want to be, that they let me control the leash because they trust me. It’s a partnership that acknowledges on my side that they are not people with fur and on theirs that I am the one who calls the shots when it counts.
But here’s the bottom line:
I cannot own a Rottweiler and not be alive. They bring me out into the world and make me pay attention. They show me what heart is and sacrifice and joy. Rottweilers live in the now. They always go for broke and they never worry about whether they care too much or try too hard or if the neighbors will think they are silly. And, honestly, I cannot do anything in the face of all that, except love them.