Trailer park evicts two dogs, family moving
By Sheri Monk
A newly-separated women seeking refuge in the town of her birth feels she is being driven out because of two dogs – which happen to be Rottweilers.
Since 1990 when Winnipeg banned pit bulls, the debate over how to control dogs, their owners and specific breeds has waxed and waned, but never disappeared. But for Barb Genert and her daughter Kelly (19), the debate has manifested into an ultimatum – get rid of the dogs or get out.
The story began in 2008 when Barb brought Kelly to Maple Creek.
“I was born here. I had separated from my husband and my daughter is a small town girl. She thrives better in a small town and she was having a hard time in the city so it was time to bring her back,” said Barb.
“My daughter had always wanted a dog and of course, I refused all the time. And then I finally gave her permission to get one,” she said.
But instead of one pet, the family ended up with two.
“There was a couple who were desperately looking for someone to take both of them because these two dogs had been raised together since they were puppies,” Barb explained.
The rottweilers, a brother and sister pair named Reico and Meeka, now four years old, found a second chance at domestic bliss in Barb and Kelly.
“I took one look at them and fell in love with them and agreed. The day we moved back to Maple Creek is the day we picked them up,” Barb said.
But unbeknownst to Barb, a decision she made shortly before the move would later be the impetus to move back to the city life she tried to escape.
The family rented a home at Cypress Mobile Park, located at the west side of Highway No. 21 South. Not a legal part of the town of Maple Creek proper, the trailer park falls in the jurisdiction of the RM of Maple Creek, which worked out well, as the mother and daughter would later realize the town has a bylaw prohibiting the breed.
The 2005 bylaw prohibits specific breeds and also includes pit bulls, pit bull crosses and rottweiler crosses. Anyone violating the law is subject to a $500 fine, plus another $100 fine for each additional day the dog is still within town limits.
Conflict over the dogs ensued almost immediately. One month after moving in, Barb says a tenant would frequently yell at the dogs when they barked. Eventually she told the man that if he stopped yelling, the dogs would stop barking and for a brief spell, all was well.
Barb says the dogs are always leashed in the park, but they are walked to a field and let loose to play and run. She says one day, her daughter’s boyfriend, Tyree Broder, was with the dogs in the field when the loud tenant returned – with a hammer – and threatened to kill the dogs because he didn’t like them. A complaint was made with the RCMP and while no charges were laid, Barb was advised to contact the detachment in the event of another incident. She says after obtaining help from the RCMP, the tenant was never a problem again.
In the fall of 2009, Kelly decided she wanted to move to town and live with her boyfriend. Aware of the bylaw banning rottweilers, Kelly says they contacted the town’s bylaw enforcement officer.
“My boyfriend had got a-hold of Richard Drockner. And he said that as long as he is leashed at all times and there’s no complaints of him barking, and no complaints at all, then we should be fine,” said Kelly, adding they were advised not to flaunt the dog.
The young couple, who both hold jobs in town, did move to town at the beginning of October and kept Reico without incident – for a while. One evening in early December, Broder was walking the dog down a back alley and ran into Drockner.
“He actually told Tyree that we would get a fine for having him because they were cracking down on the bylaw since they had a new council (elected in October). He basically told him because they’re cracking down on it he had to get Reico back out of town or else there would be a $500 fine,” said Kelly.
As a result, the couple and the dog moved back in with Barb shortly after and the family’s troubles escalated.
On Dec. 8, Barb received a phone call from her landlord who owns the trailer the family is living in. In turn, the landlord, Candace Hansen, rents the property from Cypress Mobile Park.
“I got a call from my landlord who was very upset because she likes having me as a renter and has no problem with me having the dogs, but the actual trailer court has now evicted us because of the dogs. They basically said if she doesn’t kick us out, they’ll kick her out.”
Technically, only the dogs are evicted and must be gone by Jan. 14 at which time, Hansen’s trailer could be forced off the property, which would effectively evict Barb and Kelly at the same time. The letter from the trailer park’s manager, Glen Nadaue.
Barb emphatically says the dogs have never caused any trouble at the trailer court. She says initially, they barked when no one was home, but the problem was solved by training and netting off the window , making it in accessible to the dogs.
“When we first moved here, because they were new to us, they would bark at the front window in the trailer. And they did look intimidating when they were barking, but it was a matter of training with them,” Barb said.
Barb and Kelly maintain the dogs are gentle, friendly and have never showed aggression to anyone. Additionally, Kelly says two dogs from a neighbouring yard escaped and ran to the rotties. Kelly and one of her dogs were bitten, but she says neither of the rottweilers responded aggressively.
Barb says there is one tenant who she believes has been vocal of his opposition to the dog, but feels the majority of tenants don’t appear to share the same concerns.
“There is one person in particular in the trailer court and he’s been heard by many people that have come and told me that they’ve heard him in businesses and stuff talking about how he wants me gone and has gone around to people in the trailer court trying to get a petition saying that we’ve got to get her and these dogs out of there,” said Barb, adding there was apparently not enough support for the petition to make it fly.
Currently, the trailer court does not have a dog policy and several other tenants also have dogs – but there are no other rottweilers.
The family cannot move to Maple Creek, which means they are out of options. As a result, Barb says the trio have no options but to quit their jobs and head west to Medicine Hat, where such a dog ban is not in place. She’s hoping she’ll be allowed some extra time at the trailer court to look for new jobs and a new home.
“There’s three people quitting their jobs and leaving because of this,” said Barb, adding she would have preferred to have been able to stay in Maple Creek. “I love the majority of the people. I love my job (at Home hardware) and I have my family here which is a support. And you know in my last year and a half here and going through my separation, to come to Maple Creek at first was a total relief. It was like we could breath again. But now, it’s… I do believe we’re being pushed out.”
Barb says she’s frustrated that while people will privately support her position, they’re not coming forward to express those feelings to town council or the management of the trailer park.
“We’ve had lots of people actually tell us that they would stand behind us and say our dogs are great, but from previous experience, they quite often don’t back you up.”
The Badger contacted several residents of the trailer park. Only one supported removing the dogs and said the measure was preventative, not in reaction to a show of aggression or violence. He agreed to speak, but requested his name be withheld from publication.
“Them kind of a dog, you know what they’re like as well as I do,” he said, admitting no one has been bitten by the pair in question. “No, but it’s bound to happen.”
The afeared tenant says the dogs behave differently when the owners are not home.
“Sure they’re good dogs when everybody is around their home, but then they’re not home, they don’t know what these dogs are like. I’ve seen them at the windows, banging on the windows pretty heavy. They are two dogs that shouldn’t be here – I don’t care. The older people they walk around here, well, what are they going to do if they come out the windows?” he asked.
The tenant says he hasn’t witnessed the dogs barking at the window for about a month, but still feels they pose a threat and reiterated his belief the dogs will eventually attack someone.
The owner of the trailer which the family is renting says the rottweilers have never been a problem and have never showed any signs of aggression toward her.
“Ron, my husband, he’s been there and he’s worked underneath the trailer and those dogs don’t even move,” said Hansen, adding the dogs did bark when they first moved in, but the problem was soon rectified.
Hansen says she contacted the Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies to find out if her trailer (or the tenants) could be evicted because of the dogs when there is no history of aggression or violent confrontations. As well, Hansen never signed a contract specifying any dog policy.
“She said the fact that the dog has been there, in theory I don’t think the people that own the trailer court can ask us to get rid of our tenant. And I can’t ask my tenant to go anyway – we couldn’t ask her legally to now leave because of the dogs,” said Hansen.
In the letter from park manager Nadeau, other concerns are cited such as debris around the property and an abandoned car stored in the trailer’s parking lot. As well, additional vehicles parked at an adjacent vacant lot were mentioned, but Barb says they were moved before the letter was written, and were stored with permission from the park’s previous manager. But the letter’s strongest wording is reserved for the dogs.
“There has been a resident rottweiler dog in this home that continuously pounds on the front window of the home whenever pedestrians walk by. The extremely threatening action of this dog imposed on the rights of other tenants that enjoy walking through the park. This is totally unacceptable,” the letter stated.
The letter also ascertained that the dogs have been allowed to roam without a leash after 11 p.m. in the park, but Barb denies that the dogs are ever allowed to run free within the park’s limits.
The park manager wouldn’t speak at length or in detail of the family’s specific situation, but did confirm the January 14 deadline to remove the dogs.
“As the park manager, I’m responsible to ensure that if there’s a situation that infringes on people’s rights or threatens their safety, I have to deal with it,” said Nadaue, adding his actions are nothing personal.
He says new policy regarding dogs is in development and will be discussed with tenants in the future.
Barb says she contacted Mayor Barry Rudd about the town’s bylaw prohibiting certain dog breeds, and he seemed receptive to discussion.
“He recognizes the bylaw doesn’t work and that it needs to be changed from a breed-specific bylaw to a dangerous dog bylaw. A dangerous dog bylaw gives the bylaw officer the ability to assess any dog, regardless of its breed, if there’s a threat in any way. It can be assessed on an individual basis.”
Rudd says the issue has come up at council and is scheduled to be brought forward at tonight’s meeting. He says the policies of other towns and municipalities are being researched and council will hold a public meeting, likely in late February or early March.
“We’re re-looking at it. It will be tabled Tuesday night,” said Rudd.
Drockner (bylaw officer) was not available for comment before press time.
The Badger wants to know how you feel on this issue by this survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QVGDHM3
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i do not know how one person can judge these dogs i have seen and been around them .They are a pair of babies.Im thinknig this person maybe scared of any dog so therefore he has got to make it ruff on barb and kelly because they have dogs that have gotten a bad rap I beleive any dog can be dangerous big or small it all depends on how they are treated by their owners if they have been treated bad and not looked after right ya they are going to rebell but give them the attention and love like barb and kelly ,tyree have they wont.The laws have got to change and stop judging the animals just because someone has not gotten enough info on any dog.THere is a dog running around Maple Creek everyday maybe they should do something about the people that own it because i have seen it nip at peoples hands when they are out walking.Just ticked off and yes im a rotti lover
As a tenant of the park, a friend of Barb and Kelly’s, and an ex-neighbour of the unnamed tenant in this article, I have a few things to say. First of all, mean dogs are made by mean people. Anyone who knows Barb and Kelly, know that this is not the case.
Secondly, this unhappy tenant has a cocker spaniel who is more intimidating then the named rottweilers. When I lived next door to these people, the dog would lunge at the fence and try to attack my dog, Theo, through the fence! The spaniel would continuously bark at us, and so eventually, they built a six foot privacy fence.
As for living in the trailer park, I would have to say that it has been quite an ordeal. We haven’t had the same manager for more than a few months since the park was sold to a man who does not live here. From where I stand it looks like a lot of work and not enough pay. The maintenance on this place is very time consuming and there are things which have been neglected for a long time, such as the water, and the sewage! As the mother of a five month old baby who baths in this water, and no written reassurance that the water is safe, this is definitely a cause for concern.
I think it is only fitting to close this letter with a saying I once heard…”People who live in glass houses should not throw stones!”
This is article is way too long. I read the first four paragraphs before commenting. It’s over 2,000 words! No one has time to read such a thing. Though I’m sure the dogs are duly loved by their owners, it’s not the ending of the world and not news. Stories like this and the starving dog story do nothing but perpetuate gossip and touch on insignificant issues where there are always five sides to the story.
Oh and p.s. until we get the dogs’ side of things, it’s tough to know the full story. Guess we’ll never know haha…
I am quite upset and shocked at this! I am also a tenant of this trailer park and have a birds eye view of Barb’s trailer. Those dogs are well behaved and well mannered unlike some of the other animals and people in this park. I run a day care out of my trailer and have taken my kids for walks right past Barb’s trailer and have never had a problem at all! This is totally uncalled for.
I would not hesitate to let my own children or other play,pet or be near these animals. It is absurd that Barb has to leave because of some peoples ignorance. I was going to bring my dog in from the farm to keep people out of my yard, but I guess not, as I could lose her!
Absolutly disgraceful!!!!! Bad owners make bad dogs!!!!!! I have seen on many occasion dogs roaming around here with no supervision and nothing is done about that!
I am so sorry for Barb and Kelly and these 2 beautiful animals!!! And disgusted by the people that are doing this!
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones cause it will come back to bite you!
As an animal lover myself I will never let anyone decide what I can and can’t do with my animals.
I have had dogs my whole life and have used them everyday for work. I believe that mean or aggressive dogs are not born. Agressive behavior is a result of their environment. I find it hard to believe that there would be a bylaw prohibiting a specific breed of dog. The laws pertaing to dogs should be based on an individual basis. Based on aggression and behavior. There are many breeds of dogs that one would not consider dangerous but could be surprised. If the issue of the “window barking” has been solved and these or any other dogs living in the park, are not allowed to run free in the park, then I fail to see where the problem lies. We are all very well aware of Human Rights and I believe that this particular injustice has come very close to crossing an all to delicate line. I fail to see that evicting a family because of two dogs who have not shown any real sign of aggressive behavior toward anyone, is either morally or legally right.
As for Write of way, who on this earth has got the time to count 2000 words? It would have taken much less time to just read the article. And since when has everyday life become an insignificant issue?
Yours Truly(with an opinion)
Kelly Keslick
K. So… There is a reason why these type of dogs are banned in many places and it is not because the breed is sweet and loving.
Rottweilers are violent dogs. They were bred for herding and stock protection in ancient times going back to the Roman Empire. In more recent times, the dogs are becoming more voilent because of breding for fights.
Rottweilers and pitbulls and their crosses have attacked both people and animal. Some of these were provoked. However, many other attacks were not provoked. Watch the news and see that these attacks happen. And 90% of the time, they dog involved is one of these breds.
Sure Barb, Kelly, and Tyree are nice people. And as nice people, they would feel just aweful if someone was attacked or even an animal was attacked by their Rottweilers.
And the people who make bylaws and rules are nice people who do not want an attack to occur. Unfortuntly, the bylaws and rules are made after an attack has occurred.
The people wanting the dogs to be gone from their neighborhood are nice people too. They want to feel safe and not on guard when they are outside or their family and friends are outside. The neighbors who want the Rottweilers gone have the right to feel and be safe in and around their home. And they pay their taxes too.
As a note, when fundraising groups are doing door to door fundraisers, the volunteers are told not to go to a house with a dog. And the reason for that is dogs will attack to protect the home. And I am sure Barb’s Rottweilers will do that too.
Prehaps Barb and her family should consider getting two new dogs like golden retreives or beagles. Yes it will be hard as I am sure your Rottweilers are part of the family. But, the reality is that the dogs are violent and will attack at some point. The dogs do act different and more aggessively when you are not home. This was stated in the article above.
Rottweilers are not bred to be the family pet. The breed is a violent breed. Why do you really have them? Because when you left your husband in the city, you were scared and you wanted protection. And that came in the form of two Rottweilers.
So sorry you have to lose yours dogs, but rest well knowing that they did protect you. Perhaps you would grow to love a new dog or two that are not considered a violent dog breed. Other dogs will provide a high level of love, companionship, and protection to you and your family.
“Innocent until proven guilty.” The basis of our utopian idea of a fair and just, morally upstanding civilization…but how often can we look back through history and see the persecution of some faction or another in this same civilization? African americans, members of the Jewish faith, persons following the Wicken beliefs, North American Indian people, persons of Asian descent and most recently, persons of Arabic and Mediteranian descent, just to name a very few. Why is it so very easy to discriminate against people, animals, cultures, civilizations and beliefs that are perceived to be a threat? It is simple really….fear. It is primordial, mind numbing and powerful. The best way to deal with this fear?…annihilation of the perceived threat. Choose a target, alienate and isolate the target, convince the masses that their very lives and the existance of their world depend on removal of this perceived threat and neutralization of the “enemy”. At what cost? Perhaps we should destroy all potential threats to humans: Rottweilers, Pitbull Terriers, Sharks, Bears, Aligators and Crocodiles, Viruses, Bacteria, guns, knives, scissors, razor blades…. you get the picture. To persecute based on generalizations is so very wrong. Any and all INDIVIDUALS of breeds of dogs, cats or animals in general (humans included) can be vicious and truly a threat. Innocent until proven guilty…to try, convict and sentence on an individual basis…more time consuming then mass annihilation, but ultimately more civilized. Repeating the same mistakes over and over again is a symptom of simple mindedness.
Respond to Write of Way,
About not getting the dogs side of the story, well ya If they could only talk humans would be in alot of DUNG! But if you were around animals or maybe even cared for animals you would come to learn that they can tell you some things by how they look at you or by their actions! As a kid you ever do anything wrong and your parent gave you THE LOOK and by that LOOK you knew what they were telling you? I kinda have my doubts, I think you wouldn’t get it if it hit you up side the head!
Yes, I agree with Krick… mean people create mean dogs, I know a lot of pit bulls and rotties who are just sweethearts, better behaved than most dogs. I couldn’t imagine having to give my dog up, it is like a child to some people. If they ban Barb and Kelly’s dog, they should also take some initiative and ban the “tenants” dog too. What an idiot. Thanks for the great story, and bringing this to our attention in your paper.
I think that before sitting down to write or respond to any issue, it should be of some importance to have an understanding of the situation, in the form of knowledge or education.
The Rottweilers country of origin is Germany and yes they were used as herding dogs but these intelligent dogs were also used for pulling carts to carry livestock, water and other products. During the first and second world wars, Rottweilers had an extremely valuable job in guard dogs, messengers, and ambulance. Today these dogs are used all over the world for search and rescue, assistance dogs, guide dogs for the blind and police dogs.
According to the FCI Standard, the Rotty is good-natured, placid in basic disposition, fond of children, very devoted, obedient, biddable, and eager to work. The American Kennel Club states that they are basically calm, confident and courageous, self-assured with a wait and see attitude. They are especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all purpose dog. Many of these dogs have saved lives and are not bred for fighting!(maybe in some underground world or alternate reality.)
Bad dogs are not born, there is no genetic mutation in certain dog breeds that make them dangerous. The true criminals rarely get punished. What we have now is a band-aid solution, it will work for a short period of time. What is needed are harsher laws dealing with animal cruelty and neglect.
Lisa
I feel the plight on both sides of the debate. I am an animal lover and most of all, I love my dogs and no matter what the breed, they all seem to have this one predominant feature…their ability to bond with the human spirit and provide total unconditional love.
It’s a non arguable point; it all starts with the owner of the dog. But I am not totally convinced that even specific breed advocates fully understand the depth of that statement. Being a responsible owner also means fully understanding your dog and its breed.
Yes, all breeds have that capacity to give unconditional love and loyalty. But one must keep in mind that specific breeds have been inherently bred for specific purposes. It is a scientific fact that inherent breeding creates changes in the brain and is genetically inherited thereafter.
Pit-bull advocates say that the media has sensationalized them over the news. Perhaps that is true, but there is one reason that they are reported on so much. All dogs have the capacity to attack and create damage to a human being. But when a pit-bull attacks, the damage seems to be fairly significant in nature. Pit-bulls are the ONLY breed in which you must use a “break” in order to get them to release their grip from their victim. Note: pit-bulls were bread to be in that “happy place” when they had a grip on their victim. This does not mean they are necessarily an aggressive breed, it means that when they do bite, they will not let go.
Rottweilers and German Sheppards, god, what beautiful breeds they are. They too were bread for specific purposes in mind. Their ancestry goes back to Germany where they were initially used for herding. The German Sheppard continues to have strong breeding practices and breeders are excited to see what the future brings for them. Rottweilers on the other hand have not had the same luck. This was a fantastic breed, but when they were brought to North America, they were carelessly bred without regard for temperament. Only a handful of breeders attempted careful breeding standards, thus you still take your chances today as to which end of the stock you are getting.
Specific breeds can present more of a challenge which is something a dog owner must recognize and take responsibility for. It would be narrow minded and negligent not to do so. Regardless what “The Dog Whisperer” says, today’s dogs are no longer pack animals with a social structure. They are no longer wolves. They have been with us for over 14000 years domestically and we have purposely changed their genetics in a myriad of ways to suit our own needs, whether they are practical or entertaining.
Thank you everybody for your support its a much needed comfort knowing we are not in this alone. However, i must address Rhonda first. Your information is so incorrect. The Rottweiler, or Rottweil Metteerhund (“Butchers Dog”), originated in Germany as a herding dogs who also were used to pull carts to carry livestock to slaughter, meat and other products to market. They were not used as gaurd dogs until much later.
According to the ATTS (American Tempermant Test Society) who test all breeds of dogs on their tempermant the Rottweiler were tested 5097 times, failed 869 times and passed 4228 times. that leaves them with a passing score of 83 percent. To name a few that came under the rottie are: Australian Shepard(81) Cocker Spaniel (80) Minuature Schnauzer(78) and those are also a few of the breeds that live here in the trailor court. It may not be by much but the rottweiler has a proven better tempermant.
As of your concern that when we moved here we adopted the dogs as protection you are very incorrect. If i wanted protection i would have bought a gun. I happen to cross the dogs on a website and imediatly fell in love as did my mother. We are not prejudice and believe dogs are how you raise them and never once considered our babies as guard dogs. The previous owner needed someone to save the dogs, take them together. I thought for the longest time i saved them but really they saved me.
Canada does not keep a dangerous dog act but under the 1991 list for America four types of dogs were recognised. The pit bull, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and the Fila Brasileiro. The rottweiler was not listed. Hmmmm, So why is it that everybody assumes that rotties are so dangerous if the evidence shows otherwise. Propaganda. How many movies and shows have you seen a mean looking dog to see it was a rottie. They are chosen for their intimadating look. The rottweiler is the number two most chosen dog for our police force. They are loyal loving and yes when taught to be dangerous they can, but what makes that different from any other dog? All i am trying to say is that if you are going to try to give info pleasmake sure it is correct next time.
And i understand there are attacks, but 90 percent are definatly not from rotties. and because the media does not display every story most of the rottie attack are from the police dogs which still need to be recorded. Another unfortunate death happened to be a two year old child because the rottweiler was sleeping with the baby and rolled on top of him. That doesnt sound viscious it sounds like a loving dog who made an accident in his sleep and killed his owner from being to big.
As for write of way, please note it was never my intention to perpetuate gossip. My rights are being taken away and i want the communtity to understand. I am now 19 years old and must quit my job and find somewhere to live because im being discriminated against for owning a certain breed of dog. I would love to have any of you come meet them and understand they are sweethearts and this rumor of being dangerous all steemed from one grumpy old man.
Socializatoin is they key to being civilazed and that involves animals as well. How could we expect dogs to get along with people if they are banished from being around them. My dog loves everything that moves he has play dates every week with other dogs from in town all which are smaller than him. He also loves cats. Yes my big mean scary rottie loves to play with cats. When there is a cat in the house you will find Reico cuddled up with it sleeping.
I just cant stress enough the thanks of support i am getting from my community. And many thanks to Sheri Monk for getting my injustice heard. I will never get rid of my dog because he is an eye sore to some. He is like my child, he is family and if he is sent away, i will stay and fight for him. If we lose i will leave, with him.
I feel I need to speak again. I understand that there have been alot of situations with this specific breed of dogs that Barb and Kelly own, BUT there have been attacks by other dog breeds so why just breed specific. I myself was bitten by a border collie. Do I think all border collies are mean and will attack me? No, as a matter of a fact I went on to own the same breed.
My little house dog that is a minature sheltie is the most loving, caring dog but if she was provoked and aggitated long enough i feel that she would defend herself. Is that wrong? I don’t think so. I have been by that trailer when Barb or Kelly was not home. The dogs showed no aggresion nore did they bark. I understand that if the barking continued then address the problem, but it has quit.So why is there still an issue?
As a tenant of htis trailer park, I feel that if Barb and Kelly have to give up their dogs then so should everybody else in this park!!!
I have spoke to other people who have had many a restless night because of barking dogs in this park. This is at the other end of the park from Barb’s trailer. So you tell me why those owners get special rights and do not have to give up their beloved pets?
Just not really a fair thing at all and I hope Barb fights this all the way cause there is no legal right for what is happening to her!!!!!
The only evidence the man has on these dogs is that they used to bark and look agressive in the window. If this is the case then half the dogs in town need to go regardless of their breed. A friend lives next door to a “mutt” that is outside tied up ALL the time and barks all day and all night long. When you walk by on the street it lunges at you at the end of its chain. Would someone not consider this dog aggressive? I do. However when my friend contacted the bylaw officer he said there was nothing he could do about this neglected, barking dog. Now does it seem fair that these dogs are allowed just because thier breed is not considered agressive, while well mannered gentle dogs are being banned because they are Rottweilers?
As it has been said before mean dogs are made mean not born mean.
I must respond to some of the comments made, in particular to the comment about getting myself a beagle or a golden retriever. The fact is that the golden retriever has now past the rottie on the list for dog bites. I also have a friend who has a golden retriever and had the unfortunate situation of watching it fight with another dog. The other dog lost an ear to the belly of the golden retriever. I’m not saying they are dangerous dogs, but making the point that they are right now considered more dangerous that Rottweilers.
The Golden Retriever received an 84% (which is a pass) in their temperament test. The Rottweiler came in at 83% (also a pass). So according to the American Temperament Test Society they are almost the same. It all depends on the fad of the year and which dog is the most sot after. Right now it is the Golden Retriever, which means there is a whole lot of irresponsible pet owners creating dangerous Golden Retrievers. Which brings us back to the fact that a dog is only as good as it’s owners.
When asking my daughter at the age of 6 what a stranger looks like she replied “A tall man with a big black hat.” Black has always represented dark, evil, unknown. White on the other hand is fresh, clean and holy. So lets get past the appearance and color which influences the human opinions and get real by looking at the facts.
Meeka and Reico welcome other animals in their house offen. We babysat a neighbours dog for days when she left for a family emergency. We took in a cat for over a month until a new home was found for it. My family and friends bring in their dogs to my house offen. I have watched other dogs aggresively bark at my dogs and they never bark back. Meeka was once biten by another dog and all she did was give me the look of “what the hell”, but that was it. How many other dog owners can say that about their dogs. I must add, but hate to admit it, Meeka and Reico are actually scared of everything and offen look to me to protect them. I was confronted at the back of my lot one night by an angry pit-bull when taking Meeka for a pee. Where was she when I needed her —- at the front door of our trailer trying to get in the house.
If anyone thinks for one minute that I would put the love of my dogs ahead of the safety of my family, friends, and community their wrong. Reico is on the blood donor list at both vets to donate blood to any dog needing blood. So yes, some day he may save the life of another fellow K-9.
If the “EARTH” was to ban Rotties, you could find me somewhere out in the forest with my babies protecting them, but never will I get rid of them. There is no “FACTS” as to why I should, so yes, I will fight this. It’s harassment and I won’t sit down and be bullied.
AS THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF REICO AND MEEKA I AM OUTRAGED!!!
I will personally say that these two rotties are absolutely amazing! I have raised them since they were old enough to leave their mother’s! They are weeks apart and have been the most precious animals I have ever met…They have never shown aggression to anyone….They have been raised in a loving, supportive, nuturing home. I agree with many responses to this artical that bad or mean dogs are not born but raised. I can honestly say that these dogs have never been trained to be anything but loving, caring and devoted to their owners. I am POSITIVE that by passing them on to their new owners BARB AND KELLY that they have been giving nothing but the same care, love and devotion that I gave them.
MEEKA AND REICO grew up not only with each other but with a variety of pets. This consists of ferrets, cats, gerbils, fish, smaller dogs. They have never attacked, but rather slept with the ferrets, cats, and smaller dogs. Even when provoked by other animals, the rotties did not strike, rather they kissed them. Most attacks happen when animals are provoked. By animals, I mean any type of animal. I personally have been bitten by a gerbil, hampster, bird, spider,cat. Does this mean we ban all of those animals or insects, I think it is imposible. In addition to this I might add that I was saving being bitten by dogs last. I have known people, including myself that have been bitten by a varity of dogs. Not one of these reports that I am a ware of consits of a rottweiler. As a child my school was attacked by a german shepard. Isn’t this type of dog used in police work. Why isn’t this type of dog banned. I must reinforce that the owner is what makes a dog. This specific german shepard was not provoked, EXCEPT by kids riding by on their bikes. HHMMMM something to think about…
MEEKA AND REICO are by no means aggressive. For heavens sakes I raised them around my child, until she was a year and a half. I have pictures of both Reico and Meeka gently playing with my daughter. She crawled and played and even rode on their BACKS!!!! The only reason I gave these precious animals up for adoption was because my lifestyle couldn’t support their needs. I became to busy with child, work and school. I had separated from my signifant other, and we wanted these animals to go to a loving home TOGETHER. I have always SWORN I would take in anouther rottie when why life style allowed me too… They are the most obident, smart, loving dogs I have ever met…MEEKA and REICO are the biggest babies you could ever meet. You just have to give them the chance.
Currently I have a puggle. For those of you who don’t know what a puggle is, it is a beagle crossed with a pug….google it they are really cute…But I must admit… I see MORE aggression out of him then I seen out of MEEKA AND REICO when I had them…Dogs protect their residence and territory…. it is in their genes, as any other dogs. Everyone knows a dog hates the mail man and let me tell you my little PUGGLE HATES the mail man. The only difference between my little puggle and my old rotties (MEEKA AND REICO WHICH I MISS DEARLY) is their size. Rotties look intimidating where as my puggle does not. But, if either my rotties or puggle were raised by a different owner, one that wanted them to be bad, they would have the same outcome, which is a NASTY MEAN DOG.
Just because some old man,as I come to understand through previous comments, has an issue doesn’t make these dogs bad. Like others have said, his dog is possibly more aggresive or loud, but because of his breed, he is not discriminated against. (I believe the breed he has is a beagle)
I fully stand behind these dogs, BARB and KELLY. I believe that discrimainating againt ROTTWEILERS is unfortunate and should be stopped. Any breed has the potential of being aggressive depending on their ownership. As a youth care worker, I believe in differential handling in both humans and animals. Every individual is different and should be treated as so.
I love my dogs MEEKA AND REICO. I know their owners LOVE them as much as I do and have raise them to be great dogs.
p.s. a daycare worker comment that none of her partcipants have a problem when going past BARB AND KELLY’s place
SAD very SAD that ONE persons ignorance has caused these dog owners so much grief. telling someone to get rid of their beloved pet and companion for another breed is just as ignorant.. I have seen the dogs walked, played with and loved by these people whom I didn’t even know until now. the dogs are cared for fed, watered and treated very well. Many people won’t come forward to defend these guys as they are worried about becoming his next victim. If he didn’t spend so much time outside their window provoking the dogs this would have never been an issue to begin with.
TO WRITE OF WAY who is the most insensitive person it seems loads of people read the story and found it to be news and significant. Im pretty sure the dogs side of the story is that they would like to stay in a warm loving comfortable home rather than a cold damp shelter cage all alone. when you lose a loved one.. and you will HAA HAA please don’t put an obit in the paper as I dont really care to read it…. it’s insignificant
Well, first, I wanna say wow… how much bs can one person possibly emit? The landlord of this trailer park is clearly focused on evicting them, but, it almost seems like hes just using Meeka and Reico as an excuse. He’s been coming up with random things to use against them so that he can have an excuse to evict Barb and Kelly. It’s almost like that’s his favourite thing to do at night before he goes to bed. For comments, Rhonda, all I’m gonna say is to get your facts straight before posting em in a comment, Write of Way, don’t make foolish comments on articles you have not even tooken the time to read, just don’t even go there, it’s pathetic, and immature. Barb and Kelly have been in that trailer park for a time period of almost 2 years, recieved no notice of any restricted animals in the contract they would have recieved before moving into the trailer park, and now, all of a sudden the landlord decides hes in a non decent mood, and decides he’s gonna go and pick and pick and do whatever it takes to get them evicted. When I look at whats happening here, I really just see that it’s sad, and pathetic. Does this landlord have nothing better to do with his time then go around with a PETITION to get them evicted? That is really just showing a lack of a life for him. I’ve had to deal with similar people in situations a lot like this, with different scenarios. And all the people who have done this have really just been pathetic ***es with no life who decide it would be fun to go and mess with someone who has a life. I don’t know how old this man is, but wow…find something worth while to spend your time on huh? I mean, do something for a charity, help out people who need it, make a difference positively, not negativly, because, it’s just a really big waste of everyone’s time when you pull stuff like that. I can understand why you might want to have Meeka and Reico gone, but at least wait till they do something that you can use, instead of waisting your time with this “petition” crap. Your an adult, and I’m a 12 year old kid, and whos acting more like the adult in this situation? Grow up a little, eh?
-Sam
It is sad when someone is standing up for their rights and you belittle him and call him grumpy old man etc This man has his opinion and their are others that share it but are afraid to speak out.
i personally would not want these dogs living close to me either, as i have a fear of certain dogs.I Know the girls are good to their dogs and love them etc.
We are trying to stop bullying in the schools, but i feel you sre trying to bully this man.
whoever is trying to run kelly and barb doesnt even know this dog!!! really these dog are big ,but whatever yes when i never knew them i was nervous but its because there big not because there rotts people are so judgemental
So thankful to the woman who has brought it to my attention …snipped for editing…
Allegations of the actions of others cannot be posted as heard through a second or third party. Keep in mind that any content included in the comments here should be viewed with the same caution as one would take when writing a letter to the editor.
Barb, if your witness wants to contact me and go on the record with what she saw, or she wants to make such an allegation online here and sign her name, then the comment can stand.
Thanks for everybody’s understanding. There are a dozen sides to every story – just back sure you have the facts to back ‘em up!
As an owner of a rotti this outrages me and I don’t live here anymore and when I do try to come home I can’t even bring my dog with me for fear of getting a ticket or her getting impounded. Rottis have gotten a bad rap and someone really needs to stand up for them. I agree with all the previous comments bad dogs are made by bad owners, its not the breed! I should also mention I have 2 small kids around my dog all the time and let me tell you she lets them play with her, ride on her, rough house and all she does is show love and affection back to them. She also was there for our neighbour when he fell off the roof and broke his feet and couldn’t walk, she did everything she could to get someones attention to help, while most dogs would have just walked away. People who have such a bad attitude should maybe just spend a day with one and see they are not as bad as they are made out to be! They are very loving and gentle animals and should not be dicriminated against. I really hope this gets settled and all sides are happy with the outcome but think its a little too late for that since people are so judgemental towards the dogs before getting the whole story!
Whoa who’d have guessed dogs could be such a hot topic.
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