Bred for Excellence, Raised with Love

A long time ago when men were alone and afraid of this new earth, the Great Being looked over all the dogs that had been created. He wanted that special one — the one who would forever be the perfect companion for mankind.

There were fast dogs, long and sleek, there were massive dogs, slow but sure, dogs with keen noses, dogs with keen hearing, and dogs who could hunt down lions. Dogs who could retrieve and dogs who could herd sheep. All these were good dogs but not what the creator had in mind.

Finally, there was one dog. He looked rather plain, medium to large sized, and all black with a head like a bear and no tail. The dog was to be tested to see if he was to be the dog to be at man's side forever. And so, the plain black bear-like dog was sent to man's fire. At first the men feared him but the dog looked down — "I am to be at your side, to be part of all that man does." Being told that the men feared the big black dog might eat their children, the black dog replied that he would not do that for "I love man." For 3 days and 2 nights the dog went with the men while they hunted, helped them track game, protected their flocks, chased away all the animals who would cause them harm, pulled their loads of supplies and guarded their valuables.

On the 3rd night, a small girl came to him. She was frightened by bad dreams so the plain black dog lay down beside her and his head rested gently upon her. As she dreamed of scary creatures, the dog entered her dreams and scared them off. If she was caught in the quicksand the dog would run to her aid and pull her to safety. All night long the dog never left her side and all night long he battled the demons in her sleep.

When she awoke she hugged tightly her new friend and kissed him once on each cheek and once above each eye. Her hands stroked his feet where he had waded into the quicksand, her arms held tightly his chest and she stroked his powerful muzzle and throat. Giggling and playing with her new friend and protector, she even patted his behind. They became inseparable and the dog felt nothing but undying love for the child.

The Great Being whispered into the dog's ear: "You have passed your test, for many dogs can hunt and guard and herd, but you were not only willing to give your life, you went into the world of men and entered his darkest dreams and fears. You did not run, but stayed by his side. You have earned the love of even the youngest child, as it should be."

When the Great Being's voice faded into the gentle breeze, the plain black tailless dog shivered with happiness, and all the places the little girl had touched and hugged him became a wonderful mahogany colour.

And the Rottweiler was sent to be at the side of man, where is his place. But always in his noble heart is a special place of love.