How Rottweilers Got Their Markings

A long time ago, when men were alone and afraid on this
new earth, the Great Being looked over all the dogs that had been
created. He wanted that one 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 of 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 the one to be at mans side forever. And
so the plain, black "bear like" dog was sent to mans fire. At first
the men feared him. But the dog looked down....

" I am sent to be at your side, to be part of all the man does".

"You are black and strong like a bear! What if you eat our children?"
they spoke.

"I would not do that, "said the dog,"for I love man."

For three days and two nights the dog went with man while he
hunted, and helped track down game, he protected their flocks, and
chased away the wild animals who sought to harm them. He pulled their
loads and supplies, and guarded their valuables. On the third night, a
small girl came to him. She was frightened by dreams she had. So the
plain black dog laid with her, and his head rested gently upon her. As
she dreamed of scary creatures, the dog entered her dreams and fought
them off. If she dreamed she was lost in the darkest quicksand, the
dog would run to pull her out. All night long the dog nevered from the
little girls side. 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 above each eye. Her hands stroked his feet where he
had waded in the quicksand, her arms hugged tightly his chest, and
stroked his powerful muzzle and throat. Giggling and playing with her
new friend and protector she even patted his behind. The child and dog became
inseparable, and the dog felt only undying love for the child.

The Great Being whispered in the dogs ear, then. "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 man 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 Beings voice faded like a 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 color. 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, for the little ones, The children.


Anon.