All Lives Matter - Stop Racism!

Enough is Enough. 

We've got to stop the madness before it's too late!

Spoiled Rottenweiler's - Our Family

Our "Babies"

- Zeus Sr, Zina, Achilles, Hercules, Nyx, Peyton, Cerberus, Loki, & Zeus Jr -

"Then & Now" Collage

Zeus Sr (2004-2011) was the first. He was, is, and shall always be the heart and soul of our Spoiled Rottenweilers. After his death, I wrote a tribute to him which can be viewed here,

Zina (2009-present) - Wife of Zeus Sr & one of the smartest animals I have ever seen, She is the Queen of the Pack, retired from breeding with full honors.

Achilles (2011-present) & Hercules (2011-2011) Litter twins from Z & Z's first litter born January of '11.
We lost Hercules too soon, lost to illness shortly after the tornadoes plowed through our area.

Nyx (2011-present) From Z & Z's second litter, born August of '11

Nyx was the SOLE SURVIVOR of that litter- a bad batch of vaccinations infected the entire litter with Parvo, she somehow pulled through. She is Joe's 'favorite' and oh, my does she know it!

Peyton (2011(?)-present) - Our "rescue" addition, true age unknown - believed to be approximately the same age as Nyx.
Peyton was given to us when some folks nearby were suddenly forced to get rid of her. She came to us a shy & skittish gal - possibly mistreated - she joined our 6 and quickly became one of the pack. The best Momma dog anyone could want.

And then there are the triplets--

Cerberus, Loki, & Zeus Jr (2012-present) - the last litter fathered by Zeus Sr
Still heartbroken over the loss of their Dad, I almost kept ALL the puppies from his last litter, but wound up settling for keeping just these 3 boys. I can't even count how many people came by wanting to buy one of these guys - but I couldn't let them go. They are the "babies" of the pack & yet they each outweigh me!

More puppies than I can count have passed from our home to others.
They are our family.

https://www.facebook.com/SpoiledRottweilers

Download Safety - A Crash Course for Some Local Friends (And Whoever Else Needs It)

The majority of systems that I am asked to repair are bogged down with virus, malware, adware, & spyware that were boot-strapped into various files and programs the user downloaded from the Internet.

Instead of attaching a guideline on their desktop every time I finish a repair, I decided to create this one - so anyone who needs help with this extremely common problem can use it, anytime.

Understand that even if you follow every single step every single time your system may still get invaded, but it is much less likely to happen if you learn how to research the item, how to install it properly, and how to recognize signs that a program may not be safe before you ever download it.

First step should always be to search Google (or your search engine of choice) for reviews, opinions, etc. about the software in question. And take the time needed to read the description and recommendations at the download site, or at the program's website. You don't want to install something that won't be compatible with your needs or your computer.

Seeing where it's hosted (and if its developer has a site for it) can give you some clues, too. Try to avoid 3rd-party download sites & go directly to the source - those 3rd-party folks just love to bundle & most of them could care less if the extras are safe for you.

If your internet search primarily links to a multitude of negative comments and reviews bashing the software as being loaded with malware, spyware, viruses, and so on, you should think twice - at least twice, before jumping in.  If you can find evidence of the software being hosted by or linked from sites you've come to trust, then the odds are good that it's probably okay.

Always be wary of a forced download -- like your browser telling you that you “must” install something in order to view a Web page. Liars!! Just about the only browser plug-in you need these days is Adobe Flash, and that should only be downloaded and installed from Adobe's Web site -- nowhere else. Always attempt to download from the object's site of origin, even if you have to spend some time searching the 'net to locate them.

When installing any program, read every single step thoroughly. Whenever given a choice for "Standard" or "Custom" Installation, you should ALWAYS choose CUSTOM INSTALL! Read each screen carefully and opt out of installing anything extra. In this screenshot, you would want to UN-check the boxes under "Custom":

Sometimes, the choice is not so straightforward – you may encounter a screen similar to this one:

If you choose "Decline" - that applies to the offer on this screen only, and will not prevent your chosen program from installing. So, DECLINE & proceed!

Some installers will also give you a few browser toolbars or "bonuses" that serve to do nothing more than clutter up your computer. Look for boxes to un-check -- reputable software developers will give you the option to opt out of such offers during an install.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER  download software that's been pirated or cracked. That's got "bad news" written all over it. There's no quicker way to compromise your system than to use code that doesn't come from a trusted source. A LARGE percentage of spyware, virus, and general malware originate via P2P networks & illegitimate media.

Don't assume that, just because you're using non-Windows operating system (like Linux or Apple's OS X) that you're safe from the threat of a potential security breach. Most malware programmers target Windows because it's the most used operating system in the world , but have no illusions, these programmers, evil little leprechauns and trolls that they are, are capable of infecting any operating system – and believe me, it does happen!

It may seem hard to believe, but many of the systems I have repaired had NO active security to help protect their systems. Often, a purchased system will come with some antivirus program installed, those pre-installed programs are usually under a trial period, and when that period has ended, it is up to YOU to either renew the subscription, find another protection program, whatever you choose - when that time comes, PLEASE - CHOOSE SOMETHING! Allowing your system to cruise the Internet unprotected is a great way to turn it in to a very expensive door stopper, boat anchor, - you get my drift right? So make sure you've always got security software running & that the virus definitions, updates, and so on are kept up-to-date & that system scans are run on a regular basis.

These malware writers are very experienced in using tricks to get users to download their malware. Software that comes bundled with "other software" is often called a Trojan Horse. For example, instant messenger software bundled with a program such as WildTangent, a known spyware offender. Peer-to-peer file sharing software, such as Kaaza & LimeWire, bundle various types of malware that are categorized as spyware or adware. Software that promises to speed up the Internet connection or assist with downloads (e.g., My Web Search) will often contain adware.

Another common way to infect a computer can be via email messages, which contain a seemingly benign link or email attachment; if something pops up on your screen without you clicking, take your hands away from the mouse and keyboard. You need to analyze this intruder before accidentally accepting or downloading some malicious software. The following link is another useful and well-written information source on this topic.

http://www.komando.com/happening-now/265789/how-to-avoid-sneaky-media-player-malware

In summation, malware can exploit security holes in your browser as a way of invading your machine. Sometimes websites state that software is needed to view the site, in an attempt to trick users into clicking "Yes" thus installing software onto their machines. Another trick is if you click "No," many error windows display. Other sites will tell you that using a certificate makes their site "safe" which is not the case. Certificate verification means only that the company that wrote the software is the same as the company whose name appears on the download prompt.

Some malware provides no uninstall option, and installs code in unexpected and hidden places (e.g., the Windows registry) or modifies the operating system, thus making it more difficult to remove – and sometimes even impossible! Some of these malicious programs have the potential to literally kill your hard drive – imagine it; every picture, every song, every document (tax returns, payment receipts, school papers, EVERYTHING wiped out with no hope of recovery… It is a good investment to follow the steps I have given you, print this out & sit it right next to your system, whatever it takes to become an informed & safe downloader.

Thanks for reading, I would love to see suggestions or tips from others, questions, anything you want to know or want to share!

German or American Rottweiler? How to (REALLY) Know!

German or American?
Here is the Answer!

This is, without a doubt, one of the most-common questions we get at SpoiledRottenweilers©.
I usually just say “American” & leave it at that, but I do realize that some of you may truly want more information, & may or may not be sure of the differences. So, I pieced this together from trusted sources to provide more information to those who REALLY want to know.

Breed standards, as judged by the kennel club guidelines are available, in depth, here- (Rottweiler Owner's Guide (outside source, purchase required). I personally do not own this guide, and provide the link as a courtesy – since they are the source of some of my information.

The Rottweiler breed is from Germany, and originally Rome, so what determines/defines an American Rottweiler? How can you tell whether your own Rottie is German or American?

There are some (slight) differences between the two- read on to learn more.

Rottweiler origin is a common source of question & even argument. Some ‘experts’ base determination on hair length, coloration, head and/or chest size, body and/or leg length, etc… but who is right? Where does the “correct & expert” opinion come from? To provide the answer, let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?

The German Rottweiler

Research & observation have led me to the following standards for consideration…

Simplicity first – a German Rottweiler is defined as German for being born in Germany.  If your Rottweiler‘s official place of birth was Germany, then your Rottweiler is defined as a German Rottweiler.

However, the German Rottweiler is not so easily defined. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) does have specific, strict standards for the breed.

The ADRK includes a temperament specification; requiring that “their” Rottweiler’s are “well-suited in assisting their human companions”. This includes a strict standard guideline that the rotties possess a mild and calm personality & sharp mind. The ADRK wants their Rottweiler to be compatible for use as:

• Companion dogs
• Guide dogs for the blind and or disabled
• Security dogs
• Working dogs
• Family dogs
  

Additionally, a major difference is that the ADRK has a very strict no docking rule. They will not even consider recognizing a Rottweiler as ADRK if they have a docked tail.

Tail docking, or intentionally removing the animal’s tail, is still fairly common in the U.S. – but has been banned in the U.K. since 2007.

The American Rottweiler

The American Rottweiler is a loosely defined as a Rottweiler that was born in America, not in Germany.

There are many similar characteristics between the two. The main differences seem to be what the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard requirements are - as opposed to those of the ADRK. The AKC does allow tail docking, where the ADRK does not.

So, Is My Rottweiler German or American?

As you can see, there is very little difference between the German & American Rottweiler. Most of the differences are based on standards defined by the AKC and ARDK & their values and ideas as to what should be recognized as a Rottweiler.

The ADRK is primarily concerned with:

• Temperament
• Size/Weight
• Intact Tail (NO DOCKING)

The American Kennel Club allows for less-stringent size/weight requirement & accepts the docked tail as a ‘signature’ of the Rottweiler breed.

Unless the guidelines of these organizations is of vital importance to you,  you can define your Rottweiler as German or American is simply by where they were born.
So – FINAL ANSWER:
If your Rottweiler was born in Germany, then they are indeed a German Rottweiler. If they were born in America, they are an American Rottweiler. Regardless of where your Rottweiler’s origins lie, there is a common thread you can be proud of – when bred & raised in a healthy, loving, environment, they are a hardy, intelligent, & loyal breed with a sweet disposition & when well-bred will provide you with a faithful friend, companion, & protector.

Regarding Registration (Our Own Reasons)
Just a side-note, when we first got involved in raising Rottweiler’s, I was under the impression that the “German Rottweiler” was longer-haired - like the one on the right in the following photo:

My misconception was incorrect, and came solely from the fact that when the AKC decided on breed restrictions, they decided that the long haired and rough haired Rottweiler does not “meet breed standards”. So, in my ignorance, if it wasn’t acceptable by AKC standards, it must be German – as I said, an incorrect assumption.

Additionally, I was shocked and disgusted to learn that many long haired Rottweiler puppies are euthanized! Why?? – simply because they do not meet Kennel Club standards for the breed!!
Fortunately, there are breeders who, instead of cruelly putting these ‘different-looking’ Rottweiler’s to an undeserved death, opt to separate them and sell them as ‘pet-quality’ instead of ‘show-quality’ dogs. The long haired Rottie are a very healthy breed of dog, much like the regular shorter, smoother haired version you normally see. There does not appear to be any specific diseases or genetic problems that come along with having long hair. So you don’t need to worry about any extra health issues if you are planning on including a long haired Rottweiler into your family. Additionally, the long-haired version is a rarity. Even if you bred two long-haired Rotties, odds are slim that you would see more than one or two long-haired offspring in the entire litter!

When asked about whether our SpoiledRottenweilers© are ‘registered’ or ‘have papers’ – my stock response is simply that we do not do so because “We sell Pets, not Papers”. It is because of guidelines as mentioned above that I refuse to endorse or support the Kennel Clubs. We guarantee our puppies are always  pure-bred, and 100% Rottweiler.

Thanks to:

RottweilerHQ  &
Rottweiler Owners Guide  - for their invaluable assistance in the creation of this article.

Fragile - Original song Written & Performed by my Brother

My brother Jason wrote & performed this amazing song - I did the video (w/ Windows MovieMaker) if you like Alternative & Progressive rock I think you will really enjoy it.

Raise Your Performance, NOT Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage & My Personal Two Cents

This is one of those debates that always gets me ranting, and in my current mood, seeing posts aimed in that direction in my Facebook feed has set me off...

Look here people, minimum wage was never meant to be something for ANYONE to STRIVE for. Minimum wage was something you could get by on (Yes, barely, we all know this) until you PROVED your ABILITY & RELIABILITY. It was supposed to be a starting point on your way. It should still be just that. If you can't figure out how much change I should get from $20 when my total is $15.88 without being told by a machine, you certainly don't need to be making $15/hr - you might blow a sprocket if you ever had to count your money.

So here is an idea; when you start up this road, pull over for a second. Instead, consider pushing for stricter labor laws which will force employers to evaluate their employees regularly & reward deserving ones with a raise that will make a difference. Push for legislation that rewards companies for following pay-increase guidelines & penalizes those who will not.

Why? You say... OH BOY, you asked for it!!

Because our country was founded on the principle that if you got a job, & did it well, you would advance; when you advanced, you were rewarded with higher pay, and were then allowed to reap the benefits of your personal successes - benefits that you EARNED! But then someone decided that what America needed to do was dumb down, to do LESS but expect MORE.

They started teaching kids that it was okay to be average, don't show off and make someone else feel bad because you are willing to put in the work and achieve better results. Let's create standardized testing, and push our kids to fit in the middle, and give EVERYBODY a prize for EVERYTHING so no one feels left out.

Awards & trophies for Participation?? Are you kidding?? In my day, the prize for participation was that my Mom did not beat my butt for blowing off an assignment or project that I was supposed to do. You participate because you are told to do so, you win a prize because you did it better than most, better than average. THEN AND ONLY THEN you have a prize (or reward) that really means something.

We, as a country, used to be at the top of everything - automobile & electronic production, athletic competitions, school ratings, student performance, I could go on all night - then we got all PC and didn't want to offend anyone else or hurt their feelings - and now we sit so close to the bottom that if you are not frightened, you haven't been paying attention.

Step up and demand the prize for being the best, not just in work, but in life. Develop some initiative, build some pride, and earn what you get for doing so and then you have a reward that means something. We start with individuals, who then become groups, & eventually we are once again a nation of WINNERS, a nation who can be looked upon with admiration and respect - WE BECOME THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAIN - AS IT WAS INTENDED. A nation built on personal success & motivation. We develop the capability to be world leaders once again. Do you even remember what that felt like? Do you even care?

If not, then just give me my sandwich (that I ordered with extra pickle and no ketchup, but received with extra onion and mustard instead) collect your minimum-wage check (Prize for Participation) and be happy to be average. Everyone else is, right???

Fun With Nines (It's a Math Thing)

OK I admit, I am a bit of a nerd. This is one of the nerdy things my mind discovered one night while it was just wandering around inside my head...

I thought it was pretty darn cool, maybe someone else will too??

Diatomaceous Earth- Benefits for Pets AND People!!

Diatomaceous Earth

(a safe, effective alternative to pet parasite control)

Dealing with worms in our litters had become almost impossible. Some of you may recall our last litter (Peyton’s); we did everything according to schedule, de-wormer, vaccinations, etc… only to lose the last two as they approached 6-weeks because the commercial worm treatment did not eliminate them and they reached the puppies’ respiratory system. A veterinarian informed me that, much like treating viruses and infections with antibiotics, the de-wormers were becoming less effective as the worms developed a resistance to those medications, and as I researched this topic further on the Internet & discussed it with other breeders I found even more support for this hypothesis.

No matter how careful or clean you keep your animals & the environment they live in, worms are going to be an issue. Roundworms are passed from mother to offspring during birth, and are also present in the mother’s milk even if the mother herself does not have worms!

Dog and puppy worms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be transmitted by fleas (Tapeworms), by Mosquitoes (Heartworms), can be found in the soil (Whipworms and Hookworms) and can also be 'caught' by eating other dogs’ poop!

Your fur-babies can also end up with a worm infestation from eating raw or uncooked meat or fish. I remember our big guy (Zeus) getting worms from raiding the garbage when he was a pup and eating some undercooked pork that had been thrown out. We had to take him to the vet twice for the same infestation because the first treatment did not do the job properly. And the over-the-counter de-wormers sold at Wal-Mart, Target, etc… are even less effective!

So, if the commercial de-wormers are not doing the job, what can a dedicated pet-owner/breeder do to get rid of them?? Believe it or not, there is an easy, safe, and really inexpensive way to do this & I am going to share that trick with all of you. Diatomaceous Earth is the solution, and it has many other benefits, as you will see below.

Diatomaceous Earth is an all-natural substance consisting of white, porous, sedimentary rock that is naturally-made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are one of the types of unicellular phytoplankton that are surrounded by silica-rich cell walls. The silica found in diatomaceous earth is an essential mineral that is needed by plants, animals, and humans to grow and remain healthy. Commercial de-worming treatments consist of chemicals (poisons) that have actually killed animals! (Especially in cases where the animal has an inflamed intestinal tract when treated)

When added to your pets’ diet on a daily basis, food-grade DE eliminates roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, & hookworms within seven days! However, the regimen should be continued for at least 30 days in order to wipe out any hatching eggs. “Lung-worms” (including hookworms which have migrated to the lungs) can even be eliminated by doubling the daily dose and increasing the minimum treatment time to 90-days.

DE provides numerous health benefits, so we have decided to include it as a supplement every day. DE doesn't just treat the animals on the inside, it also serves to keep flies away from the stool piles, and decreases the “poop” smells! DE is also an effective treatment for fleas, mites, & ticks.

This treatment is also effective in treating other animals (cats, horses, etc…) – if you visit my reference links at the conclusion of this article, you can get more information on dosage & treatment for your particular animal. And DE also provides a lot of great benefits for humans as well!

We purchase our food-grade DE from our local feed store. Since we always have at least seven canine residents (and usually more than that!), we purchase a 50-lb bag at a cost of only $32. Even with as many pets as we have that bag will last a long, long time (See dosage table below). You can purchase DE in smaller quantities & at various online locations; we choose to support local business as much as possible, and Cagle’s Feed Store in Bryant, Alabama is our top pick. They are fantastic folks, and get all of our pet-care business.

Recommended Dosage Amounts

Kittens	1/2–1 tsp daily
Cats	2 tsp twice daily
Puppies (> 10 lbs)	½-1 tsp daily
Puppies (10-20 lbs)	2 tsp daily
Dogs (20-50 lbs)	1-1½ tablespoons daily
Dogs (50+ lbs)	2 tbs daily
Dogs (100+ lbs)	3-4 tbs daily
Cattle & Hogs	2% of daily feed ration
Chickens	5% of feed ration
Goats & Sheep	2-3 tbs/100 lbs body weight
Horses	1-2 cups daily
**HUMANS**	2-3 tbs daily (½ in am, ½ in pm)

This is just a guideline, they say you can feed too little DE, but you can’t feed too much, so when dealing with certain infestation, you may want to boost the daily amount for the first 3-4 weeks.

In closing, I highly recommend DE as an alternative to expensive commercial medication. And don’t forget to check out the reference links below! I guarantee you will be amazed at the variety of benefits DE can provide to you and your pets! Thanks for taking the time to read this, and good luck!!

Sources:

http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/puppy-worms.html#sthash.ZACLve8u.dpuf

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_earth.html

http://www.earthworksde.com/page/page/4135163.htm

PILOT TRAVEL CENTERS - WORST COMPANY I EVER WORKED FOR

YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF 

YOURSELVES, PILOT!!

Before they delete it off their page, here is what I posted on 

my FORMER employers page today.... Pilot Travel Centers 

FYI

Store 254 in Wildwood Ga only has 3 showers, 2 have been 

out of commission for over 3 weeks for re-modeling, 1 stays 

open. Last night I walked in to a family of 4 waiting, followed 

by a couple, followed by 2 singles. This was at 10pm, 

maintenance for the day was only scheduled till 8pm. After 

that point, there is one cashier, one Subway employee & one 

member of management on site until 6am the following day. 

The cashier, in addition to customer service & retail sales, is 

expected to clean the shower as needed, clean both 

bathrooms, completely tear down, sanitize and re-stock the 

entire deli, and stock and clean the common desk area. 

Cooler and stockroom are padlocked, so cashier must get 

management to open the doors as needed (remember deli 

items cannot be taken out and left at room temperature until 

the cashier can leave the register to attend to the hot dogs, 

creamers, or whatever else needs tending to). This is a busy 

truck stop, being one of the only ones on I-24 between 

Interstates 59 & 75, just miles from Chattanooga. Third shift 

is a busy shift almost every night. Expectation of 1 night 

person to do the work of 3 day people-with no shift 

differential- is unfair. You consistently cut labor hours and 

pay substandard wages so that the majority of your 

employees cannot survive without some form of govt. 

assistance & expect loyalty?? Luckily I do not fall into that 

category... although after 2 years (and over 20 years truck 

stop experience) I have received one raise (still not making 

even $8/hr) and earned a total of 2.45 hours of vacation time 

(and worked 32-35 hours weekly for over a year)... and 

before you try to have me fired for exercising my 1st right 

amendment by complaining about your business model, don't 

bother... I quit this morning. Thanks for nothing.