I think everything that can be said has been said.Grandma is going through a life of hell,gult torment and I hope none of us will ever go through it. There is a lesson to be learned from this tragedy, unfortunately it will happen again.

I've appreciated the responses from the list members. It looks as if this is not going to be pinpointed specifically as to what provoked this dog's reaction. One thing we all agree on is the unsuitability of this owner handling this dog. I wish I could paraphrase the guidelines for owner capability for responsibile handling of the rottweiler. We've all heard the phrase, "this is not a dog for everyone." I think this is too soft! We don't want to hear, "If you do not work and train your dog in a thoroughly responsibile way, your dog may kill someone." I like better, "the owner/handler's failure to keep a dog under control at all times subjects others to very serious injury." As others here have stated, the lack of handler control allowed this dog to indulge some deep seated instinct that is probably within all our dog's pshyche. Our willingness to accept this possibility within our scope of dog ownership causes us to handle and control our dogs in such a way that they can never act upon this type of "intsinct." Similar to the responsibility of keeping guns in the home, away from accidental discharge!! I had hoped to understand the "why" of this from the dog's point of view, but not all things are easily labeled and catorgorized. I deeply appreciate all the comments and insight. Susan

Susan, This is exactly why I stayed away from all protection and known handler/owner dominant or difficult to handle breeds.