Although it may surprise a lot of people, I find the new face of religion on TV in the form of the “Dog: The Bounty Hunter” (Tuesdays at 9), A & E’s highest-rated series ever.
The show, which gives us a look into the often-misunderstood world of bail bonding, focuses on Duane “Dog” Chapman and his family of bounty hunters, including wife Beth, two of his 12 children, Leland and Duane Lee, and friend Tim Chapman (no relation). A former sergeant-at-arms in a motorcycle gang called “Devil’s Disciples,” Dog explains on his website how he got his cool nickname:
“We [had] a guy in the gang who’s always mad at God. He’s always flipping God off. So I started praying for him. Since we already have a ‘Preacher’ and a ‘John the Baptist’ in the gang, I became known as Dog—God backwards.”
Although he went to prison for two years for the murder of a drug dealer he insists he didn’t commit, Dog has left his gang life behind and is now a born-again Christian, motivational speaker, and the self-proclaimed, “Greatest Bounty Hunter in the World,” with over 6,000 captures under his belt during his 27-year career. Dog and his family pray every time they go out on a bounty hunt to track down someone who has skipped bail. He knows his job is dangerous, but he trusts that God will keep him safe so he can come back home to his children.
Throughout the show, Dog utters little bits of advice or wisdom, which he calls “Dogisms.” One of my favorites is, “I like to hear that God goes before us, because he is the biggest bullet proof vest of all.”
posted April 30, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I wonder if anyone has any comments on the faith of Duane ‘the Dog’ Chapman. There is a discussion about this at “>http://redletterbelievers.blogspot.com/2007/04/dog-bounty-hunter-gods-bloodhound.html>
posted June 4, 2007 at 8:39 pm
My husband and I watch Dog,Beth , Tim and all the family and we really are big fans. Dog and crew are really doing good things . They are trying to help people who are in real need of help. They, through their faith in God and their compassion as well as setting a good example for everyone are bringing the love and message of God to all they meet. Keep up the good work Chapmans. We love ya, God bless you all, K.&J Karp>
posted November 14, 2007 at 5:47 pm
God Bless you Dog and Beth for everything you have done and will do yet…..I am a big fan of your show and find your work not only interesting but uplifting. You are an example that the human race is not dead and neither is belief and faith in God Almighty.. The attacks on you are coming from the devil but with continued prayer, faith, and love you will become victorious over him through the grace of God. Stay focused on the Lord and he will make your crooked roads straight.
Your in my thoughts and prayers and if I where a few years younger, I would love to get into the bounty hunting business……..See ya soon, love ya, S. Graham.
posted November 14, 2007 at 7:48 pm
to the ones that count the dog is olny human . there more things in the time and age to attand to the hurting a fellow human . let all live thire life and love each other and go on with life . the show is still and always will be just a show. watch it or dont but hurt the kids . or the family. thats all sandi
posted December 3, 2007 at 1:20 pm
dog, beth & family, i love you all. you are an inspiration and a testamony of real people in the real world making a difference in the lives of people who need it most. you are in my thoughts and prayers and i hope to one day shake your hands. keep up the good work, god is on your side and you have many many fans praying for you. god bless you and keep you all safe.
posted December 5, 2007 at 10:49 pm
I do know that HE does have a relationship with God and that is his personal biz not ours,this is between God and him,are you people God,you judge him like you are and christins are not to be judgeing people,Look @ your self and see what you are doing and saying not him,God said take care of you own self and donot judge others.We all make mis stake or are you perfect? You need to get off of him and get a life of your own he has public APOLOGY TO HER FOR WHAT HE SAID can any one do that like he did I donot think so he is a good man.I have heard shows that have had the same thing done and they donot get put off the air so. So leave it alone.
Do some praying and stop putting down people so much.
I am praying for you Mr.Chapmen&Family
Rebecca
posted February 21, 2008 at 2:28 pm
My mother(C.G.) and I(Trina) love Dog and the family, For me(Trina) Leland is my favorite and he is sooooo hot,yummy. My mother favorites is Dog and Leland she says that they are both hot and sexy(father like son). We really miss the show, It’s not the same without Dog the bounty hunter and his family in our lives. We’ve watched every episode as possibly as we can. I would like to thank Dog and his family that they taught me(Trina) so much to have hope, faith, love, to be strong, respect,and family allways comes first… Thank you Dog,Beth,Leland,Duane Lee,Lisa,and Tim you’re all the best ever. keep up the good work, keep safe and never give up.. We really miss you guys so much… This is for Dog It does’nt matter what you said on the phone to your son(sorry forgot his name), that phone call was private. ~We all say things on the phone we all don’t mean but sometimes when it’s the ones we love we do our best to show or tell them right from wrong. And I guess that they don’t see(color blind) what we tell them but at lest you try’d your best. But your son took it to far. Now we can’t watch you guys on Tuesdays anymore sept for the video series(DVD) from the tv show. You guys are the best….. Love ya and God bless you all, We’ll be praying for you Mr.Champmen and your family……… {Your Fans Trina&C.G.}
posted June 18, 2008 at 4:04 pm
DOG, please please come to the u.k. and help get some of the scum off our streets.i hate living here the way this country is going, there has to be something better out there!!!
What a great job dog and his family does and i would like to thank them for allowing us into thier home. keep on trucking guys!!!Leland you are soooooooooo hot!!!!!!!
linda (uk)