Many who know Duane “Dog” Chapman or watch his shows know him as a reality TV star. But Duane wants to be known for something even greater: as a son of God who is committed to fulfilling the mission God has given him. In an exclusive interview with Crosswalk Headlines, Duane “Dog” Chapman, also known as Bounty Hunter Dog, shares his heart and passion about what truly drives him to live his Christian faith. In his new book,Nine Lives and CountingChapman talks about the rise and fall of his past and how God has fundamentally changed and shaped him into the person he is today.
Crosswalk heading: What was it like looking back at your life for your new book?
Duane Chapman: This is the third book I have written, this time with some help and guidance from my wife. I wanted to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren of what I have experienced and how the Lord has led me. This book is like a visiting card or business card for people to get to know me better.
CWH: In your book, you’re very open about your mother’s faith and how she influenced you to come to Christ.
DC: This goes for many mothers out there. Don’t stop praying for your retarded children. Yes. The Bible says if you get your children in God’s ways they will never leave you. But that doesn’t mean they won’t go astray. My mother was a teacher and preacher, fourth generation of women in the family. She poured God into me. I think I was saved when I was 4 or 5 years old. I received the Holy Ghost when I was 7 or 9 at church camp. She taught me what was right and what was wrong and was always there for me even when I was on the wrong path. She was one of the best mothers I’ve ever had.
CWH: Your mother recently passed away. How is she?
DC: My life almost completely ended when my mother went to heaven, she was only 60 years old, but I take her with me wherever I go.
CWH: This book will reveal to you how those around you have the gift of prophecy and have guided you in the past. What spiritual gifts do you have?
DC: I am an evangelist and my wife is a prophet. I was assigned to the devil’s army. That is what God has commanded me to do. I believe I was assigned here to take felons to heaven.
CWH: Why do you say that?
DC: That is exactly what Jesus did when He was crucified: the first person He took into heaven was the felon who was standing next to Him on the cross.
CWH: Where does the “DOG” in your name come from?
DC: I was in a motorcycle gang. When you’re in a motorcycle club, you get a nickname. I rode with the 1 percent, the Devil’s Disciples, which means they were very evil people. They were a sister club to the Hell’s Angels. I didn’t give God the finger in the rain. I stayed away from people who did that. Even though I was in a group, I would always say the word God. So I got the name DOG, which is God spelled backwards.
CWH: How did you end up starring in your own reality TV show?
DC: Three people helped me get my start: Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Robinson. I spoke at Tony’s conferences in the 1980s and appeared on the Osbournes’ show a few times. They all thought I should do a show and opened the door for it to happen.
CWH: What do you enjoy about being a bounty hunter?
DC: The truth is, I love beating them down, because I’m a Christian outlaw. I love putting them in the back seat of my car and watching them cry. And then in a second, I have them on the ground and I handcuff them. My personality changes completely. I give them a cigarette and I look back at their life. What changed you? Where did it start? Why do you hate your mother? I don’t. Why do you hate your father? I never met him. You see? And suddenly the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Holy Spirit gives me the words to tell them. It’s amazing how grateful they are when they get out of prison for the service I did.
CWH: Do you consider this your calling?
DC: I give them the last ride. I’m like a train conductor, the one who tells everyone to get on. I’m not the first responder, I’m the last responder. So I love it when they call me and say, “Dog, you helped change my life. I’m so proud to know that God used me. I’m not after their bodies, I’m after their souls.”
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Bennett Raglin / Stringer
