A Dog is Forever

In California (where else?) an animal rights group, In Defense of Animals,
argues that dog owners should be called "guardians" rather than owners.

After reading this, I discussed it with my three dogs and found that they
consider me their "owner", not their "guardian".

Sometimes talking to my dogs is preferable to talking with people. My
pooches always agree (at least I think they do....they don't argue) when
I am speaking reasonably. If I am ranting and raving, they give me
"that look" and leave the room.

Dogs have always been an important part of my life as there have been
few of my 50+ years that I have not had at least one canine companion
living in my home.

It concerns me that some animal rights groups want to annoint dogs
with human characteristics and emotions. They are a different species
and in many ways are preferable to the human species. They are
not petty, do not carry grudges, have simple needs, will never plot
against you.

Attributing human characteristics to a dog is a burden to the animial.
Dogs are often used as substitutes and emotional crutches,
and are often abandoned or ignored when their owner's
life improves.

An acquaintance recently asked me if I "wanted" her 6 year old
Black Labrador Retreiver. I was surprised as I knew she raised the dog
from puppyhood and had heard her commenting on her love for the
animal since I had known her. She answered that she was getting
married and wouldn't "have time for" the dog. Besides, her new
husband wasn't fond of pets and she wanted to please him.

In other words, the dog had fulfilled the woman's need for a companion,
but was now expendable. How is an animal to understand that after
all this time, it is no longer loved or wanted?

No animal should have that happen. A dog is a responsibility....though
I must say it's the most pleasant responsibility I have known. A dog
isn't something you should discard....or divorce.

The cute puppy "pees in the house" because you have not taken the
time and patience to teach it otherwise. Your dog "smells" because
you don't bother to give it regular baths. A dog will scratch and lose
its fur if you don't control fleas.

Dogs are not children....they are dogs. A dog used to fill the emotional
needs of a human owner will have a good life only as long as the human
has the need.

Treat your dog as valuable for what it is....a loyal pet. Teach him manners,
feed him well, pet him often, take him to the vet when he is ill or needs
his shots. Don't equate the neutering or spaying of a dog with the
same operation in a human....it is not the same at all. Neutered and
spayed animals often have a better quality life than animals without
such surgery -- and they are more settled, happier, healthier.

Let your dog be a part of your life....for the length of his life. And when
he is old and in pain, don't ignore him. Take him to the
vet and sit with him talking and petting him while the vet ends his
suffering humanely. It is the last favor you can do for this dog who
has adored you for years.

When you remember the dogs you have had in your lifetime, your
memories should be of balls thrown, of tails wagged, of a rich life
lived well.

A dog is forever....in your memory and your heart.

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Kay King works from her home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This article is dedicated to the many dog personalities that have enriched her life.
For more articles and information, please visit her site at
http://earn-extra-income-at-home.com