America has become a dog-crazy nation. We now see them on airplanes, in big box stores, in grocery stores and in restaurants. This morning, I encountered my first dog in a gym.
The owner was a middle-aged woman who leaned a bit to one side, suggesting that she may have a hip or lower back problem; on the other hand, I doubt that the smallish dog on a leash offered any additional stability. I certainly respect the use of assist dogs when indicated but the great majority of dogs that are turning up in "human habitats" seem to be more for the social benefit of the owner; this morning's canine visitor was well-behaved and garnered a great deal of attention from walkers on the track.
Having owned dogs for most of my life, I do not oppose their presence in private settings or in outdoor parks, assuming that the owners are responsible and abide by whatever restrictions might be posted. But as humans have increasingly moved into smaller dwellings, dog ownership has exploded, forcing many of these pack animals to spend most of their lives indoors (and often alone); one questions the true reason for dog ownership in many cases. I favor letting "dogs be dogs" and, if we do not have the outdoor space or the personal time to ensure that quality of life, we should reconsider owning them. Disclaimer: this argument might not apply to those fuzzy doglets.
See also: The Futility of Leash Laws
The owner was a middle-aged woman who leaned a bit to one side, suggesting that she may have a hip or lower back problem; on the other hand, I doubt that the smallish dog on a leash offered any additional stability. I certainly respect the use of assist dogs when indicated but the great majority of dogs that are turning up in "human habitats" seem to be more for the social benefit of the owner; this morning's canine visitor was well-behaved and garnered a great deal of attention from walkers on the track.
Having owned dogs for most of my life, I do not oppose their presence in private settings or in outdoor parks, assuming that the owners are responsible and abide by whatever restrictions might be posted. But as humans have increasingly moved into smaller dwellings, dog ownership has exploded, forcing many of these pack animals to spend most of their lives indoors (and often alone); one questions the true reason for dog ownership in many cases. I favor letting "dogs be dogs" and, if we do not have the outdoor space or the personal time to ensure that quality of life, we should reconsider owning them. Disclaimer: this argument might not apply to those fuzzy doglets.
See also: The Futility of Leash Laws
