Dog Blog

Sharing the World With Dogs

I read an article today that really got me thinking about the relationship between humans and dogs. The author, Jonathon Safran Foer, argues that as technological innovation leads humans to take up ever more space on the planet, it is important to respect the space of animals and to allow them room to live alongside us. He points out that allowing dogs to run free and play in open areas leads them to be happier, which in turn leads to fewer dog bites and less aggressive behavior. However, he also points out the difficulties inherent in protecting an animal that can’t argue for itself, especially when dog ownership can sometimes be “a major pain.”

As I read the article, I began to consider the idea that it is not just people who don’t care for dogs or are indifferent that cause these problems; even dog lovers can be at fault sometimes. Apartment dwellers are a perfect example of this conundrum. Foer points out that there are around 1.4 million dogs in the city of New York, and I think it’s safe to say that a majority of those dogs don’t have free access to a yard or open area for most of the day. I have friends and family members whose love for dogs is beyond refute, but who live in apartments and condos. They give their dogs as much attention as they can, and walk them in the mornings and evenings, but the fact remains that their dogs are alone and enclosed from 9 AM to 6 PM five days a week. I would never ask a true dog lover to forego the wonderful experience of dog ownership simply because she lived in an apartment, but I really wonder if these apartment dogs feel lonely and caged in. And it makes me sad sometimes to think that even those who love dogs and want to help them might actually be hurting them.

I think that proper dog care goes beyond having a great affection for animals. It is not enough to appreciate the happy feelings your dog inspires in you or the close bond you feel with your dog; one must always think about what is best for dogs - what inspires happy feelings in them and what they think about their living situation. And as sad as it may be, I think the kindest thing some people could do for their dogs is to give them away; many breeds weren’t meant to be caged, and are utterly dependent on open spaces and a lot of exercise. If you don’t have the time or ability to take your pet out and just let him “be a dog” everyday, you’re doing him a great disservice. Love is not enough.