Sigh. So many times it comes down to people who don't understand what it means to own a dog, who don't appreciate the responsibility they are taking on. It is not the dogs who have problems.

Rockport, Maine: it is illegal to have a dog anywhere on Main Street. Doesn't matter the breed, or size, doesn't matter if it is on leash. Rockport is a tourist place and I always took my dog on vacation with me. Got out of the car, put Samantha on leash, put money in the parking meter, took 2 steps, AND GOT A TICKET FOR HAVING A DOG ON MAIN ST. It was like the officer was just watching and waiting for me to fill the meter before he got rid of us! Man, I got out of town FAST!

Does anyone know, do the French still permit dogs everywhere, even in the supermarkets? I was there in 1990, and was fascinated - most of the dogs weren't even on a leash! They just heeled with master, nodded to passing dogs. No wonder the Europeans think we are wild, I thought; our dogs could never do that! (Well, I think mine may have been able to, but you get the picture.)