Quote Originally Posted by Pam
I have very strong feelings on this but don't want to come off sounding harsh. I hope I can do that. I think most of us look at dogs as family members. We keep all of our family members inside the house and interact. I cannot understand, and never will, how people keep dogs outside. I wouldn't do that to a family member. I don't understand how someone can develop a relationship with a dog that isn't with them inside 24/7. When I see a dog outside all of the time and, worse yet, chained outside, I think the people who own that dog see them as *lawn ornaments.* I do not buy into the argument of having a dog for protection. Believe me, my Ripley (all 14 lbs. of him) can alert me to anything going on outside. After I am alerted it is my responsibility to see if there is a reason for the alarm. I would certainly never have a dog for protection with the idea of having an *attack dog.* I am sorry but I just cannot fathom any reason for ever having an outside dog.

Pam I am going to agree to a point,........ I have a few friends that raise sheep in Ga, and years ago I had a small herd also, the Border collies that he raises and trains the pack of them have outdoor kennels. I never had an issue with this type of "outdoor" dog, simply because when they weren't working on his farm, they were with him at trials etc. Fact was and is in that case and many others , keeping them all in the house isn't an option.

I asked him once what happens when they are old or pups? as they spend their lives working for you don't you feel that you owe them something in return? His answer.....My bitches whelp in the house the pups are loved as their mom is , and they stay with me till I cull the workers from the pets, they go to good homes that will make them just that a pet loved and spoiled. When they are old I show them more kindess then most kids give their old folks, they get the house a rug in front of the fire and peace in their last years.

So as I agree completely that dogs should be a family member , it needs to be borne in mind that are many types of families.

As for those that are chained, or simply kept as a lawn ornament.....well there is a special place in hell for callous heartless people, I just hope I get to peek in it and have the satifaction of seeing several people I have met over the years reaping their well earned rewards!

Hug those beautiful poodles for me!

Just my thoughts