Maggie got hit by a car... :(

[bckrazy]

I'm very sorry about Maggie. That must have been so, so scary! For your family and for her.

I feel very bad for you... I also know people who used to have a farmers mentality - dogs will stay on their property, or they'll be killed. Well, honestly, it isn't 1945 anymore! There are lots of cars, lots of hazards, people are less respectful of other people's animals, and for the most part nowhere in our country is loose-dog friendly. My sister's aunt and uncle have Australian Cattle Dogs working on their huge cattle ranch, they're extremely obedient and loyal dogs, and very friendly to people they know. However, after 3 of them chased and bit (not severely at all, but enough for lawsuits and fines!) passerby's they started to reconsider fencing in the front of their property. Before they got that up, their favorite girl, who mothered 2 amazing litters, was killed very painfully by a truck. She didn't chase it, she was just on the roadside hanging out. Now, they're adament about keeping their beloved pets/working dogs either in a secure pen or indoors when no one is with them, AND they fenced in their property. These are farming people who are very "oldschool", but they totally changed their ways after realizing the world is not a nice place for roaming animals. It really sucks that some people think it's cruel to keep dogs inside or in a secure kennel, but they think it isn't cruel to subject them to cars, cruel people, cold/hot weather, etc etc!

Since you have a fence-jumper, I recommend a pen like this because it can fit both dogs happily inside, and it's secure. They need to be in a secure area while they're alone outside, period. I kind of get miffed when people say "...well, that's just what everyone does in my town." But how many dogs have died from being hit by cars, or have run away, in your town? I know you know better, but definitely stay strong and keep nagging your parents! If you save up money to pay for the kennel, will they really deny you of that? You say that your pups just lay around when no one's home... meaning, they really aren't utlizing that 150 acres. So, what's the difference if you're keeping them in a large safe area where they can hang out safely while you're gone?

[cyber-sibes]

Since you have a fence-jumper, I recommend a pen like this because it can fit both dogs happily inside, and it's secure.

...and economical! The kennel you posted is really modestly priced. You could point this out to your parents, too. The kennel we use is quite a bit more $. To compare, you could show them these: http://www.petproproducts.com Maybe a summer job (if you are old enough) would allow you to help pay for them?