My big dogs once were house dogs, but like I said, my son is allergic to animals. Do you think it would be better to rehome them? We're an active family outside most of the day everyday, so I don't think there is anything wrong with it. We take our dogs everywhere we go.

I really don't want to get into the grand cat debate again. Ron was an outdoor cat to start with. I tried my darndest to keep him inside. He was miserable, he got fat, and all he did was try to get out. Finally, he got loose one day, and I found out that he just wanted to roll in the grass. I don't want to take that freedom from him. I'd feel bad making him stare out the window all day when he wants to go out. I'd rather give him a short happy life then a long depressed one. He rarely leaves my yard. He lies with the neighbor cat all day long and enjoys the sun. I am in a low traffic area, in a well established neighborhood (no wild animals).

I think alot of you are way to critical. Just like child rearing, there are a thousand ways and not everyone agrees. Just because one of us chooses to do things one way and you the other, doesn't mean that we are horrible owners. Most of us love our animals more then anything and want to do what it best. I understand that many of you have seen preventable animals deaths and injuries. So have I.