Originally posted by Kfamr
Or to just keep them on leashes.
Oh - I know. But he's just so happy when he's running.

What's it called when we attribute human feelings to animals? Altruism or something like that? Anyway - I know that's probably what I'm doing but I ask myself "Would I rather be safe and imprisoned, or at a higher risk and free?" I know that I'd rather risk injury or even death than to give up my freedom, and I feel extremely guilty when I take that away from Max.

I have this argument over and over with myself, in my mind. I say "Well - we keep our children confined, and dogs don't have any more sense than children sometimes." But then I answer myself "Children do grow up and get their freedom. Max is an adult."

So - I've reached a compromise. I let him off leash when I'm supervising him. He can still get into trouble that way, but at least I'm there to help.

Max was a HUGE part of why we bought the farm. We wanted him to be safer. Even here in town, he has busted out screens getting out to run. He loves running more than anything in the world - even more than food!

I'm not being irresponsible, honestly. I pray that he will be with us for a long time, but if not I want every moment of his life to be as happy as possible.