That's what I say to my husband about 12,000 times a day. That might be a slight exaggeration, but we have four dogs and negotiating ourselves to 'pack leaders' amongst the gang of puppy pirates can be interesting at times. Patience is lost, yelling happens, or fuzzy faces frown to the point you think your heart is going to drop out of your chest. But, if we stop, take a deep breath, and seek to understand and connect with these mangy mutts (and other things fuzzy) - I have noticed that we as fallible, sometimes oblivious, but well-intentioned humans can have moments of transcendence. It happens when you realize that the dog really doesn't speak English and is trying his hardest to make you happy, despite outward appearances (Down is fun and I want to play with you; that's why I tore up the pillow!). It happens when you lose your job or a relative dies and head on your lap abates the pain better than a narcotic. It happens when your a small farmer and your animals are more than pets, more than food, more than money - they are what make life worth living. It happens when you make eye contact with a beast, large or small, and you see yourself in the beast.
It happens all the time to those of us who are near animals and let them get to know us. We all have the stories, I plan on sharing mine. EnDogue is all about animals, why we love them, and how they make us better people. I'll also share useful tips, tricks, and things that I have learned over the years relating to creatures.
I hope you enjoy this blog built to celebrate the at least entertaining if not enlightening world of animals.
Do you have an opinion on whether it is better to acquire a pedigreed pet vs. the Heinz-57 variety of mutt?
ReplyDeleteHi Judy,
DeleteWhile I strongly believe that every person has the right to whatever kind of pet they want as long as they are willing to fulfill its physically and emotional needs - I personally believe that it is better to own the Heinz-57 mutt. There are a couple of reasons why. This first is that it is often better for the dog's health and wellness to have some genetic diversity; the few pure-breads I have had in my life have all come with expensive and painful genetic conditions like hip displasia, allergies, ectopic cilia (where eye lashes grow inside the eyelid), and luxating patella (the knee cap doesn't stay put). Yikes! I don't want to think about how much the treatment for all these things cost - in addition to the original cost of the dog! The second reason is that when people buy the purebreds from pet stores and breeders - they are so often supporting puppy mills. If anyone doesn't know about puppy mills they are generally horrific places that breed puppies for profits without taking care of animals. In addition, these same puppies are really cute when bought, but are often abandoned when the real work needs to happen - thus contributing the homeless animal population.
So yes, in my opinion, mutts are hands down the better choice. Help solve the over-population and save yourself the pure-bred issues.
Amelia great blog, I also love animals. And I very much agree with what you write here.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Looking forward to sharing some fun stuff!
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