All Good Dogs, Not For All Good People.

When I originally sat down to write All Good Dogs, I had a variety of questions regarding the relationship between dogs and dog owners. Such as, are dogs really intelligent or do we somehow deceive ourselves into believing they are? What makes a good dog a wonderful family addition?  Are these furry, four legged creatures just a lot of hard work and maintenance or is there a genuine quality of life and well-being to support the effects of dog ownership on humans?  Is becoming a volunteer pooper scooper really worth the hassle of added monetary expenses such as: food, county licensing fees, veterinarian bills, immunization shots and proper owner training courses for the dog?  And don’t forget, somebody has to pick-up that poop; the bigger the dog the bigger the scooper!  Also, there is no return on investment for dog owners.  No matter how far or fast your dog runs, or how talented your dog catches the ball while dancing on a skate board on You-Tube, or how shameful they gazes at you after rummaging through your stinky kitchen garbage can.  A dog requires a lot of personal time, attention and financial investment.

My topical theme, the Human Connection to Dogs is based on my sincere belief that all people should own a dog.  How can people live in America and not own a dog?  However, since I have examined the scientific data, reviewed evidence and collected various media reports about dogs and dog ownership relationships, I am compelled to re-think my initial opinion on my initial views regarding ownership.  I realize, I may have projected an unintended burden on to 53.7 percent of non-dog owners in our society who want nothing to do with raising a dog at all.  Second, I have made assumptions that all dog owners will take their ownership responsibilities seriously or share the same level of devotion toward animals in learning how best to care for them, as I strive to do.  Now most dog owners I have met are decent minded, animal loving individuals who believe these creatures are of great personal value; hurting or neglecting these critters would be the furthest thing from their minds.  Our society holds dog owners to a very high standard when caring for these animals in humane and compassionate ways.  I think our society has made great strides in finding good homes for our fur covered friends.

However, research studies have indicated that animal cruelty is on the rise in our country and the Pit Bull breed seems to be the most common victim of this type of crime.  In 2000 -2001 reported abuse against Pit Bulls stood at 13% of overall reported dog-abuse cases.  By 2007, that percentage showed an increase to 25% (Humane Society, 2011).  Also, in 2007, the news media reported a total 1,880 animal cruelty cases, 64.5% or 1,212 reported cases involved the dog species.  In May of 2013, three animal cruelty cases were reported to the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) in Maryland.  The first dog, a three year old Pit Bull named, Queenie was found suffering from sores on her body after being starved and confined to a downstairs basement.  Two additional cases were also reported during that same one week period, involving a dog thrown from a car, while another dog in a separate incident was found stabbed (CBS Baltimore, 2013).  These examples are just the beginning of a larger problem because most animal abuse cases go unreported, unrecognized and therefore, unstoppable.  Reports of animal cruelty and neglect are most common in rural and urban areas and are not limited to social economic boundaries (Humane Society, 2011).

Millions of people are bitten by dogs every year; of the 4.7 million victims each year; 386,000 suffer from injuries requiring serious medical attention, while other victims die.  Regarding these human injury claims, insurance companies no longer issue homeowners insurance for clients who own specific types of dog breeds.  The dog breeds to be considered as vicious or high risk of causing injury are as follows: Wolf-mixes, Doberman's, Akita's, Pit Bulls, Chow's and Rottweiler's.

In order for us to clarify this growing problem using statistics, a study was conducted to examine anti-social personality disorders in people who choose to own vicious dog breeds, more specifically: antisocial behaviors and personality disorders or ASPD.  In the study, eight hundred sixty nine college level students were asked to complete an assessment survey where they indicated data such as type dog breed owned, deviant thinking and behaviors, attitudes on animal abuse, callousness, psychopathy, alcohol use, deviant lifestyle behaviors, and personality.  The samples were separated into four comparative dog groups such as, small dog owners (SDO), large dog owners (LDO), controls (C), and vicious dog owners (VDO).  The results of the survey concluded that VDO had significant higher deviant thinking and behaviors, including entitlement, sentimentality, and super-optimism tendencies than other types of dog owners (OTDO).  VDO also sought out higher thrill sensation based behaviors or primary psychopathy.  The study results also suggested that VDO were arrested by local authorities more often and frequently engaged in brawls or physical fights.  VDO utilized significant amounts of marijuana more often than OTDO.  The research set a precedent of a much broader understanding of ASPD; impacting the overall general bias that people who choose to own vicious dogs might be a slippery slope indicator of ASPD for individuals in our society (Ragatz L, et. al. 2009), (Schenk AM, et. al. 2012).  However, I still think that society in general benefits from the presence of dogs in every neighborhood.  But I do not believe everyone in society should necessarily own one.

Here is a wise quote from the movie, Marley and Me, “A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes; a water logged stick will do ‘just fine.  A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb.  Give him your heart; and he’ll give you his.  How many people can you say that about?  How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special?  How many people can make you feel extraordinary?” (Marley & Me, 2009)

 In conclusion, I believe dog ownership is a wonderful gift and humans who discover that connection with the right dog are very fortunate.  Personally, I have found great joy in raising my two pups, Joey & Hapa.  These two Aussies have traveled with me across the country from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Steam Boat Springs, Colorado on two separate camping trips.  They have herded sea gulls during off-leash walks along the shores of the California coastline from Chrissie Field in the San Francisco Bay south to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea.  My dogs have driven with me across the great Mississippi River and endured a sudden tropical rain flood while passing through Sallisaw, Oklahoma approaching Little Rock, Arkansas.  Today, I simply enjoy our daily walks and bicycle rides around Boyd Lake, Colorado.  The human connection to dogs is a lifelong road trip of growing old and spending memorable times together.  These furry critters can be good friends.