Companion Animals Not Pets

A few years ago, somewhere in my acreage subdivision, was a neglected dog. I don't know where he lived, but occasionally, and particularly on cold winter nights, I could hear him half bark and half howl with that mournful "Please somebody answer" kind of sound that lonely dogs make. He was probably fed and watered, probably had a dog house, and his people probably considered themselves responsible owners because he never ran loose.

He's gone now. Maybe he died, maybe they "got rid of him." I have a feeling he was a male, but she could have been female. I do know that he or she was not an it. Its are things; animals are not.

Animals are not mere possessions or toys. They have their own lives to live. They have needs and wants. Better to think of them as companion animals than pets and of ourselves as guardians or caregivers rather than owners. We commonly talk of adopting a dog or cat rather than buying it, yet the implications of the word are not followed through. Adopting implies a loving, caring, taking into one's heart.

We all know of dogs that live their lives tied out in the backyard or cats that aren't allowed in the house. Were those animals "adopted"? Perhaps the dog was played with as a puppy, but became too much trouble or too boring when he grew up. Perhaps the kitten was bought for the children but they lost interest. Perhaps the dog was difficult to housetrain or destructive. Most likely, the people either did not realize what they were getting into or grew up with similarly neglected animals and considered such care normal.

Fortunate animals live their lives in the companionship of knowledgeable, caring people who appreciate their nature. Dogs, for example, are pack animals. When we remove them from their canine pack, we have to allow them to join our human pack. That doesn't mean we should treat dogs as people. Dogs are dogs. But any time we change an animal's natural living arrangements, we have a responsibility to provide what's missing. In the case of dogs, that includes companionship and social structure.

The law doesn't recognize a dog's need for companionship. Legally, a person is required to provide food, water, shelter and care. Meet the dog's physical needs on at least a minimal level and you're within the law. There are many law-abiding people who consider themselves responsible dog owners who nevertheless subject their animals to psychological neglect.

What then makes a responsible pet owner? First, I don't think that person considers his or her animal in terms of possession. Rather the dog or cat is a family member. Responsible guardians provide food, water, shelter, veterinary care, supervised exercise, birth control, companionship, and training. They are good neighbours, making sure their choice to have animals doesn't negatively affect others. They also speak up for companion animals to irresponsible owners, non-animal owners, the town council, and the S.P.C.A.

Responsible guardians live with their dogs and cats until the animals die of natural causes or have to be euthanized. Some people try to avoid their pain by taking an old dog or cat to an animal shelter, a few even dump the animal in the country. Many take the dog or cat to the vet and leave her to be euthanized after they have gone. I know some think that the best way, but I believe we owe it to our companions to stay with them until they are gone. Over the years, I have had four dogs and one cat euthanized and I stayed with each one. Yes, it was hard for me, but it also helped to see their final peace.

If for unavoidable reasons, it's impossible to keep a dog or cat any longer, responsible guardians don't try to "get rid" of them. In fact, they explore every avenue before even considering the possibility of rehoming. If there really is no other option, they try hard to place the animal in a good permanent home, first through their own contacts, then through the local animal shelter. If all efforts fail, euthanasia is a last resort.

Sometimes, responsible people choose not to live with dogs at all because they know they cannot provide the level of care and companionship dogs need and deserve.

What would happen if everyone respected companion animals as individuals with needs and wants and lives to live? How would animals' lives be changed if we all stopped considering them as material possessions? How would our lives be changed? Would normal people keep a dog isolated on the end of a chain or in a pen? Would the classifieds be so full? Would our shelters be overflowing? Would I have heard that lonely dog in my subdivision?

©2000 Elizabeth Gredley and animalINK
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