Why are there dogs everywhere in Seattle?
I like dogs as much as the next person. I am not anti-dog. BUT, people in Seattle think it’s appropriate to take their dogs everywhere with them. They take them to the malls and shopping centers, the grocery stores, to street fairs, everywhere. I’ve seen greyhounds in Central Market and chihuahuas the nail salon. Oh, and if the store doesn’t let them bring the dog inside, they tie it to a fence post to bark at all the passersby or, worse, LEAVE IT IN THE CAR. Too many times I have listened to a dog crying for an hour or so while the owners are working out at the fitness studio. It’s so sad.
Then there are the two girls I see every morning walking their dog. Only they don’t really walk it, they carry it. I have honestly never seen this dog walk on his own four little legs, and I have seen these girls every morning for a year. For all I know, this dog is a paraplegic. I think he would have more fun if he had a little doggie wheelchair to zip around in. He’s got cute little sweaters, though.
Here’s what I propose…leave your dog at home. That’s where his food is. That’s where his bed is. That’s where his toys are.
But when did this become acceptable? When did people decide that it was okay to bring a minimally trained pet into a place of business or to a crowded event. There were so many dogs at an outdoor event this summer that my allergic grand girl swelled up like she was snakebit. She’s not allowed to take peanut butter sandwiches to school, but dogs are allowed everywhere. Of course, she couldn’t take a dog to school either, but you know what I mean.
I worry about people. I want them to be happy without the fantasy life of having a dog involved in every moment of their lives. I want dogs to be allowed a doggy life, not one that is completely indentured to some person’s identity. A dog should be a friend you throw a ball for, not take to the ball.
And, by the way, you would never get away with any of this with a cat.
Don’t come to Healdsburg, then…husband and I were just talking about this today. Everyone who comes to wine country brings a dog–or two. I did my own personal check–Labradoodles, Jack Russels and Yorkshire Terriers appear to be the most popular. On the whole they appear well trained and people do pick up after them, but I imagine most of them would be perfectly happy in their own yard with their own space and beds and toys.
Rufus stays home. Of course,he’s 16 and rather grumpy. I tend to be grumpy, too, so we’re a good fit.
I’m glad the dogs are trained where you live. The dogs here are pampered, but the owners don’t seem to realize that they are doing their dogs a disservice in allowing them to jump on, lick, steal baby crackers from the people they encounter.