Why People Have Dogs

Based on your particular past with human interactions, sometimes it probably seems that dogs are the ideal option for best friends. They never hang up the phone on you, they don't get perturbed if their holiday present costs more than yours and they never badger you to go shopping. When you tour a pet facility, inevitably the greatest amount of space is dedicated to canines as compared to cats, gerbils, fish or hamsters. In other words, you will never run out of toys and apparatus for your new pet, if fashion is of importance. However, it seems to me that if you're going to own a dog, a number of important questions should be answered.

First of all, what is the true reason to own/adopt/inherit a dog? If it's for companionship, that's probably viable unless you're looking for intelligent conversation or a responsive shoulder on which to cry. It may be for social purposes: If you're planning on attending the Kentucky Derby, a small but highly bred dog is probably good for your image. If you have a large quantity of dog food at your home for which there is no use, you might be better off donating it to an animal shelter because there won't be any residual costs.

All of this to say, I'm not sure why people do own dogs. On my way to work I see dog-walkers every day. If your goal is strictly to walk, the dog doesn't cause you to burn more calories or walk further or contribute positively to the environment. Indeed, my morning walks also disclose that numerous dog owners pay little or no attention to the environmental by-products of their dogs, something that makes walking in that space potentially uncomfortable for the rest of us.

Dogs also make other situations more complicated. You can't go on vacation and ask your relative to come over to feed and walk Fido on a daily basis. If you have green plants, watering them (usually) once per week is sufficient and they never need to be walked. Dogs need shots, grooming, food, exercise and a modicum of human attention in the way of petting or ear-scratching. Goldfish, on the other hand, never need petting and they don't need shots. Putting them to rest is also easier than saying goodbye to Rover and I have put any number of fish to eternal peace in my bathroom fixture. If finances allow, you can obviously put your dog in a doggie motel while you're on vacation and that's great if you have the finances to do so. Forget about taking Lassie with you, however. Very few hotels and motels are dog-friendly and I'm not sure that I want to sleep in a hotel room that has just accommodated an English sheepdog.

Those who own and have always owned dogs are rabid about the reasons to do so. One can frequently hear language concerning loyalty, companionship and dogs that are so smart that they can do everything just short of calculus. This language is not often persuasive. I'm tempted to ask, if your dog is so smart, why can't he feed/walk/groom himself? Kids are substantially more expensive investments, with the additional condition that they eat more, frequently require video games and (ideally) attend expensive colleges and universities. But they also learn how to prepare their own meals, buy Mother's and Father's Day cards and give themselves baths or showers. Your canine friend will always be dependent.

If you're aware in advance of the ongoing dependency, doggie nonchalance about personal hygiene and challenges associated with travel, by all means seek out a furry friend. I am told that they are loyal and caring, friendly and loving and generally terrific pets. It's difficult to imagine that a pricey, high-ticket pooch makes a better pet than a mutt, particularly if he or she has a disposition to match credentials.

As for me, I'll probably continue to go dogless. I can always visit my local pet adoption center if I need a dose of tail-wagging adoration. This might be an opportunity for a new business - Rent-A-Dog - for onsite dedication and droopy-eyed love. I'll bring the dog to your home, have you love him or her for a few hours to satisfy your pet craving and take the dog back home. No mandatory food, walks or shots. Might be an inspiring entrepreneurial venture.