A Handful of Truth

Like most Americans I believe that human beings are born with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

"..the inalienable rights of life..."

Ask any dog breeder when life begins and they will answer - "When the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall." How then can we so adamantly protect our unborn puppies and fight for the right to allow our dogs to reproduce while we hypocritically allow the destruction of unborn human children?

You may disagree with me on this subject. I understand. The me of twenty years ago disagreed too.

But there is only one truth. Maybe I'm just finally old enough to see it clearly.

On the other hand, I have always known the truth about dogs. Highly adaptable, deeply intelligent, dogs understand much more of what we say and think than most people give them credit for. No creature on earth was better designed to walk with man than dog.

The dog has no cares for status. His only desire is to share his life with one special person. That is their truth - the Dogs honest truth. Somehow I have always seen this clearly.

Ten Reasons You Should Own a Dog

If you have been sitting on the fence about dog ownership, allow me to give you a push. Dogs need people and people need dogs. Here are my top ten reasons in support of dog ownership.

1. Households with dogs that bark are less likely to be robbed

2. People who share their lives with Dogs learn to think about something other than themselves.

3. It is a proven fact that petting a dog daily is stress-relieving.

4. When your world is turned upside down and nobody else seems to love you, your dog will stand firmly by your side.

5. Children who are raised with dogs learn to be more compassionate and understanding.

6. The needs of a dog will cause its owner to unplug daily and stay connected to the natural world.

7. The act of feeding a dog can cause an owner to focus on his or her own nutrition and make better choices.

8. The loving touch of a Dog can cause the human body to release positive endorphins to be shared with other humans - "pay it forward" applies here.

9. Interacting with dogs teaches us how to be human.

10. The love for a Dog is universal. Take yours on regular walks and you will meet the kind of friends you always wished to have.