0n (10 Oct 07) Bob Ackley wrote to Cindy Haglund...

 BA> Replying to a message of Cindy Haglund to Lee Lofaso:

 CH> Big breeds especially. The little dogs seem to be fine with maybe a
 CH> 1/2 mile but  big dogs need an hour's walk at least.

 BA> Shucks.  All I do whenever I get time is take two of the dogs for a
 BA> walk around the block.  'course the block is one mile on a side...  A
 BA> different two each time.  I'm the one getting all the exercise. 

You both are. A mile isn't much for the dog but it's better than what
a lot of them get which is next to nothing.

You know what really makes me sick? Is this attitude I have been told
of 'dogs are gifts to us to do with as we please'. This arrogance is
the very attitude that people use to justify what amounts to abuse;
intentional or not. And yes overindulgence is just as harmful to a dog
as no indulgence at all.

 Think of it this way. In underdeveloped countries and with the
homeless dogs wander in pacts, even if they DO stay at the homes of
humans who claim to be their owners. They run free! That's nature's
way. It's instinctual for dogs to migrate. If they don't get to channel
this energy they become frustrated.. they develop issues you don't
see in dogs who are allowed to roam freely.

Our attempts to humanize dogs is not in the dog's best interests an is
why there's so many dog psychologists making big money to help people
understand dogs are not humans and they don't think the way humans do
at all. I think it's very very sad to see a big dog cooped up all day.

Even the small ones manage to get exercise running around the house. A
big dog needs a lot of space.

In this effect of being cooped up there is a similarity to humans. We
too get frustrated but we often channel the excess energy into
indulging in unhealthy habits instead. :(

Aw well.

Cindy

... SHIN - A device for finding furniture in the dark.

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