I no longer have a dog. Love them and have had many of them during my lifetime. To me, animals are angels sent from GOD to remind us that the world is not all bad, and to give us comfort when we are down. I won't have another pet this late in my lifetime, because unlike humans, animals really suffer when they mourn their owners. I don't think any new owner would treat my pets the way I do or care as much, so I do not want to put them through that if I pass before them. However, a well trained animal is a confident animal. I learned years ago how to train my dog to go where I designated. I respect other people's property and would not think of allowing my pet to contaminate their lawn. It's just respect. You do not have to be an animal hater to ask folks to find some place else to allow their pet to relieve itself. Is it really different than if someone wished to use your yard as a toilet? If a drunk wandered onto your property and urinated in your roses, would you say "have a nice day" or would you suggest he find someplace else to relive himself? It's just respect. I would NEVER blame a pet for messing in my yard but I would blame the owner of the pet. It just shows that they do not respect you and they are subtly urinating on you.
I do not enjoy seeing animals in grocery stores or restaurants. I do not care if I see them in Lowes or Home Depot.
I have also seen those lazy pet owners that drive their cart while walking their dogs. Shame on them. On the other hand, my German shepherd used to enjoy trotting along beside me as I rode my bike around the neighborhood. I did not even need a leash because she was ALWAYS next to me. Even when she spotted a squirrel, she would remain in place. If I stopped to chat with a neighbor, she would lay down next to my feet. I loved that dog but had to give her up when I moved overseas. Thank goodness, we gave her to a family that loved her as much as we did, and spoiled her even more. It was like parting with a close family member.
Just saying that pets are special and deserve to be treated with respect and love. But, like I said I can't think of outliving a pet. I have seen pets mourn their deceased owners to the point that it would make the hardest and cold hearted break down and weep.
And just a note, I have had a dog in my foxhole. Couldn't ask for a better comrade in a bad situation.
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