doG Complex

In the developed nations (for lack of an appropriate term), we tend to profess a deep love for our pet dogs. But dogs are not suited to our man-made urban/suburban environment we subject them to. Thus we tether, muzzle, spay, neuter, confine and segregate canines to suit our needs. We use choke chains and shock treatment to inhibit natural behaviour and enforce obedience. We’ve even resorted to clipping their ears and lopping of their tails to please our own aesthetic desires. Recently, we’ve taken to picking up their shit, which is humiliating for the human surely, but a disservice to the dogs whose nature it is to leave their calling card.

Our warped version of love, for these would-be majestic creatures made playthings, causes us to selfishly deny them their sex urges by sterilization or in the case of purebreds by choosing their mates. Our disturbingly God-like (or is it Nazi-ish) practice of selective breeding to create these Franken-puppies for our amusement is down right shameful, even irresponsible when you consider all the diseases and ailments typically suffered by pedigrees.

Many of these man-made canines would qualify as freaks of nature, if not for our hand in the mess. Many have been bred such that they’d be unable to survive on their own. Oh joy.

Human rights groups would rightfully be up in arms, were we subject to any of these inhumanities. So, how can we claim to love our pets and at the same time be the perpetrator of these atrocities? If you truly loved your dog, you’d want it to live a dog’s life as intended. Ditto for other pet owners too!

Have a hoot, but DON'T CALL IT LOVE