Do you want to be my dog?

A guy I know asked me today if he could apply to be one of my dogs because he thought they had a better life than a lot of people he knew.

I guess in a sense that's true. They are well loved, well groomed and, judging by their somewhat finicky taste, well fed.

But owning a Shih-tzu, or any pet for that matter, is a serious commitment. They are not toys to be played with when you feel like it; they are not little dolls that you dress up when the mood hits; they are not ornaments that you just look at. These are living, breathing creatures with feelings, wants, needs and individual personalities. They are relying on you to care for them because, in our world, they can't look after themselves.

Some people just don't think when they run out to get a dog. Can you afford all the things they need, including regular grooming and veterinary services? Do you have the time to take care of them and give them the attention they need? Do you have a fenced in yard to keep them safe? Do you have other dogs who may not be welcoming? Do you have young children who are not old enough to understand that they cannot hit, choke or squeeze them? These are just a few things that many people just don't consider until after they've brought the dog home and by then, it's too late.

Dogs who are well treated are the most wonderful, loving companions you could ever wish for. Dogs who are neglected can become angry, destructive and, at times, vicious. There is a beautiful Siberian Husky down the road from us. His owners have a large, fenced back yard. The dog is never in it. Rather, they tie him to a post in the front yard where he sits morning, afternoon and evening. I had never heard a dog audibly sigh in my life, but this one does whenever someone walks past. There are two teenagers and two adults in that house, yet no one takes this big, beautiful animal for a walk. So why have it? And sadly, I don't think this is an isolated case.