To my neighbor who leaves his sad and bored looking dog tied up on a short chain in his front yard all the time. Why did you get a dog in the first place? A dog is not a lawn ornament or a home security system. They are loving social animals that deserve to be part of your home and your life. Dogs that are chained run a much higher risk of biting and are more likely to be the dogs that run off and don’t come back when called. Chaining dogs outside for long periods of time also leaves them more exposed to fleas insect bites and bad weather. Tying up a child would be considered abuse. Why then do we have a double standard when it comes to our affectionate four-legged companions? Have a heart for man’s best friend!
Illustration by Ron Pitts