Canine-Human Relations
From my point of view, this is a simple subject, hardly worth putting paw to paper. However, since people use words, it complicates things. As far as I’m concerned, I’m Hal’s dog, and he’s my person. End of story. It just makes sense.
A few weeks ago, there was an event at the park called “Responsible Dog Ownership Day.” It was a fine event, but I was offended that people would be so arrogant as to believe they could “own” a dog. You may “have” a dog, but you own your dog about as much as you own your wife, husband, or children. Ask Hal about that, and if it takes even a nanosecond longer to answer than “Do I look fat?” I’ll have to bite him.
Then, there are the people who refer to Hal as “Molly’s dad”. I hate that, too. Not because Hal is a bad person, or I don’t think he’d be a good father, but let’s get back to reality. My father is a Pit Bull! Even if Hal were a dog, I don’t think he’d be a Pit Bull. I think he may have a little Wheaten Terrier in him.
Another thing, I am not a “pet” dog. I am simply a dog- Man’s best friend. The word pet implies subordination, hence ownership. Friend implies an equivalent relationship. Now I know I won’t be sitting on a jury of Hal’s peers anytime soon, because the Constitution doesn’t recognize me. Then again, there was a time when it only recognized white men over 21 who owned land, so I’m hopeful.
Let me also add that I’m not interested in becoming Mrs. Molly Cohen (Hal’s last name). I love him and I know he loves me, but once again, I’m a dog, he’s a person. I don’t know if there is a North American Man Dog Love Association, and the thought creeps me out, but I do know that Hal is not a member. I hope that clears things up.
