3 of 52

Indoor

Write now Article Tools

Having to choose between whether dogs should be indoor or outdoor is difficult because they need both. If a choice has to be made though, indoor is the only logical option. A dog is an intelligent, warm, and loving addition to any family with a minimal amount of training and consideration. I was not allowed to have pets of any kind as a child, and when I left home at the age of eleven it was the first thing about my life I changed. I rescued a shepherd cross that I soon named Sounder because of his vocal proclivities. He changed my life, and I hope in some positive measure I changed his even half as much.

Sounder may have been my first, but in my fifty years of life, many have followed. Each has had my heart and my dedication, and certainly my love and my home. I shared such a small fraction of what they were willing to though. I've always owned large dogs, and recognizing their need for exercise, I have often found myself using precious fuel to drive miles into open country where we could all enjoy the wilderness and uncrowded areas together. They have often been my only solace, my best friends, my companions, my confidantes and my greatest joy. As an adult, I clearly understood their need for this cohabitation with me, and would not have it any other way. It was a simple matter to train them to stay off furniture - often I even gave them their own furniture and they never mistook theirs for mine or crossed the boundaries I set out for them.

While I have swept my share of dog hair from the floors - I've learned to wear slippers and keep spare pairs for company. I've never excluded them from any room I've had access to, including my bedroom where right now two 'rotten whilers' lounge waiting for my husband to rise. They are my weather vane for strangers, often able to sort out the bad eggs before I can, and they are my comfort at night when I sleep knowing they would put their lives up for mine if the situation ever arose.

I am deeply troubled by people who believe a dog is something to be attained and then ignored in a yard or on a chain, locked in a kennel while they vacation.... is this you? If it is, give your head a shake. With minimal training, most dogs will return even the smallest kindness ten fold and more. They are as sensitive as children and often even more so. They require love and companionship every bit as much as we do, and to those of you who still don't understand... at least be kind. Take two minutes out of your busy day to find a new home for your dog, and make sure it is one where he or she will be welcomed with open arms. I have rescued more than one dog from selfish pet owners of this ilk, and will likely continue to do so.

Learn more about this author, C Davison.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should dogs be indoor or outdoor pets??
We want to hear your view. Write now!