by Sage Taylor Richardson

Created on: August 08, 2008

Which is more enjoyable to take out for the day, dogs or children?

Ok, so I wrote this long article below only to come to the conclusion: Both are, if the person who is raising the dog or the child puts the work and effort into making that dog or child a well behaved, respectful, courteous creature that is a pleasure to spend time with. Good manner s go a long way! There. I said it. Now read on for the rest of it

At first I thought, ooh, tricky question. Any dog person in his or her right mind is going to go for the dog every time. We tend to treat our dogs like children to some degree anyway. Dog children are certainly easier on many levels they don't cry and whine and pitch a fit every time they don't get their own way. They don't cost exorbitant entry fees to go to baseball games and concerts and carnivals, plus the junk food they absolutely must consume while there, and souvenirs of course, and so on and so forth, ad nauseum And when it's time to go home, we go home. Period.

I'm sure those who don't like dogs and prefer the company of children will beg to differ that it's more enjoyable to take a child out for the day rather than some slobbering, barking canine idiot pooping all over the sidewalk and jumping on passersby with their big mucky feet. Hmmm I'd tend to agree with them there

Personally, I love being with my dogs and prefer their company to that of most children. Since they and I are outdoorsy types who love hiking in the woods and mountains and taking long walks on the beach, we tend to go places where dogs are welcome, there's little or no cost involved, and they can be free to be canines and romp and play and have a blast without being a pain in the bum to people who have a low tolerance for canine behavior. It's a form of therapy, really.

Since I am a responsible dog person, my dogs are always leashed, well-behaved, calm and manageable under most kinds of stimuli. As rescue dogs, it takes them longer to assimilate to new surroundings and if their behavior borders on becoming a problem, we leave the situation. Responsible dog people train, restrain and clean up after their pets. It's the irresponsible ones who give the rest of us a bad name.

Same with irresponsible parents. Why are so few children not being taught decent manners? We aren't doing them any favors by deceiving them into believing the world revolves around their every whim; that adults must cater to those whims which change direction like the wind blows; and even those of us who are

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>