by Suzanne Fort

Created on: September 13, 2008

I have had many heated debates with many people about this subject. I voted "outdoor" because I really can't just pick one or the other. I've had Herman since 1996 and Oreo since 2000. My dogs are both Pomeranians.

I got into a huge argument with my MSN Pomeranians group because they told me I was cruel to have my dogs outside. Well, it is safe, they can't get out, and they are free to run and play like dogs should. I also get bad comments from my friends who believe dogs should always stay outside. I don't believe you have to choose one or the other. There are different situations in which both work. As long as the dogs are safe, it's really nobody's business.

Herman and I started out in a little apartment when I was going to college. I trained him to use a litter box. We'd also have lots of long walks around town to get exercise and go to the bathroom. We then went to low-income housing which didn't allow pets. We had to move.

We lived in California in another apartment. Herman stayed inside. Herman had a doggie door which lead to a fenced patio area with a small patch of grass. He would go to the bathroom there when I was gone.

We moved to western Washington to another apartment. Herman stayed inside at this apartment. He was miserable because he didn't have anywhere to go to the bathroom while I was gone except on the patio, which was on the 2nd floor. We'd take long walks but my apartment was full of pee because of his boredom with the apartment.

I got married, so we moved to North Carolina for a few years. Herman and Oreo were both there for North Carolina. Due to the heat and the bugs we just had the dogs stay inside except for when we were home.

We then moved back to Western Washington. We had a small, fenced yard. The neighbors would complain about the barking, so they were just totally indoor dogs unless we were there to supervise.

We moved to a small house in Grand Coulee, Washington. The dogs had to be tied up on a tree according to my ex-husband, which I felt horrible about and moved quickly after leaving the ex-husband and the horrible situation for the dogs.

I had a rental for three months so my dogs were staying with my dad and mom, which lived about five minutes away. They were able to run around a huge yard that was fenced and really enjoy that. They still get excited when we drive up to their house to visit. They know they can run free and safely for a long time there.

Now I live in a house with huge backyard and it's fenced. The dogs stay outside unless it's really hot or really cold. They come inside to play. They come inside at night and sleep in a carrier in the summer, Spring, and Fall. In the winter, they sleep in the garage. The garage is warmer in the months besides the Winter, so I just would rather they were inside with us.

So, I may seem harsh to some people about the places my dogs sleep, play, and eat, but they are very happy now. They are healthy and running around and they are most importantly safe.

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