by Liza Hunt

Created on: January 07, 2010   Last Updated: January 08, 2010

Indoors!  The whole point of having and caring for a dog is to be able to interact with them and develop a close bond with them.  I don't see how that is possible if you keep your dog tied up outside.

It really upsets me when I see a poor dog tied to a tree or hear one barking all day long, because it is bored stiff or starving for attention.  I think a dog needs more attention than one who receives a pat on the head when they are fed once or twice a day. 

I think it is cruel to keep a dog outside, especially in the cold weather.  My dog almost freezes up when he goes to the bathroom outside for 5 minutes and can barely walk back in when it is bitterly cold out.  I can't imagine a poor dog enduring cold winters day and night.

Our canine companions give us so much love at every opportunity.  It seems that is why they were put on the earth.  In return we should give them the same love back by including them in our every day family activities.  Dogs need attention and affection just like people do. 

I have had my dog, Carmel, for eight years now.  I adopted him from the humane society when he was eight weeks old.  He is a St. Bernard/mix and I couldn’t imagine kicking him out to spend his days outside all by his lonesome. 

He is the smartest dog in the whole world, I think.  He is definitely an integral part of our family.  He has had many roles.  He is a babysitter, watchdog, guardian, companion, and beloved family member.

He understands some English.  He knows what to do when I say, “Back up. Sit. Go to bed. Go get a drink. Are you hungry? Let’s get a bath.  We need to clean your ears.  ” 

I used to have a little dog that would take off the minute you opened the door and it was impossible to catch her.  All I had to say to Carmel was, “Go get her!”  He would take off, pin her to the ground gently until I would come and get her.”

I have a friend that would never have a pet in the house, but she said that she would take Carmel in a heartbeat.  Everyone loves him because he looks at you with those big brown eyes like he can read your mind and vice versa.  People have said that his eyes reflect so much personality and love.

It wasn’t by accident he turned out to be such a good dog.  It was from spending time with him every day and giving him love and affection every day while living with us inside the house.  You can’t get that kind of bond with a dog that’s forced to live outdoors.

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