We've got some NASTY cold weather happening this week in Pennsylvania. The posts have been circulating on social media with sad pictures of snow covered animals, and reminders to bring pets indoors. This is good, and I whole heartedly agree with the sentiment....however, the root of the problem is that the pet is outside to begin with. Especially dogs, who are ingrained to be pack animals....so, the posts that say "if you're cold, so are they" would apply to a plethora of conditions.
Imagine living your life with a 6-12 foot radius. You get a box to live in...a bowl for food and water, and maybe even a toy or two. Maybe someone stops by even a few times a day to toss the ball for you, or give you a few kind words. But...then they walk away. They go back into a home with the rest of their family, and leave you outside. It doesnt matter if it's hot, cold, or just right. It doesn't matter if you provide all the basic needs. It's not enough to an animal, so much like ourselves, who craves interaction. Who needs a routine, authority, love.
Without these things, dogs WILL go crazy. They'll destroy things, they will be noisy, and they may even get mean. Wouldn't you? Dogs are descendants of wolves. Wolves live in packs, very intricate families where everyone has a place. Do you know what happens if a wolf is abandoned by their pack? They die. Maybe not instantly, but slowly. From any number of causes, but the long and short of it is, canines are meant to be in a pack. That pack may consist of one person, or it may be a whole family, but they need the comfort of knowing their place within that system.
And yes, I am aware that some dogs love to be outside. It's true, I have one of those myself except she'd prefer to be out all day on a hot day than anything below 60. But, I force her to come in eventually, and she isnt living her life on the end of a chain. I would imagine all dogs, to some extent, like to be outdoors. They may even enjoy a little solitude every once in a while, but they always return to their pack.
I know, I'm up on a soapbox right now, seeing these pictures circulating just reminds me that for one week these dogs may get an opportunity to come inside, if they are lucky. But they still will probably be separated from their families and placed in a garage, or a basement. They may never know the joy of curling up on their masters feet, or thieving a scrap off the kitchen table. These are things every dog deserves. So, I challenge you to YES, please bring your pet indoors. But, please keep them there. If you cannot do that for them, if you cant satisfy ALL of their basic needs....then don't have a pet. Find them a home with someone who will invite them not only into their live, but into their home.
End rant.
