“In the whole history of the world there is but one thing that money cannot buy…to wit–the wag of a dog’s tail.” ―
It’s been a year now and I’ve reached the point where a little commentary on dogs is needed. I live in a community with people all around me. Right on the other side of the wall. Sitting above my ceiling. Repairing cars in the garage next to my bedroom. Walking large dogs the size of Shetland Ponies past my window each morning and evening. Because most residents are young, the excrement from these animals does not get picked up as is required. That’s an age-related trend. Imagine, if you will, Shetland Pony dumps all around in the 100-plus summer of north Texas.
Sorry for the disgusting start off.
One more indicator pointing to the collapse of civilization. New Yorkers have been talking about this for decades.
Oversize dogs is a recent trend in our society. Who are more likely to own a large dog these days?
- Young adults living alone
- Females living alone
- Students heading off to college
- Young and recently alone (separated, divorced, graduated)
Suicide rates are up, those who report being lonely have dramatically increased, romance is sinking and fewer people have physical contact with another person each week. We all live a dangerously isolating social experience. A large dog is probably one easy way to fill that empty space.
“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” ―
Living spaces are becoming smaller, we are living by ourselves longer and starting families later in life. The younger generation has decided to add large dogs to their living arrangements for several reasons. The larger dog conveys a sense of safety, especially for young women. Our media deluges us with crime stories, documentaries and movies. The truth is that crime rates have been declining.
Larger dogs are easier companions to take on a run. Young males in search of masculinity get a big dog – a little poodle just won’t work for so many reasons. Probably without realizing it, these oversize animals are replacements for that missing roommate or partner. Cats, goldfish, and chihuahua’s won’t fill the subconscious bill for a meaningful presence in your all alone swinging single space. They don’t talk back as well.
So, for the past several decades, the youth decided they needed a big dog. It became the cool trend. We are all conformists. Who had time to think about all that went along with taking care of that Shetland Pony, while attending classes, working a job, managing a social life and maybe getting along with roommates.
The drawback for these large dogs can be heartbreaking. Last night I looked at the time, it was almost 10pm and the big dog next door was howling away. Was it lonely? Needed to take a potty break? Hungry? The busy and at times chaotic single life does not always work well with the routine needed for animals and children. Seventy percent of large dogs end up being returned to animal shelters. Young owners are less likely to take care of their large pets – mostly because of the cost. Large breeds need different kinds of attention and care. I’ve already pointed out the less likely your poop gets scooped when you have a young owner.
Maybe everyone would be better off if we all spoke to each other more and learned how to be more interdependent – even on our neighbors. I’ve decided to learn Spanish. It will surely help.
“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” ―
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