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Independence, MO —
The cold weather always makes me think of the poor homeless people and animals outside. Unfortunately the homeless animals aren’t the only animals suffering in the cold.
Many people leave their animals outside year round. Some dogs are kept in so-called dog runs and have tiny metal houses that are supposed to keep them warm. Other dogs are given wooden houses that barely block out the wind. Many dogs are chained outside to deal with the cold on their own. Cats are left outside to roam and try to find a place where they can get out of the cold. Some animals are left outside with no shelter at all.
This type of treatment of dogs and cats is neglectful at best. Dogs and cats are domesticated animals. The definition of domestic animal is an animal that has been tamed and made suitable for a human environment. The key words here are “human environment.” Domesticated animals should live with the humans in their environment. Humans don’t live in cages outside and sleep in tiny metal boxes. Nor are we chained to a tree outside with very little or no shelter. We don’t live this way and neither should animals.
Domesticated animals such as dogs and cats need to be kept inside the home of their owners where they are warm, safe, and sound. We have an obligation to take care of our domesticated animals just as we take care of our elderly and our children. Pets should live in the home and spend quality time with the family. Research has shown that pets not only help comfort us when we are sick but they also make great companions for us.
Why have a pet if it isn’t going to be part of the family? Keeping pets isolated makes no sense. Dogs are social creatures and need to be with other living beings. Cats may be independent, but they do not need to be roaming the streets where they can be hit by a car. Leaving a pet out in the yard like a lawn ornament is not only disgraceful it is cruel to the pet.
Keeping your dogs inside where they can warn you of approaching strangers is a great way to defend your home. No one even walks down our street without us knowing about it, as our dog Shadow is on sentry duty all day every day.
The cold weather always makes me think of the poor homeless people and animals outside. Unfortunately the homeless animals aren’t the only animals suffering in the cold.
Many people leave their animals outside year round. Some dogs are kept in so-called dog runs and have tiny metal houses that are supposed to keep them warm. Other dogs are given wooden houses that barely block out the wind. Many dogs are chained outside to deal with the cold on their own. Cats are left outside to roam and try to find a place where they can get out of the cold. Some animals are left outside with no shelter at all.
This type of treatment of dogs and cats is neglectful at best. Dogs and cats are domesticated animals. The definition of domestic animal is an animal that has been tamed and made suitable for a human environment. The key words here are “human environment.” Domesticated animals should live with the humans in their environment. Humans don’t live in cages outside and sleep in tiny metal boxes. Nor are we chained to a tree outside with very little or no shelter. We don’t live this way and neither should animals.
Domesticated animals such as dogs and cats need to be kept inside the home of their owners where they are warm, safe, and sound. We have an obligation to take care of our domesticated animals just as we take care of our elderly and our children. Pets should live in the home and spend quality time with the family. Research has shown that pets not only help comfort us when we are sick but they also make great companions for us.
Why have a pet if it isn’t going to be part of the family? Keeping pets isolated makes no sense. Dogs are social creatures and need to be with other living beings. Cats may be independent, but they do not need to be roaming the streets where they can be hit by a car. Leaving a pet out in the yard like a lawn ornament is not only disgraceful it is cruel to the pet.
Keeping your dogs inside where they can warn you of approaching strangers is a great way to defend your home. No one even walks down our street without us knowing about it, as our dog Shadow is on sentry duty all day every day.
Cats can be happy living indoors with a window to the world and an occasional walk on a lead out of doors. Cats are good at catching mice that find their way inside the house and they can also snuggle up and keep you warm on cold winter nights.
It is our responsibility to take care of our animals. They depend upon us for food, shelter, and medical care. The unconditional love they give us in return for the little we give them is a huge return on our investment.
Please bring your animals inside and keep them warm and safe during these cold winter months. It’s not only the humane thing to do; it’s the right thing to do.
