Negaview

In the united states we have a current epidemic going on.  Not a disease, or crime, or even illiteracy epidemic.  Dog ownership.  It seems everywhere i look i see more and more dogs.  Even worse i see more and more dog shit and dogs off their leashes.  Don’t get me wrong i love the little furry critters as much as the next guy.  However, I find this rash of ownership rather odd.  What i do find troubling is that dog owners seem to think it’s ok to not pick up after their dog or keep them off their leash in ever increasing numbers.

Perhaps this has nothing to do with the dogs themselves and everything to do with the owners.  After all more dogs off their leash is probably a decision of the owner, as is not picking up after the dog.  Moreover the increase in dog ownership.  So lets start there, why do we own more dogs now than before?

My general theory is that we have a need for something that loves us unconditionally.  Over the past 2 decades the number of close friendships and relationships of the average american has dwindled from close to 3 to just over 2.  That might not seem like a lot but scientists call it a dramatic decrease.  25% of people actually say they have nobody to confide in. Amidst all this pet ownership in general has seen an increase of over 30%.  Perhaps, just perhaps, we are making up for this void of friendship with our pets.

As for the picking up after dogs and keeping them off leashes, our me too, individualistic society has taught us that only we are important.  Thus, people have less and less trouble inconveniencing others.  Like those assholes who bring their crying children into restaurants and movie theaters.

As i said before i have nothing against dogs, or pets in general.  All i’m saying is, pick up your pets shit, put them on a leash, and for gods sakes makes some friends.  Maybe then we can spare that poor dog from listening to all your bullshit.