That Burns My Biscuits!

Published 3:34 pm Tuesday, July 7, 2020

BY E.J. SMITH

What burns your biscuits? I give the e-mail address at the end of each column so that readers can share experiences with us. I haven’t received any feedback in a while and am growing tired of talking about speaking good English, litter, good manners, disability etiquette, rude drivers, baggy, butt-showing pants, inattentive store associates, and more. Doesn’t anything make you so mad, so suddenly, that you “lose it”? Even just for a few seconds? What about the lady who “cut you off” at an intersection. Didn’t that “fly all aver you”? How about the store clerks that are talking to each other instead of paying attention to  customers? Doesn’t that annoy you? Surely, SOMETHING makes you quickly angry. Share it with us!

Today, we will again talk about how people treat their animals. Do you keep your dog tied out all the time? Check your city ordinances about the rules concerning this one. Usually, they advise not to tie animals out, but if you must, remember this: Your dog cannot spend his life tied out in the yard. He must have exercise, shade, water, shelter, and food, and those are just the basics. He need interaction with you and the family, playing, running, walking on the leash, and riding in your car.

He looks up to you to supply his every need too and is always so happy to see you. Your dog may be the only being that loves you unconditionally. He will love you for as long as he lives. If you love him back, then his life is complete. If you’ve never had unconditional love, then get a dog! But only if you are willing and ready to train him with positive actions, and love him, talk to him, play with him and make him a “part of the family.” Most dog owners do this and you can too!

What about the dog who is tied all night too? He’s barking and the neighbors are complaining. Untie him and bring him into the house. That’s probably the only way his barking will stop, since he is so unhappy being tied out all his life. That barking could also be because something scared him and he is protecting you, or it could be just some critter that needs chasing. There are more reasons that dogs bark, one being that he is lonely. How would you like to watch your friends play while you could not because you were tied and couldn’t reach them? When you decide that you need a dog, please keep in mind that if you work all the time and don’t have time for him, don’t take him home. He will find another place, one that is a loving, nurturing home where he will live his entire life as a happy, well cared for dog.

I will leave you with this: There are no bad dogs, only bad owners. So think before you act!

One more thing: Don’t expect your kids to take care of the dog. You already know they are not going to consistently do it. Kids forget…

You are in my prayers,

E.J.