Opinion by Amy Gassen
Imagine being stranded in a foreign land- alone, wet, cold tired. Knowing that one wrong step could culminate in your body being blown up by landmines sporadically hidden among the soggy forest. Who could sniff out the hidden booby traps? Imagine not being able to walk to the corner grocery store because you could not see. Who could lead you? Imagine not being able to track down the latest shipment of crack, enabling millions of Americans to partake in the addicting habit. Who could smell the nearest stash? The answer to these three questions is simple; your lovable pet dog.
Throughout the years, dogs have truly been mans best friend. Saving over 10,000 lives in the Vietnam War, dogs also helped the armed forces by sniffing out hidden ammunition in World War II and in Operation Desert Storm. Daily, dogs assist those who are blind by guiding them around the many obstacles in their path. K9 dogs serve on the police force by sniffing out illegal drugs. A belly rub, a pat on the head, or a bone is all that is requested as payment.
Dogs flawlessly capture the crown as making the best pets. Ranging from the Purebred Golden Retriever, to the SPCA mutt, all types of dogs show unconditional love and affection.
Dogs are fun to play with and are easily entertained. A tennis ball or a Frisbee is all that is needed to keep a pet dog occupied for hours. They enjoy going on runs and walks. When you grow tired, dogs enjoy the simplicity of sitting at your feet. Their cuddly persona and simple-minded nature minus the stench of cat litter make owning a dog ideal.
Booming with youthful exuberance, dogs make the perfect childhood playmates. Dogs will play for hours in a number of activities that children enjoy. I remember fondly applying makeup to my childhood dog, Shebha. She patiently sat still as I brushed her hair and applied my mothers make-up all over her gray-blue shaggy mane. I loved her.
It is apparent that many others hold fond memories of their beloved pet dogs, too. Dogs are always cropping up in popular culture. Snoopy, the beloved dog featured in Peanuts was created by the mastermind Charles Shultz. It was not accidental that Shultz made the perseverant pet a dog. Snoopy was a great friend to Charlie Brown and all of his friends. Clifford the Big Red Dog also showed how great pet dogs are to have in the family. Even though he was massive, Clifford would partake in games of hide-and-go-seek with his happy family and friend.
All in all, dogs are the pets to have. It would just be silly dancing to or warming up to a sporting event to the song, “Who let the cats out! Meow! Meow!” The great musicians have spoken and they have said, “Woof.”
To find out what breed of dog personality that best suits you, log onto www.emode.com.
