Responsible Dog Ownership Day

September 17. According to the crazy calendar, today is Responsible Dog Ownership Day.  It's a day for humans to celebrate owning canine companions, and a day to increase positive canine awareness in the public.

And how does one become a responsible dog owner?  First off - train your dog to be a good canine neighbor - with good manners.  No jumping on people, no biting, and no chasing children or other animals (except rabbits).  Provide exercise and a healthy environment for your dog. Tying a dog to a rope and leaving him out in the yard on his own day and night is NOT an example of responsible ownership.  As a responsible owner, you must also look after the health of us dogs.  You must feed us the best food you can afford, AND if we are in need of veterinary care, you should take us in for medical care. You must also make sure that you clean up after us dogs.  And be respectful of those areas that do NOT allow dogs - like baseball diamonds in the summer or playgrounds. The point is that you should set an example that living with dogs is FUN, and AMAZING but it should not interfere with the lives of others who may not like dogs.  Hard to BELIEVE that there are such people who exist, but rumor has it that there ARE a few.  Those poor people need to see he positive virtues of owning us canine companions - whether we are therapy dogs, military working dogs, working dogs or household pets. 

If your area has licensing for dogs, you SHOULD register your dog.  Let's face it - all of us dogs like to be licensed - we never know when we might need to borrow the car.  Or have a drink.

So cheers today to all of those good dog owners.  And although the humans are the designated "owners" - let's face the truth - it's REALLY the other way around.  But we'll LET them THINK they are in charge.  At least for today.

Have a good one!