I grew up with a dog during the 1980s named Bella, a lively mix of Border Collie and who-knows-what. She was my confidante and companion, filling my days with joy. Reflecting on that era, I recall a few defining aspects of dog ownership:
- In the summertime, my parents would let Bella roam free after breakfast, allowing her to explore the neighborhood until dinner.
- I often spotted her sneaking through bushes, having chased after a flock of ducks.
- She loved to swim in the stream behind our house and had a penchant for chasing the mailman and the neighbor’s camper.
- At 6 PM, she knew it was time for dinner, and her meal of choice was always Alpo.
- Before bedtime, she’d be let out for a quick bathroom break, and interestingly, I never picked up after her. I don’t remember seeing any messes, either.
- Over her 14 years with us, Bella visited the vet a mere six times.
- We often rode together in the back of my dad’s pickup truck.
Those were the days when dog ownership was carefree and unregulated. Fast forward to today, and my experience with my current dog, Max, is a stark contrast.
Before adopting Max, I was aware of leash laws and the necessity of picking up after pets, but I was unprepared for the extent of the changes in dog care. At his first vet appointment, the veterinarian conducted a thorough examination and asked me a barrage of questions about Max’s emotional and psychological well-being. Had he been socialized with various animals and children? Did he demonstrate any signs of anxiety? Was he attached to me?
“Strangely enough, he barks at the wind,” I replied. The vet nodded, reminding me to separate my own fears from his. As a parent, I already felt pressure; now I was expected to monitor my dog’s mental health as well.
In puppy class, I learned that training dogs today goes beyond basic commands. The instructor had lofty aspirations for our pets — they should be well-adjusted members of society. She emphasized that we shouldn’t engage with our dogs if they approached us with a toy; we should dictate when playtime begins.
Another surprising lesson was the importance of homemade treats. “Store-bought snacks are loaded with sodium! Not good for their health,” she insisted.
Every week, I took Max to class, where he often chose to relieve himself in the middle of the room. I could feel the judgment from other pet owners, who would boast about their own dogs’ accomplishments.
As I carried my bag of dog waste, I couldn’t help but reminisce about Bella. “Mom, where did Bella poop?” I asked her. She paused, pondering. “I don’t know,” she finally admitted. It seemed we had a dog for 14 years without noticing any messes. Perhaps there was a mythical poop fairy at work back then!
Today, I am also acutely aware of canine safety. Max is not allowed in the front seat due to airbag concerns. After an incident where he leapt into a neighbor’s pool, we bought him a life vest and a kiddie pool for safe cooling off.
Max has developed several allergies, necessitating a specialized diet — he now eats gluten-free food made from rare protein sources, like New Zealand venison. I even wash his blankets in scent-free detergent. His organic shampoo costs more than my own!
When Max fell ill last December, the vet attributed it to holiday stress. He has a bark collar that sprays citronella to manage his noise, but it caused confusion when he barked in his sleep.
As I navigate the complexities of modern dog ownership, including stylish collars and protective booties for winter, I sometimes long for the simpler times of Bella’s youth. Does Max yearn for the freedom I once took for granted? Or is he content in his structured world?
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In summary, the landscape of dog ownership has drastically evolved since the 1980s. While today’s responsibilities may seem overwhelming, they reflect a deeper understanding of our pets’ needs and well-being.
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