Commentary: Michael Vick, dog fighting and the ASPCA

by Stanley W. Shura

I can either take a cute writer's spin on this article and use it as an opportunity to take some justified mammoth jabs at the perpetrators of the abuse and depravity that is dog fighting, or I can dare to let myself feel what's throbbing and simmering just a distraction or two beneath the surface...

Yes. That was of course a rhetorical device which happened to be a handy way to start. I pretty much knew where I want to try to go. I just do not know if I am capable of the self-control, emotional strength, and objectivity that I see as required for any response to this...well...for now the word "violence" will have to do. But it does rather poorly. In order to say what needs to be said - you have to hold your nose, steady your gut, and force yourself to pay close and unflinching attention to what should compel most of us to turn away, squeeze our eyes shut, and holler with disgust and despair.

But, I'm challenging myself to open my eyes and see just what it means to take a living animal, one that OUR species has domesticated, and then in a way that is maliciously and psychotically sub-human (that this is a grossly inadequate word is THE unfunniest of ironies!), cultivate the very wild, aggressive, and ultimately deadly behavior that we had the unmitigated gall to try and take away in the first place!

I don't necessarily fault the notion of trying to relate to, and yes, even use other animals in a SYMBIOTIC way. I do think that the motive was self-serving and fueled by this idea that human beings are really the highest living things on earth. So, yes, we at first found dogs "useful" for such things as hunt, search, and even security. But at this point in our relationship with dogs, THE most prominent role that dogs play in the lives of human beings is that of a pet. For most of us, a dog is, functionally, emotionally, and to some even literally a member of our family. We give (*MOST* of us!) and receive love unconditionally, keep each other company (and perhaps even WARM in the middle of some Januarys) and yes, even play.

For one thing, dogs are good for our health. Studies have shown that elder citizens who have the companionship of a pet, particularly if they are widowed, live lives that are longer, happier, and healthier than a statistically similar sample of elders without pets.

I also argue that dogs are good for the health and well being of human society! What child isn't a better adult for having had the responsibility of taking care of a pet. And it's not one of those sometimes contrived responsibilities thrust upon them to help "teach" said value. It is real. This creature needs to be fed, walked, played with, and yes - its behavior managed (intelligently and lovingly!). A child owning a dog has one of the most psychologically perfect teachers there is. No contrivances, no deception, no ulterior purposes.

Now, of course, any child will need the guidance of a responsible adult to make sure that their four-legged family member isn't neglected because of a kid being a kid. But ultimately, it is the DOG who teaches the child what it means to put another creature first and COMMIT to meeting its needs. It teaches it by...by being a dog! Freddy is sound asleep until Fido paws his pillow. Freddy waves him away. Or he tries to. "mmguffnggg...not yet..get out...zzzzzzzz". After a few pants and tail wags, Fido "reminds" Freddy that he's still hungry. "Arrggghhhh....okay! C'mere ya stupid goof."

Et cetera. The dog isn't trying to teach him anything. He isn't trying to boss him around or nag. He has a need. Food. He's hungry. And besides - he loves Freddy and wants to play a little, too!. Lessons don't get more perfect than that. Neither do relationships - not at their most primal level, anyway. These creatures are one of the best things that ever happened to human beings. For some people, sometimes a dog (or other pet) can be one of the most important enablers and teachers of trust, a clinically significant stress reducer and even exercise motivator, and all without the sometimes all-knowing attitude, social and interpersonal stakes, or prescriptive, er, DOGMA, that can get in the way!

I thought I was going to dive into the darkest pathological precursors to the abuse of these precious animals alleged by Michael Vick and referenced in the title. I elected to mark the contrast by going the other way and showing what is so special about these animals and why we should all be so lucky to have the opportunity to smother a dog with love while he smothers our face with a wetter version of the same.

It is a special and awful strain of evil behind the depravity of dog abuse of any kind. The implications that there are free people out there who behave this way should frighten us. And sadden us.

Dogs are worthy of the deepest love there is.