essay about owning a dog

Essay on My Pet Dog for Students and Children

500+ Words Essay on My Pet Dog

Pets are a great blessing in anyone’s life. They are the only ones who love us unconditionally. Pets always offer us everything they have without asking for anything in return. The main aim of any pet’s life is to make their owner happy. Nowadays, even the term ‘owner’ is changing. People prefer their pets as kids and to themselves as parents. This is how the relationship between pets is evolving. People treat them no less than humans. For instance, they celebrate their birthdays; get those matching outfits and more.

In my opinion, I feel the pets rightly deserve it. The most common pet you can find at anyone’s place is dogs. A man’s best friend and the most faithful animal, a dog. I also have a pet dog that I love to bits. We got him when he was a little baby and have watched him grow into a beautiful dog. All my family members love him with all their heart. We love his silly antics and cannot imagine our lives without him. We named him Sasha.

Sasha – My Pet Dog

My father adopted Sasha when he was a little baby. His friend had given birth to puppies and they decided to put the puppies up for adoption. We convinced our father to get one for us. Considering they knew our family well, they immediately agreed. Little did we know that our lives would change forever after his entrance.

Sasha came in like a blessing for our family. He belongs to the breed of Labrador. Sasha was black in colour, pure coal black. He came in as a puppy with his cute little paws and eyes. We couldn’t stop gushing over this beauty. My siblings used to fight with each other as to who will get the maximum time to play with Sasha.

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As and when Sasha grew up, he learned various tricks. We trained him to follow our instructions and he even learned a few tricks. We loved showing him off to our colony friends and relatives. I always took Sasha out with me as he loved taking a walk on the road.

Furthermore, my siblings and I took on the responsibility of keeping Sasha clean. Every week, we took turns to bathe him and brush him nicely. I remember I even got a bow for him from my pocket money. Sasha loved it and wagged his tail in excitement. Sasha has been with us through thick and thin and we will forever be indebted to him for his loyalty.

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A Changed Life

Before having a pet dog, we didn’t know what all we would experience. After Sasha came into our lives, he changed it forever. Sasha changed the meaning of loyalty for us. We learned how this faithful animal always worked for our happiness and safety.

Certainly, Sasha made us better human beings. We are now more compassionate towards animals. There was one instance where the stray dogs were going to harm a kitten, and to our surprise, Sasha saved that little kitten and got her home.

In other words, we have learned a lot of things from Sasha. He protected us when we slept at night. He tried to cheer us up whenever anyone of us was sad. Sasha’s obedience inspired me a lot to be kind to my parents. Therefore, all the credit for changing our lives goes to Sasha.

Q.1 What are some common pet animals?

A.1 Some of the most common pet animals are dogs, cats, parrots, hamsters, rabbits, turtles and more.

Q.2 Why should one own a pet dog?

A.2 We can learn a great deal from our pet dogs. They teach us loyalty, compassion, courage, and obedience.

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Benefits of Having a Dog Analysis Essay

Dogs are considered a man’s best friend. Owning a dog is beneficial as it provides balance, emotional well-being, and unconditional love. It is also a great pleasure to spend time in the company of these furry creatures. Dogs provide people with meaningful social support, improve physical and psychological state, increase the level of happiness and decrease stress.

The Benefits of Having a Dog are Numerous

• Firstly, dogs promote health. They help people cope with anxiety and improve an overall mental health, not to mention a number of other health benefits. In addition, dogs are widely used to help people recover from very serious illnesses including cerebral palsy and insult.
• Secondly, dogs provide social benefits as they influence their owner’s well-being. The pets make people happier, provide greater self-esteem and prevent depression. Dog owners are better socialized and are closer to important people in their lives than those who have no dogs.
• Thirdly, dogs prevent stress and decrease it. These animals are considered masters at helping people feel calm and relieve stress. Dogs are the best listeners and they do not care about human actions and thoughts. When a person is upset or sad, a dog can give a stress outlet helping to cheer up.
• Fourthly, dogs improve mood. Stroking a dog may reduce blood pressure and bring balance to our emotional state. The eyes of a favorite dog help people who are in a bad mood.
• Fifthly, dogs ensure home security and safety. Dogs are extremely protective when a stranger comes to the door. In addition, a barking dog may put off many potential burglars and intruders.
• Sixthly, dogs have a favorable influence on children. Children who own dogs perform better at school and are more successful. Moreover, bringing up, feeding and regular walks create a sense of responsibility.

Dogs have a positive influence on human health, emotional state. They add to the development of communication skills and the sense of responsibility as well as play an important role in child fostering and family relationships. In addition, dogs increase feelings of well being and devotion, ensure safety and even save people’s lives.

Dogs are among the most popular pets. These animals are usually called a man’s best friends and there is a reason for it. Dogs’ intelligence, loyalty, affection and devotion are incredibly rewarding. Owning a dog may raise spirits. In addition, having a walk together, relaxing at home together or being greeted by a happily wagging tail engenders a sense of well-being. These are the main reasons why so many people own dogs. What is more important is the fact that pets can play an important social role in people’s lives. Lonely people can get a dog in order to overcome social isolation. In addition, dogs improve people’s health, help to communicate and break the ice. Hence, having a dog is beneficial as dogs provide people with emotional well-being, balance and unconditional acceptance of who we are.

Despite the fact that dogs provide meaningful social support, serving to improve owners’ happiness, well-being, and even their physical health there are not many studies on whether all people benefit from owning pets to the same degree or not and whether pets provide social support for people in general (McConnel et al., 2011). It has long been known that dogs bring a lot of pleasure to people who own them. However, there is little awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of having a dog, but it is worth knowing about. Our research is focused on investigation of the advantages of having a dog as a pet.

Health Promotion

To start with, it should be underlined that these furry friends help to cope with anxiety and dealing with them improves an overall mental health, not to mention a number of other health benefits. A research carried out for over 25 years has shown that a close contact with dogs can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. A dog, of course, is not the only way to solve problems, but it can help to monitor blood pressure. The study of 240 married couples showed that the owners of dogs had lower blood pressure and heart rate than people who did not own them. The similar study of children showed that there was a significant reduction of blood pressure in children suffering from high blood pressure when they stroked a dog (or any other pet) or played with it. Moreover, the children showed improvement in the general mental state, they became more obedient and easier to adapt socially.

In addition, people who own a pet, spend more time outdoors, and have a stronger immune system. Dogs can even help in social life helping people stay active and energetic. It has been investigated that keeping a dog may also reduce the levels of bold triglyceride and cholesterol. Dog ownership is considered to be one of the best predictors of survival from a heart attack. It is also believed that pet ownership, dog ownership in particular, reduces national health expenditures (Headey, 1999).

Dogs are widely used to help people recover from very serious illnesses. For example, doctors all over the world are amazed how pet dogs help children come out of a comma. There is a belief that animal assisted therapy is a great breakthrough in medicine. However, the practice of using dogs as a part of therapy dates back to the late 18th century, when these animals were introduced into mental institutions to help in communication with patients with mental disorders, people in a state of anxiety and those suffering from cardio-vascular dystopia. Such patients improved behavioral and psychological indicators of anxiety in the presence of dogs. In addition, people in wheelchairs have more positive emotions and easily communicate with strangers when they are accompanied by a dog.

Another benefit of communication with animals is immune stimulatory effects of microorganisms, which, in accordance with the hygiene hypothesis, may protect against allergies and autoimmune diseases. Studies have shown that when a dog lived permanently in the house children were less prone to develop an allergy to pets: only 19% of children with a dog in the house compared to 33% of the total statistics of children whose parents did not keep pets. This is not the only surprising fact. Much lower risk of eczema and other skin diseases and higher levels of certain chemicals in the immune system were observed among children who were in close contact with animals, dogs in particular. That allows health professionals to conclude that a stronger activation of the immune system is a result of communication with our pet friends (Headey, 1999).

It was also revealed that dogs helped people with cerebral palsy and after insult. Dogs positively influence the recovering of motor functions and mood. Children with Down syndrome are also treated with the help of dogs. For example, in a medical center in Panama, which is under the leadership of Mario Chang, doctors use specially trained dogs in a therapeutic practice that helps to cope with mental and physical disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism (Dog Helps Boy Recover from Coma, 1992). Companion animals may provide unconditional love and comfort to families with children suffering from autism. Most families reported that their children have very close bonds with dogs and felt comfortable and relaxed with their pets. The admirers of dogs state that dogs make people move more and in that way improve their health. According to the study of 351 people aged 20 to 80 published a few years ago in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on average dog owners spend a far greater amount of time performing moderate physical activity than those who do not have a dog (Your Pet and Your Health, 2011).

A study, which was attended by new owners of a Yorkshire terrier, showed a highly significant reduction in minor health problems during the first month after the purchase of the puppy, and this effect was maintained until the end of the study. Many Americans have even calculated the percentage of survival of patients with the coronary heart disease, and concluded that the owners of Yorkies were significantly less likely to die within a year of acute myocardial infarction as compared to those who did not have a pet. In addition, older people started to spend considerably more time in physical activity, and Yorkshire terriers were thus a necessary stimulus. These results suggest that the acquisition of an animal can have a positive impact on human health and behavior, and have a prolonged effect on the overall condition. It is a proven fact that cat and dog owners exhibit noteworthy improvements in their self-reported physical and psychological health, compared with those who don’t own a pet (Prokop & Tunnicliffe, 2010).

Social Benefits

McConnel et al. (2011) worked out and held three experiments during which they examined how people benefit from communication with dogs every day. It turned out that the advantages of having a god are stronger when pets fulfill one’s social needs. As a result, scientists concluded that “pet owners often experience greater well-being (e.g., greater self-esteem), exhibit healthier personality characteristics (e.g., more conscientiousness), and show attachment styles that are less negative towards the self (i.e., less fearful, less preoccupied)” (McConnel et al., 2011). One more argument for keeping a dog as a pet is the fact that pets also influence their owner’s well-being. People, who have dogs, seldom suffer from depression, are less lonely, have greater self-esteem, and are happier. Dog owners are better socialized and are closer to other important people in their lives as well as receive more support from them. Scientists found that people and their animals have a strong connection and those who have “healthier personalities seem to extend their general social competencies to relationships with their pets, and that pets with healthier personalities fulfill their owners’ social needs better” (McConnel et al., 2011).

Dogs also provide their owners with social support. Dogs are good assistants for people with disabilities. In many countries, the degree of acceptance of dog guides at public facilities is rather high. Researchers find a number of benefits from this co-work. Not all people know that dogs have been used to assist people with a variety of physical and mental diagnoses since the 9th century. The first documented example of the therapeutic use of animals “occurred in the 9th century in Gheel, Belgium, where animals were part of the ‘therapie naturelle’ provided for the handicapped by members of the community” (Bustad & Hines, 1984, p.20).

Owners and pets’ well-beings are closely related. It was studied that there is “a link between care for sick pets and owner health” (Your Pet and Your Health, 2011). When a person provides veterinary care for a pet he/she can improve his/her own health. It can be explained by the fact that when “patients like these report being more vigilant about their own condition because they think of their pet’s condition frequently” (Your Pet and Your Health, 2011). They become more interested in knowledge of the disease, focus more on treatment provided to their pets and to themselves and do the right things. A pet’s disease, that in most cases may be the same as their owners` disease, makes them think not just about their own health; as a result they become more concentrated and disciplined (Your Pet and Your Health, 2011).

From a social point of view, a walk with a dog allows not only enjoying fresh air, but also, for example, it is easier to start a conversation or strike up an acquaintance with someone. Walking with dogs or just pet care can provide moderate exercises and fellowship for those who are already at an advanced age.

Lower Stress

One of the benefits of owning a dog is that it is a master at helping people relieve stress and feel calm. It is well know that talking to a friend about a problem improve a person`s emotional state. A friend should be a good listener, so a dog is a good party. When a person is upset or sad, a dog can give a stress outlet helping to improve mood. It has been proven that people experience less stress caring out stressful tasks when their dogs are with them (Raina et al. 1999). In addition, people, who are with dogs while working, have lower levels of stress during their workday. It was found that having dogs in the workplace improved morale among all staff members.

Dogs are tactile creatures. When people are stressed, it is a good remedy to stroke a pet. A dog may lick you and it is emotional exchange. This is the interaction when people do not have to think about what someone else is thinking. When dog owners come home, they are sure that their favorite pet will wait for them. Feeding a dog and playing with it relieves routine stress and improves mood. Thus, having a furry friend can reduce stress and bring support when times get tough.

Improved Mood

For people who love animals, it is almost impossible to stay in a bad mood when they look into the eyes of their favorite dog. Researchers support the idea that animals, dogs in particular, provide their owners with mood-enhancing benefits (Allen et al., 1991; Raina et al., 1999). Animals are much easier to cope with as compared to people, as they will definitely love people without judging their words and actions.

A research has shown that a person needs to spend with a dog only approximately 30 minutes to feel more relaxed (Raina et al., 1999). In addition, playing with a dog raises the brain’s levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with tranquility and pleasure. Thus, simply stoking a dog it is possible to reduce blood pressure and bring balance to a person`s physical and emotional state (Charnetsky, Riggers & Brennan, 2004).

Home Security and Safety

Many dog owners believe that their houses will not be robbed because of a vicious dog. Dogs are usually loving and sweet. However, they are extremely protective when a stranger comes to the door. Studies show that vicious and barking dogs put off many potential burglars. Using a dog as a home security system saves a lot of money, as security systems are expensive. Even a small dog may make a person safe at home, as it may be a reliable alarm. Barking is able to deter potential burglars and intruders. A loud barking makes neighbors look out a window and if necessary call police. Moreover, dogs do not need to learn how to use a weapon or learn safety rules. Their main weapon is jaws and claws.

Dogs and Children

Psychologists believe that children who have dogs perform better at school. Reinhold Bergler, a German psychologist, found that children whose families had dogs at home were of an exemplary behavior at school and were more successful. The professor and his colleagues interviewed 400 mothers about the behavior and learning abilities of their children aged 13-15 years. Half of the respondents had dogs. It was found that children with dogs, especially boys, usually got better grades at school than their peers without four-legged friends. It is believed that regular walks, feeding and bringing up create a sense of responsibility in children (Shubert, 2012).

Animals help children become more concentrated; they capture children’s attention and teach lessons about life, devotion, love, and affection. Many children see dogs as their peers and they learn a lot from animals’ body language. In addition, it is easier to teach children become sympathetic, as animals are straightforward in their behavior and when expressing their feelings. Children-animal bonds contribute to mood improvements, higher confidence and greater empathy (Serpell, 2008).

Child psychologists unanimously recommend getting a dog for a child who suffers from a lack of communication, is reserved, suspicious etc. The appearance of a puppy is an important part of parenting; it can change the nature of a reserved child for the better. He/she will take care of someone, talk to someone he/she trusts and with who he/she can share his/her secrets without a fear that a friend will spill the beans to someone. In addition, experts are confident that having a puppy brings feelings of responsibility, compassion and concern in a child; it teaches him/her to have the routine of the day as the dog usually gets used to walking at certain hours. In addition, the child receives daily charge of joy while communicating with a shaggy friend.

Adopting a dog brings fun and friendship into one’s home and improves a person`s health and mental state. There is no doubt that owning a dog requires hard work especially at the beginning. However, if difficulties are put aside it becomes evident that good things prevail. Dogs can reduce stress, improve health, ease loneliness, promote social interaction and exercises as well as provide a person with affection, the sense of well-being and unconditional love. It should be emphasized that having a pet dog is very beneficial to those who are ready to take care of a pet.

The benefits of owning a dog are the following: a positive effect on human health; development of communication skills; an important role in family relationships; child fostering; and positive influence on behavior. Dogs are also able to decrease the level of despair and anxiety, increase feelings of well being and devotion, increase mental capabilities and increase social functioning. In other words, owning a dog really makes a difference in people’ daily life. In addition, there are many real stories glorifying dogs, which have saved people’s lives in different situations. It is known that dogs have a special sense of prediction and are able to quickly respond in case of emergency.

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Quantifying the Benefits of Owning a Dog

By Roni Caryn Rabin

• July 26, 2017

Just how good is dog walking for you? Older dog owners who walked their dogs at least once a day got 20 percent more physical activity than people without dogs, a British study found, and spent 30 fewer minutes a day being sedentary, on average. Regular exercise has well-known benefits for health and longevity.

For the study, published in The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health , researchers used data from 3,123 men and women, median age around 70, living in Norfolk who wore an activity monitor for seven days. The data recorded was crosschecked against meteorological information.

All participants tended to be less active on short winter days when it was cold and wet. But regular dog walkers experienced less of a dip in physical activity and got more exercise on bad weather days than those who were not dog owners did on the warmest days of the year.

“There might be two-way causality here, where people who want to be physically active get dogs,” said Andy Jones, a professor of public health at University of East Anglia and the study’s senior author. “But qualitative studies have shown that having a dog gives you incentive to get out, when the easier option is to stay indoors.”

More Evidence That Owning a Dog Is Really Good for You

D ogs are more than just cuddly companions — research continues to show that pets bring real health benefits to their owners.

Having a dog around can lead to lower levels of stress for both adults and kids. They’ve been found to decrease the risk of asthma in children and have been linked to lower blood pressure .

And researchers have also shown that dog owners are more active than those who don’t own dogs, packing in more steps per day on their walks or just regular playtime. Last month, a study showed that older dog owners take 2,760 more steps per day on average compared to non-owners, which amounted to an additional 23 daily minutes of moderate exercise.

Now, a new study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health shows how enduring that phenomenon is: dog owners are also significantly more active during the winter.

Researchers from University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Center for Diet and Activity Research at the University of Cambridge used data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Norfolk cohort, and they focused their study on 3,123 participants between the ages of 49 and 91. Nearly 20% of those participants owned a dog, and they all wore an accelerometer for seven days to track their movements.

Have a pet of your own? Check out PetHero to discover how you can save 25% on your vet bills.

The researchers found that the the people who didn’t own a dog were sedentary for about 30 more minutes a day on average than those who walked their dogs. Everyone who participated in the study was less active on shorter days, colder days and days with more precipitation. But the researchers discovered that, even during days with bad weather, dog walkers were more active than non-dog walkers were on the nicest days.

“We were amazed to find that dog walkers were on average more physically active and spent less time sitting on the coldest, wettest, and darkest days than non-dog owners were on long, sunny, and warm summer days,” project lead Andy Jones, a UEA professor, said in a press release.

Dog walkers got in an average 12 more minutes of activity on the wettest days, for example, than those who don’t own dogs got on the driest days. Overall on the driest days, dog walkers were sedentary for an average of 632 minutes, compared to non-dog owners’ 661 minutes.

Jones said this finding could have important implications about how to motivate people to stay active as they age.

Read More: Almost a Third of Older Adults Don’t Move Enough

“Physical activity interventions typically try and support people to be active by focussing on the benefits to themselves, but dog walking is also driven by the needs of the animal,” Jones said in the release. “Being driven by something other than our own needs might be a really potent motivator and we need to find ways of tapping into it when designing exercise interventions in the future.”

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Write to Julia Zorthian at [email protected]

What are the benefits of owning a dog?

They can make life better in so many ways, from companionship to better health

Dogs are many things to many people. Exercise buddies, adventure pals, listening ears and chill-out chums. They make lots of people’s lives better – but is a pet pooch right for you? 

We’ve rounded up some of the main benefits of owning a dog. Of course, taking one on also brings lots of responsibilities, so be sure to read our advice to help you decide if you're ready .

Friendship and company at home and outdoors

Few things beat a greeting from your faithful friend, first thing in the morning or when you get back from work.

A dog can provide company and friendship, turning your house into a home. You can go on walkies with them and chill out together, and they’ll become a much-loved part of your family.

Children, like adults, often develop strong bonds with their dogs. The family pooch can take on many roles, from garden games buddy to star of their stories. 

They can also be a source of support in tough times. In a 2020 study , more than 90% of owners said their four-legged friend helped them cope during the first lockdown. 

If you find a dog that’s a good match for you and your family, it’ll be great for them as well. Dogs are social animals who generally enjoy spending time with their humans. The benefits go both ways. 

Getting fit and keeping active with your faithful friend

Every dog, big or small, needs daily exercise. When you become an owner, this will give you an extra push to keep active, boosting your pet’s health and yours.

Your dog might need a couple of local walks every day or something more challenging. 

Taking your pooch walkies is something you can enjoy as a family, and it’s a good reason to explore your local area. If you’re already a keen outdoor explorer, having an energetic dog by your side will make your adventures more enjoyable. 

Playing with toys is a great way to get active, use energy, enrich our dogs’ lives and have fun. There’s lots you can do to keep their mind and body busy, such as making them a snuffle mat.

Training classes are a hands-on way to bond with your dog while you both learn new skills. At our Dog School classes , you’ll get practical advice to help you and your pooch understand each other. 

You can also do fun training sessions together at home. There are lots of ideas on our YouTube channel .

Getting active with your pet can make you feel good. It may also help provide longer-term health benefits. A 2019 study found that dog ownership was associated with a longer life, especially among heart attack and stroke survivors. 

Having a dog can help you feel happier, calmer and more connected

Dog ownership can bring many advantages for your mental health.

Hanging out with your new pet can boost your mood in the moment and help you feel better longer term.

If you’ve had a tough day, then snuggling with your pooch can help you unwind (just make sure that they enjoy it too). Having a dog to care for can help you focus on something outside of yourself. 

Watching your dog’s antics, like playing in puddles or chasing leaves, can help the whole family laugh together and bond.

And the evidence shows that owning a pet can help people with mental health conditions . 

Pet ownership can also help you build better connections within your community. A 2015 study found that pet owners were more likely than non-pet owners to get to know local people. A new dog could bring you a wider circle of friends and more happiness.

Are you ready for a dog? Find out now!

Now you’ve read all about the fantastic benefits of owning a dog, you might be wondering if you’re ready to get one. While having a pooch is great, it comes with responsibilities, from covering the costs  to getting them properly trained  so here are 10 questions to ask yourself before you commit.

Meet our beautiful pooches for rehoming

From better health to more friends, the evidence shows that having a dog in your life is a great thing. If you’re ready to adopt, look at our lovely dogs ready for rehoming

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Essays About Dogs: Top 5 Examples and 8 Easy Prompts

Essays about dogs address the close relationship between a man and his best friend. Discover our top essay examples and prompts to assist you in writing.

There are 69 million households in the US with dogs. This statistic attests to the fact that many are fond of dogs and have them for many reasons, primarily for their unconditional love and emotional support. In addition, having a dog at home helps improve physical and mental health.

5 Best Essay Examples

1. long essay on dog by prasanna, 2. dogs are better than cats essay by anonymous on papersowl.com , 3. dogs are not just companions — they are true bae by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 4. dog is a man’s best friend by anonymous on eduzaurus.com, 5. lessons we can learn from the life of our pet dogs by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 1. the truths about dogs, 2. pros and cons of having a dog, 3. the most famous dog breeds, 4. dogs and expenses, 5. a dog’s lifespan, 6. dogs and society, 7. my first dog, 8. dogs and mental health.

“Dogs have been a companion to man for almost 40,000 years. Dogs perform many functions. They are trained and are one of the popular pets to have.”

Prasanna’s essay contains general facts about dogs, such as their origin, characteristics, behavior, love for meat, and more. She describes the dog as a four-legged animal with sharp eyes, sensitive ears and nose, and of different breeds, sizes, and colors. The essay includes the various functions of dogs, such as hunting, pulling sleds, protecting, comforting their owners, and improving their well-being. Check out these articles about animals .

“… Dogs are better than cats. The loyalty, bravery, and human characteristics of dogs, as well as, the service and personal benefits of owning a dog far exceed those owning a cat.”

In this essay, the writer mentions how dogs are more energetic, friendly, protective, and easier to train and bond with than cats. The writer effectively discusses the advantages and disadvantages of owning these pets as a dog and cat owner. It also provides the readers with the relevant information they need when they look for a pet to adopt. If you disagree with this stance, check out these articles and essays about cats .

“They can read your facial expression, socialize and communicate just like any other human does. Dogs can empathize with human feeling and match with the wavelengths of their owners in an instant. They can easily decipher your depressed condition and they can smell your fears.”

The author uses research findings and a real-life story to prove that humans and dogs share a strong bond that’s unbreakable and unfathomable. In addition, they say dogs are the best therapy animals because they are compassionate, respond in a friendly way, and do not show stressful behavior while playing with patients. 

To prove that dogs show loyalty, unconditional love, and strong friendship, the writer uses the story “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.” The story is about Hachiko, the Akita dog that walks his owner to and from the train station until his owner suddenly dies at work. As a loyal dog, Hachiko always comes to the station and waits with anticipation to witness his return until his last breath showing that they are truly best friends for life.

“… Not just a pet, but a part of the family. When we give love freely to dogs, we receive their love and affection in return. Dogs can truly be a man’s best friend, and we should be grateful to be theirs as well.”

This essay talks about the indescribable bond between a dog and its owner. Harley is the name of the writer’s big and muscular white female bulldog with a soft heart. The writer discusses how she gives them so much joy every time they play, train, and ride in the car. This essay also shows how protective the dog is and how it barks whenever someone strange approaches them. The author firmly believes that dogs are gifts sent by God.

“Dogs are not called man’s best friend for nothing. Aside the fact that they are a delight to look upon, they are also sweet creatures that act in ways we can learn from.”

This essay includes essential life lessons humans can learn from dogs, such as being adaptable to different environments or situations and remaining loyal and faithful to anything or anyone. Dogs’ carefree attitude allows them to be comfortable with themselves. It demonstrates how people can live freely to enjoy life happily. You might also be interested in these essays about animal testing .

8 Writing Prompts for Essays About Dogs

Did you know dogs are domesticated wolves ? If you plan to write a fun and engaging essay, look for amusing dog facts that many are unaware of. You can focus on one breed or discuss dogs in general. First, share the dog’s history, characteristics, and unique behaviors. Then, search for common dog myths and correct them.

If this sounds like a lot of work, do a 5 paragraph essay instead.

It has been proven that dogs are excellent for human well-being. They make people happy and comfort their owners whenever they’re sad. However, dog ownership is not just rainbows and sunshine. 

For this prompt, consider the benefits and drawbacks of adopting a dog. In the conclusion, give your own opinion on whether people should have dogs or not. Add your reasons; this could be the cost, aggressive dog breeds, or allergies.

There are many dog breeds today. Pick the most popular ones and include why they are the ones usually seen, bought, or adopted. Write their characteristics and behaviors to help your readers learn about the similarities and differences between each dog. Use pet articles, scientific research, or other reliable sources to make your essay more credible.

You can also tackle the issue of dog crossbreeding , which can lead to genetic mutations.

Dogs need a place to sleep, training, grooming essentials, and other supplies besides the basics, such as food and water. These additional and continuous expenses hinder others from adopting dogs. Use this prompt to share factors that will help you decide whether to pursue adoption. Then, identify dog essentials and items and offer cheaper alternatives to save money.

The average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 13 years , which is much shorter than humans. This means humans usually outlive their canine companions. In this prompt, you can teach the readers how to calculate the lifespan of their dogs based on size and type. Then, advise the dog owners how they can make their dog’s stay on Earth worth it. For an interesting piece of writing, look for a story of a dog outliving its owner and how it reacted or lived out its remaining days, and include this in your essay.

Many households believe dogs symbolize protection and love. Society also adjusted to accommodate dogs with animal laws and dog parks. Further explain how interwoven dogs and the community are, that they’re now a necessary part of some people’s lives. For example, having a dog can make someone more sociable by setting a play date with other dogs and interacting with the other fur parents.

Use this prompt to share your first dog ownership experience with your readers. First, introduce your dog and how you got it. Next, describe your first dog’s unique qualities and add your unforgettable memories together.  End your essay with the greatest life lesson your dog taught you that you still practice today.

Aside from helping their owners have a more active lifestyle, dogs also improve mental health. For this prompt, focus on therapy dogs. Discuss what they offer, including their therapeutic effects on their owners. Then, identify who needs them the most. Add the best breeds for therapy dogs and why.

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English Language Centre / Study Zone / Level 490 — Upper Intermediate / Reading Topics / Owning a Dog: Reading Comprehension

Owning a Dog: Reading Comprehension

Read the essay and then answer the questions., the positive effects on children of owning a dog.

Show all questions

•   ?     Tip
•   ?     Brendan
•   ?     Brennan
•   ?     Kip
•   ?     feeling responsible
•   ?     feeling empathy
•   ?     building friendships
•   ?     all of the above
•   ?     taking care of the dog's daily needs
•   ?     taking away a safe environment
•   ?     feeding the dog weekly
•   ?     becoming dependent on the dog
•   ?     to take of themselves
•   ?     to choose the dog over playing
•   ?     to get welfare
•   ?     to ignore the dog's needs
•   ?     understand the dog's needs
•   ?     only care about themselves, and not others
•   ?     get rid of the dog they don't want to take care of it
•   ?     be irresponsible
•   ?     fear
•   ?     happiness
•   ?     illness
•   ?     becoming selfish
•   ?     becoming empathetic
•   ?     becoming arrogant
•   ?     being thoughtless
•   ?     shallow
•   ?     one-sided
•   ?     conditional
•   ?     unconditional
•   ?     companionship
•   ?     reliability
•   ?     friendship
•   ?     neglect
• It is able to tolerate the negative qualities of humans.
• It will protect people.
• It neglects its owner.
• It offers unconditional love.
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72 Dog Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

To find good research titles for your essay about dogs, you can look through science articles or trending pet blogs on the internet. Alternatively, you can check out this list of creative research topics about dogs compiled by our experts .

🐩 Dog Essays: Things to Consider

🏆 best dog titles for essays, 💡 most interesting dog topics to write about, ❓ questions about dog.

There are many different dog essays you can write, as mankind’s history with its best friends is rich and varied. Many people will name the creatures their favorite animals, citing their endearing and inspiring qualities such as loyalty, obedience, bravery, and others.

Others will discuss dog training and the variety of important roles the animals fulfill in our everyday life, working as shepherds, police members, guides to blind people, and more.

Some people will be more interested in dog breeding and the incredible variety of the animals show, ranging from decorative, small Yorkshire terriers to gigantic yet peaceful Newfoundland dogs. All of these topics are interesting and deserve covering, and you can incorporate all of them a general essay.

Dogs are excellent pet animals, as their popularity, rivaled only by cats, shows. Pack animals by nature, they are open to including members of other species into their groups and get along well with most people and animals.

They are loyal to the pack, and there are examples of dogs adopting orphaned kittens and saving other animals and children from harm.

This loyalty and readiness to face danger makes them favorite animals for many people, and the hundreds of millions of dogs worldwide show that humans appreciate their canine friends.

It also allows them to work many important jobs, guarding objects, saving people, and using their noses to sniff out various trails and substances.

However, dogs are descended from wolves, whose pack nature does not prevent them from attacking those outside the group. Some larger dogs are capable of killing an adult human alone, and most can at least inflict severe harm if they attack a child.

Dogs are trusted and loved because of their excellent trainability. They can be taught to be calm and avoid aggression or only attack once the order is given.

They can also learn a variety of other behaviors and tricks, such as not relieving themselves in the house and executing complex routines. This physical and mental capacity to perform a variety of tasks marks dogs as humanity’s best and most versatile helpers.

The variety of jobs dogs perform has led humans to try to develop distinct dog breeds for each occupation, which led to the emergence of numerous and different varieties of the same animal.

The observation of the evolution of a specific type of dog as time progressed and its purposes changed can be an interesting topic. You can also discuss dog competitions, which try to find the best dog based on various criteria and even have titles for the winners.

Comparisons between different varieties of the animal are also excellent dog argumentative essay topics. Overall, there are many interesting ideas that you can use to write a unique and excellent essay.

Regardless of what you ultimately choose to write about, you should adhere to the central points of essay writing. Make sure to describe sections of your paper with dog essay titles that identify what you will be talking about clearly.

Write an introduction that identifies the topic and provides a clear and concise thesis statement. Finish the paper with a dog essay conclusion that sums up your principal points. It will be easier and more interesting to read while also adhering to literature standards if you do this.

Below, we have provided a collection of great ideas that you can use when writing your essays, research papers, speeches, or dissertations. Take inspiration from our list of dog topics, and don’t forget to check out the samples written by other students!

• An Adventure with My Pet Pit-Bull Dog “Tiger” One look at Tiger and I knew that we were not going to leave the hapless couple to the mercies of the scary man.
• Dogs Playing Poker The use of dogs in the painting is humorous in that the writer showed them doing human things and it was used to attract the attention of the viewer to the picture.
• Debates on Whether Dog is the Best Pet or not The relationships between dogs and man have been improving over the years and this has made dogs to be the most preferable pets in the world. Other pets have limited abilities and can not match […]
• The Benefits of a Protection Dog Regardless of the fact that protection dogs are animals that can hurt people, they are loving and supportive family members that provide their owners with a wide range of benefits.
• Cesar Millan as a Famous Dog Behaviorist Millan earned the nickname “the dog boy” because of his natural ability to interact with dogs. Consequently, the dog behaviorist became a celebrity in different parts of the country.
• Cats vs. Dogs: Are You a Cat or a Dog Person? Cats and dogs are two of the most common types of pets, and preferring one to another can arguably tell many things about a person.
• How to Conduct the Dog Training Properly At the same time, it is possible to work with the dog and train it to perform certain actions necessary for the owner. In the process of training, the trainer influences the behavior of the […]
• Dog Food: Pedigree Company’s Case The attractiveness of the dog food category is manifested through the intense competitive nature of the various stakeholders. The third and final phase of the segmentation is to label the category of dog food as […]
• Compare and Contrast Your First Dog vs. Your Current Dog Although she was very friendly and even tried to take care of me when I was growing up, my mother was the real owner.
• “Love That Dog” Verse Novel by Sharon Creech In this part of the play, it is clear that Jack is not ready to hide his feelings and is happy to share them with someone who, in his opinion, can understand him.
• Why Does Your Dog Pretend to Like You? Children and the older generation can truly cherish and in the case of children can develop as individuals with the help of dogs.
• Moral Dilemma: Barking Dog and Neighborhood Since exuberant barking of Stella in the neighborhood disturbs many people, debarking is the appropriate measure according to the utilitarian perspective.
• Border Collie Dog Breed Information So long as the movement of the Border Collies and the sheep is calm and steady, they can look for the stock as they graze in the field.
• “Marley: A Dog Like No Other” by John Grogan John Grogan’s international bestseller “Marley: A Dog Like No Other” is suited for children of all ages, and it tells the story of a young puppy, Marley, who quickly develops a big personality, boundless energy, […]
• The Tail Wagging the Dog: Emotions and Their Expression in Animals The fact that the experiment was conducted in real life, with a control group of dogs, a life-size dog model, a simultaneous observation of the dogs’ reaction and the immediate transcription of the results, is […]
• A Summary of “What The Dog Saw” Gladwell explores the encounters of Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer who non-verbally communicated with the dogs and mastered his expertise to tame the dogs.
• Dog Training Techniques Step by Step The first step that will be taken in order to establish the performance of this trick is showing the newspaper to the dog, introducing the desired object and the term “take”.
• The Great Pyrenees Dog Breed as a Pet In the folklore of the French Pyrenees, there is a touching legend about the origin of the breed. The dog will not obey a person of weak character and nervous.
• Dog Food by Subscription: Service Design Project For the convenience and safety of customers and their dogs, customer support in the form of a call center and online chat is available.
• “Everyday” in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Haddon The novel presents Christopher who passes through many changes in his life, where he adapts to it and acclimatizes the complications that come with it.
• A Dog’s Life by Charles Chaplin The theme of friendship and love that is clear in the relationship between Tramp and Scraps. The main being that Chaplin makes it very comical thus; it is appealing to the audience, and captures the […]
• Caring for a Dog With Arthritis For Monty, the dog under study, the size, and disposition of the dog, the stage of the disease as also its specific symptoms and behaviour need to be observed and then a suitable choice of […]
• Animal Cruelty: Inside the Dog Fighting In most cases the owner of the losing dog abandons the injured dog to die slowly from the injuries it obtained during the fight. The injuries inflicted to and obtained by the dogs participating in […]
• “Traditional” Practice Exception in Dog Act One of those who wanted the word to remain in the clause was the president of the Beaufort Delta Dog Mushers and also an Inuvik welder.Mr.
• Small Dog Boarding Business: Strategic Plan Based on the first dimension of the competing values framework, the dog boarding business already has the advantage of a flexible business model, it is possible to adjust the size of the business or eliminate […]
• Small Dog Boarding Business: Balanced Scorecard Bragonier posits that SWOT analysis is essential in the running of the business because it helps the management to analyze the business at a glance.
• Non-Profit Dog Organization’s Mission Statement In terms of the value we are bringing, our team regards abandoned animals who just want to be loved by people, patients with special needs, volunteers working at pet shelters, and the American society in […]
• “Dog’s Life” by Charlie Chaplin Film Analysis In this film, the producer has used the comic effect to elaborate on the message he intends to deliver to the audience. The function of a dog is to serve the master.
• Dog’ Education in “The Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson The second chapter comes under the title, Hard-Wiring: What the Dog comes with which tackles the characteristic innate behaviors that dogs possess naturally; that is, predation and socialization. This chapter sheds light on the behaviors […]
• Breed Specific Legislation: Dog Attacks As a result, the individuals that own several canines of the “banned” breeds are to pay a lot of money to keep their dogs.
• Implementing Security Policy at Dog Parks To ensure that people take responsibility for their dogs while in the parks, the owners of the parks should ensure that they notify people who bring their dogs to the park of the various dangers […]
• Operant Conditioning in Dog Training In regards to negative enforcements, the puppy should be fitted with a collar and upon the command “sit”, the collar should be pulled up a bit to force the dog to sit down.
• First in Show Pet Foods, Inc and Dog Food Market Due to the number of competitors, it is clear that First in Show Pet Food, Inc.understands it has a low market share.
• Animal Assisted Therapy: Therapy Dogs First, the therapist must set the goals that are allied to the utilization of the therapy dog and this should be done for each client.
• The Feasibility Analysis for the Ropeless Dog Lead This is because it will have the ability to restrict the distance between the dog and the master control radio. The exploration of different sales models and prices for other devices indicates that the Rope-less […]
• Classical Conditioning: Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks According to Basford and Stein’s interpretation, classical conditioning is developed in a person or an animal when a neutral stimulus “is paired or occurs contingently with the unconditioned stimulus on a number of occasions”, which […]
• The Movements and Reactions of Dogs in Crates and Outside Yards This study discusses the types of movements and reactions exhibited by dogs in the two confinement areas, the crate and the outside yard.
• Evolution of Dogs from the Gray Wolf However, the combined results of vocalisation, morphological behavior and molecular biology of the domesticated dog now show that the wolf is the principle ancestor of the dog.
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time Haddon therefore manages to carry the reader into the world of the novel and holds the reader to the end of the novel.
• Attacking Dog Breeds: Truth or Exaggeration?
• Are Bad Dog Laws Unjustified?
• Are Dog Mouths Cleaner Than Humans?
• Can Age Affect How Fast a Dog Runs?
• Can Chew Treats Kill Your Dog?
• Can You Control Who the Alpha Dog Is When You Own Two Dogs?
• Does Drug Dog Sniff Outside Home Violate Privacy?
• Does the Pit Bull Deserve Its Reputation as a Vicious Dog?
• Does Your Dog Love You and What Does That Mean?
• Does Your Dog Need a Bed?
• How Can People Alleviate Dog Cruelty Problems?
• How Cooking With Dog Is a Culinary Show?
• How Can Be Inspiring Dog Tales?
• How Owning and Petting a Dog Can Improve Your Health?
• How the I-Dog Works: It’s All About Traveling Signals?
• What Can Andy Griffith Teach You About Dog Training?
• What Makes the Dog – Human Bond So Powerful?
• What the Dog Saw and the Rise of the Global Market?
• What Should You Know About Dog Adoption?
• When Dog Training Matters?
• When Drug Dog Sniff the Narcotic Outside Home?
• At What Age Is Dog Training Most Effective?
• Why Are People Choosing to Get Involved in Dog Fighting?
• Why Are Reported Cases of Dog-Fighting Rising in the United States?
• Why Dog Attacks Occur and Who Are the Main Culprits?
• Why Does Dog Make Better Pets Than Cats?
• Why Every Kid Needs a Dog?
• Why Should People Adopt Rather Than Buy a Dog?
• Why Could the Dog Have Bitten the Person?
• Will Dog Survive the Summer Sun?
• Animal Rights Research Ideas
• Inspiration Topics
• Animal Welfare Ideas
• Wildlife Ideas
• Emotional Development Questions
• Zoo Research Ideas
• Endangered Species Questions
• Human Behavior Research Topics
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The case against pets

A morally just world would have no pets, no aquaria, no zoos. no fields of sheep, no barns of cows. that’s true animal rights.

by Gary L Francione & Anna E Charlton   + BIO

We live with six rescued dogs. With the exception of one, who was born in a rescue for pregnant dogs, they all came from very sad situations, including circumstances of severe abuse. These dogs are non-human refugees with whom we share our home. Although we love them very much, we strongly believe that they should not have existed in the first place.

We oppose domestication and pet ownership because these violate the fundamental rights of animals.

The term ‘animal rights’ has become largely meaningless. Anyone who thinks that we should give battery hens a small increase in cage space, or that veal calves should be housed in social units rather than in isolation before they are dragged off and slaughtered, is articulating what is generally regarded as an ‘animal rights’ position. This is attributable in large part to Peter Singer, author of Animal Liberation (1975), who is widely considered the ‘father of the animal rights movement’.

The problem with this attribution of paternity is that Singer is a utilitarian who rejects moral rights altogether, and supports any measure that he thinks will reduce suffering. In other words, the ‘father of the animal rights movement’ rejects animal rights altogether and has given his blessing to cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, and just about every ‘happy exploitation’ measure promoted by almost every large animal welfare charity. Singer does not promote animal rights ; he promotes animal welfare . He does not reject the use of animals by humans per se . He focuses only on their suffering. In an interview with The Vegan magazine in 2006, he said, for example, that he could ‘imagine a world in which people mostly eat plant foods, but occasionally treat themselves to the luxury of free-range eggs, or possibly even meat from animals who live good lives under conditions natural for their species, and are then humanely killed on the farm’.

We use the term ‘animal rights’ in a different way, similar to the way that ‘human rights’ is used when the fundamental interests of our own species are concerned. For example, if we say that a human has a right to her life, we mean that her fundamental interest in continuing to live will be protected even if using her as a non-consenting organ donor would result in saving the lives of 10 other humans. A right is a way of protecting an interest; it protects interests irrespective of consequences. The protection is not absolute; it may be forfeited under certain circumstances. But the protection cannot be abrogated for consequential reasons alone.

Non-human animals have a moral right not to be used exclusively as human resources, irrespective of whether the treatment is ‘humane’, and even if humans would enjoy desirable consequences if they treated non-humans exclusively as replaceable resources.

W hen we talk about animal rights, we are talking primarily about one right: the right not to be property. The reason for this is that if animals matter morally – if animals are not just things – they cannot be property. If they are property, they can only be things. Think about this matter in the human context. We are all generally agreed that all humans, irrespective of their particular characteristics, have the fundamental, pre-legal right not to be treated as chattel property. We all reject human chattel slavery. That is not to say that it doesn’t still exist. It does. But no one defends it.

The reason we reject chattel slavery is because a human who is a chattel slave is no longer treated as a person, by which we mean that the slave is no longer a being who matters morally. A human slave is a thing that exists completely outside the moral community. All the interests that the human slave has can be valued by someone else – the owner – who might choose to value the slave as a member of the family, or could provide the slave with minimal sustenance but otherwise treat the slave horribly. The slave’s fundamental interests might be valued at zero.

There were many laws that purported to regulate race-based human slavery in the United States and Britain. These laws did not work because the only times regulatory laws are relevant is when there is a conflict between slave and slave owner. And, if the slave owner does not prevail substantially all of the time, then there is no longer an institution of slavery. There can be no meaningful challenge to the exercise of the owner’s property rights.

The same problem exists where non-humans are concerned. If animals are property, they can have no inherent or intrinsic value. They have only extrinsic or external value. They are things that we value. They have no rights; we have rights, as property owners, to value them . And we might choose to value them at zero.

There are many laws that supposedly regulate our use of non-human animals. In fact, there are more such laws than there were laws that regulated human slavery. And, like the laws that regulated human slavery, they don’t work. These laws are relevant only when human interests and animal interests conflict. But humans have rights, including the right to own and use property. Animals are property. When the law attempts to balance human and non-human interests, the result is preordained.

however ‘humanely’ we treat animals, they are still subjected to treatment that, were humans involved, would be torture

Moreover, because animals are chattel property, the standard of animal welfare will always be very low. It costs money to protect animal interests, which means that those interests will, for the most part, be protected only in those situations in which there is an economic benefit in doing so. It is difficult to find a welfare measure that does not make animal exploitation more efficient. Laws requiring the stunning of large animals before slaughter reduce carcass damage and worker injuries. Housing calves in smaller social units rather than in solitary crates reduces stress and resulting illness, which reduces veterinary costs.

To the extent that animal welfare measures increase production costs, the increase is usually very small (eg, going from the conventional battery cage to ‘enriched cages’ in the EU) and rarely affects overall demand for the product given elasticities of demand. In any event, however ‘humanely’ treated animals used for food are, they are still subjected to treatment that, were humans involved, would be torture. There is no such thing as ‘happy’ exploitation.

Although the right not to be property is a negative right and does not address any positive rights that non-humans might have, recognition of that one negative right would have the effect of requiring us, as a matter of moral obligation, to reject all institutionalised exploitation, which necessarily assumes that animals are just things that we can use and kill for our purposes.

W e want to take a short detour here and point out that, although what we are saying might sound radical, it’s really not. Indeed, our conventional wisdom about animals is such that we come to almost the same conclusion without any consideration of rights at all.

Conventional wisdom about animals is that it is morally acceptable for humans to use and kill them but that we should not impose unnecessary suffering and death on animals. However we might understand the concept of necessity in this context, it cannot be understood as allowing any suffering or death for frivolous purposes. We recognise this clearly in particular contexts. For example, many people still have a strong negative reaction to the American football player Michael Vick, who was found to be involved in a dog-fighting operation in 2007. Why do we still resent Vick almost a decade later? The answer is clear: we recognise that what Vick did was wrong because his only justification was that he derived pleasure or amusement from harming those dogs, and pleasure and amusement cannot suffice as justifications.

Many – perhaps most – people object to bullfighting, and even most Tories in the UK oppose fox hunting. Why? Because those bloodsports, by definition, involve no necessity or compulsion that would justify imposing suffering and death on non-human animals. No one proposed that Vick would be less culpable if he were a more ‘humane’ dog fighter. No one who opposes bloodsports proposes that they be made more humane because they involve unnecessary suffering. They oppose the activities altogether, and advocate their abolition, because these activities are immoral, however they are conducted.

The problem is that 99.999 per cent of our uses of non-human animals are morally indistinguishable from the activities to which the overwhelming number of us object.

The only use of animals that we make that is not transparently frivolous is the use of animals in research to find cures for serious illnesses

Our most numerically significant use of animals is for food. We kill more than 60 billion animals for food annually, and this does not count the even larger number – estimated conservatively to be about a trillion – of sea animals. We don’t need to eat animals for optimal health. Indeed, an increasing number of mainstream healthcare authorities, including the National Institutes of Health in the US, the American Heart Association, the British National Health Service, and the British Dietetic Association, have stated that a sensible vegan diet can be just as nutritious as a diet that includes animal foods. Some authorities have gone further to say that a vegan diet can be healthier than an omnivorous diet. In any event, it cannot be credibly claimed that we need animal products for health reasons. And animal agriculture is an ecological disaster.

We consume animal products because we enjoy the taste. In other words, we are no different from Vick, except that most of us pay others to inflict the harm rather than inflicting it ourselves. And our uses of animals for entertainment or sport are, by definition, also unnecessary. The only use of animals that we make that is not transparently frivolous is the use of animals in research to find cures for serious illnesses. We reject vivisection as morally unjustifiable even if it involves necessity (a claim we also believe is problematic as an empirical matter), but the morality of vivisection requires a more nuanced analysis than the use of animals for food, clothing, entertainment and other purposes. Just about all of our other uses of animals can easily be seen to be immoral given our conventional wisdom.

The bottom line: whether you adopt an animal-rights position and recognise that animals must have a basic, pre-legal right not to be property, or you stay with conventional wisdom, the result is the same: substantially all of our uses of animals must be abolished.

T o say that an animal has a right not to be used as property is simply to say that we have a moral obligation to not use animals as things, even if it would benefit us to do so. With respect to domesticated animals, that means that we stop bringing them into existence altogether. We have a moral obligation to care for those right-holders we have here presently. But we have an obligation not to bring any more into existence.

And this includes dogs, cats and other non-humans who serve as our ‘companions’.

We treat our six dogs as valued members of our family. The law will protect that decision because we may choose to value our property as we like. We could, however, choose instead to use them as guard dogs and have them live outside with virtually no affectionate contact from us. We could put them in a car right now and take them to a shelter where they will be killed if they are not adopted, or we could have them killed by a veterinarian. The law will protect those decisions as well. We are property owners. They are property. We own them.

The reality is that in the US, most dogs and cats do not end up dying of old age in loving homes. They have homes for a relatively short period of time before they are transferred to another owner, taken to a shelter, dumped or killed.

And it does not matter whether we characterise an owner as a ‘guardian’, as some advocates urge. Such a characterisation is meaningless. If you have the legal right to take your dog to a kill shelter, or to ‘humanely’ kill your dog yourself, it does not matter what you call yourself or your dog. Your dog is your property. Those of us who live with companion animals are owners as far as the law is concerned, and we have the legal right to treat our animals as we see fit as long as we provide for minimal food, water and shelter. Yes, there are limitations on the exercise of our ownership rights. But those limitations are consistent with according a very low value to the interests of our animal companions.

But, as you recoil in horror thinking of what life would be like without your beloved dog, cat or other non-human companion, whom you love and cherish as a member of your family, you are probably thinking: ‘But wait. What if we required everyone to treat their animals the way I treat mine?’

The problem with this reply is that, even if we could come up with a workable and enforceable scheme that required animal owners to provide a higher level of welfare to their animals, those animals would still be property. We would still be able to value their lives at zero and either kill them, or take them to a shelter where they would be killed if not adopted.

You might respond that you disagree with all that as well, and that we ought to prohibit people from killing animals except in situations in which we might be tempted to allow assisted suicide (terminal illness, unrelenting pain, etc) and that we should prohibit shelters from killing animals except when it is in the best interests of the animal.

domestication itself raises serious moral issues irrespective of how the non-humans involved are treated

What you’re suggesting starts coming close to abolishing the status of animals as chattel property and requiring that we treat them in a way that is similar to the way we treat human children. Would it be acceptable to continue to breed non-humans to be our companions then?

Our answer is still a firm ‘no’.

Putting aside that the development of general standards of what constitutes treating non-humans as ‘family members’ and resolution of all the related issues is close to impossible as a practical matter, this position neglects to recognise that domestication itself raises serious moral issues irrespective of how the non-humans involved are treated.

Domesticated animals are completely dependent on humans, who control every aspect of their lives. Unlike human children, who will one day become autonomous, non-humans never will. That is the entire point of domestication – we want domesticated animals to depend on us. They remain perpetually in a netherworld of vulnerability, dependent on us for everything that is of relevance to them. We have bred them to be compliant and servile, and to have characteristics that are pleasing to us, even though many of those characteristics are harmful to the animals involved. We might make them happy in one sense, but the relationship can never be ‘natural’ or ‘normal’. They do not belong in our world, irrespective of how well we treat them. This is more or less true of all domesticated non-humans. They are perpetually dependent on us. We control their lives forever. They truly are ‘animal slaves’. Some of us might be benevolent masters, but we really can’t be anything more than that.

There are some, such as Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka, who in their book Zoopolis (2011) say that humans are dependent on each other, and ask what’s wrong with animals being dependent on us? Human relationships might involve mutual dependence or interdependence, but such dependence either operates on the basis of choice, or it reflects social decisions to care for more vulnerable members of society who are bound together and protected by the complex aspects of a social contract. Besides, the nature of human dependence does not strip the dependant of core rights that can be vindicated if the dependence becomes harmful.

There are those who respond to our position by saying that dogs, cats and other ‘pet’ animals have a right to reproduce. Such a position would commit us to continue to reproduce without limit and indefinitely, as we could not limit any reproductive right to ‘pet’ animals. As for those who are concerned that the end of domestication would mean a loss of species diversity, domesticated animals are beings we have created through selective breeding and confinement.

Some critics have claimed that our position concerns only the negative right not to be used as property, and does not address what positive rights animals might have. This observation is correct, but all domestication would end if we recognised this one right – the right not to be property. We would be obliged to care for those domesticated animals who presently exist, but we would bring no more into existence.

If we all embraced the personhood of non-humans, we would still need to think about the rights of non-domesticated animals who live among us and in undeveloped areas. But if we cared enough not to eat, wear or otherwise use domesticated non-humans, we would undoubtedly be able to determine what those positive rights should be. The most important thing is that we recognise the negative right of animals not to be used as property. That would commit us to the abolition of all institutionalised exploitation that results in the commodification and control of them by humans.

We love our dogs, but recognise that, if the world were more just and fair, there would be no pets at all, no fields full of sheep, and no barns full of pigs, cows and egg-laying hens. There would be no aquaria and no zoos.

If animals matter morally, we must recalibrate all aspects of our relationship with them. The issue we must confront is not whether our exploitation of them is ‘humane’ – with all of the concomitant tinkering with the practices of animal-use industries – but rather whether we can justify using them at all.

Political philosophy

C L R James and America

The brilliant Trinidadian thinker is remembered as an admirer of the US but he also warned of its dark political future

Harvey Neptune

Progress and modernity

The great wealth wave

The tide has turned – evidence shows ordinary citizens in the Western world are now richer and more equal than ever before

Daniel Waldenström

Neuroscience

The melting brain

It’s not just the planet and not just our health – the impact of a warming climate extends deep into our cortical fissures

Clayton Page Aldern

Falling for suburbia

Modernists and historians alike loathed the millions of new houses built in interwar Britain. But their owners loved them

Michael Gilson

Thinkers and theories

Rawls the redeemer

For John Rawls, liberalism was more than a political project: it is the best way to fashion a life that is worthy of happiness

Alexandre Lefebvre

Computing and artificial intelligence

Mere imitation

Generative AI has lately set off public euphoria: the machines have learned to think! But just how intelligent is AI?

Shohei Ohtani and dog Decoy throw out first pitch on bobblehead night, slugger hits HR

Wednesday has been a great day to be Shohei Ohtani and his dog, Decoy.

The Los Angeles Dodgers held another Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night on Wednesday , except this was a special one that included his beloved pup. Given out to the first 40,000 fans, according to the Dodgers, there were also some special golden bobbleheads sprinkled into the fold.

Lines were forming outside Dodger Stadium well before noon for a 7:10 p.m. local time first pitch, and as the hours went by, hundreds if not thousands of people were waiting to get their hands on the coveted piece of memorabilia.

Fans in LA started getting in line for Shohei Ohtani's bobblehead giveaway over 7 hours before the game's scheduled start time 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MsO7vPGbfW — MLB (@MLB) August 28, 2024

Excitement level for Shohei and Decoy. 📈 pic.twitter.com/54viWyFYBY — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 29, 2024

The vibes were off to a great start inside Dodger Stadium. Since the night was celebrating the two Ohtanis, the slugger brought Decoy to the stadium. Of course, the ceremonial first pitch was thrown − or fetched − by Decoy to his dad, delivering right down the middle of the plate and celebrating with a high five as the dog rocked his own Dodgers jersey.

Decoy fetched the first pitch tonight for Shohei Ohtani! 🥹🐶 pic.twitter.com/zD7QsbX5SI — MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2024

Inspired by his golden son, Ohtani started the game off with a bang. Batting leadoff in the bottom of the first inning, he took a Corbin Burnes pitch to right field pavilion for a homer.

THERE GOES DECOY'S DAD. pic.twitter.com/uNNgHI30sP — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 29, 2024

Already a fun night, Ohtani continues to chase history in Los Angeles. After becoming the sixth person to join the 40/40 club — 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in the same season — he is attempting to become the first member of the 50/50 club. He now has 42 homers with 42 stolen bases after picking up two steals later in Wednesday's game.

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‘deadpool killer’ wade wilson, who slaughtered 2 women ‘for the sake of killing,’ is sentenced to death.

Tattooed “Deadpool Killer” Wade Wilson was sentenced to death Tuesday for the brutal 2019 murders of two Florida women, crimes he committed “for the sake of killing.”

The inked maniac, 30, remained stoic as the judge delivered his capital sentence.

“The evidence shows the murders were heinous, atrocious and cruel and that the second murder was cold, calculated and premeditated,” Circuit Judge Nicholas Thompson told the courtroom.

Wilson was found guilty in June for the murders of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, during a crazed October night in 2019.

The jury had recommended that Wilson receive the death penalty. 

The slaughters were so egregious that Thompson found “no basis” to overrule the jury’s recommended death sentence.

Wilson first strangled Melton in her home after they had a drug-fueled sexual encounter, prosecutors said.

Wilson — who shares a name with the Marvel anti-hero made famous by Ryan Reynolds — then stole his victim’s car and used her phone to call his girlfriend, Melissa Montanez, 41. He assaulted her, but she refused to get in his car.

That’s when Wilson encountered Ruiz, who was asking for directions in Cape Coral, and invited her into the car.

He later admitted to strangling her before throwing her out of the car — only to get back in and run her over “until she looked like spaghetti,” according to testimony from the trial.

“This case was about killing for the sake of the killing,” Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner previously told the court. “Strangulation is the epitome of life slipping through someone’s hands.”

Despite his disturbing crime, thousands of  lusting sickos sent Wilson love letters and X-rated photos  during his five years behind bars.

Several also wrote letters to the judge imploring him to look past Wilson’s tattooed face and swastika etchings, claiming the killer was a different person while on medication.

The maniac’s attorneys tried to argue that Wilson suffered brain damage from drug addiction and had abandonment issues stemming from being given up for adoption by his biological parents.

His adoptive parents pleaded that the court not give him the death penalty, stating in a letter that “the human is still in there.” 

“Please see it in your heart not take our son,” they wrote.

Wilson was also found guilty of grand theft, burglary of a dwelling, battery and petit theft.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Dog — Overview of the Benefits of Having a Dog

Overview of The Benefits of Having a Dog

• Categories: Dog Pet

About this sample

Words: 703 |

Published: Apr 8, 2022

Words: 703 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Works Cited

• American Humaine. “Benefits of having a dog”. American Humaine, 2019. Web 20 August 2019
• https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/benefits-of-owning-a-dog/
• Foster Bethney. “Dog Life Cycles”. Pets. 2019. Web 3 September 2019
• https://pets.thenest.com/dog-life-cycles-5026.html
• Nat Geo. “Domestic Dog”. Nat Geo 2015, Web 3 September 2019
• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/d/domestic-dog
• PBS. “Evolution of the Dog”. PBS 2001. Web 11 September 2019
• https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/01/5/l_015_02.html  

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Lopata, L. (2020). Dogs Have Been Humans' Best Friends for 20,000 Years, According to Artifacts. Mental Floss. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/why-dogs-are-mans-best-friend/

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Decoy (!) delivers strike for 1st pitch, then Ohtani homers, swipes 2 bags

Dodgers superstar now sits at 42-42 in quest for mlb's first 50-50 season.

Juan Toribio

LOS ANGELES -- In anticipation for the bobblehead that featured Shohei Ohtani and his dog, Decoy, lines outside Dodger Stadium started to form around 5 a.m.

About four hours before first pitch, there were an estimated 20,000 people already outside the ballpark. All those people were prepared to wait as long as they needed to in order to collect the one-of-a-kind promotion, which also included about 2,000 gold editions.

Once everyone in attendance had secured their giveaway, the festivities started with Decoy delivering the first pitch to Ohtani. Up to that point, that was the loudest roar of the night. That is, until Ohtani stepped into the plate in the bottom of the first inning.

Ohtani, as he usually does, didn’t make the sold-out crowd at Dodger Stadium wait much longer to continue the celebration. The two-time unanimous American League Most Valuable Player launched a leadoff homer off right-hander Corbin Burnes and later added a pair of stolen bases to lead the Dodgers to a 6-4 win over the Orioles on Wednesday.

Ohtani now has 42 homers and 42 stolen bases, putting him well on pace to become the first player ever to reach the 50-50 mark. The only other player with a 42-42 season is Alex Rodriguez, who hit 42 homers and stole 46 bases in 1998.

Ohtani now has three games with a homer and multiple stolen bases, which is tied with 12 players for third most in a single season by a player since at least 1900, behind Rickey Henderson (five in 1986) and Eric Davis (four in 1987).

Ohtani introduced Decoy to the world while receiving his second MVP Award in November . In the span of a little less than a year, Ohtani made his dog's name a state secret of national importance , got Decoy a fake passport , wore an image of him on the inside of his suit on the All-Star red carpet and slipped into custom Decoy cleats for Players' Weekend .

Tonight's star, Decoy. pic.twitter.com/jvyhQ1m7WR — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 28, 2024

"Shohei's been great," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I think that he's having fun with all the success obviously and promoting of him and his dog. It's great for the Dodgers."

Description

Engage in rewarding life sim elements and farming mini games while avoiding the undead that roam the nearby woods! Congratulations, you’ve been hired to work on a farm! Bright days filled with honest and rewarding work lie ahead. As you grind your way through the week, you’ll feed and water the livestock, clean the dog and horses, pick ticks off the sheep, plant new crops, milk the cows, go fishing and much more! Each activity features a mini-game to keep your farmwork varied and engaging… But something is amiss. Collecting valuable resources in the nearby forest comes with its own unique dangers as zombies roam the woods and will take any opportunity to make you their next meal! ZombFarm is a life sim with an undead twist, presented in top-down pixel art style. Can you turn the farm around and turn it into a flourishing success while braving the zombie threat of the dark forest?

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Developed by, playable on.

• Xbox Series X|S

Capabilities

• 4K Ultra HD
• Single player
• Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
• Smart Delivery
• Xbox achievements
• Xbox presence
• Xbox cloud saves