What Dogs Teach Us #23: Imperfection = Im-Perfection. Im perfect, youre perfect, were all perfect exactly the way we are. The definition of perfection lies in the beauty of our individuality and uniqueness. Many work hard to create a certain type of facade and impression from which the world perceives us, and it trickles down to our children, and even our canine companions. Certain breed types, aesthetic altercations, leather collars with 4 inch spikes on them, etc. tend to attract a certain breed of human with a statement to make. When it comes to dogs and certain breed types, the act of cropping ears and docking tails has been a hot debate topic for some time. Is it necessary? Harmful? Cruel? On November 26th, 2008, the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) made the following statements regarding the surgical procedures of ear cropping and tail docking of dogs: The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards. While the American Kennel Club disagrees, I- personally- tend to lean towards the were born the way we are for great reason and as perfectly intended. Love it, accept it and respect it, philosophy (why yes, I do hug trees : D). Since dogs use their entire bodies to communicate, especially their ears and tails, removing large portions of them greatly reduces their ability to communicate more effectively and interact more appropriately with other dogs, as well as us humans. Not only do tails convey state of mind and feeling (fear, tension, shyness, insecurity, aggression, relaxed, playfulness, curiosity, etc.), they help dogs maintain balance; especially during certain types of activities (swimming, running, darting, etc). If these body parts didnt serve a purpose, I have to believe they probably wouldnt have been included in their physiology. We now have a Doberman, Sammy. We werent looking to add another dog to our paws-see, but he came to us in pretty bad shape and in dire need of help getting back to health. He had chronic diarrhea for months, we started noticing his balance was a bit off, etc. At any rate, hes got big, beautiful, natural ears, but also a docked tail (this was done prior to our crossing paths). Hes especially sensitive around his back end. If the bottom of a long leash so much as grazes his back end while were on a leash walk, he puts on a whole production: jumping, moving away quickly, doing a couple of spins. We always get the dog we need~ and this boy has been a great teacher for me on many levels. I spend my days totally exhausted as his energy level is *through the roof* now that hes back to health, but Im learning a great deal in terms of behavior, health, breed-specific needs, etc. At any rate, Ill close with an awesome diddy sung by the fabulous Lady Gaga. Born This Way. And, by the way, I just *love* the fact that the phrase, ....Just put your paws up is in the lyrics. To each their own, but I encourage everyone to love, honor and respect themselves and others just the way they are, not who we think we or they * should * be. We were each born the way we are for great reason. Perfection vs. Im-perfection. Its all a matter of perception. Born This Way. [Intro:] It doesnt matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M Just put your paws up cause you were born this way, baby! https://youtube/watch?v=0BsLd4Y060Q
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 14:11:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015