Pet Etiquette

I come from a long line of animal lovers, so don’t assume after hearing what I am about to say that I don’t like animals, I do. But there is a place and a time for pets, and it isn’t in restaurants, carried around in the front of grocery carts, or brought as uninvited weekend house guests. You have a pet because “you” want one. Do not assume everyone else is going to love your dog, cat, or other furry, feathered, or scaled friend. We have a neighbor who insists on letting their large brown lab wander the neighborhood, untethered and unaccompanied. Needless to say this dog gets into all kinds of mischief. Perhaps what should really be addressed here then is “pet etiquette”, and the responsibility of pet owners for their pets’ behavior. If your dog likes to wander, take it for a walk on a leash. If your cat needs an outdoor litter box, provide one. If your dog barks incessantly for no apparent reason, be responsible and quiet it. And if you are going grocery shopping, or out to eat leave fido at home. He doesn’t enjoy it nearly as much as you do and would probably be much happier chewing on a bone at home, or chasing a squirrel up a tree.