Sunday, October 12, 2008
Back in the roaring Fifties, as a very young whippersnapper of an American Dreamer, I had Duke, a big old black Labrador mix.
Duke, my first dog, taught me the joys of pet ownership, real life cause and effect, the precious value of life and the critical responsibilities of caring properly for an animal.
We did everything together. Mom and Dad showed me how animals can't possibly have "rights." That is a uniquely human dynamic. But thoughtful, conscientious humans clearly have the duty to provide kind, humane treatment and conditions for their animals.
Aside from feeding Duke and seeing that he got plenty of daily exercise, it was my job to make sure his doghouse area and the yard were free of, shall we say, dog debris.
I was proud to be the super dooper pooper scooper. That meant my best friend would have a nice, tidy yard.
Caring for Duke was my primary chore growing up.
I raised my own children with this same sense of duty.
To this very day, I cannot imagine life without pets. They represent a huge quality-of-life component in the Nugent household.
I'm sure its the same for the millions of American families that own dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, burros, goats, llamas, alpacas, rats, mice, guinea pigs, snakes, skunks, weasels, ferrets and more.
One caveat: Making pets out of wild animals is asking for trouble, and I highly recommend against it.
As only dogs can smile
Right now, at my feet are three very happy, loving Labrador retrievers, tongues hanging out, panting, but smiling as only dogs can smile.
As I write this, the hounds and I just returned from our daily exploratory run at our China Spring ranch. We cherish our time in the wild together, letting it all hang out.
To see their sheer, exhilarating animal instincts come alive as they run and leap about, probing every bush and brush pile, flopping down up to their nostrils in the river, is to see nature at its finest. It's animal poetry in motion.
We make sure their kennels are spic and span and all their health considerations are monitored and serviced to the max.
Even though we are in Texas, we know the winter temperatures can get bitter. We add ample insulation to their sturdy dog houses each fall.
Daily brushings and tick dustings help keep them well-groomed and healthy.
The magical fall hunting season is beyond description at our house. These natural hunters about come out of their skin in anticipation of a mouthful of mallard and quail. Me, too.
To see them work their hearts out hunting for birds is truly one of life's greatest, most natural sights.
The mere hint of grabbing a shotgun causes them to do sumersaults of glee, knowing why God created them this way.
Go shopping for a nice pet. Teach the children how to provide for the animals. Watch them celebrate a perfect relationship.
The proper lessons of pet ownership will put kids on a True North path in life. They'll be more aware of cause and effect in a way that will benefit every decision-making juncture they experience.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host. Contact him directly at tednugent.com.
