An anonymous “dog lover” sent me a letter regarding my beautiful husky who is always out in my yard. Enclosed was a copy of another letter that had appeared in your paper [“Neglecting Man’s Best Friend,” Sept. 12], which is why I am sending my response via your letters column.
Yes, I know that huskies are pack animals; however, huskies are not a breed that thrives inside.
My dog is not chained, and she has a very secure area (not a cage), toys to play with and a companion that you obviously have not noticed: a black Nubian-pygmy goat. Although I do not put the two of them together in a fenced area for fear that one of them could be hurt, I do (heaven forbid) put my dog on a chain and allow them to play together with supervision.
Yes, my husband and I do take [our dog] for walks that also include the goat. We also play catch and fetch, which—I might add—she is very good at doing. She has a red wagon that she enjoys pulling, especially when my 6-year-old niece is in the wagon.
Unfortunately, I work a 12-hour night shift and sleep during the day, and my husband has a day job; but our dog is neither neglected nor abused. Perhaps you would like to come by at 6:30 a.m. when I get home, and we can discuss your concerns while we are playing with the dog and goat. (Actually, I have two goats, but the other one is too aggressive to allow her in close proximity to the dog.)
Please don’t think I am angry due to your letter. I appreciate your concern, but unless you are staking out my house on a 24-hour basis, you are failing to see the full picture.
Our dog probably does get bored and lonely at times, but with the hours I work, I’m sure that my husband does, too. I would not turn my husband over to a placement network, nor will I turn my dog over to Animal Compassion Network.
Please feel free to stop by anytime after 3 p.m. I’m usually awake and alert by this time, although I’m probably getting ready for work. You can meet our newest addition, a beautiful black cat that we acquired a few weeks ago. He is a “usta be” feral kitty. Please don’t let him out, as he is an inside only.
— Name withheld at writer’s request
Asheville
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