I love nature, especially dogs. But meditating recently, my thoughts surrounded the treatment of dogs in modern, affluent society. I live in suburban Eastern Australia and almost every family has a canine member, valued as much as the grandmother. Objectively, that's a massive upgrade from their origin as working animals. Indeed, each breed was developed for a purpose. Bt as recently as 50 years ago people has a doghouse [the place of punishment for a bad person] and the dog was not allowed into the house. Now he sleeps on the sofa. I have no doubt that dogs are among God's greatest creations. They are wonderful companions for the elderly. Several saints had dogs. But, again, 50 years ago if the dog got sick it died and we obtained a puppy from someone nearby. Now we have to spend $ 4000 on a pedigree dog, pay yearly registration and will spend thousands on health and veterinary care. [An elderly neighbour, a pensioner, was refused a rescue dog, recently, as she had no fence. She had to buy a pedigree pup (for $3000) that damaged her property (as a puppy would) and was uncontrollable as it grew] Again, objectively speaking, are people not more important? Christians must "love their neighbour". Of course, most contributors to charity own a dog, but that's not the majority of dog owners. I've posted before, I look around me and see very few people who consider the afterlife, but all those people would campaign against animal cruelty and contribute to save-the-whale groups. Many a dog owner would support voluntary (or otherwise) euthanasia for the elderly. The devil knows our weaknesses. Has he influenced us into creating a new 'idol'?
Agreed. Lots of (childless by choice) young couples lavish their dogs with what ought to be for their own children.
