Back in the ’80s, I had a beloved dog named Bella, a delightful mix of Border Collie and who-knows-what. As an only child, she was not just a pet; she was my confidante and sibling wrapped in fur.
Memories of Bella
Here’s how I remember Bella’s life:
- During summer, my parents would let her roam free after breakfast until dinner.
- I’d occasionally spot her sneaking through the bushes after chasing after ducks.
- She loved splashing in the stream behind our house.
- Bella would excitedly chase the mail truck and even Mr. Thompson’s camper.
- By 6:00 PM, she would come inside for dinner, enjoying her Alpo.
- Before bed, she’d be let out for her evening routine.
- I never had to pick up after her, and honestly, I can’t recall ever seeing any mess.
- In her 14 years, a vet visit was a rarity—maybe six times.
- We often rode together in the back of my dad’s pickup truck.
That was life with a dog in the ’80s. Parenting norms were different back then, and it seems that dog ownership has also transformed significantly. Fast forward to today, and I now have a dog named Max, and I experience this shift daily.
The Shift in Dog Ownership
Before adopting Max, I was aware of leash laws and the need for pooper-scooper bags, but I had no idea how much more there was to consider. At Max’s first vet appointment, the vet meticulously checked his ears, teeth, and belly while bombarding me with questions about his emotional state. Was he socialized with other dogs? How did he interact with children? Did he see me as his leader? Did he show any signs of anxiety?
When I admitted that he seemed a bit skittish during windy days, the vet cautioned me, “Be mindful not to project your fears onto him; dogs can sense our anxieties.” I mean, come on! I’m already worried about raising my kids; now I have to stress over my dog’s mental well-being?
I enrolled Max in puppy kindergarten with two simple goals: to prevent him from biting and to stop any indoor accidents. The instructor had loftier aspirations for our pups, aiming for them to be well-adjusted companions in society. She emphasized the importance of agility, obedience, and proper manners. Her instructions were surprising—she insisted we shouldn’t play with our dogs if they brought us a toy. Playing was to be on our terms only!
She also recommended baking homemade dog treats free of salt, warning us against the sodium-laden store-bought options.
The Challenges of Modern Dog Ownership
Every week, I took Max to class, and more often than not, he dashed to the center of the room and had an accident. Other owners would cluck in sympathy as I cleaned up, but I could sense their competitive spirit. “Oh, Charlie has been house-trained for weeks.” “Sophie never chews.” “We only feed Leo raw food.”
And then, there’s the constant need to carry a bag of dog waste. I once asked my mom where Bella did her business, and she paused, reflecting, “I honestly don’t know.”
How was it possible that we had a dog for 14 years without ever encountering poop in our yard or on our street? It felt like there was some magical poop fairy at work back then! Those were the days of carefree dog ownership.
Now, I’ve learned about dog car safety too. Apparently, Max can’t ride in the front seat due to airbag risks. I was chastised by a stranger in a parking lot for this oversight.
Max enjoys swimming, but we discovered he’s not much of a swimmer if he jumps in unexpectedly. Last summer, he leaped into a neighbor’s pool, panicking and sinking. We had to rescue him, and now he sports a life vest during water activities. He even has a kiddie pool for hot summer days since the vet warned he could overheat.
Max suffers from several allergies, which the vet reported are increasingly common in dogs. He now eats gluten-free food with rare venison from New Zealand, and we use scent-free detergent for his blankets. His organic shampoo is pricier than my own!
During the holidays, when he was sick, the vet suggested he was stressed by the festive activity. Seriously?
Max even had a bark collar that sprayed citronella to curb his noise, but it backfired when he snored and activated the spray, startling him awake. We had to remove it; now we have the choice between a barking dog or one who can’t sleep.
The vet also recommended a premium leather collar for Max, which now costs more than my own belt. We also bought him little booties to protect his paws from winter salt and ice melt. Let me tell you, getting those on a squirming pug is a feat!
I sometimes long for the days when Bella could roam the neighborhood freely. Does Max feel confined by all these rules and routines? Does he dream of the simpler life that dogs enjoyed in the past, or is this just my nostalgia projecting onto him?
Conclusion
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Summary:
Dog ownership has evolved immensely since the 1980s. The carefree days of letting dogs roam freely have been replaced by strict regulations and a focus on emotional well-being. Modern dog owners must consider various factors, including training, dietary needs, and even mental health. While I reminisce about the simplicity of my childhood dog Bella, I navigate the complexities of raising my current dog Max in today’s world.