In my lifetime, this writer has seen a significant difference in the status of animals, particularly dogs and cats.
Growing up in Orange, most families seemed to have pet dogs and cats. Hunting dogs in my scope of experience were pets that were trained to hunt birds or rabbits, and there would commonly be a doghouse out back where the dog would spend his days. We did not have cats, that I recall, before my departure for college.
In today’s world, we encounter dogs serving as “service animals” in stores and other public places, and more young people have dogs and pets that live as family members. Our Irish setters would jump onto our beds and we would compete to have the dog on our bed. That usually ended up with the dog getting most of the space, but that was OK.
The new status of cats and dogs has spawned a huge pet industry, which produces related products as fast as they can to meet a growing demand for “dog and cat stuff.” It is not my place to judge, and clothing (including footwear), rain gear, goggles, and leashes and collars of every color for every occasion are just the start.
The pet industry’s huge economic impact begins with food. Specialized food seemed to start with high performance dog foods in the 1980s, when industry pioneer Purina introduced the Hi-Pro line of dog food. It was scientifically engineered to provide maximum nutrition for hunting breeds when they were working hard and needed more nutritional energy.
That food business, if you follow the TV ads, now has dozens of brands that are a far cry from the “same old dog chow.” Fresh foods that require refrigeration are common, as are foods that cater to every possible nutritional or even medicinal need. Of course, my studies of dog food are based on my French Brittanys as hunting machines for a couple of months every year, but it seems that every pet dog also has a need for a better diet to deal with a health issue, prevent a health issue, or just keep the dog as happy as possible.
Cats are not my thing. Never have been a cat person. The day my sister (then Tish, now Pat) showed up at my door with a kitten was life-changing. My wife liked the cat and then added cats so they would not get lonely. All were rescue animals and they lived well. She had three she acquired in a short spell, a pair of Maine Coon sisters and a male black cat. As previously stated, I am not a cat person but tolerate them and the impact they have on my life.
This column’s inspiration was the passing of that black cat. He has been dealing with kidney issues, which is apparently common among cats and was not well, losing weight and his appetite. Over time, medication and different diets were tried, but to no avail. Finally, the time came to make a decision and Remington (AKA Remy) was put down.
What struck me during this experience was the intense emotions associated with the loss of a pet. When my bird dogs reach that time, my commitment that no animal should suffer and be uncomfortable when we are responsible has always driven decisions. What we want needs to be second to what is best for the pet.
Over the years the professionals at Adams Animal Hospital have always made these very difficult times as comfortable as possible, for both the pets and the people who care for them. Their experience, understanding and professionalism has always made a difference. What I know best is the bond between a bird dog and the hunter and the image of a man in hunting gear walking out of the veterinarian’s office carrying a collar is the saddest picture ever. The new relationships between pets and owners have become a very strong emotional bond and sometimes the role of dogs and cats in human lives is much stronger than the family pet of years past.
My world was always one where hunters and hunting dogs worked hard together. Where training the dog was an effort to try to have that dog do the things that it was bred to do and to hone instincts into consistent behavior was a goal. In my mind, the dogs have enjoyed the challenges and shared my enthusiasm and energy.
There is another level where people train bird dogs hard for competition. Dogs are challenged to be exact and execute with precision. I greatly respect those trainers, like the people who train police dogs to protect and track, or detect drugs, explosives or contraband, or those that herd and protect livestock, run rabbits, foxes, or bears, and every other special purpose. Every relationship with a dog is special and personal.
Cats are different, but certainly add to the lives of those who live with them. Each relationship with a dog or cat (or dogs and cats) is special. Thankfully, there are people who have devoted their professional lives to the care of pets and the people who love them.
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.