America's New Minority

Forget Hispanics, African Americans and Asians--- even Native Americans! There is a new minority and they are getting more benefits, more support, more coddling than any human minority.

I'm talking about pets. Principally dogs!

This country has gone bonkers for pets. Go to the internet and you will find "Petmeds." But no "AsianMeds!"

At the shopping Center, you may see "Petsmart." But no "Hispanicsmart." Look the other direction and you may see "Pets & More." Why not "Native Americans and More?"

Today I drove past a livestock feed store and a big sign said "Pet Wash Today." The whole neighborhood smelled like wet dogs.

Our city just banned the use of ground audible fireworks. The reason? They frightened people's dogs.

I don't like dogs as pets. I like seeing eye dogs, drug sniffing and bomb sniffing dogs, and dogs trained to work livestock. I say all other dogs should be prohibited. That won't happen because the dog food business is raking in billions for ground up horse hair and chicken feathers.

Too many people are injured by dogs. Recently a local deputy sheriff was mauled by a pair of pit bulls. He could have shot them, but did not because he was in a densely populated neighborhood and would not risk firing his gun.

Our county has about 100,000 dogs. If each excretes only 8 ounces a day, that's 25 tons of canine excrement a day. In our desert climate, if just sits there and dries up. Over 9,000 tons per year. When desert winds blow and dust storms sweep across our city, I decline outdoor barbecues.

I know a few dog owners who are responsible citizens. They keep their dogs quiet, clean up after them and obey leash laws. They are also a minority. The smallest one. Too many others put their dogs in their back yard, close all the windows and crank up the air conditioner and the TV - oblivious to their dog's incessant barking. The next morning they leave for work and we listen to their dog all day.