Weblady note: This story, the last thoughts of a doomed Doberman, was written for me by my late husband,retired TV newsman, writer for newspaper, magazine and author of book: "Black Eyes on the Beat" (the story of his experiences as a TV newsman.) I've always known I'd have a use for it, and this website is a perfect place for it to come to rest.
Many four legged animals conveniently serve man in numerous capacities,including the man-eating beasts of the jungle....and other giant creatures of the earth such as the Elephant.
I'm one of the moaning voices echoing through this temporaty lodge for controlled animals, yearning to be free. They call me "Quicksand" because of my inclination to be affectionate. I've a reputation for being many things to a society, but I can be an assent to a person or a family. Sometimes my acquisition is comparable to shopping for an automobile. One will find an abundance of breeds and colors waiting for adoption at the Doberman Pinscher Rescue, other Rescue Groups, the Local County Animal Control Center, and the Local Humane Society.
Think for a moment about the status of utility animals like me, serving man above and beyond the expected pet status. Among us we find the productive and dependable horse, mule and burro, chosen perhaps for their strength and ability to carry, or pull, or move loads exceeding their own weight...or the mammal that is raced as a means of providing entertainment and pleasure; the value of the animal usually ends there.
The bovine, goat and sheep are sources of milk, wool and meat, and all serve as lawn and field mowers during spring and summer months, but they too are restricted to field and food services. The nimble, fleet-footed deer is the epitome of grace, cute perhaps, but a source of pleasure for the hunter's entertainment. Most of the afore mentioned are skittish and fearful, and will take flight in the face of suspected danger from the sound of a cracking twig under weight.
The pig, the cat, the domestic rat and the guinea pig are friendly, as are other small pets that provide little more than a source of affection, and are almost totally dependent on man for survival.
Actually, the most common of the afore mentioned lot is the dependable mutt, perhaps because of its ability to adapt to man's every whim. I'm a special purpose utility type canine, better known as the Doberman Pinscher, but I do have great respect for other productive animals.
On a humerous note, we dogs differ from the more popular, lifeless,American conceived species that provides every man, woman and child pure pleasure and satisfaction in terms of quelling hunger pangs, commonly identified as the "Hot Dawg!"
I'm a so distinguished creature, because we have served the domestic front of man and the War Zones for over 100 years, without fear. My canine friends and I are unique, but we are selfishly taken for granted by the masses. Too few persons, with the exception of the blind and dependant, show enough consideration or appreciation for the unlimited contributions of the four legged pooch.
We will search and rescue, race in a public arena, guard life and property, protect one from the elements of nature, retrieve for the hunter, and sadly, tolerate abuse. We can be outstanding leaders and protectors of humankind, we are fearless, loyal beings with unconditional love and will not desert a friend in need, nor hesitate to sacrifice life....but again, are so taken for granted. Ask a member of the Marine Corp., the Infantry of WW2 and others, or Law Enforcement about the value of the canine. Then rescue a lonely, tail wagging potential lifelong friend and give it a quality home. We are equipped and prepared to serve 'round the clock, and at a moment's notice. What human being is prepared to be all these things?
Like adult humans and children, dogs too, have personalities, bad days, etc., but we can and must be taught like children. We must be bathed, fed, taken to the vet on occasion, groomed and most importantly...loved.
We don't like being chained to a thing called a Dog House; forced to live in either snow, dust, or mud any more than you would, so please give us a break. Only a self-centered, short sighted, narrow minded individual will expose an animal to unfavorable harmful elements of nature. You must be patient and understanding because our attitude is reflective of that of the person or persons we live with. Any animal with a history of abuse will be instinctiely indifferent, less friendly, and more difficult to rehabilitate. Watch us with care, because we love to roam and the County Death row is no place for a self respecting canine. Too many of us dogs have been unfairly given a bad reputation, spawned by ignorance and mis-information and hostile environment. Individual attitude should be carefully evaluated before selecting one of us, and we should not, under any circumstance, be dumped into a strange environment as a "humane" act.
The guardian of an animal is legally responsible and accountable to society for any harm it might cause, be it public, private or personal property. Canines are an asset to man, and should be in turn recognized, respected and loved, as opposed to being selfishly exploited.
A good deed for the day is a personal resolution to end the practice of "short changing" the dog.
.....I'm ready now, I guess it's my turn to go. But let me say "So long" to those I must leave behind.
The most compatible champion of human preference is the loyal canine, especially the Doberman, but you must be prepared to give of yourself to realize maximum reciprocal benefit.
