We train them to predict seizures, to be eyes for the blind and ears for the deaf, to find our missing and our dead. We use them to detect bombs, sniff out drugs, protect our property and apprehend criminals. They provide therapy for the autistic, give comfort to traumatized children and residents of hospitals and nursing homes. They’re trained to partner with the disabled. 

 But perhaps the most noble of all “service” dogs are those willing to fight to their death simply to provide some brief entertainment.  

How appalling that the most admirable trait ascribed to dogs–their loyalty–is exploited by people who haven’t the character to recognize the horror of what they are doing.  

I consider myself fortunate to have shared my life with a great many dogs, so I come to this subject with an obvious bias. Unlike those who view dogs as property, I see them as friends. Companions. 

Family.

 I’ve joked about my dogs before, about how neither wants to be the alpha and how they’re forever submitting to each other–and to any other creature (except squirrels) that crosses their path. Although my two take it to the extreme, submitting is something that comes naturally to canines. In a normal fight between dogs, one will often quickly submit by rolling over. The winner accepts that signal and ends the encounter. 

With fighting dogs, that part of their behavior is trained out of them. They’re taught to ignore the signals of submission and continue to fight regardless of how badly injured they are. A dog’s willingness to fight is a trait breeders look for, as this quality is generally passed on (and amplified) in their offspring. 

The idea of deliberately breeding dogs based on their viciousness and ferocity is revolting, and I suspect society has begun paying the price. For the past few decades, breeders seeking to construct the ultimate fighting machines have, as a byproduct, created monsters–dogs that appear to be normal, loving pets, before some bred-in character flaw prompts them to suddenly turn on those who once were their friends. It seems hardly a week goes by that the news isn’t reporting another mauling by a pit bull, a breed once known for intelligence and loyalty, and now seen mostly as killers.

 Dog fighting enthusiasts will argue that these dogs are hard-wired to fight, claiming they’re merely allowing what comes naturally, but that isn’t the case. Owning a winning dog is a status thing, like having the biggest gold chain or the fanciest car. To some, it’s the ultimate macho bling, living and breathing. So to gain that status, these dogs are trained, tortured and starved until they’re blood-thirsty fighting machines. 

 Some of those posting on blogs discussing Michael Vick’s alleged involvement with dog-fighting are excusing his behavior by saying he wasn’t ready to face the pressures of adulthood, and that he was simply trying to help friends and relatives with their business venture. We should take note of these people. They’re waving a red flag, unknowingly alerting us to the presence of either dumbness, or numbness.

 I won’t go into Vick’s level of involvement or what type of punishment I think he should receive. That’s for the courts to decide. I’m simply grateful that someone of his stature–a previously respected person with a well-known name–is drawing attention to something this heinous. Perhaps now the scrutiny and public outrage will reach the level that people will think twice before allowing themselves to be associated with even the outermost fringes of dog fighting.

 Dog fighting needs to become socially unacceptable everywhere. Not just illegal, which it is in all 50 states. (Unfortunately, West Virginia is one of the few states where loopholes in our dog fighting laws can allow it to qualify as a misdemeanor.) Dog fighting needs to go from the low-class activity it is to a no-class activity no one will want to support.

 In spite of what happens, or doesn’t, dogs will continue to be man’s best friend. Regardless of whether we deserve such an honor.  

This entry was posted on Friday, August 3rd, 2007 at 3:59 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.