I miss my dog

As anyone on this trip knows by now, I talk about my dog an excessive amount. Beau is the most important thing to me in my life and most who have talked to me know this and have seen my extensive collections of photos of him sleeping, yawning, looking adoringly at me and other cute photos along those lines. We are very well matched and very attached to one another, and today's visit to the animal facilties at Bayer in Monheim did not help one bit in my not missing him a great deal.

This may seem strange to some whose pets came from breeders or even an animal shelter back in Texas - but seeing those research beagles tugged at my heart strings because Beau was also a research dog. And although he's been living with me for over a year, he's still very "damaged," very shy and nervous and dedicated to me - the one human he truly trusts (although this may change after my sudden abandonment of him at my parents house for this trip). There were two beagles in the newer part of the facility, whose soulful mournful browns eyes, nervous shaking and quick frightened movements reminded me exactly of Beau's first days with me, and it broke my heart all over again.

The amazing thing about Germany (and many other European countries) is that they have such strict laws concerning animal welfare. The dogs in Bayer's facility receive amazing care - large runs, daily outings outside, and all the barking they can handle. Other than those two with the petrified eyes, they all seemed happy and fat. They only live in the facilities for about a year and then they go to great homes. Beau was in the university's facility for three years, in a kennel 1/3rd the size of the Bayer dogs'. He was not socialized as a puppy and he never got the care and attention those Bayer dogs do.

It makes me wish that we had better animal protection laws in the states. But then again, that sort of legislation is just an invitation for over interpretation by zealous organizations who confuse animal welfare with animal rights. It makes even the veterinary profession more difficult in the event you are sued because animals take on a more-than-just-property status. It makes for a lot of extra paper work and it probably trickles down to higher taxes and tuition.

But still, I often find myself wishing things were better for dogs like Beau - even for dogs like those at Bayer. All I can do I guess is give my pup the best life possible. And take more research dogs into my home. Which I am doing. As soon as I get home.