I love my dog.

"He's just a dog."

I cannot stand it when people tell me this. That my precious puppy is "just a dog." No, he is NOT "just a dog"; he is MY dog, and I will take care of him to the best of my ability.

It is not fair to assume that b/c Rasta is a dog, he can be treated badly. I won't leave him tethered in the yard; I won't keep him cooped up in his kennel for more than 5 hours at a time; I won't feed him crap food; I won't physically or emotional abuse him when he's "being bad," because I remember that he is still a puppy and still full of endless energy.

Yes, I will buy him toys; I will take him to the vet when he needs it rather than spend money on myself; I will leave the fan on for him instead of turning it off to save electricity. I will bathe him, cut his fingernails, brush his teeth, buy him "dentasticks," and love on him all I want because he is MY DOG to take care of how I WANT.

I did not get a dog to play with for awhile and then abandon. With me, he has a forever home.

I have always had a passion for animals. As a kid, I was always appalled at how anyone could experience "the thrill of the kill" in hunting. I remember being made fun of for being so sensitive towards animals.

I understand that meat is a huge part of our diets. I would be lying if I said that I have managed to become a vegetarian. I have tried in the past, but am ultimately a carnivore. This does not mean that I have the heart to go out and kill the animals myself. I would not be able to find joy in such a "sport." I don't understand how others can find joy in it, either.

The only way I find hunting acceptable is if the hunting is kept to a minimum (i.e., hunting regulations on how many animals can legally be killed per season) and if the animal is used completely for its meat and hide. Poaching makes me absolutely SICK.

Still, I don't understand the "fun" of hunting, or like I said earlier, "the thrill of the kill." I don't understand the satisfaction with killing another living being.

My passion for animal rights increased greatly when I adopted Rasta. I have bonded so incredibly with this animal that I cannot comprehend how anyone could ever hurt, abuse, abandon, or downright mistreat an animal. They are living, breathing creatures that feel physical and emotional pain.

I love my dog.