As we discover more ways for dogs to make our lives easier, to assist in our living and improve our physical and mental well-being, their mystique only grows. This obsession with dogs and their seemingly miraculous ways may also blind us to what is best for them, and ourselves. Such discussions are not just esoteric debates for ivory tower ethicists and animal rights activists. What we do not know about dogs is as important as what we know, and until we acknowledge our misconceptions, we will likely continue to view them as the unlikely mix of the cuddly, adorable puppy, the Lassie-like savior of lost children and miracle healer of the sick. Bred out of our thinking is the simple fact that they are, after all, just dogs.
Life is so much easier.
It doesn't have to be this stressful. Vera and Doc have lived together in East Missoula for the last two and a half years. Due to a rare, degenerative nerve disorder that impairs her mobility and limits her reach from her wheelchair, Vera has called upon Doc to become her hands when hers will not suffice. At home, Doc gets to be a dog until he's needed for work. Doc took a while to get used to people with hats and dreadlocks, and still isn't a big fan of Halloween costumes.