After my column on cats, dog lovers demanded equal time for their favorite species. Who doesn’t love those devoted, delightful companions, man and woman’s best friend!
I grew up in Hilo with Spot Wong, a dog of mixed parentage just like the rest of us. Spot roamed our yard, guarded the house and ate whatever we ate — chicken hekka, malasadas, kau yuk — relishing as we did, an occasional kalbi bone. He hid when he heard water filling up the galvanized washtub for his bath and napped in the middle of the street, unfazed by the occasional passing car.
Back then, dogs were an important part of the family but we always knew they were dogs, unlike today when canines are often treated as humans. Sometimes owners put them in cutesy outfits to bring them shopping, ignoring the “no pets” sign posted at the door.
As a young mother, I couldn’t wait for the time when I didn’t have to drag my kids along on hunting and gathering missions. And it may be true, as some insist, that their pet is better behaved than children but at least a child wears diapers. I cringe whenever I see a dog in the store and wonder what little souvenirs they’ve deposited in hidden corners.
Call the Health Department!
I also suffer from allergies and when my throat starts to itch and eyes water, I know a dog is nearby. After putting down the shopping basket, I announce to anyone who will listen, that I hope the pet makes a purchase because my wallet and I have to leave.
When I go to the beach, I might see dogs pooping and peeing not far from where keiki are playing. I’m pretty sure canines can’t read the “no pets allowed” county sign on coconut trees but the two-legged animal carrying the picnic basket can. These folks however, neither know nor care that on our shores there are monk seals sunning themselves and honu resting and nesting. When I helpfully offer this information to the human violator, they protest that their beloved Fifi is allowed on beaches where they come from!
Sorry sir, or madame, but here we have endangered species to protect.
For those inclined to treat their pets as children, consider this: dogs can serve as eyes, ears and limbs of some people who lack them. These are noble and heroic dogs, trained to do important jobs. Recently we learned that canines possess olfactory powers to detect cancer and even the coronavirus!
Let’s compare such skills to those of kids. While we parents are convinced that our offspring are supremely gifted, my brilliant three didn’t always notice the pungent odor wafting from their hamper. Perhaps humans can smell a rat, but so far, we have not been able to sniff out a tumor.
Canines have admirable abilities well beyond the scope of Homo sapiens. This is verification that they should not be treated the same as us lowly human beings. And while adorable, they can also be dangerous, especially when running in packs. If there are problems with dogs, it’s because of owners who neglect to train them, forgetting that canines are still animals with a wild streak. So now we need laws and ordinances since dogs seem to be evil demons or privileged pooches. But let’s not blame them because it’s not their fault. It’s the humans who need education on responsible pet ownership.
I miss the dogs of yesteryear like Spot Wong who guarded the house, ate our scraps, hid from his bath and frolicked with us kids.
Where did they go?
Rochelle delaCruz was born in Hilo, graduated from Hilo High School, then left to go to college. After teaching for 30 years in Seattle, Wash., she retired and returned home to Hawaii. She welcomes your comments at rainysideview@gmail.com. Her column appears every other Monday.
