Many years ago, when I was a boy, my Aunt Angie and Uncle Herman rented a trailer in a trailer park off U.S. 72 going toward Rogersville.

I would go and stay with them on occasion. They had a dog named Bowser, a German shepherd-Dane mix. He looked more shepherd, and he was really a big baby.

One night when I was visiting, Bowser did not want to share Aunt Angie with me, and he nipped me. Angie was not having it and put him outside on a chain.

We could hear poor Bowser wailing outside. Angie brought him back in and pointed at me and stated to him that he was never to nip me again. The dog pouted for a bit, but he understood and never nipped at anyone who was family ever again.

Let’s talk about that dog seen chained outside. Ever notice how wound up they seem, especially the younger ones? Notice how some get mean?

Have you seen a chain catch a child or person by the ankles and cause a fall or bruising?

Dogs are chained for many reasons, including:

• “I don’t want the dog in my house”;

• “It’s just a dog, and they belong outside”;

• “I don’t want dog hair in my house”; or

• “We don’t have a fence yet.”

What’s your excuse? A dog chained outside can hear everything going on. They hear the laughter and joy coming from the house, and most, if not all, wish they were a part of your lives.

If they seem uninterested, maybe it’s because they have become used to hearing life go on without them. So, why have a dog? Why was the dog ever taken in if it was going to be ignored?

They have feelings, too, and it is evident in their eyes. Remember, the eyes are the windows to the soul.

Think about what I am saying here. A lot of preachers would have a come-apart if they read that. Many people do not believe dogs have a spirit. Well, here is a shocker for that kind of unbeliever. Look into a dog’s eyes, and there is evidence of life in those eyes.

Let’s discuss the possibility of no chain at all. First, we want to ensure the dog will not run away and get injured or killed. Don’t try this unless certain the dog will come when called. If there is any doubt, use a leash and transfer the dog from chain to leash and then bring them in.

Once inside your home, your dog may get so excited, it will run around like it has lost its mind. This is temporary, however, and he or she should calm down.

Is the dog house-broken? Will it ask to go outside? If not, someone should keep it on a schedule until it learns the rules. It may have one or two accidents before it is considered house-trained.

Third, dogs are social animals. They tend to desire to be part of the family.

Remember the saying, “man’s best friend”? A dog may get excited to see a family member, but if given the chance, it will stop jumping and calm down. A chain causes a dog to build up energy and desire.

Finally, if your dog is chained, do you think about it at all? If not, the dog needs a better home.

— Pets and the People Who Love Them is brought to you by your friends at the Athens Limestone Animal Shelter. To adopt a dog or cat, please visit the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter at 1701 U.S. 72 (behind Limestone Veterinary Clinic), visit our Facebook page or call us at 256-771-7889. Email your questions and story ideas to me at PetsAndPeople@charter.net, and I’ll check with the experts (veterinarians, animal behaviorists, etc.) and get back to you in a future column.