Marshall, VA

Good Dog, Bad Owner

What is it that causes a dog owner to chain or pen his dog outside and neglect it for most of its life?

While out driving in Marshall, Virginia the other day for an inspection, I came across a dog that just looked like it had a miserable existence of a life. Chained to a doghouse, this pit bull mix did not look mean or imposing. In fact, it looked a little clutzy and sad.

Rather, it was the owner who wasn't overly friendly. Still, while taking a photo of the house next door (a comp I needed), I told the guy, "Hey, your dog just knocked over his water bowl," which the owner at least seemed to acknowledge.

For those of you that don't know, Marshall is the sticks, but I've seen this type of thing in Fairfax, Alexandria, and even DC. I've seen dogs locked in crates, bedrooms, garages, sheds, barns, and basements.

Is it such that we don't have laws that deal with this, this neglect?

With all the recent focus on dog and animal abuse caused by the Michael Vic stir, has the more subtle abuse just been shoved under the carpet?

What I really wanted to ask the guy was, "Hey, why do you even OWN a dog?" I mean why? House alarms are cheaper!