WORKING SERVICE DOGS

In each persons lifetime there are usually set boundaries and barriers. Some have been in place for generations, others are there but for the moment. The dog registries, to me, are very much like the idea of societies class distinction.

I was born in very much what was known as the poor “poor side” of town. Through out my younger life I was often made aware of that fact. Those people that made me aware of it had money. The fact was that they had no real love. They had big houses that were never really homes and lots of presents at Christmas time, which never really made them smile. This had little to do with the fact that society, as a whole, deemed them better.
They were the track stars in school. Yet I could name a dozen kids that could outrun them any day, any time. Teachers catered to them while approving of the work permits for other intelligent youths to go to work at 15 years of age, when they students should have went to higher places of learning.
Our fathers walked to work while theirs drove in big cars.

In our neighborhood we had the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest unknown scholars of our time. Great men like Mr.__________, Mr.__________, Mr.__________ and many others who took the time daily to teach us manners and history.

The truth was that the lost neighborhood was really not lost at all. It was strong. Much stronger and more resilient than the outside world would ever know. We all rejoiced when the ___________ family had their 12th child. Every household did their share in helping to raise it. We all mourned when the __________ family lost their child. To this day we still do.

As I reflect on these days I see that the upper class was actually not really up that high. In fact they are pretty low down in most categories.

The registries are like that to me. A lie that continues even though the twisted, tormented, diseased and incapable offspring they call “champions” is visible to everyone’s sight. These animals are still held high by the papers they possess. There was a time, even though I am ashamed to admit this, that I wished I had been born on the other side of those invisible tracks. That time was short lived. I desire not to have their dogs or their baggage. There is a big difference in ability and vanity. The unknown scholars knew it and taught it. They also taught the courage it takes to admit it. It is not a popular stand to take, but you get to stand with some fascinating people and amazing working, perhaps even unregistered dogs, in doing so.
© Mike McConnery 02/11/03

©2003-Baden K-9, Mike & Emmy McConnery

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