Democratic dogs

The more observant of my readers may have noticed an omission in my musings  - there are no girls in the gang. In fact, there are very few, just one I think, mentioned in the stories at all.

That was Candy, a prize-winning bitch belonging to Mrs Anderson who, to her owner’s surprise and consternation, decided to spend the night away from home and was believed to be the victim of dognappers.

All turned out well but the episode did make me think about the advisability of inviting girls as permanent members of the gang. I raised the dilemma with the boys on a number of occasions and the consensus appeared to be that we were better off with a male-only rule.

Their reasons were somewhat obtuse. Girls, they thought, were more likely to disobey orders and be less disciplined. Then there was the problem of puppies.

While the boys generally had no objection to pups per se ( I think the use of a little Latin is permissible in these blogs, raises the tone a bit), after all they were once youngsters themselves; it’s the fuss and bother pups bring in their wake that annoys them, and me I have to admit.

They take all the attention after birth and the fathers are forgotten. Our contribution to the event is hardly ever acknowledged and we are packed off quickly back to our own homes after our role is complete.

Whoever thinks about bringing to pups to meet their dad? Very few owners indeed.
When they get a little older are they ever told who their father was? No is the answer to that one.

It’s all about the mothers and their role in bringing up the pups. Why should they have to do this important task without the help of the father.  Humans are very fond of emphasising the importance of a male parent in the development of children. Why not us?

For these reasons and because we dogs feel that we are not given the opportunity to help with our offspring, the gang, on a majority vote, decided to not to admit girls. Usually I do not hold with such democratic procedures and feel that my view should always prevail. But in an important decision such as this I decided to let the boys have a say.

The fact that I lobbied quite fiercely for the ban had some bearing on the result I am sure. In fact I took each one aside and explained the problems of having girls in the gang, adding quite a few reasons to those already discussed.

The result could well be more of those pesky pups and the girls gradually taking over –  not a situation to be contemplated with any equanimity.

So, I had won again. Life can be allowed to carry on in the tranquil fashion the gang is used to. I feel vindicated in putting on the pressure.

Please, don’t anyone accuse me of disliking the girls. I am the father of numerous puppies.

That proves my point.