RR #1 Essays - Animals, Dog Breeding, Animal Welfare, Dogs

Good Dog, Bad Dog " Bad Dog" by Rachel Maizes is a very interesting essay about a dog named Chance who was actually owned by the writer herself. At the time of the essay, Chance is an old worn down dog who once "stood like a champion" but now he "looks like a ghost" even though he is still alive. The reason he is so worn down?... Chance has a temper, a very big one, It started as early as 2 yrs old when he used to "growl at other dogs, chase children/cyclists and even flatten puppies under his paws". This temper would continue with him throughout his life as it led him into many fights which is why after 14 years, his body is so beaten and brittle. Most would probably label Chance as a so called "bad dog" but Rachel doesn't see it that way as she feels Chance is perfect for her as she describes herself as a "introvert who identifies with his desire to be alone". She mentions how Chance was there for her after her divorce and "took care of her", Funnily enough she even admits she is sometimes ashamed of having a "bad dog" and even fears he may attack someone. However the question I pose to you as a reader is that even though Chance is seen by most as a bad dog, is he truly a bad dog or a by product of a bad situation? My answer to that very question is that Chance while a bad dog to the rest of the world is actually a good dog to Rachel (his owner). Yes I know that him attacking other dogs and even threatening to attack humans and other animals isn't good behavior. I also know the fact that he can't even interact with pretty much anyone besides rachel also isn't a very positive trait to have. However, all of that doesn't affect my answer as I feel he is a good dog to/for Rachel because not only does she truly love him, he will always be there for her and she will do the same. Another reason I believe he is a good dog is the story she describes in the essay about when a yellow Lab lunged at Chance and digged his teeth into him. Uncharacteristically, Chance didn't fight back and just let the Lab tear at his face until the owner finally pulled the Lab off of Chance. Amazed at what she had seen, Rachel wondered to herself why a (young Chance at the time) didn't fight back, why he didn't just go after the Lab like he normally would, as he seemed to hold back. To me this is evidence that deep down Chance while rough around the edges is just like a every other dog and isn't so bad after all but in fact it is Rachel herself who is the problem as I feel she is a bad owner/parent. She even partially admits her faults when she says "I didn't know when i adopted chance, that puppies need to interact with other dogs to learn social cues" this is just an example of the faults she committed as an owner. She also admits to "failing Chance" on multiple occasions. With this being said I think it is clear that while Chance is a bad dog to the world (because of the bad parenting by Rachel) he is a good dog to Rachel and their relationship while a very peculiar one, works for them and in the end that's all that matters (Bad dog + Bad owner = Good relationship) 31