Man's Best Friend or Environmental Villains?

American Thinker ^ | 19 Apr, 2025 | Jessica Curtis

[MtnClimber]

As the proud owner of three incredible (crazy) dogs, nothing sends me into a tailspin quite like the recent accusation that dogs are “environmental villains.” According to a report from Mother Jones earlier this week, citing the Guardian, our beloved pets are allegedly wreaking havoc on wildlife, polluting waterways, and even contributing to carbon emissions. This claim is so outlandish it’s almost comical. As an unabashed dog lover, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Let’s get one thing straight: dogs are not causing the end of the world. In fact, they’re one of the few things in life that consistently make the world a better place. While some folks are busy trying to make dogs the scapegoats for everything wrong with the environment, let’s remember all the incredible things they do for us -- and the world. Are we really going to blame the animals who bring so much joy and happiness for a bit of dog waste?

First, let’s talk about how dogs benefit human health. Studies have shown time and time again that owning a dog is good for you. Dogs get us moving. They encourage exercise by making us take daily walks, play fetch, or even just chase after them while they get into trouble. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and a reduced risk of heart disease. So, if you’re out there criticizing your dog for contributing to environmental harm, maybe take a moment to realize that your dog is actually helping you stay healthy.

Dogs also provide immense mental health benefits. If you’ve ever had a bad day, there’s nothing better than being greeted by your dog’s wagging tail and puppy eyes.

[piasa]

“dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and a reduced risk of heart disease.”

Their neighbors, not so much. Especially if they open poultry or cats or are avid birdwatchers or have a garden or rabbits, or are sensitive to excessive barking during their sleep hours or when they want to use their porch.

That said, the health benefits also apply to people who have any kind of pet, including fish, reptiles, mammals, minihorses, birds. Well, most birds. Maybe not the one I have. ;-)

[Patriot777]

Haha boy that’s true. Just say hey go grab that yo-yo rake out of my little shop and whack those weeds back for me! And they’ll run like a scared deer.🦌

[ridesthemiles]

MY DOG TELLS ME FASTER THAN ANY SECURITY COMPANY THAT I HAVE A “VISITOR”.

EVEN IF IT IS SOMEONE HE KNOWS...

THEN HE SUBSTITUTES A BARK WITH A WHINE...

[orlop9]

Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.
Groucho Marx

[Veto!]

Groucho Marx was really funny. Thanks for the laugh.

My daughter has four dogs: two Corgis, one Labradoodle and one Heinz 57. Before her husband died two years ago, they lived on 10 acres. Now she lives in a pretty house she bought in Spokane, near me. She walks those dogs every day, 2 or four miles. They do bark and the neighbors sometimes complain. So she’s looking for a house in the country,, about 40 miles from me. Big sigh.