[Nikki+2]

I think those of you with outdoor dogs have explained that they can be well taken care of and well loved outdoors. I certainly don't think anyone on this forum would neglect their pets. I think the op probably sees neglected dogs outside- especially harsh in Canada. There are few breeds that could withstand a Canadian winter outside all of the time, especially without shelter. I think she was just so upset by what she has seen, understandably IMO, that she was just having a hard time wrapping her mind around the fact that some dogs want to be outside and depending on the climate and shelter provided them, can be perfectly happy that way.

I totally understand that her tone was insulting to some of you. I just wish sometimes we would take a person's age into consideration. Instead of jumping on her about not using the proper tone to teach us, maybe we could find the proper tone to teach her. I have a very animal passionate daughter and we have to talk all of the time about the proper and effective way to portray your message. It's not something most of us are born knowing. I think we should all applaud Keelymomma for being so aware and caring so much at her age.