When I was growing up in the Vermont countryside, there were 8 people in a little tiny 4 bedroom ranch house. We always had dogs, but they were ALWAYS outside dogs, unless it was frigid. My dad would have preferred the dog remain outside no MATTER what the weather, but my mom was much more soft hearted and would go get the dog and bring them in. Vermont has awful winters. Our dogs were happy mostly.
But as soon as I left home, and took in animals, I never had an outside dog. My pups had a run outside, and they would spend nice days out there, but they would never be out at night. I had a lab, a German shepherd/lab mix, and a Irish setter at different times that remained outside on nice days. At night, they were in.
I agree that the argument here seems to be mostly centered on coutry living as opposed to city living. Country folk sometimes have many animals, not just dogs. (right Debbie?
) They are accustomed to keeping animals outside, and for the most part they do everything possible to make their animal friends comfortable and happy outdoors. They don't love them any less because they live outside.
I think y'all have to agree to disagree!