For the Dog-obsessed: Words matter
This comes under the idea that words matter. In the Western world, we commonly (and in the legal system) use the word "owner" to describe our relationship with the dogs that share our lives.
It is a ladened term, a word that objectifies. We "own" property: our home, car, land, desk, and computer. Implied in our ownership of property is the knowledge that we can do anything we want with it because it is ours.
When we think of ourselves as the "owner" of a dog, we can make up our own rules regarding how we treat the dog. When a dog becomes an inconvenience, we can surrender it to a shelter. (granted, some extenuating circumstances require the tragedy of surrendering an animal)
Spend an hour at an animal shelter near you, and you will deeply understand the consequences of our belief that dogs are property.
In contrast, the Hawaiian word for someone who lives with a dog is "Kahu." Roughly translated, it means guardian or caretaker of a sentient being. As a "Kahu," I am responsible for the dogs that live with me from birth to death.
I have no idea how this plays out on the ground in Hawaii, but words drive our thinking, and our thinking drives our actions. Being a "Kahu" is markedly different from owning a dog.
If you are reading this, you probably already think of yourself as a dog guardian, the human in a special relationship with a dog. (This is titled "For the dog-obsessed.")
I wonder what would change if this became the accepted term in our culture. Would it impact the shelters? Would we see less abuse, fewer abandoned dogs or lost dogs, and fewer puppy mills?
I'm convinced the answer is "yes." I also believe that we are in the midst of a sea change in terms of how we collectively think about dogs. It's getting better! So to my fellow "kahu's," take your dog for a walk! (If it's not too hot. . .)
For more about guardianship, pick up a copy of “Dog Lessons: Learning the Important Stuff from our Best Friends” Available online, at Barnes and Noble, and Collected Works in Santa Fe.