Rationale for this Web Site

In many respects, we are making progress in our relationship with the animals in our lives. Animal rights are taken increasingly seriously: we have a responsibility to protect the species we exploit for food, apparel, research, and entertainment. At the same time, there is a growing recognition of the profound benefits of the companionship of pets, particularly cats and dogs.

Paradoxically, just as we are realizing the justice and the benefits of welcoming and respecting companion animals in our society, there are powerful forces working to marginalize and sequester dogs. Landlords exclude dogs as a matter of course, or gouge tenants with non-refundable deposits. All manner of public buildings, whether they have any compelling need for stringent hygiene, bar entry to dogs. On campuses like Cornell, where thirty years ago dogs joined the frisbee games and even accompanied their owners to class, dogs are tolerated only on leash.

"Please leave your dogs and other pets at home" (Click for larger image)

The pedestrian Commons downtown has inconspicuous little signs advising visitors to "leave your dog at home." And in all of Ithaca, there is not one single public space where dogs can legally exercise and socialize freely. Now we have been told in unmistakable terms that the leash laws will also be enforced at the so-called DogPark at Treman marina.

In effect, it has become politically acceptable to treat dogs as vermin. Phobias are legitimized and reinforced. Worse, by denying dogs the opportunity to become socialized with other dogs and with strangers, we are breeding apprehensive, aggressively territorial, neurotic, yappy, snippy, sociopathic, and dangerous animals that reinforce prejudices and litigious tendencies.

How can we turn this trend around? Pleading for the rights of the dog-owning minority is not likely to make a difference. Majority rule means that dog owners, like cigarette smokers, can be hemmed in and hassled until they just hang it up. Unless we can make a compelling economic argument for free-range dogs, we might as well trade in our canines for goldfish.

Fortunately, there is such an argument. Dog-based tourism is a new but extremely auspicious development. It seems that yuppies don't want to leave their dogs in a kennel while they go on holiday. Instead, they are looking for vacation destinations where they can bring their dogs. Tourism is a critical industry in the Finger Lakes region, and it has excellent opportunities for hiking and other activities that are enjoyed by humans and dogs alike.

We intend to propose a program that will position Ithaca as one of the finest Fido-friendly destinations in America. Here are some of the opportunities:

• Fund-raising and proselytizing for no-kill SPCAs
• Dog-Days Festival (with dog show, dog races, etc.)
• Promotion of entrepreneurial equity -- Fido-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and shops
• Promotion of the Treman DogPark as the Jewel in the Crown of Finger Lakes dog-based tourism

For more information, see www.ithaca4dogs.com.

We welcome suggestions and collaboration in this effort.