I didn't see this article, thanks for linking to it! It was an interesting read and I completely agree with the 'just-say-no' side of the argument. Our pets, our children, and ourselves are so drug-induced now it's hard to figure out what behaviors and actions are normal. I'm always suspicious when someone claims their child has ADD, my brother was repeately informed he had ADD by both people qualified and not.

He doesn't, by the way. He's just hyper after intaking any kind of food item, sugar or not. We introduced him to baseball and: problem solved. He as an outlet for the energy (mostly :D) and whatever chaos he caused in the house was averted.

I think it's the same for our pets. People (I like to think) research and prepare before adopting or deciding to have a child. Bringing a new life into the world is a huge decision to make, it requires sacrifices of time and money. Yet when something 'appears' to be wrong, we're quick to drug the kid rather than entertain the idea that the environment or living conditions are causing the problem. We'd rather have a dosed child than consider, 'maybe it's my fault.'

But why is it people don't go to the same depths to prepare for a new puppy? Why do people think it's OK to leave that puppy locked in the kitchen for several hours mid-day? Would you leave your new-born?

With our propensity for drugs on all manner of people it's just not surprising we'd extend the service to our pets. It's sad, really, how reliant we've become on the things. Every other commercial is a self-diagnosis for sleep disorder or anxiety.

Try swimming half a mile every morning for a month and eating something healthy for a change before you jump all over the drugs-- and do the same for your pet. Take a run in the park and give him something to do while you're gone. I'd go stir-crazy too if I was locked in the kitchen. Wouldn't you?