By Darcy Keehn & Colleen Akkerman

This column portrays ideas regarding animal freedoms in the new age. Darcy and Colleen decided to explore what Rio and Liberty’s viewpoint might be.

Rio and Liberty, father and daughter Dachshunds, living with Darcy, wonder what life in the Aquarian Age could be like for dogs, in contrast to life in the old Piscean Age. Colleen grew up with dogs in her life, and is excited to see how attitudes towards animals evolve in the new age.

Rio, at 12 years old, is a worldly dog, a Grand Champion, a performance titled dog. He’s a Dad, a Grandpa, a great Grandpa and a great great Grandpa of other Champion and performance titled dogs.

Rio is a chatty extrovert! He makes sounds at Darcy when he wants her to take action…like when the cows get out, or a stranger is outside the house, or one of the other dogs is hurt, or he simply wants a treat. He tells her everything!

As the senior male, Rio is responsible for the pack. He teaches the younger dogs the rules, and it’s clear that he would give his life for Darcy and his family…a very passionate soul.

Liberty, at only 6 months of age, hopes to follow in her father’s paw prints. She admires his many accomplishments. She’s progressive, and her world is wide open! 

She considers herself lucky living at this time, where attitudes towards dogs are evolving and their feelings matter.

Liberty wants to see the relationships between people and dogs continue to improve.  Already in some states dogs are legally considered to be family members and not seen as property.

Can we talk Heart to Heart?

Liberty:  Daddy, can we have a heart-to-heart talk?

Rio:  We’re family. I want you to know I’m always here for you. What do you want to talk about? 

Liberty:  I’ve heard people say that we’re spoiled. Is that true? What does that mean anyway? What makes them think we’re spoiled?

Rio:  We are not spoiled! As dogs, we are fairly compensated for enriching people’s lives. Both dogs and people are much happier when they have a healthy relationship together.

Liberty:  I have a healthy relationship with Darcy. She works to make my life better in so many ways. She inspires me to try.

We do interesting things together…I’m learning to use my nose for field trials, looking for bunnies. I know how to pose for a conformation judge. I especially enjoy the swimming sessions… they’re my favorite.

Rio:  See, that’s how healthy relationships work. It’s not about being spoiled. It’s about caring for each other and each giving their best!

Speaking of healthy relationships, on the news this morning we saw a story about Mia, a 17-year-old Israeli girl who was kidnapped by the Hamas. She, along with her mother and several hostages, were released during the cease fire. She stated that she was physically fine, but mentally captivity was a tough experience. 

Mia had smuggled her dog Bella in with her, fearing for the dogs life if it couldn’t stay with her. She said that Bella “kept me going…she was a huge help to me…she kept me busy…she was moral support.” Mia now has an expression about her dog, “I love you to Gaza and back!”

This story uplifts us, showing the bond between a human family and it’s dog, and the support they give each other.

Liberty recently got her rabies vaccination at the Humane Society. Posted at the front desk are the Five Freedoms for Animals. These Freedoms are internationally accepted standards of care, that affirm every living being’s right to humane treatment. These standards were developed in Britain in 1965 and endorsed by Shelter Veterinarians for all companion animals.

They are as follows:

Freedom from hunger and thirst;

Freedom from discomfort;

Freedom from pain, injury or disease;

Freedom to express normal behavior;

Freedom from fear and distress.

***Watch for our next column as Rio and Liberty explore the Five Freedoms for Animals with

Darcy and Colleen.

Liberty

Rio