“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Some people should apply this to their own pets and children.

I see runners jogging along, dog in tow. Except no one asked the dog if he likes jogging. A lot of dogs love the thrill of a spurt of speed after a Frisbee or ball, like taking off after prey. Those attached by the leash to joggers, however, seem torn between exhaustion and boredom. And what good is it to pass all those trees, trash cans, newspaper boxes, etc., if you can’t stop or at least slow down enough to pee on them?

Then there are the jogging parents who push their charges along in strollers in front of them. This strategy enables Mom or Dad to avoid seeing their baby or toddler with its sensitive eyes and its chapped little face screwed up against the cold, wind, and sun hitting baby head on, eyes streaming tears.

I’ve been reassured that dogs and babies love this activity.

Well, of course they do! They are unable to voice an opinion except with the miserable expressions on their faces and the contortions of their body language, both of which are always conveniently out of sight, out of mind.