Wow, I haven't added anything to this yet, as I feel that everyone has already spoken the exact words I feel. But I feel that I have to add my own 2 cents worth. From the first day that this topic has been started I have been signing Tim's guestbook. In rational and polite ways I explain the horrors of this do called 'dog riders society'. I will not stop, it's the very least that I can do to make him daily go through my little rant. Everyday he will have to be reminded of the dangers involved in what he endorses. Putting aside the dangers to the dogs for a moment, please Legend, remember that this is putting the children at grave risk for getting a dog bite. Children WILL be children, and no matter how informed they are of riding a dog only under supervision, at least ONE will attempt this without supervision, and at least ONE will be bitten. This is endagering both the dog for health reasons and the child. Under no circumstances can I see a positive light on what is going on here.
Unfortunatley when I was a child my parents thought it was cute to place me and my sister on our 140lb Newf cross. He was a wonderful dog, and I give him all of the credit in the world for showing me the love giant breeds can give. When he was only five years old he had to euthanized due to the extreme displasia in his hips. I learned a harsh lesson that resulted in me loosing my best friend when I was only five years old (we were the same age). This is not a story I am proud of, but it is appropriate to be told here. Chauncey (my childhood pal) was a gentle soul who deserved much more than children riding him like pony. I still think of him often even though so much time has passed.
