[MyPemCharlie]

Charlie is with me, inside and outside together, almost 24 hours a day. I think he's happier, and I know I am.

I do know people here in Texas though who keep their dogs outside 24 hours a day. A few of them go out about every hour or two and play fetch, take their dog out for daily walks, obedience train, get good vet care, etc and the dogs seem healthy and well adjusted. (I think they'd be even better as indoor/outdoor dogs, but that's just me.) The dogs have plenty of shade, quality food, water, and a good dog house. These folks do love and take care of their dogs. It's just their "old school" thought that animals belong outdoors.

Unfortunately I have met too many people whose dogs live outside, and they seem to almost have forgotten they have a dog. The dogs still have food, water, shade, but not much stimulation or interaction with their owners. Those dogs seem either depressed or hyper (probably both) and their humans should not have gotten a dog in the first place. These dogs are merely surviving, not thriving...not much of a life.

I would discourage anyone from leaving their dog out 24/7, but there are a few responsible owners who do it.