Jerry Summers
In order to avoid legal action by the ASPCA, the McKamey Animal Center, Hamilton County Humane Society, dog lovers local and internationally, etc. this is a disclaimer of any perceived “anti-pooch” position and is merely a statement of the historical basis for a definition of the term.
According to legend in prehistoric China, for hygiene and safety reasons, dogs weren’t allowed inside the city walls. It was also forbidden to dispose of garbage within the city, and so the designated dump outside the walls was where the stray dogs found food. When undesirables and criminals were banished from the city and forced to compete with the dogs for food at the garbage dump, it was said they had “gone to the dogs.”
(Any coincidental similarity to the political and economic status of conditions in our community and nation is beyond the scope of this article.)
However, it should be respectfully pointed out some parts of China are relatively puppy free because they are considered a delicacy on the food chain.
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You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com