Last night's show on Dogs, Michael Vick, Leona Helmsley, and our attachment to dogs really stirred the passions on both sides.
If you missed the show, listen here
Strong emails and opinions,so I have selected two as the best. One today, and one to post tomorrow.
Here is the first - from those who politely disagree.. Interesting opener and closer.

You suck. I am one of the Americans you referred to on your show that considers my dogs to be a part of my family. I have lost three babies and for now my dogs are my kids. Several times they have made me get out of bed in the morning, made me laugh through my tears, even kept me from taking my own life. The people that don't understand the type of connection with dogs that I am describing don't understand it because they have not experienced it. That does not make it wrong Allen--it certainly does not make it a sin.

I know, you said (paraphrasing, not quoting) we sometimes treat dogs better than humans and humans worse than dogs and that is wrong and can even be a sin. Christ loves unconditionally and teaches us to forgive one another and treat every brother the same--as we would treat Christ himself. As a follower of faith you must understand that this becomes increasingly difficult for mankind to do in a society where brothers comit inconceivable and unimaginable acts against one another. Dogs provide unconditional love and joy. They add so much to the lives of people. If a person receives fulfillment from a relationship with their dog it does not harm anything.

When I last glanced at your poll the people that consider dogs part of their family were about tied with the people that do not consider them a part of their family. I have never listened to your show before. I heard the last few offensive minutes on accident. I will never listen again. The reason the poll results have not skyrocketed with people that consider dogs a member of their family being in the overwhelming percentage, those people are out walking and spending time with their dogs.

Are you a cat lover?

Jessica