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Pets in an animal science program?For quite some time I have been sharing my concern about the relationship between people and their pets. When 84 percent of all pet owners in this country consider themselves to be the mother or father of their pet, I struggle to see that as a positive thing for the future of our country. Even the national news was referring to pet owners as "Pet Parents." That is why, during a recent visit to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I was first startled and then embraced a new venture taking place. One year ago UNL created a full-time position for a Companion Animal Specialist. Dr. Lisa Karr-Lillenthal was hired last year and Dr. Don Beermann, Animal Science Department Head, told me that two similar positions would be filled by the fall semester. My first thought was, "Why in the world would you include the dog and cat lovers in the animal science program?" Then, I realized that this was a brilliant move. In fact, if we can educate these dog and cat lovers as to the true needs and nature of animal science quite possibly they could become our friends instead of our adversaries. And trust me, we need all the friends we can get. City after city has been re-classifying pet owners as guardians instead of pet owners. We should not view dogs, or any animal for that matter, as anything other than personal property. In fact, if we don't, the next step will be to change the tax code to include pets as an IRS deduction similar to that of kids. Those of us in the food production business have been concerned about our nation's growing dependence on foreign lands for food, yet it took the recall of contaminated pet food before people really took notice. I contend that pet owners use price as less of a deciding factor in purchasing food for their pets than they do with their own kids. Recent research has revealed that parents are more concerned about a balanced diet for their dog than they are for their kids. Dogs eat fully balanced diets each day and kids get fast food, sugar, soda, candy and an occasional vegetable and protein source. In another precedent setting move, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will create the first Pet Food Science major in the country beginning this fall. It seems to me that the science should not go any further than an attempt to figure out how we can most conveniently get 100,000 unwanted horses chopped up and bagged into a balanced diet for pets. However, the reality is that people are willing to spend $35 billion annually on pet foods, which allows for further specialization in the business of feeding pets. In summary, using my traditional thought process, I considered it nuts to include the world of companion animals in the department of animal science. After further deliberation, I believe this land grant university is showing a great deal of foresight and progressive thinking in their handling of this matter. Their research will enable all consumers to properly classify their pets as animals, educate themselves about the importance of nutrition for their animals and their families, and better grasp the value of foods and feedstuffs produced in this country relative to our national security. So, Go Big Red!! Editor's note: Trent Loos is a sixth generation United States farmer, host of the daily radio show, Loos Tales, and founder of Faces of Agriculture, a non-profit organization putting the human element back into the production of food. Get more information at www.FacesOfAg.com, or e-mail Trent at trent@loostales.com. B 7 4/23/07 1 Star WK Date: 4/19/07
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