Dogs, instincts and the importance of balance

THE WAY THINGS ARE

Buddy was a rescued, fierce-looking, lovable Labrador-Great Dane cross. Friends adopted a Cane Corso mastiff responding in kind to love given. Buddy was left as nature intended. My friends’ dog has clipped ears and docked tail, man-made ‘improvements’ previously done.

My mother was advised to dock our dog’s tail by a hunting relation. I hated hunting but when boys called to the free-roaming village dogs from the woods, they would joyfully respond. I felt sad and guilty...