I hate to be the one to bring up an old controversy, but I think this needs to be said.

When the Athens-Clarke Commission passed the ban on tethering animals, I knew it was a bad idea. Of course leaving an animal tethered all day is irresponsible and cruel, but I can think of something that is even more cruel and irresponsible. Having a dog the size of a small horse locked up in a small apartment all day. And at least if said animal is on a leash, people and other small animals in the neighborhood are safe.

Like I said, I know this is an old controversy, but I just recently had to start dealing the aftermath of this ordinance, which was passed because a few stupid, irresponsible pet owners left their dogs tethered outside during the dead of summer.

2006 was the year of Doggles.

2007 was the year of doggie beer.

Political Party Pets and My Dog Votes have banded together to ensure that 2008 is the year of politically active pets.

Georgia’s presidential primary election is only a few weeks away. If you still haven’t made up your mind on who to support, ask yourself, who would your pet vote for?

Political Party Pets asks people to classify their pets as Repuppycans, Doggie Democrats, Republikittens or Democats and offers bowls, t-shirts and bandannas that proudly display your pet’s political affiliation. Even though the logos are super cute, I can’t imagine paying $10 to $14 dollars for bandannas that my dogs will destroy within days.