When I grew up in the 1060's it was very controversial for a caucazoid to befriend an African descended person. Culturally we were separated tho our high school was integrated. I had many black friends & so many were from the south or their parents were. Few had pets. Few liked animals. Most were afraid of dogs. Few had a dog & the dog was treated with either contempt or ignored except for food & water. I understand the history of dogs & the police attacks, & hunting dogs were kept outside in the south. Here is the rewarding transition I see all of these years later. Black folks have dogs & cats & the ones I speak with love them, have them in the house & their children love them as well. You see it on TV also. They are family. There is still a problem in some urban areas of children growing up being cruel to animals. But we have made such progress & I so enjoy seeing the love between a dog & its human. Mr. Bo Jangles had a dog who traveled around with him. "The dog up & died. After 20 years he still grieved." Thoughts anyone?