[Sew-sew-steve]

as a muslim (though it might not matter to some of you) i'd like to say that you shouldnt look at countries like iran, india, pakistan, afghanistan, and other countries that share similar circumstances as good role models for islam. i mean, its not only for dogs, theres many other things that are being blown out of proportion all for the sake of islam, which is a complete neglegance.

all animals are creations of god (Allah in islams case). so you cant discriminate against them, some people need them for livestock protection, and other things of that nature. they've prooved wonderful for drugs, bombs, etc.. etc...

yes a dog is very loving, loyal, and couragous.

yes they're saliva is considered unclean, but thats what soap and sand are for.

but for reasons other than the most obvious ones (like angels' dislike for them) theres reasons we dont know yet as to why we cant have dogs for recreational reasons.

if its a necessity then thats a different story.

really, the only restriction with dogs in islam is that you dont own one for a unecissary reason such as: i want it for a pet.

but that doesnt mean you are allowed to harm dogs, bother them, or even torture/kill aimlessly for that matter. thats basically a one way ticket to hell.

though i will most likely end up with like 2 or so GSD's.

anyhow, yeah... take it or leave it.