[Simon]

Factually speaking there are very, very good reasons for not coming into contact with dogs, especially wet dogs and their saliva, this is how rabies is transmitted. In days of yore, rabies was prevalent in certain regions and predominately carried by dogs. So this really kept everyone safe and sound and prevented the spread of rabies. If we take this at face value, then this begs the question, in modern times, now that rabies is largely under control, shouldn't dogs also been seen in an equally modern light?