There is a difference between farm dogs and city dogs. And one simple trip to the vet can point out all of the reasons why, at times, I wish I had a city dog, or at least a city dog owner's intelligence.

Our farm dog, Riley, had a lump on her front chest. It was growing in size, so I decided to take her to the vet. She stayed overnight and had surgery. On her return to the farm, the vet requested she stay in the home to recover--for 10 days.

It only took two days for me to realize just how much farm dog owners and their pets differ from our city counterparts. And in some cases, our city owners are smarter. Here are the four things that make city dog owners smarter than farm dog owners:

1. City dogs have a leash. City dogs have collars and city dog owners have a leash hanging at the front door ready at a moment's notice. Farm dogs don't require a collar or a leash. Collars can snag on fences or wire and cause serious injury. Furthermore, there is no need for a leash, farm dogs walk themselves around the pasture and gravel road. So, there I was with no collar and no leash. I grabbed the nearest sheep halter, assembled it into a collar/leash combo and left. Note to self: keep sheep halter hanging at backdoor, it's a farm dog owners version of a city dog owners leash.

2. City dogs are clean. City dog owners have dog groomers. Farm dog owners rely on the water tank, creek or pond to keep their dogs somewhat clean. And farm dog owners do not bathe the dog before getting in the truck, going to town or visiting the vet. After just hours in the house, well, I wished I had a city dog owner smarts. I would have at least washed the dog. Instead, I have a smelly, dirty farm dog recovering on my carpet and couch.

3. City dogs are trained. In pictures, city dog owner looks happy, maybe it is because city dogs are trained to live indoors. Farm dogs laugh at formal instruction, maybe just my farm dog. She does what she wants, when she wants. On most farms, there is no worry of messing up the house. There is no opening the door to let dogs out to do their business, the live in their bathroom. There is no sitting begging for food, they find squirrels for snacks. I have to face the fact, my dog is just not trained enough to be an indoor dog. She could use a little city dog etiquette.

4. City dogs are loved. On this point, I think both city and farm dog owners share a connection. City dog owners go to great lengths to provide for their family pets. Farm dog owners do the same to provide for the needs of their right hand, trusted friend and loyal partner in the barn. And on a few occasions, farm dog owners go the extra mile to provide a little city dog pampering--at least for 10 days.