This is in regard to the proposed legislation naming the Labrador retriever as the official Maine “dog.”

This is not discrimination against other breeds. The Lab is not a better dog. This is about which breed represents Maine’s heritage, culture and lifestyle. If it were discrimination, shouldn’t robins, cardinals and sparrows feel discriminated against by the choice of the chickadee as the state bird?

No, Labs did not originate in Maine. They were originally from Newfoundland, bred to help fishermen. They are a hunting dog. What does Maine have a lot of? Hunters and fishermen.

Maine’s official state cat, the Maine Coon, didn’t originate here either.

Maine businesses, large and small, feature the Labrador retriever in their logos and advertising.

Per testimony from the hearing:

Julie Bernier, photographer: “Does Maine ‘need’ a state dog? I can’t think of a reason not to appoint one. Maine is a very dog-friendly state, with lots of businesses catering to dog owners and dog-owning tourists. At a time when our economy could use a boost, it would be a welcomed nod for our Legislature to embrace the idea.”

Legislators are not going to cure homelessness or reform health care by passing that bill. But it is doubtful they will make anything worse.

So, why not do it?

Stacy Gile, Arundel