By David Shapiro

My Shar-pei, Bingo, has heard me ranting so much lately about Chinese dogs adrift in the ocean that even walking by his water dish is starting to make him seasick.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very fond of my dog and have never denied him anything he needs — including several costly medical treatments.

But I'm sorry, the Hawaiian Humane Society crossed the line of reasonable judgment when it spent $50,000 to search for a dog left aboard a disabled tanker after its Chinese crew was rescued by the cruise ship Norwegian Star.

Especially troubling is warped public sentiment that brings the Humane Society more than $30,000 in new donations for trying to save the dog, while giving the Norwegian Star little credit for its heroic rescue of 11 humans.

Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, the cruise line is being bashed by dog lovers despite no evidence that the Norwegian Star's captain even knew of the dog at the time of the rescue.

The incident has inspired lively letters to the editor.

"I can't see how one dog could possibly be worth more than a new Mercedes convertible," said one writer of the $50,000 rescue attempt. "A dog is a dog is a dog."

A dog fancier rebuked the first writer's values: "Dogs give us unconditional love, are always glad to see us, never complain about what's for dinner and don't require college tuition or expensive 5,000-mile tune-ups."

What values are these? That dogs are less trouble than complex relationships with fellow human beings? That they give more love for the dollar than children? How are these priorities morally superior to choosing a convertible over a dog?

Personally, if I had a spare $50,000 and a choice between spending it to save Bingo or buy a Mercedes, I would probably save the dog. He gives me more enjoyment than a car ever could.

The guilt wouldn't come from leaving the car on the lot, but from thinking of how that big wad of money could have been better used to help people in need.

How many months of rent could $50,000 provide a homeless family? How much medical care could it buy a sick child? How much food could it put on the table for hard-working folks who've lost their jobs? How many computers could it put in our children's classrooms? In dog terms, how many of the unwanted animals the Humane Society "puts to sleep" could be saved with $50,000 more devoted to finding them homes?

In this context, spending $50,000 on a risky rescue of one dog is an indulgence that can't be justified. This was real money, ultimately diverted from other real needs.

We've always imbued our animals with endearing human traits. It's called anthropomorphism, and it made Walt Disney rich. It's harmless enough as long as the fantasy doesn't lead us to equate the value of canine life with the value of human life — an emotional cop-out that cheapens our society.

Bingo and I get along because we understand each other. I know he's a con artist, but I'm a sucker for his engaging charm and am willing to provide him a cushy life for the pleasure of his excellent company. Bingo reciprocates my generosity by suppressing his natural instinct to tear out my throat and battle me for dominance of my house.

I know you can't put a price tag on love like this, but if you could, it would be well under $50,000.

David Shapiro can be reached by e-mail at dave@volcanicash.net.