As it is the Year of the Dog and dogs are considered auspicious, many are making tracks to pet shops and animal shelters with a view of adopting a dog.
Good for the dogs and presumably for their owners but that may not be the case.
The Malaysian Association of Responsible Pet Ownership (Marpo) warned that the interest in dogs may be an act of impulse, which may in the long term, create problems for the dog and its owner.
Marpo president Dr Jon S. Satyamoorthy said before owning a pet, one should consider whether it would suit one’s lifestyle.
“What we are afraid of is that people are buying puppies as gifts for their family and loved ones. Soon they become unwanted.
“Adopting a dog is a big commitment. It should not be ‘puppy love ’. There is a high chance that when the dog grows up, it is neglected or abandoned.”
Dr Jon, who runs a veterinary clinic in Cheras, said in Malaysia, about 10 to 15 per cent of pets are eventually abandoned by their owners.
Marpo’s deputy president, Anthony Thanasayan, said there are many people who think that owning a dog as a pet for the Year of the Dog is auspicious.
“This is preposterous. Dogs don’t bring you prosperity. If people want to celebrate the Year of the Dog, there are other things they could do.
“They can help save the dogs in SPCA by volunteering their services or contributing donations.
“The blind and elderly need dogs to help them and you can volunteer to look after their dogs (the elderly or blind) or donate dog food,” said Anthony, who is wheelchair-bound and relies on his three dogs to help him.
“If you are ready to own a dog, why not adopt one from SPCA or Paws? That would be more meaningful,” he said, adding that there are many things to be considered before owning a dog.
“These include the place and space you live in and whether your family would accept the dog. Think of your neighbours as well. You must also think of your budget in maintaining your pet, food costs, grooming and health care.
“If you are not prepared to bring your dog for health checks, then don’t get a dog,” he said, adding that small dogs don’t necessarily mean they’re easier to take care of as they make a lot of noise.
Ideally, pet shops and breeders should educate buyers on responsible pet ownership.
“For instance, they could advise the buyers on the type of breed that suit their lifestyle and on pet’s health care,” said Marpo member Lee Lay Cheng.
”It would be good for breeders and pet shops to have dog-owning manuals to be given out to pet owners,” she said.
All three agreed that it is the public’s responsibility to find out what it takes to own a dog.
“They should consult others who have dogs and also read books and Internet to find out more on the breeds,” said Dr Jon.
Marpo was formed in August last year as a voice for pet owners to advocate responsible ownership and proper care for all pets. It has more than 600 members nationwide.
Something to chew on
The Year of the Dog has arrived. Here is something for everyone to chew on.
Did you know...
* You should not smile at any dog that you feel may be dangerous. To him, you would be baring your teeth as a sign of aggression;
* The common belief that dogs are colour blind is false. They can see colour, though not as vivid humans. It is much like our vision at twilight;
* That a dog sees objects first by their movement, secondly by their brightness and thirdly by their shape;
* A bitch carries her young about 60 days before the puppies are born;
* The Basenji, an African wolf dog, is the only canine without a bark;
* Th e oldest reliable age recorded for a dog is 29 years and five months for a Queensland heeler called Bluey in Victoria, Australia. The average dog lives to around 15 years of age;
* Many foot disorders in dogs are related to long toenails. Check your dog's nails once a month and trim when necessary;
* If your dog has bad breath, he may need his teeth cleaned;
* The normal body temperature for a dog is 101.2° Fahrenheit;
* A puppy's eyes do not open until it is 10 to 15 days old. Its vision is usually not complete until it is about four weeks old;
* ‘Mixed breeds’ and ‘cross-breeds’ are NOT the same. Mixed breed dogs have various lineage that is most likely unknown. As for cross breeds, they are only two different breeds of dogs combined together. Mixed breed dogs are less likely to suffer from inherited diseases and disabilities than purebred dogs;
* Dogs can suffer from poor self-esteem, just like humans. Bolster their self-esteem with praise , affection and rewards;
* Dogs and cats turn in circles before lying down because in the wild, this instinctive action turns long grass into a bed;
* When a small dog is aggressive towards people, don't pick him up. This only reinforces the behaviour since he will see it as a reward;
* The Great Dane and Irish Wolfhounds are ranked as the largest dogs, Chihuahuas as the smallest, St Bernards as the heaviest, Greyhounds as the most ancient breed, Afghan hounds as the dumbest and Border Collies as the smartest; and
* Though neutering has no effect on the overall personality, neutered male dogs tend to display less aggression and territorial behaviour. They are also less likely to contract urogenital diseases? — From www.dogquotes.com
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Tuesday / January 31, 2006
