The subject I would like to touch on today is not so much about canine behaviour, but rather that of human’s.
Prospective new car owners will spend hours, if not days or weeks visiting car dealers, browsing websites, speaking to other vehicle owners, test driving, scraping the finance together etc, before deciding upon and purchasing the selected item. After the acquisition, much time will be used in washing, polishing, servicing and maintaining, even if it means leaving a cosy bed an hour earlier for these purposes.
How much effort and time do we allocate before and after when adding a member of the canine world to our family? “Oh, it’s just a dog man. Give it food, water, a place to sleep, do its business and everything will be fine”. If only it were so simple. Sadly, many dogs are subject to this lifestyle and just accept their little lots in life, never complaining or moaning. They remain faithful, irrespective of inappropriate treatment.
Abandoned
I see or hear about Great Danes and Ridgebacks confined to areas no bigger than the average double garage, Collies and Old English Sheepdogs never being groomed, Rottweilers and Bull Terriers turned into monsters for security purposes. Malnutrition, disease, confinement and exploding fireworks among others, are some of the sad situations in which many pets find themselves. How many of our dogs progress (or regress) from a cute puppy to the rejected and abandoned dog, mutt or nuisance which only has human contact when fed, dipped, or taken to the vet. Puppy socialisation and education are often more of an inconvenience than the norm.
During a television programme about the RSPCA in Britain about 10 years ago, I watched as staff removed a 15 year old Border Collie from outside a block of flats. He had spent virtually his whole life chained up. Whilst walking to the animal control vehicle it was blatantly obvious how bewildered and fearful he was. This sight and knowing about his horrendous conditions, had me blinking back tears. Due to his age and inability to adapt, the decision was made to euthanase.
Faithful companions
Over the years I have often seen pets treated in a manner which could only be described as inhumane. My approach is always to try and assist with owner education, but unfortunately when sound advice falls on deaf ears, one must take the hard route. In cases of perceived acts of cruelty and neglect, I suggest people contact the relevant organisations or authorities and especially try to obtain evidence in the form of video footage or photographs.
Life for the average dog is a mere 12 years, maybe more if we are so blessed. Should one sum up such a period for our so called best friend, would it be one of immense sadness because a happy and joyful existence ends with the final goodbye, or will it be one where death results from a broken spirit which succumbed to the suffering found so often in our so called civilised society?
Personally, for me, life would have little meaning without my pets. They are faithful companions and protectors, providing endless enjoyment. Just looking at them stirs up pleasant feelings. Indifference is something I am unable to comprehend.
Steve van Staden is a canine behaviour specialist and can be contacted via his website, www.dogtorsteve.co.za and advice is only dispensed in face-to-face meetings with owners and their pets.
