Pitbull lives matter this festive season
Every pet lover in Bela-Bela will strengthen the special bond with their four-legged companions once the festive season, and a sense of relaxation, sets in.
Harry “Flex Flex” Monawa, a traffic official for 11 years from the Bela-Bela Municipality, and his Pitbull companion, Queen Luna, embraced the festive season on Saturday 3 December by dressing up in Christmas attire and taking a stroll through town.
He is the owner of the local Flex Flex Kennel Club.
Monawa regularly posts updates on his Facebook account on the daily activities of his family with their dogs — Queen Luna, Blackie, King Cooper and Princess Snowie.
His love of the Pitbull breed started in 1999. Queen Luna was the first Pitbull addition to his home.
“One of my friends once asked me if Queen Luna is taking Red Bull energy drinks because she is forever running and has excess energy. But she is just high on life.”
Each of his Pitbulls is purebred and has certain characteristics like strength, build or beauty, said Monawa.
“They provide good security for me and my family because they are part of the family. When they become ill and have to stay at the veterinarian clinic, my children insist that we visit them every day.”
“It is in their nature to jump against you when they get excited. All we have to do is to be strict. Sometimes they would get into a scuffle with one another and I have to step in to break them up. The one who started the fight will go into ‘detention’ for a few hours.”
Monawa exercises a strict grooming regimen every week. They have their weekly baths and grooming on Wednesday and Saturday. Dog treats, milk, and ostrich bones are always available for the furry friends.
“Seeing a dog being mistreated really breaks my heart. Dogs cannot take care of themselves, because people have changed their natural instincts of hunting by providing food and shelter. Shouting and hitting a dog will traumatise them and they will react by either fighting or fleeing. If we really care for them, they will always be there for us.”
His advice for people going into the festive season is to spend at least 15 minutes to two hours a day with their dogs.
“There shouldn’t be just one person in the family who always feeds the dogs as well. Secure your yard so they do not escape and become a hindrance to neighbours,” said Monawa.
“Once the fireworks are set off later in December, owners can ask their veterenarian for a tranquilizer that will make their dogs sleep during the noise. Never throw a firecracker at a dog. It is extremely traumatizing for them.”
Even though Monawa will be on duty and likely issuing traffic fines to people abusing the rules of the road, he wishes every resident a happy and safe Christmas.
“Adhere to the rules of the road and remember when you see your beloved pet that Pitbull’s lives matter.”
