Canine Truths

 

The fight for a pet dog was reaching limits. My son was on a hunger fast for almost a day. I was at my saturation point not ready to give in. The emotional drama was peaking to unimaginable levels. My husband and in-laws were ready to welcome a pet dog. The family was at its wits end. Finally, my boy succeeded in convincing that he will take care of his dog and it will not be a problem for either one of us. We bought a fawn coloured male Labrador puppy. He was adorable!

The Labrador became our new celebrity! The first few days were fussy as our home welcomed the puppy just like a new born baby arriving home. There were discussions and arguments regarding the puppy’s place of living- my son wanted it to be right next to him in his bed; we stuck on to the one rule which both the sides had agreed on earlier; dogs strictly outside our living area! Even if we had achieved this, there was something missing about having a pet- the pup actually attaining the status of a family member!

 There are 3 types of dog owners. The first kind are the animal lovers aka the Blue cross activists who shower their love and affection on animals more  than they show it to their own kind! They are those people who get offended and act wild if you do not give respect to the animal. These humans go out of their way to feed and help those in trouble even if it’s not their dog; the ones who stop in the middle of the road to save a puppy who is troubled by humans, even when there are more important things crashing on their head!

There is this other kind, who is seen by the world as the real dog lover. This person will be one with the dog, whatever the situation is! He or she will eat, play , sleep watch television and even celebrate their dog’s birthdays!  We all are aware of some fanatic dog lovers who groom them, feed them, and put them to sleep on the same bed!

 Now, we have the last of the kind, a very rare kind who loves their dog without much fondling and playing. They do everything for them, take care of them well, and even consider them as one in the family. But, social distancing is important for this kind!

We have two types of dog lovers/keepers in our family. My son would love to be the first kind an animal lover, although he is allowed only partially to be it. The others in the family, we belong to the third kind just doing our duty to the life form we have adopted and made a decision to take care!

The real problem arises when I visit a friend or a relative who owns a dog. They think that all of us ( Pet Keepers) belong to one particular cult who shower their love physically for the pet dogs! They strongly believe that we see all the dogs similar to our own! No one seems to understand the fact that people can have altered ideals and would like to maintain physical proximity even with our own pet. Sadly, we disappoint these people when we don’t fondle and shower love to their canines. The dynamics of the relationship with the families goes in for a change once the truth is revealed. Even the very best of friends seem to look at us like aliens! Worst is when guests are made to believe that the dogs they own, are angels who don't bite !!

   As a pet lover, rather keeper, I am sure I will have offenders for writing this, but truth needs to be told.  Pet lovers, remember when you have dogs, you see them as children. They are a part of your life. But you can’t expect the same of the others who visit your house. Don’t get angered if the guests refuse to see your doggy the same way as you do. Do not talk to them about how friendly they are and how they never bite anyone, and how they need not be scared of your lovely pet. There are people who are terrified by dogs!

 For them, the wagging of tail, means the dogs are alert, please do not convince them saying,  "Aww....He really likes you, look at him wagging his tail so fast" If the dogs come near and sniff, their heart literally pounces out , back n forth , just do not comment  "Well, its surprising! he hasn’t done that to anyone in a long time, he really is warm to you"  And the worst part  comes, when dogs will be made to sit near the guests the whole conversation, and they  have to talk  as if ‘all is well’ while they are actually experiencing  a whole lot of trauma  inside them!

Be a nicer person. Travel along with the fear factor of those who are absolutely petrified by  dogs. Understand what it is like to not own or like ?? a dog, and what it is to be in a casual  conversation when the worst of your nightmares is actually happening!