Dogs are our Best Friends

© Wendy Stokes

Researchers have recently discovered that dogs can detect some forms of cancer in the early stages and some dogs can anticipate their owner having an epileptic fit. They are highly intelligent and trainable as guide dogs and dogs for the deaf. Dogs are keenly intuitive and sense and respond to our moods. They usually know when a stranger visits whether it is a friend or foe.  What truly wonderful companions these animals are: they are affectionate, they deter burglars, love exercise and they create a talking point wherever they go. When they are well loved and cared for, they have a delightfully happy disposition and are always ready with a warm greeting. They are suitable for all ages except young children. Dogs are not toys and are unsuitable playthings.  

If considering adoption, you must avoid pet shops or puppy farms. No puppy should be taken from its mother before it is 8 weeks old or it will develop serious behavioural problems. During these early weeks with her puppies, the mother teaches them many important lessons, including the initial stages of toilet training, how their bite can hurt and, for the female pups, she shows them how to be a capable mother.

Puppies need to be handled whilst they are still very young if they are to be comfortable and relaxed with humans. Pups that are not handled will never be truly confident with people. Especially important is that they are comfortable being handled by the vet who will care for your dog as your doctor cares for you.

Remember, your new pet will need necessary and expensive regular injections against distemper, canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, canine parvovirus and kennel cough. Dogs should not walk on the streets without these jabs. Those owners that do not get these injections for their dog put other dogs at risk of life threatening ill-health by increasing the prevalence of serious contagious and infectious diseases that are not easy or cheap to treat. Neutering is recommended as it calms the dog and prevents unwanted attention from other dogs. There are so many unwanted dogs that homes cannot be found for all. To birth more dogs exacerbates the problem of finding good homes and causes needless suffering.

Dogs that bark could incur legal action. If your dog acts in a threatening way to anyone, by growling, snarling, chasing or jumping up, it could be considered that your dog is not under control and you could be fined. By law, in public places, every dog needs to wear a collar with an identity tag, or you could receive a fine of up to £5,000. It is an offence for a dog to be unleashed in a public place where it could see a cat or could bolt across a road and cause an accident. It is illegal to allow any dog to foul the streets as dog faeces are full of germs and can contain toxocara, which can cause human blindness. Fouling in a public place can incur a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice or up to £1,000 fine. Many children's play areas are dog free zones and also can incur high fines for those who ignore prohibition signs.

Selective in-breeding causes hidden genetic defects that contribute to the high cost of maintaining a permanently sick or disabled animal. Mongrels are the healthiest and happiest of dogs. All dogs, no matter how small, need to be trained. This allows them to be under control at all times. Dogs are very intelligent and most can recognise two dozen commands. They enjoy being trained! Treat your dog as a friend with the capacity to save your life. Be fair and consistent and you will be rewarded with intense devotion. Always be kind to your dog. Each dog guarantees to be waiting at the Pearly Gates to greet you when you are due to visit the Heavenly Realms permanently.  

RSPCA: 0300 123 4555

PDSA: 0800 731 2502

Blue Cross: 01993 8222651