How Society View Dog Owners?
In a society we've people with many facets. In our context we are talking about our society, the group that doesn't bother if you have a dog and the other group that hates dog lovers to the core. We are not discussing on why there are people that hated dogs and dog owners. But we are trying to explain to all that we do have dog owners that have a sense of responsibility in owning their pets. Society is very quick in labeling all dog owners as one. However I believe the Society should also recognise good and responsible dog owners.
I saw a recent article in the sunday times "Has Singapore gone to the the dogs?" dated 2 December 2007. The writer focuses on dog owners bringing their dogs out for a day of fun. I do believe they are "rotten apples" in every thing. Even in pet ownerships there are those who are insensitive. However I wanted to draw your attention to why we dog's owners spent so much time, money and energy with our dogs. Just like kids, if you never spend time with them, you will never get to know them let alone trying to instill characters and responsibilities in them. Training and working our dogs are like any of you spending time playing with your children. Working our dog's physically and mentally to becomes better members of the public. Give you a good example, as a parents you will ensure your kids gets the best education, enrichment, music, art and many more. This will be same for us as dog owners, many of us regards our dog as our children. We are just trying to be responsible pet owners that's why we do so many activities.
You may own a Jack Russell Terrier that were bred to spend 8-10 hours working, hunting and barking at rodents. And now they have to be very quiet almost every minute of their life. How can we bridge the difference? Training and bringing your dogs out for a swim in the beach, running in a dog park, playing dog sports such as Agility, Flyball, Obedience would be a great evergy outlet for them. If you have a satisfied animal, they will learn to behave well and that will makes them good neighbours.
In our humble opinion, we want our dogs to be accepted into our society and thus our hope is to make them a Good Canine Citizen of Singapore. And the only way to do so, is to train them, bring them out to expose to different people, sounds, surroundings, environment, animals and other things. If they are properly socialised like this, they can be learn to be a very well behaved pet and be accepted in our demanding society. If people always complain about dog owners and not wanting the dogs to be anywhere, how can you expect their K9 pals to be an acceptable member of the public. One of our AVA's aim and task at hand is to instill pet responsibility and awareness.
I am not saying that those guys in the beach shouldn't leash their dogs neither am I saying dog's owners should bring their pets into eateries or cafes. However if a society is more open- minded and forgiving, it is a society that will be a great place to live in for everyone.
I would like to leave a remarkable quote from a great man -
| "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" |
|  Mahatma Gandhi
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