Responsible pet ownership

CEBU, Philippines - It has become common in many households to have pets around. In fact, it is hard to find a household without a pet - a dog or a cat, a fish, a rabbit, a hamster, a turtle or a couple of these. Dogs and cats are the most common.

There are many advantages to having pets. The animals can be good companions to their owners. Dogs and cats, in particular, can get very close to humans. These animals have been domesticated for thousands of years already and have grown very familiar with humans.

Domesticated animals can form very close bond with their owners. Dogs, for example, are known to be "man's best friend." Dog owners would attest how their "best friend" would snuggle up close to them for comfort and follow them everywhere. Dogs also learn routines quite well, such as feeding time and the time when their owners return from work.

Experts on animals and health professionals say that having pets are very therapeutic for their owners. In fact, the animals not only help promote good health for their owners - but can even prolong their owners' lives. This is especially so among the elderly folks or those widowed and living alone. Young children, too, and those who are not very sociable respond better to animals than to fellow humans.

Walking the dog is good exercise for the owner; it helps keep him in shape. Since dogs need lots of exercise to keep them fit and healthy, most dog owners have to allocate time daily to walk or jog with them. This not only provides the opportunity for pet owners to establish close contact with their dogs, it also forces them to exercise and keep themselves fit in the process.

Apart from being a source of comfort and a constant companion, a dog, in particular, would lay down its life for its master. There have been countless stories of how dogs have warned their owners of an impending disaster such as fire, accidents, and break-ins. As a result, their owner's lives or properties are saved.

Dogs are also kept and trained to provide security for humans. Service dogs and sniffer dogs are used extensively by both private and government security agencies. In some countries, service dogs such as Labradors and Golden Retriever are trained to assist the blind and elderly with basic tasks such as crossing the street, answering the phone, collecting the mail and others. The police has a Canine Unit where trained sniffer dogs are used to detect bombs, drugs and other dangerous substances.

But, of course, the advantages of keeping pet animals are also coupled with the responsibility of properly caring for them. Pet owners need to do their duties responsibly in feeding the animals with the right food, exercising them and ensuring that they get proper medical treatment as well as the required vaccinations.  The animals also need to be bathed regularly and provided with clean living conditions.

It is sad to see, read and hear many unfortunate stories of dogs and cats being abandoned as soon as the owner feels the animals have outlived their usefulness. Many are abused and ill treated, not fed properly and deprived of treatment when they become ill. Still others are abandoned right the moment they become dirty and smelly, and no longer cuddly.

Before bringing home a pet, prospective owners must first study the matter thoroughly. Part of the consideration shall be the available living space for the animal. And also what it can possibly bring for the neighbors.

There have been complaints by neighbors of the stench from animal waste as well as the noise of dogs barking incessantly after being chained up for long hours while the owners are away at work.  There's also the prevalent fear that the animals might bite, especially the young children in the neighborhood. Only when these issues are properly covered is one ready to become a pet owner.

Responsible pet ownership works for all - for the pet owner, for the neighbors and, best of all, for the pet.

 (Reference: www.englishdaily626.com)