Pets

What can we learn from our best friend?

Pets are a wonderful addition to the family. They come from different environments but they all have the same purpose, they are there for us whenever we need them.

There are many classes of pets we know of today; from the cuddly cats and dogs, to the needy fish and birds, to the exotic reptiles and amphibians, and even the challenging arthropods and arachnids. Whatever the class they belong to, people from various households treat them differently.

When pets are involved, there are controversies that lay beyond our imagination. Some people take pet industry as passion while others may only see profit. Whichever way we approach, there are always better ways to doing things.

Some people may not like animals at all because to them, animals are a lower species that do not deserve any part in this world. These are the special kind of people. They probably have not opened their own box to see what is missing in their life. While pets may be animals, they have a function greater than what we can see. All we need to do is just to accept them and observe their way of life and we will be enlightened. Pets fill voids in our heart.

Lately, we are become aware of the condition of some irresponsible puppy mill owners thanks to the efforts of true animal lovers. We should realize that whilst puppies are cute when they are in the windows of the pet shops, we have to question the credibility of the breeders. People are more concerned if the breed is of champions and is certified rather than understanding the true needs of the puppy. Just because they look cute, does not mean they remain cute forever. Everything changes.

Dogs are very versatile creatures. They mirror our true self. They become who we are truly deeply within, while we do not even realize it. They tell us who we should be. They let us know where danger lurks. They are there for us through thick and thin. They are heroes for our soul. We should always cherish them for whatever they are.

While dogs are labeled as men’s best friend, they are sometimes abandoned by men themselves. People have many reasons to abandon their dog. The most common reason, especially to those who bought puppies from a pet shop to be given as gift to a loved one, the reason of abandonment vary from having a baby to getting a divorce to moving to a new place. Whatever reason we have, it is still a matter of making that decision. We can educate the dog of a new addition to the family before the baby comes. We can decide on whom to keep the dog in the divorce settlement. We can find a good home for the dog before moving to a new place or even bring the dog along when moving. Why not? There are always excuses for not doing something while we only need one reason to do it right.

Dogs are the most advertised animals probably because they are the most common strays we see on the streets. Why is that so? It all started with one or two irresponsible owners. All animals have the urge to mate. One animal left out in the streets, they are left to multiply at an exponential rate. Certain countries help strays by taking care of their health and of course neutering them to curb the ever increasing numbers. Some may say that this is humanity while there are extremists that would curse the people who alter the course of nature.

Is there a better way? Perhaps we should think of it as a solution rather than an action. If neutering is not the answer, then what is? There are countries that do mass culling of over populated strays. Do we want to see that happen?

Let us not forget about the other animals that were taken in as pets but when something happens out of the ordinary, the pets are either killed or abandoned. Shelters around the world are receiving various species of animals that have gone through hell in their life. There are wild animals involved in some cases too, like big cats, bears, crocodiles, boas, and even piranhas. These are animals best left untouched. Somehow, some people have gotten bored with the regular pets and seek the most exotic in the world but little do they know that having them as pets or for show mean a huge responsibility; to the safety of the public and the animals too.

Let us all be responsible pet owners. If you are new in owning a pet, always visit your local shelter. The volunteers there will be more than happy to help match you with the most suitable pet for your livelihood, not the cutest pet in the window.

Adopt, don’t shop!

 

Pets bring vital energy to our homes and lives. Pets communicate many messages about love and connection. Care tenderly for all pets throughout their precious lives. The interspecies dance of love softens and expands the heart.     

Laura Staley, Feng Shui Expert, present