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Dogs Are Spiritual Beings by Wendy Stokes
Dogs have incredible psychic abilities and have been known, when lost, to find their way home across hundreds of miles. They can sense when their owner is sad or unwell and are extra affectionate at these times. Many dogs can be trained to be eyes and ears for their owners and dogs have a recently discovered ability to detect if their owner is going to have an epileptic fit in the vital minutes before it happens. They have been used in times of war as messengers, being decorated for their bravery. They assist police officers, apprehending criminals and detecting incendiary devices and drugs.
Medically, they are being investigated for their ability to sense the early stages of cancer. They are also excellent companions. Walking a dog is an ideal way to keep fit and people in the street often stop to talk to someone with a dog. Dogs have been bred for 10,000 years to be a helper, to guarde and to be “man’s best friend”. They come in a variety of personalities, sizes and shapes and there is a dog to suit everyone’s requirements.
However, dogs have many needs, the greatest of which is a responsible owner who truly cares for them. They live for up to 15 years, they have daily requirements for attention and are a considerable expense. Because so many dogs are bred, there are too many and, due to the recession, the rescue centres are full to overflowing. You need to buy it from a reputable source. No puppy should be taken from its mother before 8 weeks or it will have behavioural problems. Puppies need to be handled caringly whilst still very young or they will not be comfortable with humans. If you buy from a breeder, always see the conditions the mother has lived in, as the mother will teach her offspring many important lessons during those early weeks of life, including preliminary toilet training. Avoid getting a dog from a pet shop or a puppy mill. Selective breeding can cause hidden genetic defects - mongrels are thought to be the healthiest and happiest of dogs.
Do consider RSPCA pet insurance because it is excellent value. Medical expenses involve regular health checks. Innoculations against distemper, canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, canine parvovirus and kennel cough are required and regular de-worming. Nails do not need clipping if you walk your dog sufficiently on pavements. Neutering is optional but calms the animal and prevents unwanted attention from other dogs.
Always walk your dog on your left. 'Socialising a dog' means that it ignores other dogs; if it stops and smells a rear end, it is not 'socialised'! In all public places, every dog will, by law, needs a collar with an identity tag or a fine of up to £5,000 can be incurred. Many dogs the
se days are microchipped with a small permanent ID device inserted into their neck. If your dog is lost or stolen, this internal device will provide security for your pet.
Many young people especially do not think ahead and get a dog without understanding the responsibilities involved in caring for its every need. 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. It is an offence for a dog to be unleashed in a public place. It could see a cat or could bolt across a road and cause a serious accident.
Dogs that bark constantly can be a nuisance to neighbours and legal action can be taken. It is illegal to allow the dog to foul the streets as dog faeces is 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.
No dog should be left alone for more than 4 hours because they are pack animals and love human company and are unhappy alone for long periods. They need regular care through exercise, water, nutritious food, company, grooming and medical care. There are many rescue centres around the UK that care for unwanted animals of all kinds.
Most trained dogs can recognise and obey two dozen commands. It is a joy to take your dog to classes and this activity increases the bond and respect between pet and owner.
If you are considering a dog, please visit a rescue centre as a first call. Due to the recession, there are many abandoned dogs in shelters at this increasingly cold and dark entry to wintertime.
Many sanctuaries will recommend a suitable dog which has been assessed for friendliness to children, other dogs and cats. Many reputable rescue centres, such as the RSPCA, carry out intensive health checks, de-flea, de-worm, microchip, neuter, innoculate, provide dental work, train, provide a collar and lead and one week’s supply of food. They also carry out home checks to see that fires are guarded, gardens are fenced and that the animal will make a suitable pet for the owner. There is also an after care service.
Adopting a dog from a rescue centre may save its life.
To book an appointment to choose your new pet from a selection, telephone RSPCA Hillside Kennels, Galley Hill, Waltham Abbey on 01992 892881
This rehoming service is under threat of closure and you can help us to keep it open by joining our Facebook site: Supporters of Hillside Kennels, Essex and by passing this information along to those on your contact list.
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