It's that time of year again, the Wizard of Oz & Sound of Music on TV, everyone full of festive cheer and of course, "a dog is for life, not just for Christmas". We've all heard it before, and it forms part of our nation conscience like "clunk click every trip" or "nice to see you, to see you nice". But it's worth reminding everyone there is a real message behind the slogan.
Little Jonnie excitedly unpacks his new games console on Christmas morning. To him it's the best thing since sliced bread, (what was the best thing before sliced bread?) By March the evenings are getting lighter, Jonnie goes out playing football and the games consol is packed away under the bed. No harm done, just a few hundred quid down the drain.
Little Bertie excitedly gets his new puppy for Christmas. It looks just like the one in the toilet tissue advert, Bertie is over the moon, he calls it Rex and promises to walk it every day as soon as it's had it's jabs. By March the evenings are getting lighter, Bertie goes out playing football and Rex has been forgotten about. Rex used to sleep on Bertie's bed, but too many duvets were destroyed by dog wee, so Rex now sleeps in the garden, barking & howling all night. Mum & Dad did try leaving him downstairs, but Rex ate the sofa, removed every piece of skirting board, chewed up dads Girls Aloud DVD, and wasn't very selective about where he did his business. He's also grown from being a nice cute puppy to a long legged monster, acting a bit like a hyperactive Scooby Doo. It's OK though because ever since the letter from the council arrived saying there had been complaints about dog noise nuisance, Mum & Dad are trying to re-home Rex so, in Dads words "some other mug can look after the stupid thing"
They feel sad Rex has to go, but it's not their fault, after all they've done all they can. They both work hard every hour god gives. They can't take Rex out at weekends because he won't do what he's told & messes everywhere. When he barks at home they all shout "SHUT UP REX", but he just ignores them, plus he's a dirty dog and messes & wets indoors so he has to live in the garden.
Now I know that example seems a bit extreme, but it's based on real situations. The message is simple this Christmas, and indeed any time of year.
If you can't commit full time to a dog, buy the games console!
Little Jonnie excitedly unpacks his new games console on Christmas morning. To him it's the best thing since sliced bread, (what was the best thing before sliced bread?) By March the evenings are getting lighter, Jonnie goes out playing football and the games consol is packed away under the bed. No harm done, just a few hundred quid down the drain.
Little Bertie excitedly gets his new puppy for Christmas. It looks just like the one in the toilet tissue advert, Bertie is over the moon, he calls it Rex and promises to walk it every day as soon as it's had it's jabs. By March the evenings are getting lighter, Bertie goes out playing football and Rex has been forgotten about. Rex used to sleep on Bertie's bed, but too many duvets were destroyed by dog wee, so Rex now sleeps in the garden, barking & howling all night. Mum & Dad did try leaving him downstairs, but Rex ate the sofa, removed every piece of skirting board, chewed up dads Girls Aloud DVD, and wasn't very selective about where he did his business. He's also grown from being a nice cute puppy to a long legged monster, acting a bit like a hyperactive Scooby Doo. It's OK though because ever since the letter from the council arrived saying there had been complaints about dog noise nuisance, Mum & Dad are trying to re-home Rex so, in Dads words "some other mug can look after the stupid thing"
They feel sad Rex has to go, but it's not their fault, after all they've done all they can. They both work hard every hour god gives. They can't take Rex out at weekends because he won't do what he's told & messes everywhere. When he barks at home they all shout "SHUT UP REX", but he just ignores them, plus he's a dirty dog and messes & wets indoors so he has to live in the garden.
Now I know that example seems a bit extreme, but it's based on real situations. The message is simple this Christmas, and indeed any time of year.
- If you are thinking about getting a dog as a pet, don't....... unless you are prepared to take on a huge responsibility.
- You can't expect a dog to act & think like a human. You have to start thinking like a dog to understand your pet.
- You have to be prepared to exercise it daily at the very least, making sure you take doggie bags with you.
- You have to have the time and commitment to train it correctly.
- You must come to terms with the fact that dogs are expensive things, food, vet bills, and kennel costs are just the tip of the iceberg.
If you can't commit full time to a dog, buy the games console!
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