Sunday, February 25, 2007

When Is A Dog Considered A Dog?


I was at a CNY gathering last night when the conversation went to the dogs, literally. You see, amongst the group were 2 dog enthusiasts, the kind who keep pedigree breeds. Naturally, the conversation turned to a debate on which type of breed was better (they own a golden retriever and doberman respectively), the difficulties of getting good breeders, and even the intricacies of stud farms. And one of the dog owners was contemplating getting another dog for watch dog purposes as his current dog was too "friendly". Of course, he was only thinking of getting a pedigree dog, thus the current trend of conversation. And the dog in question had to be "perfect". Not a single flaw in the dog's lineage, or breed. If there were to be the littlest imperfection, he just wouldn't consider having the dog at all. It got me to thinking when is dog considered a dog?

I'm not against having dogs as pets, I myself have a dog. But it's not a pedigree one, it's a pariah mixed breed whose mother gave birth to her here in our house and whom we have kept for nearly 7 years. She may not have the looks or the championship lineage, but her doggie heart is in the right place and she does an able job guarding the house (but not when firecrackers / fireworks are around!). For all their supposed love of dogs, why don't these people open up their hearts to real dogs? The kind who love you with their whole faithful loyal doggie heart just for being their owner / master. I think these dogs are worth more than the pedigree show dog that cost thousands of ringgit. Bet these people wouldn't even consider a deformed dog. Not like the owners of Faith the dog, who took in a little deformed puppy and gave her a second chance at life. This courageous dog doesn't know the meaning of disability and is surviving and thriving despite having only two legs. Now that's what I call a dog.

11 spins:

may said...

a dog is truly man's (and woman's! and child's... etc) best friend, if we treat it right with love and care. scruffy ones, pedigree ones, every single one deserves a good life, yes?

(and you should get out more instead of sitting in front of the computer, lol!)

Anonymous said...

I love dogs!

Too bad I can't have one now because I stay alone in an apartment and he/she'd be bored to death when I'm not at home... not good for a dog.. oh, I want a play dog... :D

rinnah said...

may: I couldn't agree with you more! Every dog should get it's day!

(was out and about later in the evening, LOL!)

angel: Another dog lover! Hope you get an opportunity to have one, and real soon...

My collegemate is keeping a toy poodle in her apartment... apparently it doesn't bark.

jesscet said...

i know what u mean.. when i first wanted a dog, i was thinking of adopting one from SPCA or PAWS but my parents didnt like the idea.. they want pedigree. But i am quite confident to say that whether its a pedigree or a pariah.. i would love them as much too. :)

my dogs aren't exactly show dogs though they cost over 1,000 ringgit each. some times they behave like any pairah dogs, especially Jelly!

rinnah said...

simple american: I agree with you. That should be all that's required of a dog! Have you considered a short-hair breed? Might lessen the chances of your daughter getting rashes.

jesscet: Hi! Welcome to my blog! I love your pictures of Jojo and Jelly... my dog is the exact opposite of your Jelly. She's a pariah with the tastes of a pedigree. LOL!

Chen said...

I have a dog too. A black-coloured miniature pinscher. Active & adorable little fella.

Dog has emotions & feelings too, just like human beings. I will know if my dog is upset. He will walk quietly & lie in one corner with head facing down & looking at the other way with a sad looking face :(

rinnah said...

chen: Hi! How'd you find my blog? I've been following your blog (and Ah Boy's blog too) for some time now, but never commented before... *grin* Shy gua... but now I will!

Ah Boy is soooooo cute! I like how he poses for photos. My dog runs away when she sees me coming with the camera. LOL!

Chen said...

Hehe, I saw your name from twitter yesterday :)

Ah Boy is very adorable but notti at times. He really knows how to manja. kekeeke.

I guess he is too used to photo shooting :D Sometimes he will stare at me if I continuously taking several shots of him (I guess he is asking :- u finish taking photo already or not?) hahhaha

Chen said...

Woh... U have been following my blog (and Ah Boy's blog) for some time liao? Kekeke.. hope u have a great time reading them :)

rinnah said...

chen: Wow... another fellow Twit! I followed all the links from May's site. That's how I discovered so many good bloggers. I enjoy reading the posts on your blog! :o)

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