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by Ilika Karunaratne

This phrase is usually used,to describe a troubled time in life, with little or no leisure. But, on the contrary, I think some dogs have a relatively good life, depending of course, on the treatment it gets from its owner. The way its character develops, depends on the owner too. Like human beings, from childhood on, dogs too,from the puppy stage on, develop their specific characteristics, on the varying degrees of tender, loving care they get from their owners. They recognize a vet or a treatment room; watch with suspicious eyes, and keep their bodies taut and poised for instant flight.

Dogs have the same capacity for love or grieving that a human does, and should be allowed to acknowledge the gifts of their companions, and grieve too. In some ways, losing a dog, is even harder than losing a person, with the exception of course of a parent, a spouse or a child. Dogs are capable of such blind devotion, and a totally undemanding love, that one gets more from a relationship with a dog.

My dog, Sasha, displays rare intelligence quite often. When I call out to my cook, she rushes into the kitchen, licks her hand, takes her hand in her mouth and gently leads her to me. She watches out for me to return home and is invariably the first to greet me with a most exuberant welcome. She is the first to hear the unmistakable sounds of my return; my voice, the sound of the car, and my footsteps.

The other day, I had forgotten to lock my bedroom, when I went out, Her usual spot when I go out, is on either the front or the back balcony. That day, she had refused to move from my open doorway, and stood guard there till I returned. Whenever I teach at home, she sits in front of me almost as if she expects my pupils to attack me, and will not move under any circumstances. My experiences with all dogs I have and since my childhood, have been so moving and so profound that I cannot comprehend the irresponsibility of some dog owners. They keept dogs merely as watch dogs, keep them tied, do not allow them into the house, never pet or fondle them.

There are some who do not bother to get their pets vaccinated against rabies, and then even resort to forging certificates of vaccination, if their dogs are caught and taken to the dog pound, to avoid paying the fine. Others put their pets out on the road, when they are hurt or sick, as they cannot be bothered to take them to a vet or to look after them. I have even heard of a dog put into a garbage bag, and thrown out with the garbage, who was rescued by a dog lover. It is imperative that programmes be started in schools, to teach children to be responsible owners of dogs.

This will help dogs in the future, and also help children, to be kinder, more compassionate and will kept them away from violence of any form. I'm sure it will also keep them occupied with their pets and away from porn on internet and crime on video and television, which does them no good at all, now or in the future. Children must be taught that dogs have feelings too, and should not under any circumstances, be taunted or harassed. Some children think that it is fun, to make faces at dogs or throw stones at them, which is a dangerous pastime, Dogs, like elephants, have wonderful memories, and never forget an insult or a kindness. Cruelty at the hands of children, can cause a dislike of children, which will be with them for life.

There is a belief that the human form is the highest level of attainment. But I tend to disagree. I think that if a human lives a good life, he or she will be reborn as a dog. A dog asks for nothing in return for their love for their owner, which is simple, uncomplicated and undemanding. Dogs can suffer from stress and depression too; they need tender, loving care, as much as we do.

I have had dogs, who have had false pregnancies, and suffered from post natal depression. They are particular about territory and position. They probably think 'I'm top dog now, how do I stay that way' or 'I want to be top dog, how do I push him out of that position' Dogs are more often than not, male chauvinists, who when they move in a pack, concede the position of pack leader to the male. They are also much kinder to each other than humans are. I wish sometimes that people had to apply for a licence and pass a test, before being allowed to own a dog. Friendship and dogs are two of the most important things in life.

The joy and happiness my dogs have given me, and continue to give me, in their short lives, are what makes it all worthwhile. Dogs who are cruelly treated virtually give up on ever expecting caring from humans, and are acquiescent and stunned when a loving hand touches them tenderly or speaks to them kindly.

'We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet and amid all forms of life that surround us, not one excepting the dog, has made an alliance with us'.

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