The Brunette Diaries

4 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Homeless Dog

“A dog doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.”John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog

A little girl enters the pet store with her mother. After going through the different foreign breeds in the shop (who were kept on display like decorative items), her mother says, “You can buy a Lab, they tend to be more faithful than other breeds or you can go for a Doberman, they are good guard dogs.” The little girl did not utter a word and kept staring out of the window. Her attention was fixed on a little puppy that was playing across the street, and getting dirty jumping in a poodle. “So full of life,” she thought to herself, and told her mother that she wanted to take the little cuddlesome puppy home. Her mother turned scarlet with disappointment and said, “But he is a stray! Why would you want a street dog when we can afford to buy a foreign breed?”

Don’t most of us have the same mentality like the little girl’s mother? We want dogs like Labradors, Dobermans, Pugs, Pitbulls, Rottweilers, etc, and then we call ourselves ‘Dog lovers’, when evidently we are nothing more than just ‘Breed lovers’.

Stray dogs, just like other dogs, offer you the same pristine love and lifelong companionship. So if you’re among those who has always wanted to keep a pet, here’s why you should consider a homeless dog:

1. An antidote for depression

Do you see the breed, colour, size of the dog when you are playing with him? Of course not! All you can see is the spark in his eyes and his radiant “smile” that can brighten even your gloomiest days! A dog, irrespective of the breed, just needs a loving and a compassionate friend. They want you to cuddle them after you reach home and pamper them with some jerkies! You can simply talk to them, and they will never retaliate, lecture or taunt you. They are all ears when you talk to them. They also work as “social catalysts” and help you get out more, and interact with others thereby reducing isolation.

2. The Indian breed myth

People have formed preconceived notions about Indian breeds. They consider them unhygienic, dumb, rebellious and even stubborn. As a matter of fact, the behaviour of a dog depends on his training. If you buy a German Shepherd worth Rs. 12,000 and do not train him appropriately or beat him up very often as a punishment, he will end up becoming ferocious and will never obey you in his life.

Stray puppies could initially have ticks and problems like intestinal parasites due to their poor living conditions. But these are easily treatable; plus, even the pedigreed puppies can have these problems. So, instead of calling street pups “unhygienic”, you can make an effort to de-worm them and apply some anti-parasitic medicines to help them get rid of such predicaments. What’s more, street dogs have a better immunity against diseases and infections, thanks to adaptation since generations. While pedigreed dogs are a haven for ticks and fleas, it’s comparatively easier for street dogs to get rid of them.

3. Customers or Parents?

Many affluent families buy dogs for tens of thousands of rupees and then abandon them if they are attacked by serious medical issues like kidney failures or severe stomach infections. They behave just like customers, who throw away an old gadget the moment it stops functioning properly. But dogs aren’t lifeless objects and nothing hurts them more than separation. Instead of behaving like a customer who pays money to ‘buy’ a pet, you can behave like a parent and adopt an orphan, homeless dog.

4. The homeless need love too!

Adopt a local Indian breed once, and with time you’ll notice that they are as smart and friendly as any foreign breed. There are numerous puppies lying on the streets, who crave for food and loving homes. Most of them either die painfully due to diseases or hit-and-run accidents, while the others continue to live in agony. These puppies can be given a chance to live a healthy and safe life; all you need to do is change your attitude towards Indian breeds.

If you are thinking of bringing home a cute and loving dog, do consider Indian breeds once! By doing so, you’ll be saving a precious life.

Top 4 tips for puppy care

Everyone loves animals. Do I hear a no? Okay, there may be some people who dislike them, but majority of the world’s population love animals and some people even have them as pets at home. Be it parrots, guinea pigs, cats, dogs or even lion cubs, there are a variety of animals and birds that can be kept as pets at home. However, dogs seem to top the pet list worldwide.

The way they yelp for food, their bum wobbling when they play, their sad face for locking them in the kennel, the excitement they show when they see you after long hours, getting petrified of their own fart noise, hiding under our legs when lightning strikes and much more. Can you name one thing that you don’t find to be cute in your furry ball of joy? Initially, they might be a headache; but, they capture our hearts soon enough and become a part of our family.

With so much ‘dog’ertainment that we get, the least we can do is to tend to their needs. Once we bring them home, they are under our protection. It is important for us to know what is right and wrong for the puppy’s growth. If you are a first timer, here are a few essential tips that will help you take good care of your four-legged buddy.

Do you have the essentials?

Your pet might be a part of your family, but he is still an animal. It is mandatory to keep his things separate from yours. Feeding bowl, water bowl, comb, brush, shampoo, towel, collar and leash have to be washed regularly and kept aside. Do not mix your stuff with his. It is not good for your health and your puppy’s.

Did you puppy-proof your house?

It is important to puppy-proof your house, lest it keeps on chewing your stuff during its teething phase. Keep things at a higher level so that the naughty little one is unable to reach there. Be it kitchenware, shoes, clothes, combs or the kinds; don’t make it accessible for your puppy.

Do you take him to the vet regularly?

Initially, your puppy needs a few vaccinations to ensure that doesn’t face any health issues. Also, even if he is in the pink of health, make sure you visit the vet on a regularly basis, mainly because, even though he may seem fine he doesn’t ‘talk’ to tell us his invisible body problems.

Do you groom him from time-to-time?

If your puppy is furry, it is important for you to groom him from time-to-time. Otherwise, his hair can easily get knotted up and give him a lot of pain when you decide to sit one fine day to comb his fur. Also, clean and bathe him frequently as per the vet’s instructions. Make sure you keep a tab of fleas and other pests that may be clinging on to your pet’s body.

Do you know that human food is toxic to your puppy?

By feeding your puppy with food that you consume, you are intoxicating him. It might be difficult for you to gobble chips when he is sitting right in front you waiting for you to throw him at least one piece. But, don’t feed him. When you are eating, either keep him in his kennel or train him to not ask for your food.

Having a dog as a family member is a wonderful feeling. You can love him or abuse him; but, at the end of the day, he will still love you unconditionally. Let’s not do the latter, and be faithful to him, as he is to us.

Things to remember while involving your kids and pets

Children always fancy owning pets at home. Many children pester their parents to gift kittens and puppies for their birthdays. If you are a pet lover and have approved the idea of owning one at home, here are a few tips and ideas to help you initiate an amicable relationship between your children and the four-footed newcomer.

Deciding on the pet

Now that you have decided to own a pet, it is important for you to know which kind you want to adopt. First, you must know that a bigger pet requires a bigger house. If your house is small and if you think dogs may eventually find it difficult to walk around, buy goldfish or guinea pigs. Fishes stay in tanks, thus requiring a small space. Also, take into consideration your children’s age. Children need to get along with pets at home; therefore it is important for you to think about your children’s age before you allow the two to bond with each other.

Train your pet to maintain routines

Prepare pet schedule that will help you train your pet on a daily basis. Allow your children to help you in the process. Make them do small work like changing water or feeding your pet. In this way, your children can lay a foundation to new friendship with their pet. Take your children along with you while visiting the vet for routine check-ups.

Don’t be rude

If your children forget to feed the pet or walk him in the evening, don’t shout or punish them. Allow your children to make mistakes. Explain the consequences to them. They understand facts faster when explained patiently rather than with a rough tone. This way, help them understand and learn things. By handling the situation calmly, you are reassuring the bond between your children and your pet. Encourage them to apologise to your pet for forgetting to feed it. Making conversations with your pets helps in bonding better.

Teach team work to your kids

Divide the work among your children and give them individual work to bond with the pet. Ask one kid to feed the pet time-to-time while the other does potty training. Exchange the schedules on a weekly basis and make sure they actively participate in the bonding process.

Timely check on your kid’s behaviour towards the pet

While some children jump in joy to welcome the newcomer, others may not like the sudden attention that your new pet receives. Some children show their anger by throwing things at the pet. During situations like this, sit and explain the benefits of having a pet at home. Ensure that the pet can be a best friend to your child provided he is treated well. Also, monitor your child time-to-time to ensure that he treats your pet well.

Don’t forget to click pictures of your children bonding with the pet. Children and pets are the cutest combination ever and capturing those moments will be the best way of freezing it.

Things to consider before bringing home a dog

Ever considered bringing home a dog? Many youngsters are fascinated by pets that they see in the movies. Who will forget the evergreen television serial ‘Lassie’. You cannot expect your dog to save you from trouble week in and week out, but having a dog at home can be a wonderful experience. If you are looking forward to bringing home a four-legged best friend, consider these few things:

A dog will take up a lot of your time

Understand that a dog will take up a whole lot of your time. If you are a busy bee who works sixteen hours a day, then a dog may not always be a good idea for you. Shopping for dog food, training, regular checkups at the vet and many more such activities are going to need your time. You will need to take care of your pet constantly.

A dog will require you to be at home

Taking your dog for a walk each day is important. If you aren’t at home that often then consider hiring a dog walker. You may require being home to take your dog for a walk otherwise. Going for a vacation will also need you to make sure your dog will be taken care of. Your dog will need you to give it food at regular intervals as well.

Your dog should be suitable to your lifestyle and your surroundings

If you live in a small apartment then having a big dog is not an option for you. You do not want your dog to have health issues, nor do you want it to break things around the house.

Choose the right breed for your surrounding

Consider the climate, surroundings, and the region you live in when choosing what breed of dog you want. Make sure you do not get a dog with a lot of fur in a hot and humid region lest it suffers.

Choosing a male or female dog

During the initial days, a male dog may urinate on the walls and the furniture, while a female will get her menstruation cycles every six months. These are some things that you need to be aware of and be prepared for.

Have you considered these things? If you haven’t, then consider them today if you are thinking of getting home a dog.

Foods that can poison your dog

You want the best for your dog. Many a times you cross the line and cannot resist their drooling ‘please share with me’ look and share foods with them from your plate. Well, this may not always be a good idea. What’s good for you may be toxic for your pooch. Let us look at a few such human foods:

What’s good for you can be toxic for your dog

Chocolate

Just because you love chocolate and your dog eats it too, doesn’t mean you give it to your furry friend just because it is drooling and giving you repeated handshakes in a bid to get you to “treat” them. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can cause symptoms like vomiting, excessive thirst, abdominal discomfort, severe agitation, irregular heart rhythm, seizures and even death.

Avocado

What is healthy for you, you may assume is healthy for your dog too. Well, that’s where you can be so wrong! Avocadoes contain persin, which may be toxic to some dogs.

Yeast

A slice of bread is very often given to dogs, thinking, what could possibly go wrong with just a slice of bread. Well, you may be wrong again. Bread contains yeast, which is severely harmful as it causes alcohol intoxication and bloating.

Coffee

Oh, who doesn’t love a cup of coffee? You sure do, but what you may require every morning to energize yourself can be severely harmful to your dog. Caffeine, especially in large quantities, can be fatal for dogs.

Grapes

Research hasn’t proven anything yet, but grapes and raisins have been associated with kidney failure in dogs. Most dogs aren’t really affected by it, but better to be safe than sorry.

Alcohol

All you smart Alecs out there who have fun with your dogs by getting them a bit tipsy, bear in mind that alcohol can be fatal for your dog. They get drunk far sooner and with a lot less booze than we do. And the results are about the same: everything from vomiting and loss of coordination to seizures and even death is on the table.

So the next time you feel the need to be a considerate dog parent and share your delicacy with them, remember what you read today.

Things you can do with your dog outdoors

Most people think that having a dog means spending a lot of time at home. However, your dog needs exercise too, just like you. Your dog needs to experience fresh air and would feel claustrophobic all day in the house, just like you would. So, here are a few things you can do with your dog outdoors.

(Also read – Things that may destroy your dog’s spirit)

Walks

Walks are a great way to bond with your dog. Take him for a long walk and enjoy fresh air while you get to meet people as well. This way you’re giving your dog the exercise he needs while you get the mini workout too! Best of both worlds! Make sure you carry a spare bag, however, since outside is not a pooping place for your dog!

Go to the park

A park with grass is a great place to play with your dog. Just like your children, if you have any, would like to go to the park and roll on the grass, so would your pooch.

(You may find this interesting – Foods that can poison your dog)

Swimming

Get your pooch in the pool if it is allowed, or take him to a river or lake for a swim on a hot summer day. The water helps cool the heated skin and offers an alternative form of exercise when it is too hot outside.

Hiking

Your dog loves the outdoors and hiking would be a good exercise for him, especially when it means bonding time as well with you!

(Try reading – Things to consider before bringing home a dog)

Games

Take your dog to the backyard or the building playground and play catch with your dog. Use a ball, a frisbee or a baton to make him improve his reflexes as he fetches.

Vacations

Instead of keeping your dog home or at a dog crèche, take your dog along with you on your vacation. He will love it if you care that much!

(Also read – 4 reasons why you should adopt a homeless dog)

If you have decided to parent a dog, make sure you love it and care for it like you would as a proper parent! Do not neglect it because it is an animal!

Caging birds: Is it wrong?

When birds are in the wild, these beautiful creatures are never alone. You may have noticed this on a wildlife channel or probably in real life as well. Even for a moment if they are away from their flock mates, they call wildly to get back to each other’s company. So what are we doing when we actually cage these gorgeous winged creatures? We’re crushing their spirits at the expense of our delight. Harsh, isn’t it? They may beautify our homes and it may be a great hobby to rear them, but what good is it doing them?

(Also read – Is living-in before marriage a cool idea?)

Caging birds is something that seems so normal to us but can be a nightmare to birds. The greatest thing about being a bird is the ability to fly – to soar above the skies, a freedom that other creatures can only envy. So, to confine a bird to a cage where it can barely fly at all is severely cruel.

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Jaya Sawant is a pet lover who has two dogs. She is of the opinion that dogs may be great pets, but caging a bird is just not right. “Having a pet dog is fine, in fact better than it living on the road. But caging a bird is just so wrong, on so many levels! How would a human like it? Whenever we think of cruelty to animals, the first thing we need to consider is, will you live that life for even a day? How would that feel?”

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It clearly shows on the behaviour of the bird as well. You don’t see a chirpy bird in a cage, do you? You may see a well trained bird that probably loves his ‘master’, but there you go! We talk about slavery being a thing of the past, but we enslave these majestic creatures and call ourselves masters! Double standards, eh?

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Donating your bird to a sanctuary is a great option

So, if you have a caged bird at home, what is the next option for you? Probably a bird sanctuary is a good choice as this will give your bird more space and more birds to live with. The next time you go to by a bird, remember that it hurts their life to stay in a cage. If you are generous enough to buy a bird and set it free, that will credit your humanity to no limit! However, consider that a caged bird may not be able to live a free life soon after and donating it to a sanctuary may always be the best option.

Things you need to consider before buying a dog

Buying a dog from the local pet store may be an easy option for you, but there are many cases out there where owners have been fooled about the breed of the puppy, have overpaid for cheaper breeds, or have bought unhealthy dogs for a hefty sum. So it is important to do your research before you invest into buying a dog. Make sure everything fits your requirements because the dog is soon going to be part of your house! Here are a few things you need to consider before investing in your four legged best friend.

(Also read – Things you can do with your dog outdoors)

Puppy mills are a cruel place for dogs and their puppies

(Also read – Things that may destroy your dog’s spirit)

Buying from a pet store

This can be the easiest option as you get to see the puppy first hand before you buy it. However, have you considered where these puppies may be coming from? The store owner won’t always tell you the truth about it, will he? For him it is a business in the end.

(Also read – Foods that can poison your dog)

Your local pet store puppy may have come from a large-scale, substandard commercial breeding facility, commonly known as a puppy mill. Here is where dogs are caged and bred and they give birth to puppies as often as possible. These puppies could have some costly medical problems that you may not have the finances to deal with! And most often, you won’t know about it until the puppy is already home for a few months.

Buying from the Internet

One of the riskiest ways to buy a puppy is off the internet. Buying a puppy whose picture you may have seen or whose owner you may have spoken to has no guarantee of being healthy. Not only this, owners could also lie about the breed and post fake pictures which could surprise you when the pet actually reaches your doorstep and you have paid for it.

So if you want to know about the quality of your puppy and where he was born and bred, it is a good practice to ask the breeder if he can show you the place your pup came from. If he refrains from showing you, then that is evidence enough that your puppy wasn’t necessarily in safe hands and may have been born unhealthy.

(Also read – Things to consider before bringing home a dog)

You need to be aware of the breeder who sells you a puppy

One more thing you can do is to make sure your dog is registered with a kennel club. The registration certificate carries the pedigree of your dog’s ancestry. So if you want to be absolutely sure of the quality of the pup you have purchased, a kennel club registration is a must!

If your dog isn’t registered yet, you can register it at a recognised kennel club in your area.

10 Tips To Make Your House Pet-Friendly

Pets are more than just domestic animals. In fact I hate calling them animals and even worse hate calling them ‘domestic’. Our furry, finny friends are a lot like us and they too need time, attention and love in a safe and comfortable environment. And that’s why, if you have a pet(s), it is imperative to ensure your house is pet-friendly. But sadly, most pet owners aren’t careful enough while purchasing or modeling their house.

A wooden floor is more comfortable for your pets. Make sure you have enough space for them to run around.

If you care enough for your clawey-pawey friend and want to make your house pet-friendly, here are some things you need to keep in mind.

Also read: Things to consider before bringing home a dog

1- When buying a new home, consider your pet’s particular needs. Pets need their alone-time too; so make sure you have enough space for them to be on their own.

2- Think far; if you have a pup or a kitten today, they may grow up sooner than you can imagine and need more space, care, attention and the likes.

3- Make you house as much comfortable for you and your pet, as possible. Say for instance; you may feel that a tiled or marbled floor is good for your pet as it can help them cool down in the hotter months. While that could be true, you need to think as per the behaviour of your pet. What if the marble is too slippery for your over-enthusiastic pet who comes running to greet you at the door? They may be hurt if they have a bad fall. A hard wood floor is the best option for houses that have too many paws. It’s scratch-proof and harmless for your dog.

4- If you live on the ground floor close to a busy street, think twice before putting a dog-flap on your main door. You don’t want your dog to run straight into the streets bustling with traffic, it could prove dangerous for your pet and the public.

Make sure your pet always eats at his ‘eating spot’, this way, you’ll can keep a tab that they don’t eat anything unhealthy and the house will also be cleaner

5- If your pet has been with you for years, you may not want to shift into the multi storey home just yet. Just think how uncomfortable it would be for your elderly dog.

Also read: Foods that can poison your dog

6- Did you know there are many items in your house that could be hazardous to your pet? A simple thing as yarn, insect control products, medications meant for humans such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc., small home-decorative objects that can potentially choke your pawed friend, even your garbage and certain foods that humans eat can be extremely poisonous for your pet.

Also read: Top 4 tips for puppy care

7- More than 50% pet-owners do not have a pet-first-aid kit handy. Make sure you have one and stick the vet’s contact number on it.

8- If you have brought in your pet recently and they are not well-trained yet, you may not want to bring them near your guests. Also, if your dog or cat is over-protective of you, there are chances they may go postal on your guests. To avoid that from happening, keep your pet in a room just until the guests are gone.

9- Keep a spot for your pet to eat. Train them to eat at this particular spot only, as some pets could be messy eaters and you don’t want your floor and walls resembling that of the public loo at CST station.

10- Lastly, if you have a pet that sheds regularly, a vacuum cleaner is a must in your house. You don’t want loads of tumble weed and dead hair on your carpeted floor and furniture.

Also read: Things you need to consider before buying a dog

Take the above tips seriously if your pet is dear to you. Remember to keep reading and regularly learning about what you should be looking out for. A little planning can go a long way in helping you streamline your daily routine and also keeping your pet safe, comfortable and happy.