Mammals

Adopt a Dog

Adopting a dog has many advantages for you and the dog. Here are the reasons why you should adopt a dog: 

Benefits for you:

• There are many economic advantages for you. Apart from the fact that you never buy an abandoned dog, you adopt it (although sometimes you have to pay a small fee ranging from 20-120 Euros normally, which is an insignificant sum compared to the normal price of pedigree dog in a shop which is about 500 Euros upwards and taking into account the fact that  you are technically saving a life as many dogs that are not adopted within a certain period of time are put down.  Furthermore, abandoned dogs tend to be mongrels, and are therefore healthier (due to the variation in genes), and will not have to visit the vet as often (unlike pedigree dogs which often suffer from specific diseases. Examples: alsatians/german sheperd dogs and labrador retrievers often suffer from hip deterioration, dalmatians become deaf and beagles develop mental illnesses)  cutting costs massively.

• Furthermore there are social benefits. You can make friends and chat to people thanks to your dog. Many people, especially kids and teenagers, meet up to walk their respective dogs together.

• Not only that. There are physical advantages. You fitness levels gradually increase when you have a dog due to the fact that you walk it daily, doing exercise. Some people even go hjogging with their dogs, which is healthy for both dog and owner.

• However the most important advantage is the friend you will gain. Adopted dogs are super thankful, they always try to make the fact that you saved him /her up to you. They bring joy to the family. As well as that, even if you have always wanted a pedigree dog you might find one in a dog pound, with all the good qualities an abandoned dog has: most of the time they are already house trained, they will be thankful to you all their life, they´ll love you unconditionally, they will look after you, etc.

Benefits for the Dog:

• The dog´ll finally get a home and a family for which it will always be thankful.

• The dog will have proper healthcare and quality of life.

• The dog will have someone to look after (you) and someone to look after it (you).

• The dog will be happy.

• The dog will have a life worth living.

Avoiding the neglecting and abandoning of dogs

Neglect is the most common form of cruelty towards dogs.In order to avoid the dog neglect you should do the following things:

• Do not get, buy or adopt a dog if you cannot afford to mantain it. If you cannot buy food, medicines, essential accesories or cannot afford to pay veterinary bills then dont´t get a dog.

• If you cannot provide shelter for the dog then don´t get one.

• If you don´t have enough space for the dog, if you live in a flat or in a small house please do not   get a dog.

• It´s obvious, if nobody in your family has time to attend to the dog´s basic needs do not acquire a dog.

• Never keep a dog tied to a chain, it´s cruel.

• As a warning. Charges can be pressed against you and you can be taken to court for neglect just as with any other crime.

Another common form of animal cruelty is the abandoning of dogs. This can be avoided easily. A dog should never be abandoned.

-Don´t give dogs as gifts. A large percentage of dogs which are given as birthday, Christmas or any sort of presents are abandoned months afterwards.

-If you have problems with your dog (behavioural such as aggression or the fact that it still does its business inside the house) try training it before you decide to get rid of it. The following list shows books that may be helpful:  

• - Cesar´s Way: The Natural Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems By Cesar Millan

• How to Housebreak Your Dog In 7 Days By Shirlee Kalstone

• Don´t Shoot The Dog!: The New Art of Teaching And Training By Karen Pryor

• Aggression in Dogs: Practical Management, Prevention & Behaviour Modification By Brenda Aloff 

-If the books don´t work and you are sure about getting rid of the dog, never abandon it. Organise to leave it in a dog pound or pet rescue centre. There are many near you, there is one practically everywhere. If you cannot find one, ask your vet, he or she will surely know.

Say No to Bullfighting

Bullfighting is cruel and painful for the bull. You´d be surprised about how many tourists come to Spain and watch bullfights in order to get a taste of "Spanish Culture". Half of them leave before the first bull is dead sickened by what they see. However they have supported this horrific event by paying the tickets.

Bullfighting is wrong. Legally the bull should be killed within ten minutes to minimise its suffering, but this is seldom the case, and the bull´s pain goes on for long periods of time. Horses are forced into the arena and many die, attacked by the bull. If you happen to visit Spain, which is honestly a beautiful country, please boycott the bullfighting industry and let me tell, if you are thinking of going and watching a bullfight, don´t, chances are you´ll leave before its over, shocked and horrified by what you have seen.