How many of us have had a pet during our years on this planet? What joy, fun, laughs and trauma, we have experienced while taking care of these creatures. The little dears come into our lives and it's a job to take care of their needs.
Learning what your pet needs is a great learning curve. Dogs I know, they have been in my life from childhood. Growing up with dogs, one learns their basic needs are regular feeding and water.
The fun bit starts with a puppy, who has no idea that what he's chewing could damage his stomach or your purse at the vets.
Rescue dogs who may have had a tough start in life can suffer from trauma. They can't talk about it (just like some people), and this may show itself in any number of ways. Patience and observation can lead to understanding the reaction the pet gives you and its surroundings. These can be tough times for both pets and new carers. In many cases, I have heard however that in time both pet and carer seem to work it out and gain an understanding of each other.
On the whole, the owners of the many dogs in Ramsgate clean up after them and that's caring for our community. Many take their dogs for walks along the Westcliff and Eastcliff. It's good to see them run around and throw the ball, which is fine as long as the dog is under control, not the other way around. Our little dog is no longer with us. She was a rescue animal and we did work through her problems and had many happy years together. After her interaction with anyone while out and about, she would be full of herself, but if people walked on by, I could see she was confused, as she didn’t receive any strokes or conversation. It takes time for the owner to adjust to no longer having that constant companion always there for a cuddle and a chat. I've lost my shadow.
For many, a dog is a lifeline. Over the years, the training of dogs has developed and been of wondrous help to us poor humans who can't smell and sniff out anything. The dog can sniff and recognise when trained anything it seems that is asked of it. For example, scientists have worked with these dogs to develop their craft of identifying cancer in many forms in humans. We are aware now of the help and how life changing a trained dog can be for people who are blind or disabled in different ways: a warning dog who alerts one to an imminent and life-threatening condition seconds before it happens. How wonderful it is to have such a pal alongside and to help one to feel safe.
In a documentary that I watched which related to a group of soldiers dug out in a jungle showed how clever and understanding a dog can be. They can think and work things out. It was in the night, dark and silent, just the sounds of the jungle, and the rustle of the undergrowth. The scents of the dugout and the closeness of each other holds them together, and the dog sits in the silence as a soldier as well. The dog lets out a soft rumble from his chest and the men around him become alert too. They ready themselves and have the advantage of the enemy as they have been warned of their approach. The dog keeps quite still with his fellows ready for the attack. This action saved their lives.
I have heard that the dogs for the blind group are looking for homes for about a year for puppies who would learn about everyday life and then go to a trainer. It's a skilled job and takes time, however if a dog has had a good start with a family, the groundwork will help him/her with the next step.
For those who have had a pet, it's still a loss when they go and we feel great sadness.
Written by:
Councillor Barbara Young, Pegwell Ward
LOSS OF AN ANIMAL
There’s something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart – it needs to mend.
Though some may say, “It’s just a pet,”
I know I’ve lost a friend.
You’ve brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won’t forget.
You’ll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.
Written by:
Susanne Taylor