Very interesting topic Believe. I myself am an animal lover so this is a wonderful topic for me. My family has always had pets ever since the day I was born so to me life without pets is quite unimaginable.
We had a family cat Pickoo in India, who lived to the ripe old age of twenty. Sadly she succumbed to cancer in the mouth which she had been suffering from for a while. We also brought a dog home called Socks when I was twelve. Unfortunately we had to give him up when we moved to USA. My grandparents had him given to a farm owner, but he eventually lost him. We never got over that. 😭
Currently we have three cats and a dog. We rescued them all from the humane society. It really is difficult for me to choose between cats and dogs.
However, to state the pros and cons of both.
Cats are independent creatures, they do not need a lot of constant attention. You can leave them alone at home without worrying about the house being destroyed. Cats kill spiders, mice and other pests. They are clean creatures and do not get themselves dirty. They rarely need baths. You can go on a vacation leaving food and water and having a friend come clean the litter and cats will be just fine.
Cats are solitary and finicky and will cuddle only when they want to. Cats can be anti-social. You cannot train cats, so you can never teach them commands unless they want to. Cats can be picky about litter box standards and will poop and pee all over the house if something is off.
Dogs on the other hand need a lot of attention. They need plenty of walks to burn energy. They can be destructive. Sometimes they will be anxious or nervous if you leave them alone. You cannot go on vacation unless you take your dog or make arrangements at a kennel. They need consistent training.
On the other hand dogs are very sociable loyal animals. Highly trainable they can learn many commands with right teaching. They will be there whenever you want them. They will cuddle whenever you want. They will be your unconditional best friend for life.
As with any pet dogs cats reptiles mice whatever you have to respect their animal instincts. Be sure to fulfill their primal needs. Maintain good health and vaccination. Make sure they do not get into any aggressive or destructive behavior.
When we lived in Bombay many people thought dogs were a nuisance. But I tell you what, dogs are best companions. In our apartment complex the stray dogs became watchmen. We used to feed a stray dog by our house. He would follow me to school and back and ensure I was safe. There was this one incident where a stranger came into the building and started touching some young girls inappropriately. The dogs sensed that and actually chased him away. Animals have great instincts and know when people are up to no good. A good dog is the best friend and protection your whole family can have.
It is sad that so many dogs in India have to live on the street. They were bred from wolves to be man's companions. To protect our live stock, to herd our sheep, to guard our land and property, to protect our families, to pull sleds and carts, to sniff out lost people and children, to catch illicit drugs. They can help us in so many ways. Yet they live of garbage in the streets, people throw stones at them, kick them, beat them, push them to their limits and then complain that the dog has become vicious or hostile. They get euthanized when they could be helping enrich our lives.
The strays in our apartment complex were such a help in warding of bad people and looking after the kids that my dad had a bunch of them spayed/neutered and given rabies shots.
A lot of people are surprised when they find out we have so many pets. They do not see many Indian families having pets and being so enthusiastic about them. Funny how dogs are considered such low grade creatures in India. Remember Yudhisthira refused entry into heaven on account of the dog who had been his journey companion. Lord Dattatraya is always pictured with four dogs symbolic of the wisdom of four vedas. It is time we started showing a tad bit of respect to these creatures.
My advice to people around the world. You may not be a dog person or a cat person, but donate to the humane society. They prevent animals from being on streets. If you have a local dog menace. Get together with your neighbors and contact animal activists to have them spayed neutered and given rabies shots. This way you can do your part to prevent it from increasing. If you ever have the heart do adopt a pet. It will be the most rewarding life experience.
To end it all pics of my pets.
My dog in India Socks
My cats Lucky, Nikki and Max
My dog now Aria
Hindi TV Shows
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
