Sunday morning dawned pretty early for me and to the left is the reason for my aborted sleep-in today. This big white puffy baby did indeed need its biannual trip the veterinarian; its long curly hairs demanded a good trim,and off we drove to Vacoas! Although this perfect Sunday weather called for a beach day, hard work was awaiting. The relatively short drive was punctuated by thoughts of the impending arm workout I was about to endure, holding this jittery baby! Needless to mention how scared it always is at the sight of that place. Today though, I was scared as well. Oddly, the vet is located just a street past Abattoir (French for 'slaughterhouse') road! But, it was no ominous sign. All went well & here's what I got out of it! We reached around half past nine and the queue of patients waiting to be treated was already impressive (3 dogs and 1 puppy!), especially for a Sunday, when one would normally spend the day out with the family. As I watched these men and women, waiting by the sides of their dogs, some with worried wrinkles over their frowns, others excited with the expectations of a new adventure, I realised how the norm of spending the day with the family had not changed the bit - the family on the other hand had, somewhat. I met this cute puppy, named Cafi, which was accompanied by his master, and his young son, probably aged around 8. Cafi came for his first vaccine I was told. Only a few weeks old and already an important member of the family! The bond between the master, his son and the puppy was more than evident. No shout, no tug, but gentle conversation and caresses for the little Cafi. We all heard a sudden rubble when another car parked itself a few metres away. The worried faces set the tone. They were certainly not here for a first injection but a dreaded last one. A couple got off, before diving into the back seat area. They pulled out, together, each partner holding one side of the thick black cloth, onto which was, lying limp but with eyes warily opened, an old-looking dog. They rushed inside and the hushed tones said it all. They were probably here to euthanize the old weak animal. I noticed the sadness in their eyes. A mourning aura veiled their faces, as if they were waiting for a member of their family to pass away. Then it hit me, it was indeed a member of their family. Their dog, that loyal figure in the family, was going to die. I looked back to Phibie, still waiting for its turn in the car. Phibie was watching the unfolding scene from the driver seat, as if this had always been its spot. I realised then how dogs, and all our pets for that matter, have completely changed the traditional family setup. The Human species is now welcoming the animal species into its home, integrating it as its own. A race that has proven so discriminatory towards its own throughout history is now accepting the animal race, treating it as an equal, to be regarded with the same respect, the same care, love and laws (Yes!). Did you know that you now have insurance policies for dogs (not sure we do in Mauritius, but it's a reality in many industrialized nations!)? The logic behind is pretty simple: just as you would have an insurance covering medical expenses for your children, the same applies to your dog/pet, whose medical expenses do put a certain strain on the family budget from time to time, depending on nature and age of the pet. If you love dogs, then I have something for you: Dogs: 500 Questions Answered, by Caroline Davis. I stumbled onto this book while waiting for Phibie to get her hairs in order - a simple and good read! Answering any question from 'do I need to get two puppies of the same litter?' to 'how to stop my dog to jump at people?' to "is my dog unhappy?", this book is a real bible every home should possess. Not only would our neighbourhoods be, I believe, safer, both for humans and for pets, but the quality of our pet-master experience would also increase! When you come to think of it, human beings are probably the strangest species of all on Earth. We can be so inhumane towards each other but then so god-like to animals. We look down on our neighbours and yet show nothing but kindness to our pets. Is it because these companions give back so much love? Is it because it is easier bonding with them than with human beings? As much as I would like to be able to answer these questions, I believe life holds the answer. One only to be unveiled while living it. Perhaps Phibie might be key to helping me solve this mystery of life. But until then, here's what I found and fell in love with at the vet: Things We Can Learn From A Dog When loved ones come, always run to greet them. Run, romp and play daily. Be loyal. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. Run right back and make friends. I hope you enjoyed this little reflection on us humans. Don't forget to show your #DogLove! Sine Cera
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
FREDERIC M
In need of Beauty products ? Does your skin need some healthy boost ? Wait no more - CONTACT US now and enjoy our large panoply of Beauty & Health products!
Archives
June 2014
Categories
All
Kelvin
Fashion is a passion, writing another. So I thought - why not share them through a blog? Et voila! I hope you enjoy your time around here... |