STREET DOG AS A PET

STREET DOG AS A PET

Often people in India generalize stray dogs to be much worse than pure-bred dogs various reasons. Be it health or looks, these people are often very misunderstood. Stray dogs are just as good as other dogs, if not better. It’s often their circumstances which are much worse. Often subjected to physical abuse, conditions of stray dogs deteriorate rapidly in India. With readily accessible news of animal abuse and agencies these days, it really makes us wonder whether humans have any humanity left towards these adorable creatures left out on the streets, fighting for their very lives.

Getting a dog is one of the best things you could do, but adopting a stray dog is the cherry on top of the cake; your dog will love you, and you will love yourself to add up your bit for the humanity, and to save a life. Still not convinced? Here are 9 reasons why you should definitely adopt a stray dog. 

1. Dogs love you like nobody does: There’s a reason why they are called a man’s best friend. With a life that might not last as long as the man, they definitely give us memories that we cherish forever. When you adopt a stray dog, you’re giving it more than just a space to live in; you are making all its hardships go away. Such a dog loves you even more for making its life better. 

2. They are immensely smart: Stray dogs have had a hard life from day one. Many strays don’t even make it to the adult phase of their life, those who do, have lived their lives among other territorial dogs and people. Stray dogs know their world, which is also ours, perfectly and those who’ve survived on the street are perhaps some of the smartest dogs.

3. They are absolutely beautiful:The majority of the dogs who’ve lived on the streets are malnourished and dirty. But once taken care of, they’re just as pretty as any other dog. Something that you only understand after getting a dog is how little the breed matters, because it’s not the way your dog looks but the way that he loves you that wins you in the end. Once healthy, all dogs look equally good to you after a point. 

4. It’s him or her, not ‘it’:You will hate the very idea that animals are termed as ‘it’ in English and start referring your dog the human way. Get a dog in your home and you’ll know that there is no relationship more unconditional than that of you and your pets. The way a dog wiggles its tail at your sight, no matter what phase you’re going through, makes ‘him or her’ something even more precious than family.

5. They are healthier than other dogs: Stray dogs are very often mixed within breeds and aren’t pure-bred. Since they have a lower risk of obtaining purebred genetics that lead to inherited diseases, they are healthier than other dogs. With lower rate of hip dysplasia, certain knee diseases and spinal diseases. Even though not a lot of research has been conducted in this area, it is a safe bet to speculate that stray dogs are healthier than pure-bred dogs. 

6. Dogs don’t bite you, ill-treatment does: People have the stereotype that stray dogs tend to bite you; however, it’s almost always the opposite case. Regardless of dogs which are actually aggressive, in a much broader sense, stray dogs are very well socialized with not only other dogs but also humans. It’s an irrefutable fact that these stray dogs are treated ill at times and are often abused physically. Thus, they might get scared of humans and often even run away or bark when you approach them and in very rare occasions, bite you. 

7. You will be far more responsible: Handling a dog at home is no easy task. You have to be punctual; otherwise your best friend might suffer. You have to wake up every morning on time to take them for a walk, not procrastinate when giving it a medicine, Have to go for regular checkups, make sure your dog is in good health, and the list goes on and on. Irresponsibility and keeping a pet don’t go hand in hand.

8. You are literally saving a life: You might be getting a pet dog for your own purposes, but for a stray dog, you become their whole world by giving it a healthy space to live in. Almost all these stray dogs are used by people to take out their frustration, and as a result, they are often killed in the most brutal ways. Many people don’t consider a stray dog’s life even a life, but a dog’s heart is absolutely humane. Adopting a stray dog before he wraps up his or her heart with fear, is the most wonderful feeling you will have all your life, right next to the joy of having your dog by your side.

9. Dogs are not about status: People often do not shelter stray dogs because the way they look might bring disgrace to them. Such people should read the above 8 reasons and rethink about how outer appearances can be deceptive. A good person, no matter how he may look, is always a good person. This logic can always be applied to dogs as well. Their looks do not bring disgrace to you, and in fact, you’ll have respect of many other people who can sympathize with the plight of stray dogs. But love them, feed them and take care of them and slowly, they will be comfortable with you and play with you better than any dog does.