(MY) dogs on shopping list

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Monday January 23, 2006 - The Star

 

More dogs on shopping lists

 

By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

 

THE Year of the Dog is about to begin, and to usher in the Lunar New

Year with the best of luck, people are buying the canines.

 

Some buy the real ones, while others opt for replicas in clay,

plastic, glass, metal and more.

 

Pets Wonderland manager Nancie Tan said there was an increase in dog

sales among the Chinese in recent times.

 

" As it is to be the Year of the Golden Dog, pet owners feel that it is

good to start the year with a pet dog, " she said, adding that the

smaller breeds were the favourites.

 

Memory Lane manager at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Soo Kwai Leng, said

dog soft toys sold well throughout the year but there had been an

increase recently.

 

To commemorate the year, there is a limited edition dog soft toy with

a Chinese collar tag attached to it at Memory Lane.

 

" We try to bring in more dog-related gifts this time around, " said Soo.

 

Ironically, the scenario at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty

to Animals (SPCA) Kuala Lumpur is different.

 

" The adoption rate is still the same, but we get more surrenders, "

said SPCA public relations officer Stacia Leong.

 

She hoped for a change in the scenario after the Chinese New Year.

 

Leong ... 'a dog is for life, not just for one year'

Leong said people should not adopt dogs simply to commemorate the year.

 

" A dog is for life,'' she said. " Do not adopt a dog for the year and

dump it the next.''

 

Leong said pet owners should be committed and responsible towards

their animal's needs.

 

For the Chinese New Year, Cricket Communications Sdn Bhd have designed

and sponsored some T-shirts for SPCA and PAWS.

 

Proceeds from the T-shirt sale will go to the care of the two centres.

 

With the tagline " This year is going to the dogs. Give generously to

PAWS and SPCA, " the T-shirts are sold at RM20 each at the centres.

 

Feng Shui practitioner Yap Boh Chu from Yap Cheng Hai Academy in Kuala

Lumpur said there were too many symbolisms in modern Feng Shui.

 

Yap said the practice of recognising each New Year with an animal

started in the old days among the illiterate peasants to dictate time

and year.

 

Twelve common animals were picked to represent each year as the

animals were often seen in the farmyards.

 

Dragons weren't there, but the Chinese associate the mythical creature

with stories of heaven, authority and emperor.

 

" In reality, keeping a dog or a replica of one for the New Year does

not increase or decrease a person's luck.

 

" But the purchase of the decorative items in dog forms adds to the

spirit of celebration, " said Yap.

 

He added that classic Feng Shui was logical and almost scientific,

while modern Feng Shui was based on symbolisms and mismatch of various

techniques and beliefs.

 

" So anytime is a good time to adopt a dog.''

 

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Monday January 23, 2006 - The Star

 

Owning a pet no light matter

 

THE Malaysian Association for Responsible Pet Ownership (Marpo)

appreciates the recent letters by The Star readers cautioning would-be

pet owners to consider the heavy responsibilities involved in owning a

pet.

 

Here is a quick guideline to help people decide if they are really

ready to take up the challenges of having a dog:

 

·DO you have what it takes? Are you ready for a 10- to 15-year

commitment with a pet dog? Never buy a puppy or dog as a present for

someone unless they are willing to also take on the responsibility of

looking after it.

 

Dogs, like children, require a great deal of time and care and can be

expensive;

 

·MAKE an informed choice. Think about your home and your lifestyle.

Study the various breeds of dogs and the local bylaws on keeping dogs

before getting a pet;

 

·TREAT your dog well. In addition to food, clean water at all times

and exercise, your dog needs lots of daily tender loving care, not

being tied up all day until you find some time to be with him; and

 

Regular check-ups with the local veterinarian and neutering your pet

are also good choices.

 

·BE considerate to others. Keep your pet on a leash at all times and

clean up after your dog. Never allow your pet to foul in public places

or your neighbour's compounds;

 

Do not allow your dog to bark unnecessarily and annoy your neighbours.

The golden rule also applies in the animal kingdom: treat others as

how you would like them to treat you.

 

 

DR JON S. SATYAMOORTHY

Marpo pro tem president,

Kuala Lumpur.