(IN) Review of Pets N Us

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- ** Miss Sonali

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*To:* Purnima Toolsidass - G Mail <ptoolsidass

*Sent:* Thursday, November 20, 2008 2:07 PM

*Subject:* Review of " Pets N Us "

 

Dogs Think You Sing Great

Arun Bhatia

 

My niece Radhika and her family elders were to travel to their 'native

place' by train and Radhika naturally wanted to take along her pet dog

Pongo. She was told that Pongo would not be allowed to travel in the

compartment in the train. Radhika was sad and asked " Why? "

 

She was told that people in advanced countries are more pet-friendly but in

India, pets have to travel in the guard's compartment in the rear of the

train. If it was a cat or rabbit in a basket, and if co-passengers in the

compartment had no objection, it would be possible take them in the

compartment.

 

A new book titled Pets N Us, gives all such information relating to Indian

conditions. There are many good books on pet care but most information they

contain do not relate to India and so, in this book, pet lovers will find

much guidance for better bonding of the family with the pet.

 

The book is written by Purnima L. Toolsidass, a trustee of People for

Animals, in consultation with Debasis Chakrabarti, India's only professional

dog psychologist. In the foreword, it is mentioned: " ... in spite of their

love and care, pet lovers sometimes remain ignorant of the best way to look

after a pet and so their animals suffer. " Pets 'N' Us will help pet lovers

in India.

 

The book is organized in the form of all the questions that the behaviorist

Mr. Chakrabarti was asked and has answered. The opening chapters are Why

Have a Pet, Choosing a Pet. " If you live in the city and have a small flat

and are out all day, a cat may be a better pet than a dog for you. Cats are

far more independent than dogs, and suffer far less from separation

anxiety. You can feed your cat in the morning, leave some water and dry

food for day time for sustenance, and give the next big meal when you

return. "

 

The book is full of such simple informative sentences and answers to such a

question as: " When I choose a pet, how will I make out whether he/she will

be placid/nervous, intelligent or dull? "

 

There is guidance about preparation for getting a pet (e.g. litter tray,

scratching post), how to choose a good vet, bare essentials to keep a pet

healthy (e.g. grooming, diet, housing, collars, toys, harmful foods). One

learns how often the claws of a dog or cat should be clipped, do cats need a

bath, and how to take care of dog's teeth.

 

Other chapters answer questions about settling in sociably, health and

happiness, travel, middle age, unwanted pets, legalities and emergencies and

potty training your puppy, sickness and medication.

 

There are some interesting bits at the end of the book. English writer

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) described his faithful cocker spaniel thus " He

is my most sincere admirer, he loves me, though he has never read my work. "

 

We learn about guinea pigs and rabbits. We also learn that all Indian birds

except pigeons and crows are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and

so they cannot be kept as pets (and that means it is illegal to keep Indian

parrots). There are some pages about aquarium fish.

 

There are delightful illustrations, and the 'Some Fun' section includes the

following:

Dogs don't care if you use their shampoo

Dogs think you sing great

 

The book is a good reference manual. Proceeds from this book will be used to

help suffering animals. Visit: www.animalcrusaders.org

 

Pets 'N' Us by Purnima L. Toolsidass 2008 Allied Publishers Paperback

Rs.175 264 pp. bngl.books