KEEPING DOGS HEALTHY

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1929, Page 5

KEEPING DOGS HEALTHY

AN EXPERT’S ADVICE. In connection with the petition presented to the Greymouth Borough Council, Miss V. Kettle, the breeder of those high class terriers at the “Invergrey” Kennels, forwards an interesting article, entitled “Keeping the Dog Doctor Away,” by A. Croxton Smith: —

“Members of the veterinary profession will not misconstrue th© meaning of the expression “Keeping the Dog Doctor Away.” With the high sense of professional conduct which characterises them, practitioners are the first to tell people how to treat their canine dependents in such a sensible manner as to make them healthy and happy. When serious ailments occur by all means seek professional advice, instead of wasting time and money in listening to the sea-lawyer type of man who is always ready with a quack nostrum for every soft of complaint. What can be done to prevent things going wrong? Make your dogs as happy as possible, talking to them, playing with them, giving them change and exercise and taking them for a walk every day. Have you not noticed how dull and morose the canine companions of elderly people are sometimes? All the exuberance and spirits seem to be crushed out of the dogs unless some of the younger members are allowed to exercise them. Some years ago a very successful exhibitoi’ of Pomeranians was asked how she managed to get them in such perfect condition. “Happiness,” . was the terse reply. Another authority when asked for tips on the successful handling and training of a kennel of dogs, replied, “Talk to ’em my boy,” advice which every dog owner should remember and act upon.

“Dogs usually if there are children in thehomp. Both dogs and children amuse one another. The instinctive habit of puppies is to play, almost as soon as their eyes are open they begin, and unless checked they continue far into adult life. Human beings were never meant to enjoy a monopoly of happiness. The man who keeps birds dr animals is undertaking certain responsibilities and should see that they • are discharged. For the rest the domestic dog demands a comfortable bed and care bestowed upon his toilet. Byron says: —

“When some proud son of man returns to earth, Unknown to glory, but upheld by birth, The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe, And storied urns record who rests below. When all is done, upon the tomb is seen, Not what he was, but what he should have been, But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend, The first to welcome, foremost to defend, Whose honest heart is still his master’s own, Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone, Unhonoured falls, unnoticed all his worth, Denied in heaven, the soul he held on earth; While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven, And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.”