OUR DOMESTIC PETS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6804, 7 January 1929, Page 2

OUR DOMESTIC PETS

WHEN HOLIDAYS COME—? In tlie rush of holiday preparations there is ono matter that a great many people are -apt to overlook and that is the care of tLeir domestic pets, writes Katherine Carr in an exchange. Most people in their heart of hearts arc kind, and most homes from the proudest to the lowliest, give shelter and food and contentment to a dog or a cat, a parrot or a canary. Some of us, who go to extreme lengths of what the world calls foolishness, seem to collect waifs and strays of the animal world about us wherever w T e go, some queer protective instinct compelling us to feed every lean mongrel dog and attenuated cat that wags its tail or rubs its nose against our legs. But why should the over-fed sneer and snigger? In the first place it is a form of selfish indulgence that prompts people to ac : quire domestic pets and it is almost always in the baby stage that the pet is received into the home and gathered to the family bosom. People “simply adore” a kitten, a puppy or a pet lamb. It is so sweet for the children to play with .(and tease and torment). Unfortunately for the pet in so many selfish homes it loses its charm as it grows to maturity, and the fullgrown cat and big, hungry dog are regarded as absolute nuisances, while the sheep that was once an adored pet lamb is unceremoniously sent away to have its throat cut.

The people who keep pets selfishly for the pleasure of their affection, their tricks and the amusement they provide are often disgustingly callous when it docs not suit them to notice their pets. Have we not all at some time seen a dog on t.he chain day in and dav-out, whining, cringing, begging abjectly for a moment’s freedom because the perfectly nice, kind people wdio own it arc graciously pleased to allow it to frolic only for a few moments at a time—on rare occasions? At present there are deserted dogs and cats straying in every street, the people who own them having decided that as they are well fed and looked after ell the year they' can find for them-

selves at holiday-time. Others liavc taken their pets tn their seaside cottages, and, as likely as not, will abandon them there when the time eomes for the return home. In some towns there are homes where animals may bn left, in the care of responsible attendants during the absence of their owners and people whose affection for their pets is genuine enough may pay for their “board and lodging ’’ and know that, they will be fed and cared for. Where no such convenience is available there is often a kind neighbour somewhere who will feed one’s pets. Failing that there are the tradesmen, and surely the animals and birds who make tlicir homo with us and repay us so liberally in loyalty and affection for the small comforts we bestow on them arc worth a few shillings worth of milk and meat during our absence from home. Perhaps once a year we might let Coleridge remind us as we walk sedately to church that—- | lie praveth best who loveth best All things both great and small.