If you have not heard the Christmas slogan ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’, where have you been since 1978? The campaign was launched by the NCDL (National Canine Defense League) which later became the Dogs Trust.
The campaign was launched by the NCDL due to the ever-growing rate of dog/puppy purchases in the UK for Christmas presents, that were given due to the rise in demand from their children. The main problem with this is, said child, ends up learning a very eye opening life lesson about commitment, love, respect and ‘parenting’ when they bring to reality that their little fluff of love, just isnt a toy that will look after itself and comes with an ‘off’ switch. It needs food, water, training, love, affection, trust mixed with lots of cleaning up, patience and understanding, to name a few things.
Then, by the time Christmas is forgotten about, so it the pet. This usually ends up being looked after by parents or other family members, sent back to the shop/breeder or worst case scenerio ends up in an animal shelter – then, time is not on its side, if it is not fostered quickly, it is likely to be either flogged on to animal traders who will use it in illegal activities or euthanized!
There are many views on this, is it the parents fault for not educating/disciplining/being stricter with their child? is it the breeders fault for over-studding/animal abuse? Is it the child’s fault for not living up to their promises? Their are approximately 23% of dogs that are given back after the festivities – thats just dogs, what about other pets?
Luckily, we do have a caring country with more than 75% caring for animals compared to other countries out there, albeit not a great percentage we are still one of the highest.
Its not just about ‘I want, I want, I want’ or ‘I will look after it and take it for walks’
Really? You are not just saying that because you want a pet?
The important questions everyone should ask before commitment of buying a new family member are:
- Why do you want a pet?
- Will you train him/her? How?
- Do you have enough time and space?
- Can we afford a pet? (food, toys, time, veterinary bills, insurance)
- What breed? (small, medium, large! Temperament? family pet etc)
I’ve committed, I’ve got toys, I have a loving trusting pet, now…. what about care?
Its easy to play and interact with any breed of dog or any pet for both stimulation, interaction and to learn. However, care and welfare are not necessarily high on the agenda until something goes wrong. Aloe Vera has long been used in animal care, as documented throughout this website. I am always treating my pets to toys and treats but I make sure I mix this with some ‘care’ treats…. here are my favourites…
💚 Aloe Hand Soap I use this to bath Jade and she loves it (see here). You can also use this gentle formula to bath larger animals. It is 100% stabilised Aloe Vera Gel which soothes and moisturises, hydrates and conditions. 3-6 squirts (dependent on size) will build up a great lather and is all you need. 1 tub of this will last me easy 2-3 years with 6-8 bath’s per year
💚 Forever Bright Toothgel contains Aloe Vera and Bee Propolis and can be used by the whole family (I will never use a different toothpaste again). Its kind to gums and leaves breath fresh and teeth clean. Natural mint flavour – Jade is an older dog and never likes her teeth being cleaned but, she allows me to put some on my finger and rub it on her teeth. I then put a small blob on my finger for her to lick up for her breath. I keep plenty of fresh water available at all times and encourage her to drink after. I use this twice a day myself and a tube lasts me over a month. Jade, once a week. (more info)
💚 Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant is a deodorant of multiple uses., I have a customer that uses this on his dogs paw pads. The dog suffers from dry pads and they can crack and become painful for her. This is the only thing that clears up when she has outbreaks. The deodorant stick is also popular with Horse&Hound readers, as a fly-deterrent, and noted in their article ‘Best fly spray to protect your horse, ways to beat flies this summer’. The stick can be used on the nose, around the eyes, on the legs, at the back of the ears, base or the tail etc. (more info)
💚 Aloe Vera Gelly can be used as a topical preparation to calm irritated skin. It cools burns, grazes and can be used on skin trauma, cuts, bites, stings, sunburn to name a few. I keep a tube of this in my first aid kit, in my car and a couple of tubes in the cupboard – amazing stuff (more info)
💚 Forever MPD I could spend a long time typing out the multiple uses of this product and unbelievable cleaning properties of this product, read more here
💚 Aloe Drinking Gel contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to a normal energy-yielding metabolism. 99.7% aloe vera and contains 75 nutrients (more info)
People with pets are reported to have lower blood pressure, less risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, and are more physically active.