Paw to School

We often get calls from people asking us for help to rehome their dogs and when probed further, find out they want their dogs gone for simple reasons, mostly correctable ones, some very real reasons while others, can be solved had they trained their dog or sent it for obedience classes.

Marley's antics in "Marley and Me" made us laugh, especially when he was 'kicked out' from school, but how real the episode can be as we have homed such 'naughty dogs', and how disastrous it would have been had Marley's owner not kept to his belief that he had a good dog and he just needed to understand Marley better.

Yes, we have had dogs who are more boisterous than others, the really smart ones with short attention span but with proper training they turned out to be great and ideal family pets.

There is no such thing as a bad dog, really. It is owners who did not spend enough time to train or understand their dogs better. You don't get to see such sight in Singapore because of the enforcement of dog in leashes here, but go to a park in the West, you will see many dogs walking docilely with wagging tails, no leashes, alongside their owners, trotting merrily and at a soft command from their owner, or a hand signal will stop right in its tracks because he knew how to obey. Yes, what more glorious sight than that on a sunny day. We have seen big dogs harnessed like sleigh dogs, pulling carts with groceries aiding their aged owner in their weekly marketing. No, the dog did not run away or bark when it saw a cat or another dog, but sat waiting while his owner went into the Supermarket.

And yes, the dog looked happy, well cared for, glad he was needed, proud he was useful. He was well behaved. What a treasure it is to see such obedience. Is it possible our dogs can be like that? If our dogs were all like that, what a difference it will make for society's acceptance of dogs here.

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Over here where there are many cultures and backgrounds, there will be differences in opinions and views. Different people make the world and not everyone share the same views as us, one of which is keeping a pet, especially a dog. Some people like cats, others like dogs, some see the fun in fish, and so on, and then there are others who like only people, or maybe just themselves (smile).

We cannot force our views nor our expectations on others. That would be wrong. What would be congenial is a healthy, fair respect for everyone's differing opinion. Let's agree to disagree.

While we don't expect everyone to accept or love our pets, we hope that they not be unkind to them. However we need to ask ourselves first, is the dog we take out for runs or walks deserving of that respect? How behaved is he? Does my cat run to another's house to eliminate? Nobody likes to clean up after another's pet, worse if you don't even like animals in the first place.

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And even if you are an animal lover, that love can very quickly turn to resentment when good manners cross the line and who can fault when neighbours get upset with each other upon discovery of poo and pee in their front door carpet or lawn?

The onus lies very much on the pet owner to take a check and see, without rosy-tinted glasses, how appealing is your pet? Really, ask yourself. Pets, especially dogs, should be trained in their own way how not to create messes or jump on strangers, in short be behaved in a society that is made up of people from all walks of life. Just like children, they should be taught. Dogs have taken the worse hit, especially in public housing when space and privacy are compromised. Poo littered in public parks and pee stains on concrete pillars are something that brings a bad name to the word "dog ownership".

The publicity from bad behaviour impact all dog owners. When we see dogs who do not behave, remember, it isn't the pet's fault, they know no better. They are what their moms and dads have taught or rather not taught them. An unbehaved pet is a reflection of their masters' training. Unfortunately in a society where people are treasured, it is always, always the pets that get the blame and ultimately, pay the price. Before that happens, should we not as owners, as moms and dads to our furry babies give them what they need, besides bed and board?

Every dog owner will, in the beginning, effuse of how wonderful their pet is, their furry puppy or young dog. However these same enthusiastic, loving owners will scream bloody murder when that furry cute addition grows into a jumpy, boisterous teenager, behaviour left unchecked, undisciplined - chewing up furniture or creating havoc. Many choose the easy way out by abandoning them or surrendering to the SPCA, thinking that they bought or took back a bad dog and one that can't be handled. To them, giving up their pet is solving the problem and many of these fine animals, wonderful pets, are being placed on the forums for adoption to any home. What a shame, what pure shame, what pity.

To give our pet and ourselves a chance to live harmoniously together, we encourage you to train your pet . This is one of the best thing we can do for them, and also ourselves as responsible dog owners. Although training doesn't solve all behaviour problems, it is the foundation for most.

Training opens up a line of communication between dog owners and their beloved pet. Dogs especialy need to toe the line. They are social animals and without proper training, they will behave like wild ones. Even In the wild, dogs group in packs and they follow a leader, an Alpha who disciplines them or keeps them in line, hierachy from big to small, strong to weak. When we assume the role as their master, the dog we take home look upon us as their alpha. If we do not enforce a leadership from the beginning, they become confused and misbehave and a whole host of other problems will occur, a domino effect - some minor ones to the more serious like aggression. Nearly all behaviour problems are perfectly normal canine activities that occur at the wrong time or place or are directed at the wrong thing.

For example, the dog will eliminate on the carpet instead of outside; the dog will bark all night long instead of just when a stranger is prowling around outside; or the dog will chew furniture instead of his own toys. The key to preventing or treating behaviour problems is learning to teach the dog to redirect his natural behaviour to outlets that are acceptable in the domestic setting. Training is also an easy way to establish the social hierarchy. When our dog obeys a simple request of 'come here, sit,' she is showing compliance and respect for us. Most dogs love performing these tricks (obedience commands) for us which also pleasantly acknowledge that we are in charge.

In our rehoming efforts, we have met dogs from across the board, from the big to the small, cross breeds to pure, those with traumatic background, others from more privilege ones but the common factor here is understanding that they all need our help, they all need our love and patience to guide them. They do not behave the way they do out of spite or malice. A dog knows nothing of that sort. Agan, we reiterate, there are no bad dogs, only misinformed owners.

Dogs return as they have been given, some are able to transform from abused backgrounds to become grateful, devoted and loyal pets to their rescuers.

Others are not as forunate and long term abuse have led them to mistrust, be protective and fearful but it is not their fault, they can still be rehabilitated. Time, Patience, Love and Training are keys and can help these dogs into what they were created in the first place. After all everyone knows, a dog after all is Man's best friend.

Let us show society, transform those who dislike dogs, to accept them, even if they don't love them, for what they are when they see our paw friends walk obediently, closely to heel and behaving well.

Let us become ambassadors for all dog-owners and help to improve our paw friend’s status in society. If education is beneficial for people, it is as beneficial for your fur-friends.

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Having a pet is an opportunity to understand love. It is not only fun but satisfying. It is only through keeping a pet would you think of someone or something other than yourself. Having a pet teaches you to share, not only your home but your personality, your life, yourself.

If you need more information on training your dog, either in your home or as a social group, with other dog owners in a school, let us know. Contact us at anaterry@singnet.com.sg or 98383820. We have trainers who have helped us with dogs that come with their own "baggage" and transformed into loving ones.

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DOGS FOR ADOPTION

Marshmellow, the smooth coat cross terrier for Adoption

On a late Saturday night, as most families are already tucked into bed and night revellers enjoying their partying, a little black and white dog was doing neither. She was seen running frantically along Loyang Road oblivious to the speeding vehicles looking nervous and confused. Traffic was heavy at that time and very dangerous for the little dog who did not appear street-smart.

A group of NS boys who saw this from afar decided to try and coax it away to safety. Just then, the dog dashed across the road and was hit by an oncoming fast car. As if that was bad enough, with the dog lying on the road, the car behind rolled over it. A double whammy in just split seconds. Both cars did not stop to check the damage. The rescuers managed to stop yet another vehicle, a bus from hitting her further as she was right smack in the middle of the road. She was whimpering in pain and laid unmoving. She was bleeding from cuts on her body and couldn't move her hinds, but she was brought to safety.

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We have called her little Marshellow and the vet has since treated her. She had internal injuries and a fracture to the pelvic bone but otherwise she is fine. She stayed at the vet for a couple of days, on drip for further observation. Marshmellow is now discharged and recovering at a Shelter and we are looking for a home for her. She appears to have been abandoned as she has no mircrochip.

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Marshmellow is a little Cross Terrier, is black and white and estimated to be around 1 to 2 years old.

Marshmellow smiles at the camera

She is gentle, docile, sweet and mild. Despite her injuries and traumatic accident, she has no aggression and though she is in pain, she does not put up a struggle when her wound is being dressed. She has a great temperament and although a little timid with strangers, we know that given time, she will fit into your home as a family dog.

Will you be able to offer that chance to Marshmellow? It is a mircale that she is alive in a double whammy, will you make that miracle complete with a forever home for her. Marshmellow with her beautiful, loving and sweet eyes will return your love with her loyalty and gentleness.

Please sms 9799-6676 or call after 6 pm or email to winterain14@gmail.com if you wish to view her. Marshie is a small sized dog and is suitable for HDB dwelling.

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Labrador Cross, Darling Coco for Adoption

Gender : Female / Age : 8 months+
Size : Mid size / Labrador Cross

Good with people & kids

Coco’s story

Coco is a beautiful jet black glossy coated 8 month old Labrador- cross female dog, looking for a home. Loyal and faithful, Coco enjoys gallops and play. She has been sterilised and healthy, very good with people and children. Is there a home where Coco can live forever and bask in love? She is much too young to stay in a Kennel and cries to come out as she loves human interaction. Regretfully, Coco would not be suitable for HDB dwelling.

Please contact us 98383820 or email to anaterry@singnet.com.sg and we can arrange for a viewing.

ANIMAL LOVERS LEAGUE ONLINE SHOP

Animal Lovers League has many beautiful pet products for your precious pets. Cute tee-shirts, uniquely hand crafted pet collars, comfortable beds and doggy carrier bags, among many other items are on sale at affordable prices. These items are not only nice to look at but they are of good quality, easy to maintain and washable.

We have added new collars with beautiful designs. Do check them out. They make great gifts. On top of that, by purchasing one of our beautiful products you not only get a good quality item but you are also supporting us in our cause. Revenue from their sales are donated to the ALL kennel dogs and cats.

New Collection

Please visit http://animalloversleague-onlineshop.blogspot.com/ or ALL's web site under Merchandise for prices and more information on these products and how to order.

If you are considering a pet,

think of ADOPTING first,

Support petshops that do not sell pets