SINGAPORE : They are called man's best friend, but every year, thousands of dogs suffer from neglect or abuse.

One example is Will, who was run over by a lorry, and left to die.

But he has found hope in the form of his caregiver, who has chosen to remain anonymous.

The caregiver, a member of Action for Singapore Dogs Society, said, "I saw that from his eyes he had this strong will to live... He's always a very happy dog despite his disabilities and the pain and all the injuries he's had, and I thought if humans have a second chance, why not the animals."

Although many stray dogs roam the streets, they aren't the only cause of dog overpopulation.

Deirdre Moss, Executive Officer of Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said, "We get around 60-70 lost dogs every month. Most of these are pedigree dogs."

The overwhelming demand for adorable puppies has turned dogs into cash cows.

Jasmine is a victim of the commercial pet industry.

She was found outside a pet farm, and was probably rejected as a breeding dog because of skin problems.

Ricky Yeo, President, Action for Singapore Dogs Society, said, "The trend we're seeing is that people don't really bother as long as they're cutesy and nice, and if it serves their purpose, it's fine. But once there're problems and trouble like skin problems, injuries and all that, they basically just want to get rid of it."

Many dogs are "dumped" at the SPCA everyday.

But not all that end up there are in poor condition.

Some got lost, and remain unclaimed.

Many got dumped after the "cute puppy" stage, because of the heavy expense and responsibility needed for their upkeep.

Due to a lack of space and resources, the SPCA put down almost 2,000 dogs last year.

Ms Moss said, It's a matter of too many being given up everyday. And there're not enough homes. We can't find homes fast enough. And unfortunately not everybody can be selected for adoption as much as they deserve to be, and we wish they could be."

The message for potential dog owners is clear.

Mr Yeo said, "The point is to think carefully. Mentally and physically, you need to be prepared for a 10-15 year commitment."

Ms Moss added, "Before you buy a dog, please make sure you can keep it for the rest of its life. It's a big responsibility. It's not unlike having a child."

So before you find out how much is that doggie in the window, ask yourself: Are you ready for parenthood?

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[reddevil0728]

got source?

Originally Posted by reddevil0728

got source?

-quote from CNA webbie

[Asimof]

but i still see some hdb residents having huskies for pets. huskies are suitable for hdb environment.

[elu]

Originally Posted by Asimof

but i still see some hdb residents having huskies for pets. huskies are suitable for hdb environment.

You meant not suitable.

Thanks for sharing.

*sigh* sad....

Adopt, don't buy?

Originally Posted by perpetiel

Thanks for sharing.

*sigh* sad....

Adopt, don't buy?

actually i think is depends... coz for dogs you have to commit 15 yrs of their life span so you have to like the dog, sometimes you juz cant find a breed tat you like to adopt.... BUT most importantly is once buy dun throw them away when they are old with sickness

Adopt is the best solution. Up to 80% of dogs in SPCA are put to sleep ever year!

[~JoY~]

Originally Posted by Jesper

Adopt is the best solution. Up to 80% of dogs in SPCA are put to sleep ever year!

wah..

din know so many..
=(((

im a dog lover, but aren't allowed to keep dogs in my hse.
oso scared ltr negelect it oso when too busy with sch.
=\

Originally Posted by skymilo

actually i think is depends... coz for dogs you have to commit 15 yrs of their life span so you have to like the dog, sometimes you juz cant find a breed tat you like to adopt.... BUT most importantly is once buy dun throw them away when they are old with sickness

you've a good point there =) I agree existing dog owners must be responsible and take care of their pets like they would their own family member or loved one.

It's hard if everyone looks at pure breeds instead of looking into the eyes of a dog and love it no matter the breed. It's more about the personality and not the breed when we choose a pet isn't it?

I've rabbits myself and they're the "common" ruby-eyed ones. Lotsa people overlook their appearances, to adopt/buy cuter, pedigree bunnies. The poor albinos (ruby eyed rabbits) are often the last to be adopted where I volunteer. But they're all sweet and gorgeous to me and have different personalities and I love them in different ways.

My family wanted a long haired sheepdog, but my mixed-breed Wookie came into our lives, when we found her abandoned in the rain sheltering under a car, and now no one will even dream of trading her for a sheepdog.

If people can look beyond "breeds" and have an open mind about a dog, then there won't be this many abandoned animals because adoption will work. Then again, we live in a superficial world where appearances do matter.