Should I get a dog?

I am 35, single, with a serious medical problem (I am in the end stages of renal disease) and have been largely home-bound these past years. Despite my illness, I am able to move about easily and do household chores. In fact, I am still able to earn a living without leaving the house, mainly by writing articles and press releases for two big PR agencies in Makati.

By year end, I’ll be moving to a nice little bungalow somewhere south of Manila where, for the first time, I’ll be living on my own, but just around the corner from my sister’s place. I have been thinking of getting a dog not only as friend and house companion, but also for security reasons.

I have never owned a dog. During my childhood years, we had many dogs – they were my father’s – but I never enjoyed their company. Mainly because whenever the dogs missed their meals, my father would beat the hell out of me, and only me, despite the fact that we were eight children (five boys, three girls) in the family and we even had two maids. Throughout my childhood, I detested dogs and all other animals in the household. I hated their fur and smell, and when they licked me with their wet tongues.

So many well-meaning friends have been advising me to get a dog now that I am in my twilight years. I have never told them about my childhood trauma but I know I can overcome my repulsion for pet animals. I am a loving person, and I adore children, specially my nephews and nieces – I treat them like they’re my own kids. I have a teen-age nephew, a dog-lover who lives a block away. I can ask him to help care for the dog.

My question is : What kind of dog should I get? Should it be big or small? Female or male? Where can I get one and how much does it cost?

Do I have to enroll my dog in a dog school and if so, where do I find one? What do I feed the dog? Commercial dog food or home-cooked meals? What other things should I know beforehand?

–Jake

Dear Jake:

In my younger days, we did not have a pet in the house at all. But I became a veterinarian because my elder sister wanted me to be one. It was then that I began to appreciate, care for, love and respect animals like I would the closest of my kin. I treated pets like they were my own kids, and I began to be very concerned about their health, if they were eating right and the correct amount. Like your father, I scolded my helpers and vets every time they neglected the needs of my pets and patients. More than anything else, my pets gave me back more than I ever gave them – security and companionship, sans complaints.

Because you are a loving person, it would be second nature for you to learn to love pets, despite your childhood trauma. A dog would be a good choice for starters. For the many things that dogs can do, they justly deserve the title, "man’s/woman’s best friend."

Dogs can protect and guide you. Treat them well, and you can be sure they will cuddle up to you, wag their tail, and run their tongue on your hands. Wagging tails and licking are to dogs as "thank you" and "I like you" are to humans. Good and constant friends, we can cry and share moments of pain and weakness with our pet dogs, and not have to be sorry or ashamed for it.

Stroke their coats and we calm our nerves. If you take to your nephews and nieces like they are your own kids, it is a good sign you will be a good pet owner. Having your nephew around for feeding and bathing chores is a good idea.

I suggest you get a purebred, female dog. A Labrador or a Golden Retriever seems perfect for you. They are the kindest dogs I know, that is why they are the pet of choice among families with babies and children. A two-to-three month-old pedigreed puppy (purebred with papers), will cost you about P12,000, or more depending on its family line.

Go for a female so you can start breeding your own family of pets.

Taking care of puppies would be great for your soul and pocket.

There are dog trainers who can come to your house thrice a week so you need not worry about having to bring your dog to a school. Books, magazines – and websites galore – will help make your learning years as a pet lover a walk in the park. Home-cooked food is okay, as are some nutrients-rich packaged dog food. The cardinal rule, however, is to have your pet vaccinated within schedule. A vet can help you deal with falling hair, while good grooming is sure to keep your pet smelling great. Happy choosing!

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Dr. Mangahas has been a veterinarian for 30 years and holds diplomates in Microbiology, Canine Practice and Veterinary Public Health. She has served as officer of various veterinary and health associations. She is VP and incoming president of the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations which has 42 professional groups recognized by the Philippine Regulatory Commission.

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