Brutality towards animals has gained significant consciousness in today's time and many people nowadays, prefer to adopt dogs than buy one. Actors have also stepped onto this bandwagon of taking home stray animals and nurturing them as pet parents. With the concept of 'AdoptDontShop', citizens have turned to picking up stray cats and dogs and providing them a home. A lot of them who already have pets at home have formed small groups where each one in turn feeds and takes care of the stray animals in their locality. Yet, there are a lot of people who are yet to be fully aware of the scenario of pet adoption.
Sushmita Roy, an Executive Member of 'Love N Care For Animals' NGO said, "There are several initiatives announced by the Central Government as well as the State Ministry which have clearly highlighted hugely on the pet adoption necessity and also stated that one of the major civic responsibilities of a conscious citizen is to respect and care the animal population around them."
Dog Adoption Trends:
In the present societal structure, where people live in flats, it becomes difficult to adopt huge dogs owing to space constraints. The current dog adoption trends show that most people are opting for smaller animals.
Somnath Ghosh who is the owner of Wolfsbeck said, "I have observed the changing trend of keeping dogs over the years. Earlier dogs and pets were mostly restricted to the affluent class of the society. Gradually the mass also understood the fun and purpose of keeping pets. The changing lifestyle of people has compelled them to shift to apartments from independent houses. Initially large dogs meant for guarding purposes were quite popular, but due to the new urban lifestyle small companion breeds gained popularity among dog lovers as German shepherds or Dobermans, although they are very handsome and intelligent, are not suitable for apartments."
"Pomeranian, pugs and our own stray became a hit with many. But today, the most popular breed found in cities all over India happens to be Beagles. It is very friendly, hardy and playful," said Jaideep Dasgupta, The Secretary, The Beagle Club Of Kolkata.
Adding to it, Hirni Bhowmik who is an assistant professor, an animal activist, and a pet parent said, "Guard Dogs like German Shepherd, Doberman, Boxer, Great Den are definitely royal and appear excellent but due to the evolving living process it becomes difficult for a pet parent to accommodate them and give them sufficient freedom within home and on outside ground. So we prefer adopting compact home friendly dog breeds as I have a Beagle. The simple home bound breeds play a crucial role in balancing our work life pressure and maintaining a jovial surrounding around us."
Another very important factor highlighed by Somnath Ghosh is the expenses.
He said, "Large dogs require a physically strong person to handle it, whereas small dogs can be controlled by elders and childrens too. In coming years we will see the smaller breeds replacing the larger dogs among the new generation pet parents. Another very important factor is traveling with dogs in India is very difficult compared to developed countries. With small dogs it is easier to travel."
"I believe this growth in small breeds was also fueled by the low maintenance that these pets required. But simultaneously this also resulted in the decline of adoption of bigger breeds like Rottweiler and Doberman and led to the preference of only some specific breeds. Therefore, it was interesting to see this change and also adapt to it as a dog breeder of several breeds like Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Pug, Golden Retriever and Labrador," added Somnath Dey, Owner, The Golden Chariot Kennel.
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How Pets Influence Human Lives:
Pet parents are more sensible and caring individuals and these furry animals have a great influecne in human lives.
Aparupa Ojha, who is a clinical psychologist at 'Monoshij', an initiative of Techno India Group said, "Pets can be of great influence, especially in case of children as they tend to play a role in their upbringing. Interaction with the pets helps in dealing with depression, anxiety and stress management. Thus, there has been the concept of keeping therapy dogs in the mental health sector for assisting an individual with companionship and emotional support."
"Also, whenever an individual undergoes any mental plight, adopting a pet as a companion helps in healing quickly. In general we always suggest the presence of homely dog breeds around humans because of the simple joy they impart which is very much beneficial for living an emotionally stable life," she added.
Dr Sritama Ghosh, who is an animal activist and a special educator said, "As a pet parent and an ardent animal lover, I must say that the simple lap dogs or home friendly breeds are our best emotional support and adds new colour to our everyday life. While teaching in my institution, one of my major responsibilities is to impart to the kids the knowledge of the importance of being a pet Friendly human which will help them become a good citizen."
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