It’s a Dogs life in Europe
During the Celtic Tiger years Ireland went through a major transformation.
People everywhere wanted more from their lives, and would do anything to keep up with the latest trend.
Streetside cafe’s sprung up all over the place, and a law was even tabled where alcohol could be served at these premises late into the evening.
This trend was of course mirrored on the European system, that works so well.
Why is it then that we are prepared to freeze sitting outside a cafe in the middle of November, all in the hope of looking more trendy or European, but we don’t adopt their practices when it comes to keeping dogs.
Dogs would be allowed into these premises in Europe, and there dogs are considered an integral part of the family unit.
That in my opinion is the crux of the problem re dog ownership in this country, as in Europe the dog is considered as part of the family, but here in Ireland, the majority of people just see a dog as a pet or less, and something that can be discarded when times get tough.
I know of people in Holland that keep and breed Standard Smooth Dachshunds, and never have a problem in finding excellent homes for the pups, and develop a friendship with the new owners for the life of the dog and beyond.
Here in Ireland, people that own this breed, or any less popular breed of dog, would only consider a litter of pups if they had a large waiting list, as if you had a litter without the same you couldn’t be sure of where they may end up, and the chances are that after the novelty has worn off, just like sitting outside a cafe in the middle of November, the dog would be dumped or sent to the pound.
When it comes to responsible dog ownership in Ireland, as they say at recent Eurovision Song contests – Ireland – Nil Points !
345 total views, 1 today
