The fact that we still live with dogs, even when we don’t have to herd or hunt our dinner, gives me hope for humans and canines alike.” – Oprah Winfrey,
It’s amazing the reach that a quote like the above can have.
So it’s no surprise then that recent headlines in some of the tabloid newspapers in Ireland, have caused major hurt and damage to Husky owners the length and breadth of the country.
As per my blog the other day check out THIS FACEBOOK PAGE set up to counter act the irresponsible reporting of the 2 recent attacks by dogs in Ireland.
It’s great to see a group of dedicated and passionate dog lovers coming together to try and reverse any damage that has been unjustly done to the Husky breed by these Journalists only interested in sensationalising the news in order to sell more copies.
A lot of the group that set up the above page are also involved in the following page, Hiking & Mushing Ireland whereby they try and get people interested in primarily the Husky breed to come and join them on their walks / runs or mushes to show them what the breed was bred for, and the amount of exercise that they require in order to lead a fulfilled life.
We have all seen the affect that programmes like the first Pedigree Dogs exposed programme which aired in 2008 has had on our life in dogs, rightly or wrongly, and the debate and questions that were presented to the public have stuck. Even some vets in Ireland are advising potential dog owners not to buy a pedigree dog, as in their opinion they are full of genetic defects, and prone to disease.
No mention of buying a dog or pup from a responsible breeder of pedigree dogs, that goes to unbelievable measures at considerable cost to health screen any potential breeding stock, check the Inbreeding Coefficient rates of potential matings, to ensure that any pups produced are healthy, fit for function, and once socialised and cared for go on to lead healthy and long lives.
I take my hat off to any group that stands up for what they believe in, and am sure with all the hard work that is being done on behalf of the Husky breed in Ireland, people will get to see the correct side to these stories.
People need to realise that in all the breeds of dogs, there isn’t a “one size fits all” and that you have to research the breed fully, taking into consideration, the exercise, grooming,feeding and veterinary requirements before just falling in love with that ball of fluff, and bringing one home.
Maybe if Oprah was to read some of the newspaper reports over the last few weeks in Ireland, her hopes for us humans may dwindle, and all her hopes would then rest on our canine companions
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