Dogs, Dog lovers, Dog Owners, and Mental Health Issues
It is said that “a dog is a man’s best friend.” My question is, what is the man to a dog?
Dog owners left right and center, but ill pass on this culture:
Where I am, almost everyone is a pet owner. Also, people here have a different pet-human relationship that I did not grow up seeing. Thus, I prefer not to adapt to their kind of pet owner. The biggest reason I keep pets at bay is that my living space is small. Oh, yes, veterinary services and pet food costs are beyond my current financial means.
Dog conversation with a Caribbean dog owner from my apartment:
On my way out today, it was a sunny day not to step out: I ran into a fellow Jamaican diaspora from my high-rise. As per usual, we exchanged kind greetings. He has a cute, healthy German Shepherd, and every time we meet randomly, it almost always becomes a part of our small talk.
Tinny apartments and mental health issues:
I admire those who can live with animals in apartments. Naturally, this issue came up in our conversation as I had a lot to say about the neighbor's dog looking healthy enough for me to pat it. Usually, I refrain from caressing any dog that looks unhealthy, unkempt, or depressed. Since I fear rabies. He laughed at this. He later shared Caribbean tales of people being bitten by dogs and catching all sorts of animal diseases.
Kids being cute can persuade us into doing anything:
At first, he had reservations about keeping a dog in a three-bedroom apartment with his family, but his children and their mother persuaded him to change his stance. He does say that having everyone contributing to the dog’s emotional, physical, and otherwise well-being makes having a pet less stressful. The man was kind enough to explain that his partner was a veterinary assistant and her job benefits pet ownership. Lastly, their kids are both below ten. The family accumulates lovely memories outside playing with the dog friend. It looks like this setup works.
