We like to get out, into nature, to see the interesting things there
                   like trees, and butterflies which are fun to chase. Did I mention
                  that we like to chase things? The exercise is good for us; builds up
                  muscletone and keeps us fit. We really aren't into aerobics so this is
                  a good substitute for us. If you cannot get us out into nature, a ball
                  will suffice, if you stand and throw it for us and perhaps fetch it
                  when we are finished playing with it, if we can't bring it back.
                  It is good exercise for you too.

                 There is one thing that I should mention to all humans who would
                 belong to a canine at this point. We do live for a very long time
                 and we would like those years to be happy, healthy ones, so please,
                 please, think carefully before asking for employment from one of
                 us. Be sure that you have a good high fence so that we don't jump it
                 to  roam the streets, or that strange canines don't come wander-
                 ing into our territory where we will just HAVE to fight them and pro-
                 tect our territorial rights, maybe getting hurt or catching some awful
                 disease. Be sure that you are ready for responsibility. Being a human
                 pet of a demanding canine is a VERY responsible position and sadly
                 some humans aren't ready for it and we end up on the streets,
                 homeless, or in some place from which we never return. Death is
                 rather permanent so I have been told.
 
 
 
                     Another thing that leads to us being put into these situations
                 is the giving of us for gifts. The human receiving the gift is too polite
                 to say that they don't want it, and because it is not a thing THEY
                 have chosen to do,they soon tire of us or of the responsibil-
                 ity, and soon, we are on the streets or sent to 'that place.' Before
                 buying a canine as a pet, ask! Do they want a new body in their
                 environment to feed and care for. Are they ready for the challenge?
 
 

                 Another thing that you might like to give some thought to is taking a
                 new puppy into a place where there are already other pets. Will
                 they be accepted by the residents? Will they fit in? Or will life be
                 a living hell because they are not accepted and the others resent the
                 newcomer. Check it out before committing yourself and the new
                 addition to your family to a possible difficult, unhappy situation.

                Just a word of warning to those who would share their homes with
                a canine. Some of the larger breeds are boisterous and  hard to
                handle if not trained from an early age. Puppy training schools
                are great fun for us. We get to meet new friends and so do
                you. Please take us regularly so that we are all happy and contented.
                If you have one of the larger breeds, it is an idea not to leave your
                washing on the line when we are around. As I mentioned earlier, we
                do love to chase things-moving clothes on a line as well as live things.
                It is instinctive.

                    We do so love to dig and bury our bones (you'll give us bones, won't
                 you). Bones are the part of our diet that keep our teeth and gums
                 clean and healthy. Be sure that you do not mind our digging up your
                 favourite bit of earth (gardens are great fun!). Bones that have been
                 buried for a while have the BEST flavour. Please understand!

 
                    Loads of good fresh water and regular feed make us happy and con-
                tent and a joy to have around. You get grumbly when you're hungry,
                and so do we. Oh, and don't forget to add lots of love. We are very
                sensative creatures, after all. What you give to us you will receive in
                return.

                    There are those unscrupulous ones around who can only see the 'fast
                buck, the quick dollar' and they are breeding us indiscriminately to in-
                ferior stock. Please understand, whatever breed you belong to, that
                only by careful selective breeding can bloodlines be made stronger
                to produce healthy, good tempered progeny. Keep our lines pure!
 

 
 
                 Enjoy your canine companion. Love it and care for it and you will
                 receive that love back in full.

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