Growing up, we always have a dog or two (or more) at our home in Angeles City, Philippines. I think almost every home in our neighborhood has one, and they function not only as pets but “guards” as well. I’m not a “pet lover”. I had four Siamese cats when I was nine that my veterinarian godmother gave as presents. One of them died and I don’t remember what to the rest.
At one time, we had eleven dogs at our home in the Philippines. Now, we only have three. None of them are expensive breeds as my mother prefers to take care of street dogs. Whenever she sees a lost dog (and they usually don’t have any tag or identification), she would rather take care of it than have it found by the drunkards in a nearby store. I think pet owners now are luckier that there are services like that could assist them for their lost pets.
My husband has been telling me for some time now to get a pet dog for our son. He thinks that a child exposed to animals would grow up loving and respecting them. I thought about that too but I’m simply too lazy to take care of an animal. However when we went for a three-day weekend trip to the province last week, I was “forced” to change my mind when I saw this scene…
I took the picture about 20 feet away since I didn’t want to disturb my son petting the dog. If we’re gonna have a pet in the future (and I’m sure we will), I’d rather get a found dog at a shelter than buy an expensive one.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Betchay, I was going to suggest the exact same thing when I saw the title of your post. I see a lot of pets up for adoption and I think it’s a good idea to adopt rather than buy one, the only problem with adopting one is it will be harder to train them, We have a Shitzu, she is now five years old and has travelled with us everywhere. I still remember waking up at 4a.m. when were potty training her. It was like having a baby all over again but it paid off coz she always poops and pees in her diaper tray. I think it will be good for your son to have a pet. My kids like all teens are sometimes forgetful of their chores but they never forget to take care of their kid sister.
Hi Betchay, I was going to suggest the exact same thing when I saw the title of your post. I see a lot of pets up for adoption and I think it’s a good idea to adopt rather than buy one, the only problem with adopting one is it will be harder to train them, We have a Shitzu, she is now five years old and has travelled with us everywhere. I still remember waking up at 4a.m. when were potty training her. It was like having a baby all over again but it paid off coz she always poops and pees in her diaper tray. I think it will be good for your son to have a pet. My kids like all teens are sometimes forgetful of their chores but they never forget to take care of their kid sister.
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Oh… my… God… that photo almost brought tears to my eyes… It is so beautiful … There are so many words for it yet not enough… Only thing missing is the mother. =P
Awww, what a wonderful photo. You have a beautiful family! I am not a fan of pets myself, although I loved them as a kid. We never had any, and it sucked, but I still respect animals.
@AzureWolf >> thank you. i love taking photographs of my boys… i respect animals but i just couldn’t bring myself to touch them
@Emil >> you scared me… i think having a pet is a big responsibility…
currently we have 5 dogs and one is askal, he just entered our house and we asked the neighbors if they are looking for a puppy but they said no so we adopt him and now he is already six years old hehe.. getting an animal to pet for a kid is like teaching them to be responsible because they have to take care of them, feed and bathe them.
^^ wow! you have a lot of dogs… i just remembered that there is a famous askal in the philippines, it was featured in MGB several times
that’s a sweet picture! Dogs aren’t that hard to take care of, if you adopt the right breed (like a low maintenance breed) for your son. Also considering of adopting an adult dog is a lot better than having puppies. Puppies are fun, but it’s also more work for you. As long as you teach/train (like where to do his ‘business’) the dog for it’s first 2 weeks with you, life with a pet will be a breeze.
Adoption is the way to go! I adopted one from Petfinder.org 8 months ago, and it has been a blast ever since.
As long as you know what to expect when getting a dog and have properly thought it through getting a dog is the best thing. if on the other hand your not quite sure, just leave it a little longer and leave the cute puppy where it is for now. just my 2 cents.
Great post.
I have to dogs. I huge bull mastiff and a little mix mut, but the mutt is the better guard dog because he will bark at anyone within 100 feet of the house while my be tough dog just lays there without a care in the world.
O.O
Beautiful picture i like it.
Nice Site. I am new here but will be visiting more often as you have done a good job.
Thanks
in the future I think you should buy or adopt a dog for your Son .
hey, love the blog – i will try and keep up with it!! please keep more coming
I wish I could start a blog but I don’t have much time 
Thanks, nick
If you buy a dog, buy a found one – it’s much cheaper, and if a dog could thank you, he would.
However, I love cats, because what is annoying with dogs is that thay poo everywhere – ofcourse cats do that to, but you at least don’t see it, and it doesnt smell. They go for a walk alone too
yeah keeping pets will make your son love animals.
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Great Post I found your site on google search.
I think you should get your site a pinoy askal dog rather than the expensive ones.
Sabi pa nga na nila “Askal is the most intelligent and loyal dogs. Also depends on how you train and take care of them.
Enjoy life!
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Thanks for sharing – always useful info here! Nice blog!
Very nice blog. Keep it up, i’ll be following along.
Nice post! I really like your site design. Just thought I’d drop a line, take it easy!
Great work! I also have my own blog I just find it hard to write quality content like this.
I guess I really don’t have the time.
Dogs are the most cutest pets one can get. They are loyal and playful and can cheer you up anytime.
that’s a sweet picture! Dogs aren’t that hard to take care.but soon they okey and can help also..Great post…