DogExpress
Did you know?
As per Hindu mythology, Yudhishthir was accompanied by his dog only to his heavenly abode. Neither his empire nor his loved ones could find a place with him in heaven.
The relationship between dogs and man have been going on since golden age. There are many mythological references dating back to the age of gods. People still worship Hindu deity Bhairava’s gatekeeper – a dog, and share offerings in his name during religious rituals. Similarly, during the ‘sharddhs’ (a ceremonial offering to ancestors), people keep food aside for dogs, cows, and crows. It is believed that if the dog eats its share of food then the ancestor’s soul rest in peace.
Dogs – A part of human evolution and civilization
Since the birth of human civilization, dogs have always been a part of human society. They helped humans with hunting and catching their prey during the primitive age. And when humans evolved, they started helping them with cattle keeping, sheep herding etc. They even help police to solve crimes! They always find a way to seamlessly fit into a role that helps humankind.
Now that we have established the role of dogs in our lives, we must take a look at what’s happening to these pure souls nowadays. Especially in India, where dogs are treated as per its price and breed. Nobody really cares about the native dog breeds – Thus, the prevalent issue of stray dog population in India.
So, how did that happen?
Foreign dog breeds took the place of Indian dog breeds
From being worshiped and cherished in our mythology and culture, the native dog breeds of India have fallen quite far from the grace. Who’s to blame? US!
Our incessant craze for foreign dog breeds have managed to push and sideline the “once-worshipped and loved” Indian dog breeds from home to streets.
As dogs began to become a status symbol that could be boasted about, for its breed or price; the situation of our native (born in India) dog breeds have gone from bad to worse. Now we call them stray or street dogs!
They aren’t loved anymore, let alone worshiped! Today, they are a target for people to throw a stone at for amusement.
Recently, there has been a lot of anger and criticism towards stray dogs in the tricity. Many media outlets have out rightly highlighted the issue as “Stray dog menace.” What we ask is – who is responsible for this stray dog menace? It is the sheer arrogance of humans and their incessant need to show off – that is responsible for stray dog menace.
Indian dog breeds are not aggressive by nature. But with global warming and hot climatic conditions, anyone can get aggressive. Just imagine yourself spending all day and night out in the streets in the scorching heat of May and June. Wouldn’t you be aggressive?
Stop blaming officials and authorities to take care of a problem that we have caused in the first place. If every human being shows even a little bit of compassion towards these voiceless souls, the stray dog menace will end.
It is time for all of us to take a long hard look at ourselves and do what’s right by adopting Indian dog breeds (especially those that are on streets now because of us). Please adopt and don’t shop for dogs!
Do you agree with us?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
in Chandigarh, India. 
