The Plight of “Ekuke” – A Typical African Stray Dog

Photo Credit: WorldAnimalProtection.Org

How many times have you seen this situation where a dog roams the street hopelessly looking for a heap of dirt to dive into? It looks skinny and skittish and is in need of a good meal and a bath. The dog looks at passers-by with large eyes imploring, pleading, and desperately wanting a yes to help but scared to ask. Then you would have met “Ekuke”, the typical African dogs that roam our African streets day and night. Some are rabid due to not having received their dog's rabies vaccinations.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Also, read SitiTalkBlog Prior Post: Stray Dogs and Rabies: What you should know.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Do we look at the animal and feel sympathy with its plight? But before you say yes, consider this. When you take on an animal (of whatever kind) you are taking on a new family member and all the obligations and responsibility that go with it. A pet is not another thing in the house, it has a personality and desires and has other needs just like as you and I do. Also, it also has a sense of loyalty to family members (if you treat them right) and has needs just like you and I would.

Dog's ancestors took care of themselves in the wild, but modern day dogs have been so domesticated that it is not an option for them in this day and age even in our poor economic state. Have you ever seen a perfectly healthy stray dog?

If you finally decide to take in “Ekuke” then you need learn to do this.

• They need food and water daily,

• Dogs like humans need to be exercised daily for good health. A good run in the back yard or a throwing of the Frisbee or stick can be very therapeutic for the dog. Dogs do not respond well if they are not shown affection and are exercised every day.

• They need regular veterinary shots (especially their dog's rabies vaccinations which protect them and humans from rabies) and flea protection and heartworm medication. Regular baths are a must, and don't forget you need to take care of their teeth.

• Dogs will respond to training if you make it a fun and rewarding experience for them. They will look forward to it because it's a game for them. They will follow the rules of your home if you are consistent.

Yes, even our “Ekuke’s” needs are similar to ours; he or she is no different, neither inferior nor superior to other dog breeds. Just like we do, our “Ekuke” needs frequent exercise and a regular medical checkup; “Ekukes” desire training to learn (education), and his or her desire to learn never cease, simply because with more of it comes a higher reward.

While we are not comparing the life of a human being to that of a dog, symbolically, “Ekuke” as an average dog reflects the average man we see on our streets every day. They are in need of shelter and a decent meal; they all need refuge and someone to take them in but are afraid to ask because of how the system looks down on them; or we are afraid to take them in because they have been un-kept for so long that we are not sure of their mental state, the disease they may be harboring, or even if they have violent or criminal tendencies. Perhaps, they were not always like they appear now; may be roaming the streets have turned them into “undesirables.”

“Ekuke” is a call to us all that those we neglect and abandon could be useful members of society if we paid more attention to their plight. They are lost and need our love and direction. Don't be surprised just how much of a family member the person you helped could be someday.

We need to teach our children some important lessons in responsibility for others, by helping those like “Ekuke”. It is a beautiful thing!

__________________________

Ernie J. Burgher is a bi-lingual freelance journalist and author, and speaks English and French. Ernie writes for SitiTalkBlog.

Copyright SitiTalkBlog. All rights reserved.

SitiTalkBlog is focused primarily on Africa's socio-economic and political issues, scientific and medical topics, as well as global current issues and news. SitiTalkBlog also highlights positive entertainment as long as it has the potential to cause us to think and take positive actions. The blog is geared towards sensitizing people to take constructive actions and engineer practical solutions

Reprint and Re-distribution Permission: Any and all parts of this original article may be reproduced as long as the author and SitiTalkBlog and References and links are cited and maintained as in the original publication. No part of the original article may be modified or used for commercial purposes, and no additional authors may be added or cited except as indicated “Ernie J. Burgher and SitiTalkBlog” in the original article