A guide to owning a four legged companion

Sun, 05/10/2009 12:47 PM  |  Lifestyle

As an animal lover (after watching Marley and Me and continuously following The Greatest American Dog on TV) I couldn't help but wonder what Jakarta would be like if it were more pet, rather than pest, friendly. Having man's best friend around us would make our world a better place, especially since we live in the never ending chaos of a polluted, corrupted city, filled with stressed out single individuals trying to fight their own pests and demons.

Most of us probably never really realize that the most sincere love and affection we might ever get could come from one of those four-legged angels. Sadly, certain religious and traditional rules prevent us from being a nation of dog lovers, so there's no space for our wet nosed friends to live the city life - actually, forget about them, there's not even a decent side walk for us human! Even in entertainment, the world has made dogs into movie icons such as Scobby Doo, Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, Beethoven, and Bionic Benji, while we only have Heli guk guk guk!

Having a dog is similar to having a life partner. The only difference is that he doesn't cringe at the word commitment and he lives for you day and night, whatever you have in mind. He doesn't require extravagant gifts or fancy meals, he can be trained to live by your rules and he always responds to the "come" command. He even thinks of you as his master!

For singles in the city still waiting for Mr. or Miss Right to come along, why not consider getting one of these soft and furry creatures for companionship? For once, when you introduce your new partner, you won't have to say match.com or gaydar.co.uk when your friends ask where you met. And for once, you can be certain that your parents are going to love all of his moves, his curious look, wiggly walk, waggy tail and all. You can even use him as your latest fashion accessory - that is if you decide to get the Tinkerbell type of Chihuahua like Paris Hilton.

Unless, that is, you're allergic to animal fur, can't stand the smell or have a life so busy that you won't have spare time to play with your dog, then you shouldn't own one. If, however, you aren't afraid of the commitment, the mess or the joyful chaos of a puppy and have the time to invest, perhaps you're one of us who could be completed by a dog! Here are some tips to help you choose a life companion to match your character.

The Sporty Spice

If you're outdoorsy, love nature and adventure, have a big garden that is not filled with flowers, drive a big car, wear Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani Exchange and Nautica then meet your potential new family member: A Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd or Dalmatian. Take them with you when you walk, swim, go trekking and even hunting. It will benefit you both.

The Working Bee

If you're an industrious city gal, love fabulousity, measure everything by the success of one's career, love to wear chic suits, must have the latest gadget and become concerned if your hair hasn't been recently highlighted or touched by a salon's curling iron, you need a poised, *practical' partner that will not take up so much of your space, is easy to maintain, but reflects high class manner. Go for the cute family of the Shar-Pei, Pomeranian, Pug, Boxer or Yorkshire Terrier.

The Indulgent Homemaker

If you're the demure, ultra feminine type, polite, family man, courteous, demanding, are crazy for Martha Stewart and love to make your house gleam with perfection, then you definitely need a new family member that could resemble your own child, like a Chihuahua, Mini Pinscher, Basset Hound, Dachshund, Bulldog or Beagle.

The Drama Queen

If you're a creative, unique, resourceful fashionista, who is frivolous, flippant, and stand out in a crowd, don't care if you get your clothes from some thrift shops as long as you can add your personal twist, then you definitely need a friend that you can synchronize with your look. If it's all about the visual and it's all about hair, then it's all about a Poodle, Shih-Tzu, Maltese, Afghan Hound, Cocker Spaniel or Chow Chow.

Once you've found the perfect canine companion, the whole world is your oyster. Jogging, watching televised guilty pleasures, enjoying the luxury of overpriced treats and attracting your future lover to walk in to your life, you and your furry partner can cherish indescribable joys of togetherness in the mean time. Woof!

- Diaz

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Jeck Santos (not verified) — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 11:27am

Hi! I completely agree with your article. Dogs does not ask for much as compared to a boyfriend or a girlfriend. However, I already have a dog but it is in Manila. I am currently living and working here in South Jakarta and I am having a difficult time finding a place where it is a "dog-friendly" neighborhood except for Kemang which is very traffic (difficult to go back and forth the house). Anyway, do you have any ideas how to bring, or should I say, import, a dog from outside Indonesia. A friend of mine told me that her dog from Riau, she has difficulty bringing his dog here in Jakarta. TIA

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