Page 112 - ShowSight - May 2020

ON THE LINE
COVID -19
SIDE EFFECTS ON THE DOG FANCY
BY BARBARA “BJ” ANDREWS
Network news has covered this disease from every angle except the devastating effect it has had on the only species that protects us and our social traditions.
Dogs have been by our side since before recorded time and even including our mates and offspring, dogs have always been our most incorruptible companion. Best friends, relatives, even children may desert us if we become psychotic, penniless, or terminally ill. Your dog could revert to his self-supporting instincts, but no, he will stay and try to comfort you.
Have you ever really thought about that? Sure, you knew that, but there is suddenly a new reality in our lives. No one is talking about it even though it is killing dogs.
Before we talk about COVID-19 or plagues of the past, think about this—a thief or con artist can charm his way right into your home, but he can’t con a guard-breed dog. Treats, distractions or threats will only raise the suspicion level and even your little Spaniel will say, “Wait a minute... this human is acting weird!” and with that, he will bark.
Okay so you either own a dog or are temporarily deprived of canine comfort because quarantine prevents you from traveling to pick up your new puppy. We hope every breeder is as loyal to his or her dog as dogs are to people, but here’s an ugly fact...
There have been reports of dog breeders destroying litters because they can’t transport them to pet shops and profes- sional “neighborhood” sellers. You didn’t know that?! Well, there’s more. Perhaps you planned to adopt from the local shelter. Someday. But right now you really need a huggable companion or subconsciously, something besides your fam- ily to take out your frustration on. The unbearable truth is that many shelters have euthanized remaining animals and shut down.
110 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2020