To Crop or Not to Crop

By Nathaniel Rhine

I finally have made up my mind to do it. Do what? I’ve decided to crop the ears of Soldier. Actually, the decision was made the moment he was presented to me as a birthday present from my wife, but it was only yesterday that I’ve moved from a thought to an action.

Last week I made several phone calls to local veterinarians who perform ear cropping, the act of operating on dogs ears to make them look more beautiful. There are several breeds of dogs that are easily recognizable due to their ear cropping. For example you have the Doberman Pinchers, the Great Danes, the German Sheppards and the Boxers to name a few of the most common and most recognizable breeds. And of course one can not forget the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Today, I will post a few photographs of Soldier a few hours before the surgery and a photograph of him shortly after the surgery.

Tomorrow, God willing, I intend to write about the actual procedure of ear cropping. Dr Helpful (I will not use his real name for I have yet to seek his permission to use his name in my post) the doctor who performed the ear cropping allowed me to eyewitness the surgery! However, no photographs were allowed to be taken during the surgery. More tomorrow, God willing.

The following day I intend to write about all the noise some people have about ear cropping and tail cropping. Please make careful note that tail cropping is not performed on the American Pit Bull Terriers; ears only.

I thank you very much for the time you have taken out of your busy schedules to read this post. I’d appreciate it if you would so kindly make comments and send them to me. In addition, please “follow” this blog in order to be updated of all interesting future postings.

Another Walk in the Park

By Nathaniel Rhine

Sunday afternoon was another walk in the park with Soldier. I arrived a little earlier than usual, due to the cloudy skies above. Soldier and I had the opportunity to bond while walking and taking in the views of the surroundings. Along our journey we met a few other dogs, however, due to their small size, I dared not allow Soldier to get too close. The good thing is that the other dog owners kept their dogs on their leash. As always, Soldier was on his leash. As a responsible dog owner, especially, an American Pit Bull owner, I must help give the breed a good name. Unfortunately, the American Pit Bull has received very bad reviews due to irresponsible owners.

Moreover, I had the opportunity of meet Mr Ang, his wife Mrs Pauline Puah and their son, Marcus Ang, an up and coming martial artist in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo at the dog park, Central Park. We had an enjoyable and interesting conversation about dogs and the relations of dogs and the general Malaysian population. Perhaps in future postings, I will share with you such conversations.

For now, please enjoy the photographs taken by Mr Ang, which were sent to me via Facebook by Mrs Pauline Puah.

Soldier's First Social Gathering With Other Dogs - Central Park, Selangor - May 30, 2010

By Nathaniel Rhine

Today marked the beginning of a new phase in Soldier’s life. He had the opportunity for the very first time in his life to meet other dogs, close up. I decided that I wanted to see how he would mingle with other dogs, since he has never had the opportunity to do so. To my amazement, he was wonderful. I was afraid that he would want to be rough with other dogs, but he wasn’t. He was just taking it all in. Perhaps, he was overwhelmed with so many dogs around him at one time; the very first time.

“What should I do? Should I play with them or should I show them whose boss.” Perhaps that was what was going through Soldier's mind if he could speak. However, there was one incident in where a much smaller dog then Soldier wanted to show who was the boss. After getting the feel of each other, the smaller dog took a bite at Soldier! Soldier was cool about it. He just allowed the dog to flex his muscles a bit, but deep down in Soldier’s heart, he knew that he’s the boss of all dogs. Am I being bias? Maybe a bit.

Visiting Central Park Without Soldier

By Nathaniel Rhine

This afternoon, my wife and I had the opportunity of visiting Central Park, a dog park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, without our American Pit Bull, Soldier. The reason being we were having our lunch at the nearby shopping mall. As we were walking towards our car to go home, my wife saw a dog that looked like a Bulldog. We got closer, and sure enough, it was a puppy Bulldog who was only five months old.

Perhaps, due to it being late in the afternoon when we visited the park, there were many dogs there. When I usually bring Soldier for a walk in the mornings, Soldier and I are usually the only ones in the park. There were approximately six to eight dogs playing together, which I thought was exciting. Unfortunately, what wasn’t exciting was the fact that the owners of the dogs allowed their dogs to run freely off of their leashes!

As a responsible dog owner, we should take every precaution to make sure that our dogs do not harm anyone. Yes, we may know our dog very well, or so we claim, but there may be times when our dog will do as it pleases, which may include bitting someone. The very last thing any dog owner want to be faced with is having to appear in a courtroom, trying to defend one’s dog for bitting someone.

Malaysia is a very anti-dog society. The vast majority of the population are Muslim and unfortunately, many of them are anti-dog. Having said that, dog owners, whether locals or foreigners, we must respect the culture of the country, even at times if one feels that it is very closed and backwards.

One of the best ways to respect the culture and those who do not like dogs is for the dog owner to keep their dogs on their leash, especially in public places. The State of Selangor, Malaysia has provided a public park in which dog owners may freely walk their dogs. However, many have failed to be appreciative of the dog park by allowing their dogs to running freely off of their leashes.

It doesn’t matter if one’s dog is a puppy or a toy dog or a German Shepard, all dogs should be on their leashes. It is for the safety of people and other dogs. My dog is an American Pit Bull Terrier, which historically, has been bred to fight other dogs. In their nature, they are dog aggressive. They will attack other dogs. Having said that, I am very worried to bring him to Central Park while there are many other dogs present, especially, when they are off their leashes. I will give it great thought as to whether to bring him or not next weekend to meet other dogs. For sure, Soldier will be on his leash at all times, as he always is, except for when he is at home, guarding it.

So again, as responsible dog owners, especially in a country like Malaysia where dogs are looked down upon as well as their owners, I encourage you all to set a good example to other dog owners and those who despise dogs, that you are a responsible dog owner and that you respect other people and their cultures.

Chilli' at Central Park - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Central Park at Bandar Utama, near Taman Tun Dr. Ismail is the only "legal" park in which dog are allowed to be walked, to my knowledge, in the state of Selangor (Malaysia). Most public parks that I have tried to walk Soldier, had signs posted stating that dogs were not allowed.

To all dog owners who walk your dogs at Central Park, please be mindful to keep your dog on the leash at all times. Yes, the Malaysian government have provided a place in which dog owners may walk their dogs, however, be thankful and grateful by keeping your dog on the leash at all times.

Better Safe Than Sorry

By Nathaniel Rhine

I spent about two hours early this morning adding more security to the front gate of my home. The existing gate is approximately 4’-6” high, perhaps high enough to prevent Soldier, my American Pit Bull Terrier, from jumping over. However, so far there has been no incident where he has bitten anyone. I am not looking forward to that day, therefore, I must take the necessary precautions to prevent such an incident.

For the past 13 months since I’ve had Soldier, there have been no children in my neighbourhood who play in the streets in the evening, a very typical thing children do in the evenings here in Malaysia. Just recently, a new family moved in my neighbourhood directly across the street from me. I welcome them with open arms. However, that family also have four children who not only play in the middle of the street, but they also love to climb other neighbours’ gates!

Thus far, the four children have not mustered up enough courage to climb my gate due to Soldier always being present. However, as a responsible Pit Bull owner, I am compelled to make certain that absolutely no incident will ever occur between my Pit Bull and other neighbors’ children.

So this morning around 7:30am, I added two layers of plastic coated wire mesh to the existing gate of my house, with the intention of preventing children’s little hands from reaching into the gate to pet Soldier. That would be the very first and last time that they will ever do such a thing for Soldier will attack anything and anyone who enters my yard without my permission and invitation. He is only doing his duty; guarding his Master’s property.

Yes, my front gate is not the most beautiful gate on the block, but it is for sure the most child-proof gate on the block. I encourage all dog owners, especially those who have a vicious guard dog like mine, to go the extra mile and apply extra security and safety features to your gates. It may not have to look like a jail or a chicken coop, however, make it child-proof, a gate that prevents tiny hands and feet from entering the gate of your home.

The very last thing any dog owner wants is to be faced with a law suit from the parents of children who were bitten, mauled or worse, killed by your dog. Any dog owners worst night mare indeed. So spend a few extra dollars and time to child-proof your premises of wondering hands and feet of neighbors’ children. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry. Enjoy your day and keep it movin’.

Ain't Nothin' Like a Good Ole Bone