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.