The 2–3 years of Covid period, when lockdowns were announced twice, many families bought pet dogs and found comfort in their presence at home. The modern-day living of multi-storied apartment complexes saw many such cases during this time – more pets in the complexes. New adjustments were seen with close encounters in the tower lifts or inside the complex. A relevant fact pointed out by a resident for this change, “I believe the major reason for ‘pets’ becoming an issue and their presence felt is due to work-from-home culture; people are interfacing more with dogs both in residential complexes and in public places.”
Post Covid, a debatable issue that has given rise to squabbling and argument among the residents is the behaviour of some playful dogs and few that jump at or bite unfamiliar persons. We talked to some residents and got the following comments.
“Some people are not genuinely comfortable with dogs around them. For example, they may have had bad experience during childhood or because of hygiene issues. Responsible pet owners or feeders should understand this and should not expect that others will love dogs easily. On the other hand, dogs should not be abused by kicking. A lot of animal abuse goes on I have heard. I mean if people throw stones at them just for leisure they are bound to react.”
Another interesting incident a pet parent told us. “A kid asked, Aapka kutta kaat-ta hai? I said, Nahi. But after a pause I replied… par agar haath muh mein daaloge toh pata nahi. The kid said ‘sorry’.”
One resident reasoned out. “Dogs who bark seldom bite, and vice versa. But, those who bite attack suddenly and come from anywhere, usually the side or from behind.”
Also, “I have seen people who take dog biscuits along with stick. I believe that dogs, both pets and stray, can sense what is going on in our minds with a much greater accuracy than a human.”
It is for each one – the dog lovers, pet parents, those who fear dogs – to be mindful of each other’s presence in a community living and take care when taking their pets out of their homes. They are ‘pet’ for them and not others.
