Kate Foran, Tennant & District Times

Dogs make fantastic companions and provide such unconditional love, many believing that they exist solely to protect us, be loyal to us, and comfort us.

It’s hard to find a better friend than a good loyal dog! They intuitively know our moods, and make the most enthusiastic welcome-home fuss at the end of a long day! All they ask in return is that we feed them and take care of them.

Being responsible for your dog in Tennant Creek involves a few priorities.

They must be vaccinated against Parvo and also protected against ticks, given the new disease Ehrlichiosis.

A tick collar will give them good basic protection. There are other things you can choose to do (like heartworm protection, etc) but these two are the minimum.

Provide them a cosy place to sleep, in a secure yard.

Monitor their health with cuddles every day; give them good food, in appropriate servings for their size; and in return you will have an endless supply of great companionship.

A friend recently told me “I’d never get any exercise, if I didn’t have my dog to take for walks!”

Dogs keep us both mentally and physically healthy, and are particularly important for people who live alone.

If your life would benefit from the security, love and company of a dog, please call us at Barkly Vet or talk to the Animal Rangers at Council.

The Pound always has dogs looking for a good home, particularly if you’d like a slightly older dog. Please do research what breed, size and age of dog would best suit your home environment and lifestyle, prior to selecting a dog.

They are a long-term commitment, that will repay you in many memorable moments of furry love and devotion!

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 2 September 2022.